Battery management system and battery management method

Abstract

To provide a user with sufficient information pertaining to extending a range of a battery device that is allowed for lending, and lending a non-fully charged battery device that is not normally lent (extended lending mode) when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices in a battery station.SOLUTION: A management server 4 stores manager setting information for managing an extended lending mode for each battery station on the basis of a designation by a manager, refers to the manager setting information and controls switching between the extended lending mode and a normal lending mode which only allows lending of a fully charged battery device in each battery station, guides a user to a battery station on the basis of the lending mode control, and displays a station guide screen, which includes information pertaining to a transition state to the extended lending mode in each battery station, on a user terminal 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery management system and a battery management system for managing battery stations and battery devices in a battery exchange service in which users of electric vehicles or the like exchange battery devices at battery stations. How to It is related to. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles have been attracting attention as a way to solve problems such as air pollution caused by exhaust gases and fuel costs. While the range of such electric vehicles has been extended due to improvements in the performance of their battery devices, they have the inconvenience of being unable to run continuously for long periods of time due to the need to charge the battery devices. To solve this inconvenience, a battery exchange service has been put into practical use. This service allows electric vehicles to be equipped with detachable battery devices and allows users to exchange low-powered batteries for fully charged ones at battery stations, thereby enabling long-term continuous running.

[0003] On the other hand, battery stations cannot always have fully charged (fully charged) battery devices available. Therefore, if a fully charged battery device is not available, the user must wait until a fully charged battery device is available for rental, which causes inconvenience to the user. Therefore, a technology has been known in the past that, when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, lends out battery devices that have reached a predetermined charge rate to users (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-259709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the conventional technology, the system is normally operated in a rental mode that only permits the rental of fully charged battery devices, but when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, the system switches to a rental mode that permits the rental of battery devices even if charging is incomplete as long as certain conditions are met. In this way, with the conventional technology, when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, the range of permitted rentals is expanded and the rental of battery devices continues, thereby improving user convenience.

[0006] On the other hand, there are cases where a user does not necessarily want to be loaned a battery device that is not fully charged. For this reason, when guiding a user to a battery station for battery replacement, it is desirable to provide the user with sufficient information that the mode has been switched from the normal loan mode to a special loan mode that expands the range of battery devices that are permitted to be loaned, and that the battery device to be loaned is not fully charged.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a battery management system that can expand the range of battery devices that are permitted to be rented out when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at a battery station, and can provide users with sufficient information regarding the rental of incompletely charged battery devices that are not normally rented out. and battery management methods The main purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The battery management system of the present invention is a battery management system having a plurality of battery exchange devices that are placed in a battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device that is connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and manages the replacement status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; and a terminal device that is carried by the user and connected to the server device via the network, wherein the server device stores setting information that manages, for each battery station based on the administrator's specifications, an extended lending mode that allows the lending of incompletely charged battery devices that satisfy specified extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and controls the switching between the normal lending mode, which only allows the lending of fully charged battery devices at each battery station, and the extended lending mode by referring to the setting information, and based on the control of the lending mode, guides the user through the battery station and displays a guidance screen on the terminal device that includes information on the transition status to the extended lending mode at each battery station.

[0009] In addition, the battery management method of the present invention is a battery management method in which a server device manages battery stations and battery devices where users replace battery devices, and stores setting information for managing, based on the administrator's specifications, an extended lending mode for each battery station that allows the lending of incompletely charged battery devices that meet specified extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and controls switching between a normal lending mode that only allows the lending of fully charged battery devices at each battery station and the extended lending mode by referring to the setting information, and guides the user through the battery station based on the control of the lending mode, and displays a guidance screen on the terminal device that includes information on the transition status to the extended lending mode at each battery station. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, since there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at a battery station, the range of battery devices permitted for rental can be expanded, and sufficient information can be provided to users regarding the rental of incompletely charged battery devices that are not normally rented out (extended rental mode). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a battery sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the general configuration of a battery exchange machine 3, a management server 4, and a user terminal 5. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the management server 4. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the contents of profile information for each user [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage status confirmation screen displayed on the management terminal 6. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a login screen and a start screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a profile setting screen and a profile registration completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed search screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a station guide screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a station guide screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation screen and a reservation completion screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an alert screen displayed on a user terminal 5. [Figure 13] A sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when logging in and setting a profile. [Figure 14]A sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when the automatic search and the advanced search are selected. [Figure 15] A sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when making a reservation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The first invention made to solve the above problem is a battery management system having a plurality of battery exchange devices that are placed at a battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the replacement status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; and a terminal device carried by the user and connected to the server device via the network, wherein the server device stores setting information that manages, for each battery station based on the administrator's specifications, an extended lending mode that allows the lending of incompletely charged battery devices that satisfy specified extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and controls switching between the normal lending mode, which only allows the lending of fully charged battery devices at each battery station, and the extended lending mode by referring to the setting information, and based on the control of the lending mode, guides the user through the battery station and displays a guidance screen on the terminal device containing information about the transition status to the extended lending mode at each battery station.

