Parking lot management method, program, and computer device

Abstract

To suppress unprofitable long-time parking while utilizing a vehicle during parking in a parking lot.SOLUTION: A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot includes: requesting energy management to a vehicle during parking in a parking frame; and displaying a remaining time until a parking time limit of the vehicle. Displaying the remaining time includes allowing a remaining time in a case where the vehicle performs the energy management to be longer than a remaining time in a case where the vehicle does not perform the energy management.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a parking lot management method, a program, and a computer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for charging a power storage device mounted on a parked vehicle using a power supply facility installed in a parking lot. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-139008 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle charging device that displays the charging time on a display device as charging completion prediction information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-139008 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, with the spread of electrically powered vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles), an increasing number of facilities (stores, etc.) are installing EVSE (vehicle power supply equipment) in their parking lots. In the parking lot, there is a problem that vehicles continue to stay in the parking lot even after charging of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle is completed.

[0005] In general, vehicles parked in a store parking lot for long periods of time are considered a disadvantage to the store owner because it reduces customer turnover. For this reason, if a store employee finds such a vehicle, they may post a notice on the vehicle and ask the vehicle to leave. However, there is a possibility that utilizing vehicles parked in a store parking lot for store management purposes will generate benefits for both the store owner and the vehicle user. For example, parked vehicles could be used for energy management.

[0006] Previously, there was no concept of utilizing vehicles parked in parking lots, and vehicles that were parked in parking lots for long periods of time were uniformly asked to leave.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent disadvantageous long-term parking while promoting the utilization of vehicles parked in parking lots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a parking lot management method as described below. (Article 1) The parking lot management method is a method for managing a parking lot. The parking lot includes a parking space and a power supply facility configured to be able to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle parked in the parking space. The parking lot management method includes requesting energy management from the vehicle parked in the parking space, and displaying the remaining time until the vehicle's parking time limit. Displaying the remaining time includes making the remaining time when the vehicle performs energy management longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform energy management.

[0009] According to the above method, the remaining time until the parking time limit (i.e., the time limit for which parking is permitted) is displayed for a vehicle parked in a parking space. By displaying the remaining time to those around, the view of the vehicle acts as a deterrent, and long-term parking that exceeds the parking time limit (i.e., disadvantageous long-term parking) is discouraged. In addition, by making the remaining time when the vehicle performs energy management longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform energy management, the vehicle can be encouraged to participate in energy management. This makes it easier to utilize vehicles parked in parking lots.

[0010] The vehicle may be an xEV (exhaust electric vehicle) that uses electricity as all or part of its power source. Examples of xEV include BEV (electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), and FCEV (fuel cell vehicle).

[0011] The parking lot management method described in the above paragraph 1 may have the configuration described in any one of paragraphs 2 to 6 below.

[0012] (Clause 2) The parking lot management method according to clause 1 further has the following features: Displaying the remaining time includes determining the remaining time based on a response of acceptance or rejection from the user of the vehicle to the request for energy management, and displaying the determined remaining time on the display device.

[0013] According to the above method, for example, the remaining time until the parking time limit is determined so that the remaining time when the vehicle user accepts the request for energy management is longer than the remaining time when the vehicle user rejects the request for energy management. The display device then displays the remaining time determined in this manner. In this way, when the vehicle performs energy management, it is possible to display a remaining time that is longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform energy management.

[0014] (Clause 3) The parking lot management method according to clause 1 further has the following features: Displaying the remaining time includes displaying the remaining time while counting down when the vehicle is not performing energy management, and displaying the remaining time without counting down when the vehicle is performing energy management.

[0015] According to the above method, when the vehicle is not performing energy management, the remaining time is counted down and the sequentially counted down remaining time is displayed. On the other hand, when the vehicle is performing energy management, the remaining time is not counted down and a constant remaining time is displayed. In this way, when the vehicle is performing energy management, a longer remaining time can be displayed than when the vehicle is not performing energy management.

[0016] Note that the remaining time being displayed while being counted down means that the displayed remaining time decreases as time passes, and the remaining time being displayed without being counted down means that the countdown of the displayed remaining time has stopped (i.e., the displayed remaining time does not decrease as time passes).

[0017] (4) The parking lot management method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 further has the following features: Displaying the remaining time further includes making the remaining time in a case where the vehicle user uses the facility longer than the remaining time in a case where the vehicle user does not use the facility.

[0018] As described above, by making the remaining time when the vehicle user uses the facility longer than the remaining time when the vehicle user does not use the facility, the vehicle user can be encouraged to use the facility. An increase in the number of customers using the facility is beneficial for the facility. By changing the remaining time depending on whether the facility is used or not as described above, it is possible to accurately suppress long-term parking, which is disadvantageous to the facility.

[0019] (5) The parking lot management method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4 further includes the following features: The parking lot management method further includes executing a process of prompting the vehicle to leave the parking space when a parking time limit has elapsed.

[0020] As described above, by executing the process of prompting the driver to leave the parking space when the parking time limit has passed, disadvantageous long-term parking can be suppressed.

[0021] (Item 6) The parking lot management method according to item 5 further has the following feature: Executing the process of encouraging the user to leave includes at least one of issuing a warning with a warning light provided for the parking space, charging the user of the vehicle a parking fee, and discharging a power storage device mounted on the vehicle.