[0014] This allows the range of battery devices permitted for loan to be expanded due to a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and allows users to be provided with sufficient information regarding the loan of incompletely charged battery devices that are not normally loaned out (extended loan mode).

[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, the server device is configured to display on the terminal device the guide screen in which battery stations that can rent battery devices in the extended rental mode are superimposed on a map.

[0016] This allows the user to easily find battery stations that can lend out battery devices in the extended lending mode.

[0017] In addition, a third invention is configured such that the server device stores setting information regarding the prohibition of transition to extended lending mode for each battery station based on the administrator's specifications, and controls the extended lending mode at each battery station based on the setting information.

[0018] This makes it possible to avoid control being performed to erroneously transition to the extended lending mode in a battery station where the extended lending mode is inappropriate due to special circumstances.

[0019] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the server device acquires information relating to a reservation for battery exchange in response to a user's operation on the guidance screen displayed on the terminal device.

[0020] This allows users to make reservations for battery replacement.

[0021] In addition, in a fifth invention, the server device is configured to control the extended lending mode at each battery station based on the setting information, which includes, as the extended lending conditions, a lending threshold, which is the lower limit of the charging rate at which lending of the battery device is permitted in the extended lending mode, and application conditions regarding at least one of a period, a day of the week, and a time period.

[0022] This allows for more appropriate control of the extended lending mode at each battery station.

[0023] In addition, a sixth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the server device analyzes history information relating to past rental situations at each battery station to determine whether or not to transition to the extended rental mode.

[0024] This reduces the workload of setting the extended lending mode at each battery station, thereby reducing the burden on the administrator when the number of battery stations to be managed increases.

[0025] In addition, a seventh invention is a battery management method in a server device that manages battery stations and battery devices where users replace battery devices, and the method stores setting information for managing, based on the administrator's specifications, an extended lending mode for each battery station that allows the lending of incompletely charged battery devices that meet specified extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and controls switching between a normal lending mode that only allows the lending of fully charged battery devices at each battery station and the extended lending mode by referring to the setting information, and guides the user to the battery station based on the control of the lending mode, and displays a guidance screen on the terminal device that includes information on the transition status to the extended lending mode at each battery station.

[0026] As with the first invention, this allows the range of battery devices permitted for loan to be expanded due to a shortage of fully charged battery devices at the battery station, and provides users with sufficient information regarding the loan of incompletely charged battery devices that are not normally loaned out (extended loan mode).

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery sharing system according to this embodiment.

[0031] This battery sharing system provides a service (battery exchange service) in which multiple users share a battery pack 2 (battery device) installed in an electric vehicle 1 such as an electric motorcycle, and is equipped with a battery exchange machine 3 (battery exchange device), a management server 4 (server device), a user terminal 5 (terminal device), a management terminal 6, and a maintenance terminal 7.

[0032] The battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, user terminal 5, management terminal 6, and maintenance terminal 7 are connected via a network such as the Internet. The battery exchange machine 3 and user terminal 5 are connected to the network via wireless communication such as a mobile communication network or a wireless LAN.

[0033] The electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery pack 2 and runs on the power of the battery pack 2. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the electric vehicle 1 is an electric motorcycle, but it may also be a four-wheeled automobile. It may also be an electric wheelchair, an electric cart, or a riding cart for theme parks, golf courses, etc., which are mobility devices that are not intended to be driven on roads.

[0034] The battery exchange machine 3 receives and charges the battery pack 2 returned by the user, and lends the charged battery pack 2 to the user in exchange for the returned battery pack 2. This battery exchange machine 3 is installed in a battery station attached to a facility (store) such as a convenience store or gas station. Also, multiple battery exchange machines 3 are installed at one battery station. In this embodiment, even if the battery pack 2 is not fully charged, if the charge rate has reached a specified value (rental threshold) (extended lending mode), the battery pack 2 is lent out as being charged.

[0035] The management server 4 registers as users (members) people who subscribe to the battery exchange service and use battery packs 2, and manages the battery packs 2 by linking them with the users to whom they are rented. The management server 4 also manages the exchange status of the battery packs 2 in the battery exchange machine 3. The management server 4 also monitors the status of the battery exchange machine 3 (online or not) and the status of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 (charged or not), and distributes status information of the battery exchange machine 3 and the battery packs 2 to the management terminal 6 and the maintenance terminal 7. The management server 4 also distributes information on the operating status of the battery station to the user terminal 5.

[0036] The user terminal 5 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like, and is carried by the user of the electric vehicle 1. This user terminal 5 displays various screens based on information distributed from the management server 4, and these screens guide the user to the locations and operating statuses of battery stations, and also enable the user to perform operations to reserve a battery exchange.

[0037] The management terminal 6 is installed in a facility or management center that serves users, and is operated by an administrator. The administrator can use this management terminal 6 to perform user registration operations. The administrator can also view information distributed from the management server 4.

[0038] The maintenance terminal 7 is installed in a facility dedicated to maintenance work or a facility such as a store where a battery station is installed, and is operated by a maintenance person. The maintenance person can view information distributed from the management server 4 on the maintenance terminal 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is used as an example for description, but the battery-mounted device on which the battery pack 2 is mounted is not limited to the electric vehicle 1, and may be, for example, a portable power supply device.

[0040] Next, we will explain the general configuration of the battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, and user terminal 5. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, and user terminal 5. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the management server 4.

[0041] The battery exchange machine 3 includes a sensor 31, a drive unit 32, a charging unit 33, a communication unit , an input / output unit 35, a display unit , a memory unit 37, and a control unit .

[0042] The sensor 31 can be configured, for example, by a human sensor, and detects a person who has come to exchange the battery.

[0043] It is also possible to perform user authentication to identify a user who has come to exchange the battery. In this case, the user may be identified by facial recognition from an image captured by a camera. The user may also be identified by communication with a user terminal 5 equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag, a contactless IC card, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) function carried by the user. It is also possible to detect that the user is returning the battery pack 2 by reading a two-dimensional code attached to the battery pack 2 from the image captured by the camera.

[0044] In response to instructions from the control unit 38, the drive unit 32 drives the opening and closing mechanism of the door at the timing of returning and lending the battery pack 2, and also drives the storage and ejection mechanism that stores the returned battery pack 2 and ejects the battery pack 2 to be lent to the user. Note that if security is ensured during battery replacement, the configuration of this storage and ejection mechanism can be omitted.

[0045] The charging unit 33 charges the battery pack 2 via the slot 21 (tray).

[0046] The communication unit 34 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0047] The input / output unit 35 inputs and outputs information to and from the battery pack 2, and receives, for example, the serial number of the battery pack 2, alerts, deterioration information, and the like from the battery pack 2.

[0048] The display unit 36 ​​displays a guidance screen that provides guidance to the user regarding the replacement of the battery pack 2.

[0049] The storage unit 37 stores programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 38, etc.

[0050] The control unit 38 is composed of a processor and controls each unit of the battery exchange machine 3. For example, it controls the exchange of the battery pack 2, that is, it controls the drive unit 32 to perform operations such as storing the battery pack 2 returned by the user and lending the charged battery pack 2 to the user. In particular, when the sensor 31 detects a user, it starts the battery exchange operation, opens the door, and allows the user to return the battery pack 2.

[0051] The control unit 38 also monitors the charge state and free space of the battery packs 2 installed in each slot and reports the information to the management server 4. This allows the management server 4 to manage the charge state and free space of the battery packs 2 in the battery exchange machine 3. The management server 4 then generates a battery pack 2 lending order list and the like in accordance with lending rules based on the charge state of the battery packs 2 and transmits this to the battery exchange machine 3, thereby enabling the battery exchange machine 3 to perform efficient lending control when a user replaces or reserves a battery pack 2. Note that the battery exchange machine 3 may itself control the lending order of the battery packs 2 in accordance with lending rules based on the charge state of the battery packs 2, without relying on the management server 4.

[0052] Here, the electric vehicle 1 is equipped with one or more battery packs 2. The battery exchange machine 3 accommodates a plurality of battery packs 2 (e.g., eight), and when the electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a plurality of battery packs 2, the user can simultaneously exchange the plurality of battery packs 2. Note that, although the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2 shows that the electric vehicle 1 is equipped with two battery packs 2, the number of battery packs 2 may be one or three or more.