[0022] The above-mentioned processes are particularly effective as processes for prompting a vehicle to leave a parking lot. According to an embodiment of another aspect, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute the parking lot management method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6. In one embodiment, there is provided a computer device including a storage device that stores the program, and a processor that executes the program stored in the storage device. In another embodiment, there is provided a computer device that distributes the program. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to utilize vehicles parked in parking lots while preventing disadvantageous long-term parking. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a parking lot management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system and power equipment illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining energy management using an EVSE in the store shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to energy management in a parking lot management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to display control in a parking lot management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing details of the display control shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and will not be described repeatedly.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a parking lot management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, the parking lot management system according to this embodiment manages a parking lot 200 of a store 100. In this embodiment, the store 100 is a convenience store (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a "convenience store"). However, this is not limited to this, and the type of business of the store 100 is arbitrary. The store 100 may be, for example, a department store, a supermarket, or a store in a shopping mall.

[0027] A user U is a customer of the store 100. The mobile terminal 50 is a terminal carried by the user U. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is adopted as the mobile terminal 50. A smartphone has a built-in computer. However, this is not limited to this, and any mobile terminal can be adopted as the mobile terminal 50. For example, a laptop, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, a wearable device (such as a smart watch, smart glasses, or smart gloves), an electronic key, or the like can also be adopted as the mobile terminal 50.

[0028] Application software (hereinafter referred to as a "convenience store app") for using services provided by the store 100 is installed on the mobile terminal 50. The convenience store app registers identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 50 in the control system 110 of the store 100 (more specifically, a server 111 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later). The mobile terminal 50 can exchange information with the server 111 through the convenience store app. For example, the server 111 provides coupon information to the mobile terminal 50 through the convenience store app. The server 111 manages information relating to a plurality of terminals (user information, point information, etc.) by distinguishing them by terminal ID.

[0029] The store 100 includes a camera 11, a wireless LAN router (hereinafter simply referred to as a "router") 12, an automatic door device 13, shelves 14a to 14d, and a cash register (hereinafter simply referred to as a "register") 15. LAN stands for local area network.

[0030] The camera 11 functions as a surveillance camera that monitors the inside of the store 100. The camera 11 is constantly operating, and sequentially captures and stores images of the inside of the store 100. The router 12 provides a wireless LAN within the store. For example, a terminal on which a convenience store app is installed is permitted to use the wireless LAN provided by the router 12. The automatic door device 13 has a door, a sensor that detects a passing object, and a mechanism that automatically opens and closes the door. The automatic door device 13 automatically opens the door when it detects the approach of a passing object (e.g., a person or object), and closes the door after confirming that the passing object has passed. The automatic door device 13 may include a security gate that opens when the passing object is successfully authenticated (e.g., authenticated by a convenience store app).

[0031] Products are displayed on each of the shelves 14a to 14d. Each of the shelves 14a to 14d may have at least one of a price display unit and a mechanism for replenishing products. The price display unit may have a display device that changes the display content according to instructions from a server 111 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, and may automatically display product prices according to the situation. Each of the shelves 14a to 14d may be a sliding display shelf, or may be a smart shelf that performs automatic inventory using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

[0032] The cash register 15 mainly settles the bill. For example, a terminal on which a convenience store app is installed is permitted to perform cashless payment at the cash register 15 using points (virtual currency) accumulated on the convenience store app. The cash register 15 may be a POS (Point Of Sales) cash register equipped with a point-of-sale information management system. The POS cash register is configured to collect sales information. The cash register 15 may be an RFID-enabled self-service cash register.

[0033] The store 100 receives a supply of power from a power system PG. The power system PG includes a power grid, power generation facilities, and substation facilities. The power grid is constructed by power transmission and distribution facilities. The power system PG supplies power to a specified area. The store 100 is located within the specified area. A smart meter 180 is installed at the power receiving point of the store 100. The smart meter 180 measures the amount of power exchanged between the power system PG and the store 100.

[0034] The store 100 further includes a control system 110 and power equipment 120. FIG.

[0035] 2 together with Fig. 1, the control system 110 includes a server 111 and an EMS (Energy Management System) 112. The power equipment 120 includes a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 121, a distribution board 122, a power generation device 123, and a power storage device 124.

[0036] Each of the power system PG, the power generation device 123, and the power storage device 124 is electrically connected to the PCS 121. The power system PG supplies, for example, AC power to the PCS 121. Each of the power generation device 123 and the power storage device 124 may be installed indoors or outdoors. The power generation device 123 may include at least one of a solar panel installed on the roof of the store 100 and a solar car port installed in the parking lot 200. The power generation device 123 may also include a wind power generation device. The power generation device 123 may also include a stationary FC (Fuel Cell) generator that generates power by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The power storage device 124 may also include a stationary ESS (Energy Storage System). The power storage device 124 may also include a lithium ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a redox flow battery, or a NAS (sodium sulfur) battery.

[0037] The PCS 121 includes a circuit unit and a control unit that controls the circuit unit. The circuit unit includes various circuits for processing related to power conditioning (for example, power conversion and input / output adjustment). The circuit unit may include an AC (alternating current) / DC (direct current) conversion circuit, a transformer circuit (for example, an insulating transformer or a DC / DC converter), and a PFC (power factor correction) circuit. The PCS 121 performs power conversion processing (for example, at least one of AC / DC conversion, transformation, and frequency conversion) on the input power, and supplies power corresponding to the distribution board 122 to the distribution board 122. The PCS 121 also performs power conversion processing on the input power, and outputs power suitable for charging the power storage device 124 to the power storage device 124.

[0038] The distribution board 122 supplies power to various devices (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.) in the store 100 shown in Fig. 1. The control system 110 (server 111 and EMS 112) also receives power from the distribution board 122. The distribution board 122 also supplies power to various devices (EVSEs 20a to 20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.) in the parking lot 200 shown in Fig. 1.

[0039] The server 111 is configured to be able to communicate with various devices (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.) in the store 100. The server 111 is also configured to be able to communicate with various devices (EVSEs 20a to 20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.) in the parking lot 200.

[0040] The EMS 112 receives information on the power equipment 120 from the PCS 121 and sends a control command to a control unit of the PCS 121. The EMS 112 creates an energy management plan using the amount of power detected by the PCS 121. Specifically, the PCS 121 includes watt-hour meters that individually detect the power input to the PCS 121 from each of the power system PG, the power generation device 123, and the power storage device 124. The PCS 121 also includes watt-hour meters that individually detect the power output from the PCS 121 to the distribution board 122 and the power storage device 124. The EMS 112 acquires energy balance information (e.g., generated power, demanded power, and stored power) in the store 100 from the detection results of each watt-hour meter and records it over time. The EMS 112 creates an energy management plan (for example, a plan for power generation, charging, discharging, and demand restriction) based on the acquired energy balance information, information on electricity charges, and SOC (State Of Charge) of the power storage device 124. When the store 100 participates in a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) described later, the EMS 112 creates an energy management plan taking into consideration the energy balance related to the VPP. In addition, in a form in which the power generation device 123 generates power using natural energy, the EMS 112 may predict the power generation based on weather forecast information and create an energy management plan taking into consideration the predicted power generation. While checking the detection results of each watt-hour meter included in the PCS 121, the EMS 112 controls the PCS 121 so that energy management is performed according to the created plan. The server 111 and the EMS 112 execute energy management in cooperation with each other while communicating with each other.

[0041] 1, parking lot 200 includes EVSEs 20a to 20d, a camera 210, a wireless LAN router (hereinafter simply referred to as "router") 220, and a vehicle detection sensor 230. Note that EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.

[0042] Camera 210 functions as a surveillance camera that monitors the entire parking lot 200. Camera 210 is constantly operating, and sequentially acquires and stores images of parking lot 200. Server 111 shown in FIG. 2 can acquire images of the inside of store 100 and images of parking lot 200 from cameras 11 and 210, respectively. Router 220 provides wireless LAN to the entire parking lot 200. For example, a terminal on which a convenience store app is installed is permitted to use the wireless LAN provided by router 220. Server 111 shown in FIG. 2 can control routers 12 and 220 to prohibit use of the wireless LAN only for a specific terminal specified by a terminal ID.

[0043] The parking lot 200 has parking spaces P1 to P8. The parking spaces P1, P2, P3, and P4 are provided with EVSEs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, respectively. On the other hand, the parking spaces P5, P6, P7, and P8 are not provided with an EVSE. Each of the parking spaces P1 to P8 is provided with a vehicle detection sensor 230. The vehicle detection sensor 230 may be a sensor that is buried in the ground (e.g., a loop coil), or a non-buried sensor (e.g., an area sensor). The detection results by the vehicle detection sensor 230 of each of the parking spaces P1 to P8 are output to the server 111 (FIG. 2). The server 111 can grasp whether or not a vehicle is parked in each of the parking spaces P1 to P8 based on these detection results. 1, vehicles 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e are parked in parking spaces P2, P4, P5, P7, and P8, respectively, and parking spaces P1, P3, and P6 are vacant. Note that the state (parked / vacant) of each parking space in the parking lot 200 may be detected by a surveillance camera (camera 210) or a 3D-LiDAR parking management system instead of a vehicle detection sensor.

[0044] Each of the EVSEs 20a to 20d installed in the parking lot 200 is, for example, a charger with a power supply function, and is configured to be able to charge a power storage device mounted on the vehicle. A vehicle electrically connected to any of the EVSEs 20a to 20d can execute energy management.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining energy management using EVSEs 20a to 20d in a store 100. In this embodiment, since the EVSEs 20a to 20d shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration, hereinafter, they will be referred to as "EVSEs 20" when there is no need to distinguish between them. In addition, the parking spaces P1 to P4 in which the EVSEs 20 are provided will also be referred to as "parking spaces P" when there is no need to distinguish between them. The vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to an example of a vehicle configured to be able to use the EVSE 20. Each of the vehicles 30a to 30e shown in FIG. 1 may have a configuration similar to that of the vehicle 30 described below. A user of the vehicle 30 carries the mobile terminal 50 described above.

[0046] 1, 2 and FIG. 3, server 700 corresponds to a computer belonging to a TSO (system operator) of the power system PG. Server 500 corresponds to a computer belonging to an aggregator. Server 111 (store 100), server 500 and server 700 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a wide area network constructed by the Internet and wireless base stations. In addition, a wireless LAN provided by routers 12 and 220 is also connected to the communication network NW. A mobile terminal 50 (FIG. 1) can be connected to the communication network NW via a wireless LAN provided by router 12 or 220.

[0047] Each of the servers 111, 500, 700 may be a computer including a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device is configured to be able to retain stored information. The storage device may include a rewritable non-volatile memory. In each computer, various processes are performed by the processor executing a program stored in the storage device. However, these various processes are not limited to being performed by software, and may also be performed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0048] The server 500 is configured to realize a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) by bundling multiple distributed energy resources (hereinafter also referred to as "DERs (Distributed Energy Resources)") using advanced energy management technology utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). The VPP is a mechanism that makes the DERs function as if they were one power plant by remotely and integrally controlling them. For example, when the server 500 is requested by the server 700 to perform energy management of the power system PG, the server 500 requests the server that manages the DER to allow the DER electrically connected to the power system PG to participate in the VPP. For example, the vehicle 30 electrically connected to the EVSE 20 can function as a DER for the VPP. For this reason, the server 500 requests the server 111 to allow the vehicle 30 electrically connected to the EVSE 20 to participate in the VPP in response to a request from the server 700.

[0049] The vehicle 30 includes a battery 31 and an electronic control device (hereinafter, referred to as "ECU (Electronic Control Unit)") 35. The ECU 35 is, for example, a computer including a processor and a storage device. The vehicle 30 is an electric vehicle (xEV) configured to be able to run using the power stored in the battery 31. The vehicle 30 may be a BEV that does not include an internal combustion engine, or a PHEV that includes an internal combustion engine. A known vehicle power storage device (for example, a liquid secondary battery, an all-solid-state secondary battery, or a battery pack) can be used as the battery 31. Examples of the vehicle secondary battery include a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0050] The EVSE 20 is installed near a parking stall P and configured to be able to charge a battery 31 mounted on a vehicle 30 parked in the parking stall P. The main body of the EVSE 20 incorporates a control unit 21 and a circuit unit 22. The EVSE 20 also includes a charging cable 23, a warning light 26, and a display device 27. The control unit 21 includes a processor and a storage device, and is configured to control the circuit unit 22 according to instructions from the server 111 or 500. The circuit unit 22 includes a circuit for supplying power to the vehicle 30 (e.g., charging the battery 31) and a circuit for supplying power to the power grid PG (reverse power flow). The charging cable 23 has a connector 24 (plug) at its tip.

[0051] The vehicle 30 includes an inlet 32 ​​to which the connector 24 can be detached. The inlet 32 ​​corresponds to a charge / discharge port that functions as both a charge port and a discharge port. When the connector 24 of the charging cable 23 connected to the main body of the EVSE 20 is connected to the inlet 32 ​​of the parked vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 is electrically connected to the EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as a "plugged-in state"). On the other hand, for example, when the vehicle 30 is traveling, the vehicle 30 is not electrically connected to the EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as a "plugged-out state").

[0052] The EVSE 20 includes a connection detection circuit (not shown) that detects the state (plugged-in state / plugged-out state) of the connector 24. The connection detection circuit outputs the state of the connector 24 to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 also acquires information indicating the operating status of the EVSE 20 (for example, input power from the power grid PG, output power to the vehicle 30, input power from the vehicle 30, and output power to the power grid PG) from a sensor (not shown) included in the circuit unit 22. In this embodiment, only a user who has authenticated with the EVSE 20 through the mobile terminal 50 (convenience store app) is permitted to use the EVSE 20. This authentication causes identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 50 to be input to the EVSE 20. Then, the EVSE 20 (control unit 21) transmits the terminal ID together with the identification information of the EVSE 20 to the server 111. The server 111 can identify the user who is using the EVSE 20 based on the terminal ID received from the EVSE 20. While the EVSE 20 is in use, information about the EVSE 20 is sequentially transmitted from the EVSE 20 to the server 111 .

[0053] Power is supplied to the EVSE 20 from the power system PG via the PCS 121 and the distribution board 122 shown in Fig. 2. When charging the battery 31 in the plugged-in state, the circuit unit 22 of the EVSE 20 converts the supplied power into power suitable for power supply to the vehicle 30 and outputs the converted power to the connector 24 of the charging cable 23. In this case, the battery 31 is charged by the power input from the connector 24 to the inlet 32. When discharging the battery 31 in the plugged-in state, the circuit unit 22 of the EVSE 20 converts the power from the vehicle 30 (power discharged from the battery 31) into power compatible with the power system PG and outputs the converted power to the power system PG via the distribution board 122 and the PCS 121 shown in Fig. 2. In this way, the EVSE 20 is configured to be capable of reverse power flow to the power system PG.

[0054] In the plugged-in state, the control unit 21 of the EVSE 20 and the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30 perform wired communication via a communication line in the charging cable 23. In the EVSE 20, the circuit unit 22 executes charging or discharging of the battery 31 described above according to a command from the control unit 21. While charging or discharging the battery 31, the control unit 21 receives the state of the battery 31 (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, and SOC) from the ECU 35 and controls the circuit unit 22 so that the charging power or discharging power approaches a target value. Note that the SOC (State Of Charge) indicates the remaining amount of stored electricity, and is, for example, the ratio of the current amount of stored electricity to the amount of stored electricity in a fully charged state, expressed as 0 to 100%.

[0055] The warning light 26 is controlled by the server 111. The warning light 26 is configured to be able to switch between the presence and absence of a warning. When instructed by the server 111 to issue a warning, the warning light 26 executes the warning, and when instructed by the server 111 to stop the warning, the warning light 26 stops the warning. The warning light 26 may be turned off under normal circumstances and flash or turn on during a warning. Furthermore, the warning light 26 may be turned on in a first color (e.g., green) under normal circumstances and turned on in a second color (e.g., red) during a warning. The warning light 26 may have a speaker function and may emit a sound during a warning.

[0056] The display device 27 displays the remaining time until the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 parked in the parking space P. In the state shown in Fig. 3, the display device 27 displays "30 minutes" as the remaining time. As will be described in detail later, the remaining time until the parking time limit corresponds to the time limit for which the store allows parking.

[0057] 4 is a flowchart showing the process related to energy management in the parking lot management method according to this embodiment. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are executed by the server 111 for a vehicle 30 in a plugged-in state in a parking space P in the parking lot 200 when the server 111 receives a request for VPP participation from the server 500. When a plugged-in vehicle 30 exists in each of a plurality of parking spaces P, the server 111 executes a series of processes from S11 to S16 described below for each plugged-in vehicle 30. "S" in the flowchart means a step.

[0058] 1 to 3 and FIG. 4, in S11, the server 111 requests the vehicle 30 to perform energy management. Specifically, the server 111 sends a request signal to the mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30 (i.e., the mobile terminal 50 carried by the user of the vehicle 30) and requests the mobile terminal 50 to reply either acceptance or rejection. The mobile terminal 50 that receives the request signal displays, for example, a screen Sc1. The screen Sc1 displays a message requesting energy management, as well as an energy management period (hereinafter also referred to as a "VPP period") and information related to incentives. Furthermore, the screen Sc1 displays an operation unit B1 that accepts an input of acceptance and an operation unit B2 that accepts an input of rejection. When the user operates the operation unit B1, the mobile terminal 50 sends a reply of acceptance to the server 111. When the user operates the operation unit B2, the mobile terminal 50 sends a reply of rejection to the server 111.

[0059] In the next step S12, the server 111 determines whether the request for energy management has been accepted. If the server 111 receives a refusal reply from the user of the vehicle 30 that has made the energy management request, or if there is no reply even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request, it is determined that the request for energy management has not been accepted (NO in S12), and the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0060] If the server 111 receives a reply of acceptance from the user of the vehicle 30 that has requested the energy management, YES is determined in S12, and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the server 111 requests the mobile terminal 50 for user conditions (i.e., conditions set by the user) related to the charge / discharge control of the battery 31. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 requests the user to input conditions related to the charge / discharge control of the battery 31 in response to the request from the server 111. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 requests the user to input the SOC range of the battery 31 that allows control by an external device (e.g., the server 500). The mobile terminal 50 displays, for example, a screen Sc2. The screen Sc2 displays input units R1 and R2 that accept input of the SOC range (lower limit value and upper limit value), and a decision button B3. When the user specifies the SOC range using the input units R1 and R2 and operates the decision button B3, the conditions (SOC range) specified by the user are transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the server 111. The display contents of the screen Sc2 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the screen Sc2 may request the user to input only the SOC lower limit value. The screen Sc2 may also request the user to input other conditions (e.g., the scheduled departure time) instead of or in addition to the SOC range. The server 111 may change the VPP period of the vehicle 30 according to the scheduled departure time specified by the user.

[0061] Next, in S14, the server 111 sends information about the EVSE 20 electrically connected to the vehicle 30 (e.g., information necessary for charge / discharge control) to the server 500, and permits the server 500 to remotely control the EVSE 20. In this embodiment, the server 111 transmits the conditions specified by the user in S13 to the server 500. Furthermore, the server 111 may send information about the EVSE 20 electrically connected to the vehicle 30 (e.g., location, communication address, and specifications) to the server 500.

[0062] The server 500, which has received permission for the remote control from the server 111, executes charge / discharge control of the battery 31 while communicating with the control unit 21 of the EVSE 20. The server 500 causes the vehicle 30 to execute energy management for the VPP (for example, energy management of the power system PG) through such charge / discharge control. At this time, the server 500 executes charge / discharge control of the battery 31 according to conditions specified by the user. In this embodiment, the server 500 executes charge / discharge control of the battery 31 within the SOC range specified by the user. When the SOC of the battery 31 is below a lower limit value specified by the user, the server 500 charges the battery 31 until the SOC of the battery 31 becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit value, and then executes charge / discharge control of the battery 31 for energy management within the SOC range specified by the user. Therefore, the SOC of the battery 31 does not become lower than the lower limit value specified by the user during the execution of energy management. As a result, even if the vehicle 30 leaves the energy management at any timing, the amount of power (SOC) required for the next run is easily secured in the battery 31.

[0063] The process of S14 above starts energy management by the vehicle 30. Subsequently, in S15, the server 111 determines whether or not to continue energy management. Specifically, the server 111 determines whether or not a predetermined VPP continuation condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the VPP continuation condition is satisfied when none of the termination requirements of the vehicle 30 being in a plugged-out state (first termination requirement), the mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30 transmitting a termination request to the server 111 (second termination requirement), and the energy management being completed (third termination requirement) is satisfied, and the VPP continuation condition is not satisfied when any of the termination requirements is satisfied.

[0064] During the execution of energy management, the server 111 may successively transmit the SOC of the vehicle 30 to the mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30. The user may determine whether to continue the energy management by looking at the current SOC displayed by the mobile terminal 50. When the user transmits an end request to the server 111 through the mobile terminal 50 (convenience store app), the second end requirement is satisfied. In this way, the user of the vehicle 30 can stop the energy management midway. The third end requirement is satisfied, for example, when the end time of the VPP period arrives.

[0065] While energy management is being executed (YES in S15), the processes of S14 and S15 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when any of the above-mentioned termination requirements is satisfied (NO in S15), energy management is terminated. In this case, in S16, the server 111 sends a message to the mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30 to inform the mobile terminal 50 of the termination of energy management together with the reason for the termination. This message is displayed on the mobile terminal 50. When the process of S16 is executed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is terminated. Note that while energy management is not being executed, remote control of the EVSEs 20a-20d by the server 500 is prohibited.

[0066] When the energy management for the VPP is completed, the server 111 gives the user of the vehicle 30 an incentive (e.g., points) according to the performance of the energy management through the convenience store app. For example, a part of the incentive paid by the aggregator to the owner of the store 100 as compensation for participating in the VPP is returned to the user of the vehicle 30. The server 111 may determine the incentive based on the conditions specified in S13. For example, the wider the SOC range specified in S13, the higher the incentive the user may acquire. The message sent in S16 may include incentive information acquired by the user (e.g., the number of points granted). The points may be treated like virtual currency or may be convertible into cash. Also, the points may be converted into goods or rights (e.g., rights to receive services corresponding to the number of points).

[0067] Incidentally, vehicles parked in the parking lot 200 for a long period of time tend to reduce the customer turnover rate of the store 100. On the other hand, by utilizing vehicles parked in the parking lot 200 for the management of the store, it is possible that benefits will be generated for both the store owner and the vehicle user. Therefore, the server 111 according to this embodiment executes the display control described below to utilize the vehicles 30 parked in the parking lot 200 while suppressing long-term parking that is disadvantageous to the store.

[0068] 5 is a flowchart showing a process related to display control in the parking lot management method according to this embodiment. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the server 111. The server 111 executes the processes of S21 to S23 described below for the vehicle 30 in a plugged-in state in the parking space P of the parking lot 200. When a vehicle 30 in a plugged-in state exists in each of a plurality of parking spaces P, the server 111 executes the series of processes of S21 to S23 described below for each vehicle 30 in a plugged-in state.

[0069] 1 to 3 as well as Fig. 5, in S21, the server 111 determines whether or not a countdown start timing (hereinafter, referred to as "CDST") set in the vehicle 30 has arrived. In this embodiment, the timing when charging of the battery 31 of the vehicle 30 using the EVSE 20 starts is set as the CDST.

[0070] The CDST is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CDST may be the timing when the vehicle 30 starts parking in the parking space P. The CDST may also be the timing when the user of the vehicle 30 completes the transaction at the cash register 15. A store clerk may be allowed to set an arbitrary CDST in the server 111. The server 111 may change the CDST depending on the time of day. The server 111 may set a different CDST for each user (each vehicle 30). For a user who is a paid member, the server 111 may set the CDST to the timing when the user completes the transaction at the cash register 15, and for other users, the CDST may be the timing when charging by the EVSE 20 begins.

[0071] Next, in S22, the server 111 determines the remaining time until the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 parked in the parking space P. The remaining time determined here may be a fixed value (e.g., 10 minutes) or may be variable depending on the situation. For example, the server 111 may lengthen the remaining time (the time limit for which the store allows parking) as the number of vacant parking spaces in the parking lot 200 increases.

[0072] Next, in S23, the server 111 executes the display control shown in Fig. 6, which will be described below. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of S23.

[0073] 1 to 3 as well as FIG. 6, in S31, the server 111 determines whether or not a predetermined increase condition is met. In this embodiment, the increase condition is met when the server 111 receives an acceptance response from the user of the vehicle 30 in response to the energy management request (S11 in FIG. 4). When the server 111 receives a request to participate in a VPP from the server 500 while the vehicle 30 is plugged in at the parking space P, a series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is executed in parallel with the series of processes shown in FIG. 5. When the server 111 receives a rejection response from the user of the vehicle 30 in response to the energy management request (S11 in FIG. 4), the increase condition is not met.

[0074] The increase condition is also met when the user of the vehicle 30 enters the store 100. The increase condition is also met when the user who entered the store makes a purchase within the store 100. The cash register 15 may identify the user who made the purchase by the terminal ID. The mobile terminal 50 can send the terminal ID to the cash register 15 via a convenience store app. The increase condition is not limited to the above and can be set arbitrarily. The store clerk may be allowed to set arbitrary increase conditions in the server 111.

[0075] If the increase condition is met (YES in S31), the process proceeds to S33 via S32. In S32, the server 111 increases the remaining time until the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 (see S22 in FIG. 5). For example, if the increase condition is met by the user of the vehicle 30 agreeing to energy management (VPP participation), the server 111 increases the remaining time by a predetermined time (e.g., a time corresponding to the VPP period). As a result, the remaining time when the vehicle 30 performs energy management becomes longer than the remaining time when the vehicle 30 does not perform energy management. The server 111 may set the remaining time (and thus the parking time limit) according to the VPP period so that the vehicle 30 can continue to be parked in the parking space P during the VPP period. Also, if the increase condition is met by the user of the vehicle 30 entering the store 100, the server 111 increases the remaining time by a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes). As a result, the remaining time when the user of the vehicle 30 enters the store 100 becomes longer than the remaining time when the user of the vehicle 30 does not enter the store 100. If the user who entered the store subsequently makes a purchase within the store 100, the server 111 further increases the remaining time by a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes). The server 111 may change the increase time depending on the item purchased by the user. For example, the server 111 may increase the remaining time the higher the price of the item purchased by the user. This can increase the user's willingness to purchase expensive items. The server 111 may also increase the remaining time the closer the expiration date of the item purchased by the user is. This helps reduce food waste.

[0076] On the other hand, if the increase condition is not met (NO in S31), the process proceeds to S33 without passing through S32. In this case, the increase in the remaining time described above (S32) is not performed.

[0077] In S33, the server 111 judges whether the vehicle 30 has left. For example, the server 111 may judge whether the vehicle 30 has left based on a signal from the vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to the parking space P in which the vehicle 30 is parked. When the vehicle 30 has left the parking space P (YES in S33), the server 111 stops the display of the remaining time by the display device 27 (see S36 described later) in S39. As a result, the display device 27 is in a non-display state. By executing the process of S39, S23 in FIG. 5 ends together with the series of processes shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 also ends. A determination of YES in S33 means that the vehicle 30 has left the parking space P before the parking time limit.

[0078] On the other hand, when the vehicle 30 is parked in the parking space P (NO in S33), the server 111 executes a countdown of the remaining time (the remaining time determined in S22 of FIG. 5 or the remaining time increased in S32) in S34. In the first processing routine, the server 111 starts counting down the remaining time, and in the second and subsequent processing routines, the server 111 continues counting down the remaining time. This countdown reduces the remaining time as time passes.

[0079] In S35, the server 111 determines whether the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has passed. The parking time limit corresponds to the time when the remaining time has elapsed from the current time. If the remaining time counted down in S34 is not 0, this means that the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has not passed. Also, if the remaining time counted down in S34 is 0, this means that the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has passed.

[0080] If the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has not passed (NO in S35), the server 111 controls the display device 27 to display the current remaining time in S36. Thereafter, the process returns to S31. In a period in which the vehicle 30 has not left the parking space P and the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has not passed (NO in both S33 and S35), the processes of S31 to S36 are repeated. In this period, the server 111 counts down the remaining time while causing the display device 27 to display the remaining time (S34 to S36). However, when an increase condition is met, the remaining time is increased by the process of S32.

[0081] When the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has passed (YES in S35), the server 111 executes an exit promotion process in S37. The exit promotion process is a process for prompting the vehicle 30 to exit the parking space P. In this embodiment, the exit promotion process includes a notification process and a wireless LAN usage prohibition process for the mobile terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30 (i.e., the mobile terminal 50 carried by the user of the vehicle 30), a billing process for the user of the vehicle 30, and a warning process using the warning light 26 corresponding to the vehicle 30 (i.e., the warning light 26 of the EVSE 20 connected to the vehicle 30). Specifically, the server 111 notifies the mobile terminal 50 to prompt the user to exit. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the notification from the server 111, it displays, for example, a screen Sc3. The screen Sc3 includes a message prompting the user of the vehicle 30 to exit. Furthermore, the server 111 controls the router 12, 220 so as to prohibit the mobile terminal 50 from using the wireless LAN (specifically, the communication network provided by the store 100 within the premises of the store 100 through the router 12, 220). This reduces the convenience of the user of the vehicle 30 within the premises of the store 100 (including the parking lot 200). Furthermore, the server 111 controls the warning light 26 provided for the parking stall P so as to issue a warning to the vehicle 30 to encourage the vehicle 30 to leave the parking stall P. Furthermore, the server 111 charges the user of the vehicle 30 a parking fee. The server 111 charges the user of the vehicle 30 a predetermined parking fee via the mobile terminal 50 (convenience store app) every time a unit time (for example, one minute) elapses. The user may pay the charged parking fee with points (virtual currency) saved on the convenience store app.

[0082] The leaving promotion process is not limited to the above-mentioned processes and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the leaving promotion process may include a discharge process (forced discharge process) of the battery 31 mounted on the vehicle 30 in addition to the above-mentioned processes (notification process, wireless LAN use prohibition process, billing process, and warning process) or instead of at least one of the above-mentioned processes. Specifically, in S37, the server 111 may control the EVSE 20 corresponding to the vehicle 30 so that the battery 31 mounted on the vehicle 30 is discharged to the distribution board 122. The discharged power may be stored in the power storage device 124.

[0083] In the next S38, the server 111 determines whether the vehicle 30 has left in response to the leaving promotion process. The server 111 may determine whether the vehicle 30 has left, for example, based on a signal from the vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to the vehicle 30. While the vehicle 30 has not left (NO in S38), S37 and S38 are repeated. This causes the leaving promotion process to be continuously executed. Then, when the vehicle 30 leaves in response to the leaving promotion process (YES in S38), S23 in FIG. 5 ends together with the series of processes shown in FIG. 6. This also causes the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 to end.

[0084] As described above, the parking lot management method according to this embodiment includes a series of processes shown in Figs. 4 to 6. The series of processes shown in Fig. 4 includes requesting the vehicle 30 parked in the parking space P to perform energy management (S11). The series of processes shown in Figs. 5 and 6 includes displaying the remaining time until the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 (S22, S31 to S36). Displaying the remaining time includes making the remaining time when the vehicle performs energy management longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform energy management (S31, S32). More specifically, displaying the remaining time includes determining the remaining time based on a response of acceptance or rejection from the user of the vehicle 30 to the request for energy management (S31, S32) and displaying the determined remaining time on the display device 27 (S36).

[0085] According to the above method, the remaining time until the parking time limit (i.e., the time limit that the store allows parking) is displayed for the vehicle 30 parked in the parking space P. By displaying the remaining time to the surroundings, the surroundings can see and act as a deterrent, and long-term parking that exceeds the parking time limit (i.e., long-term parking that is disadvantageous to the store) is suppressed. In addition, by making the remaining time when the vehicle 30 executes energy management longer than the remaining time when the vehicle 30 does not execute energy management, the vehicle 30 can be encouraged to participate in energy management. This makes it easier for the vehicle 30 parked in the parking lot 200 of the store 100 to be utilized for the store. By the vehicle 30 participating in energy management, the store owner can receive an incentive from the aggregator. On the other hand, the user of the vehicle 30 is permitted to park the vehicle 30 in the parking lot 200 for a long time. Therefore, the user of the vehicle 30 can stay in the parking lot 200 for a long time and take a rest. Alternatively, the user of the vehicle 30 can leave the vehicle 30 in the parking lot 200 and run an errand nearby.

[0086] Server 111 may execute the process shown in FIG. 7 described below, instead of the process shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 6. The series of processes shown in FIG. 7 includes S33 to S39 shown in FIG. 6, but does not include S31 and S32 shown in FIG. 6. The series of processes shown in FIG. 7 includes new steps (S31A, S12A, S14A) in addition to S11 to S16 shown in FIG. 4. Note that in the modified example described below, the process shown in FIG. 4 is not executed. The series of processes shown in FIG. 7 is executed in S23 of FIG. 5.

[0087] 1 to 3 as well as Fig. 7, in this modification, server 111 first determines in S31A whether or not it is time to request energy management. When server 111 receives a request for VPP participation from server 500, server 111 determines YES in S31A, and when it has not received a request for VPP participation from server 500, server 111 determines NO in S31A.

[0088] If it is determined that the answer is NO in S31A, the process proceeds to S33. Then, when the process of S36 is executed, the process returns to S31A. In a period in which the vehicle 30 does not leave the parking space P and the parking time limit of the vehicle 30 has not elapsed (NO in both S33 and S35), the processes of S31A and S33 to S36 are repeated.

[0089] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in S31A, the server 111 executes the processes of S11 and S12. When the user of the vehicle 30 accepts the request for energy management (YES in S12), the server 111 stops the countdown of the remaining time in S12A, and then executes the process of S13. Next, the server 111 controls the display device 27 so that the display device 27 displays the current remaining time in S14A. Next, the server 111 executes the processes of S14 and S15. While energy management is being performed (YES in S15), the processes of S14A, S14, and S15 are repeatedly executed. Even during the execution of energy management, the countdown of the remaining time remains stopped, and the remaining time displayed in S14A does not change. The display device 27 continues to display the same time. Then, when the energy management ends (NO in S15), the server 111 executes the process of S16.

[0090] If the request for energy management is rejected (NO in S12), or if the process of S16 is executed, the process proceeds to S33. Therefore, when the vehicle 30 parked in the parking space P is not executing energy management, S33 to S36 are repeated. As a result, the remaining time is counted down, and the remaining time that is being counted down sequentially is displayed on the display device 27.

[0091] The parking lot management method according to the above-described modified example includes a series of processes shown in Fig. 7. The series of processes shown in Fig. 7 includes displaying the remaining time while counting down when the vehicle 30 is not performing energy management (S34 to S36), and displaying the remaining time without counting down when the vehicle 30 is performing energy management (S12A, S14A, S14, S15). This method also makes it possible to utilize the vehicles 30 parked in the parking lot 200 of the store 100 while preventing long parking periods that are detrimental to the store.

[0092] The power system PG (external power source) is not limited to a large-scale AC grid, and may be a microgrid or a DC (direct current) grid. The configuration of the energy management system is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. For example, the function of the server 500 may be implemented in the server 111, and the server 500 may be omitted.

[0093] In the above embodiment and modified examples, server 111 holds a program that causes a computer to execute the parking lot management method shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Server 111 includes a storage device that stores such a program, and a processor that executes the program. That is, in the above embodiment, the parking lot management method is executed by an on-premise server (server 111 shown in Fig. 2). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the functions of server 111 (particularly, functions related to parking lot management) may be implemented on a cloud by cloud computing.

[0094] The above-described various modifications may be implemented in any combination. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 20, 20a to 20d EVSE, 21 control unit, 22 circuit unit, 23 charging cable, 26 warning light, 27 display device, 30, 30a to 30e vehicle, 31 battery, 32 inlet, 35 ECU, 50 mobile terminal, 100 store, 111,500,700 server, 112 EMS, 121 PCS, 122 distribution board, 200 parking lot, 210 camera, 220 wireless LAN router, 230 vehicle detection sensor, P, P1 to P8 parking spaces, PG power system.

Claims

1. A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot, comprising: The parking lot includes a parking space and a power supply facility configured to charge a power storage device mounted on a vehicle parked in the parking space, The parking lot management method includes: requesting energy management for a vehicle parked in the parking space; displaying a remaining time until a parking time limit for the vehicle; Including, Displaying the remaining time When the vehicle is not executing the energy management, the remaining time is displayed while counting down; and displaying the remaining time without counting down while the energy management is being performed by the vehicle; and A parking lot management method comprising:

2. Displaying the remaining time making the remaining time longer when the user of the vehicle uses a facility than the remaining time when the user of the vehicle does not use the facility; The parking lot management method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The parking lot management method includes: executing a process of prompting the vehicle to leave the parking space when the parking time limit has elapsed; The parking lot management method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. Executing the process of prompting the departure A warning light provided for the parking space issues a warning; and charging a parking fee to a user of the vehicle; Discharging a power storage device mounted on the vehicle; and The parking lot management method according to claim 3, further comprising at least one of the steps of:

5. A program for causing a computer to execute the parking lot management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer device comprising: a storage device that stores the program according to claim 5; and a processor that executes the program.

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