[0053] The management server 4 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43.

[0054] The communication unit 41 communicates with the battery exchange machine 3, the user terminal 5, the management terminal 6, and the maintenance terminal 7 via the network.

[0055] The storage unit 42 stores a program executed by a processor constituting the control unit 43. The storage unit 42 also stores management information such as user registration information and linking information linking the battery pack 2 with the user to whom it is rented.

[0056] The control unit 43 includes a user management unit 51, a station management unit 52, a battery management unit 53, a station information presentation unit 54, a system management unit 55, a notification management unit 56, a reservation management unit 57, a history analysis unit 58, and a guidance suitability determination unit 59. The control unit 43 is configured with a processor, and each unit of the control unit 43 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the storage unit 42.

[0057] The user management unit 51 manages users who use the battery pack 2. For example, an administrator accepts a new registration application from a user and operates the management terminal 6 to obtain and manage user information (user ID, name, address, model of electric vehicle 1 to be used, etc.) (user registration).

[0058] In addition, the user management unit 51 displays a profile setting screen (see Figure 7(A)) on the user terminal 5, which allows the user to input information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement (such as the user's preferences and convenience), and acquires and manages profile information (setting information) regarding the user's requests for battery replacement in accordance with the user's operations on the profile setting screen.

[0059] The station management unit 52 manages each battery station and the battery exchange machine 3 installed in each battery station. Specifically, the station management unit 52 collects and manages information about the status (operating status, etc.) of the battery exchange machine 3 installed in each battery station from the battery exchange machine 3. The station management unit 52 also collects and manages information about the status (charge status, empty status, etc.) of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 from the battery exchange machine 3. Information about the status of the battery packs 2, such as the deterioration state, usage period, and number of exchanges, may also be collected and managed.

[0060] The battery management unit 53 manages the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 and the battery packs 2 that are being lent to users.

[0061] The station information presentation unit 54 presents information about the battery station to the user. In this embodiment, information about a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that guides the user to the battery station is generated and distributed to the user terminal 5, and the station guide screen is displayed on the user terminal 5. This station guide screen provides information about the location of the battery station and the number of battery packs 2 that can be replaced at the battery station.

[0062] Furthermore, the station information presentation unit 54 searches for a map of the target area from the overall map of the battery exchange service (map search). At this time, if the user specifies a location in the detailed search, the target area is set with the specified location as the reference position. Furthermore, in the case of the automatic search or if the user does not specify a location in the detailed search, the target area is set with the current position of the electric vehicle 1 as the reference position.

[0063] In addition, the station information presentation unit 54 acquires information about the battery station to be notified, i.e., the battery station that the guidance suitability determination unit 59 has determined is capable of battery replacement that meets the user's needs and that the user should be notified about battery replacement (battery station information acquisition).

[0064] Specifically, the location information of the battery station to be introduced is acquired. Also, in the case of the automatic search or when the user does not specify a date and time in the detailed search, the current date and time is used as the reference time, and information on the current charging status of the battery packs 2 at the battery station to be introduced, specifically information such as the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rental, is acquired.

[0065] The system management unit 55 monitors the system status and presents the system status to an administrator or maintenance person. For example, it generates a management screen that displays the system status, distributes it to the management terminal 6 or maintenance terminal 7, and displays the management screen on the management terminal 6 or maintenance terminal 7. This allows the administrator or maintenance person to view the system status.

[0066] The notification management unit 56 manages notifications for users. Specifically, it distributes to the user terminal 5 information such as information about the establishment or closure of a battery station, information about maintenance work being performed at a battery station, and information that a reservation for battery replacement at a battery station cannot be made due to a network failure or the like.

[0067] The notification management unit 56 also determines whether or not a predetermined alert condition is met (alert determination), and if the predetermined alert condition is met, issues an alert (notification of battery replacement guidance). This alert is issued when specified by the user. In this embodiment, an alert screen (see FIG. 12) is displayed on the user terminal 5 as an alert.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the alert is issued when it is predicted that there will be no more battery stations to be notified about, i.e., battery stations that have been determined by the guidance suitability determination unit 59 to be capable of battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs and for which the user should be notified about battery replacement, within a predetermined time frame. At this time, the guidance suitability determination unit 59 determines whether or not to provide guidance based on the current time point, and also determines whether or not to provide guidance based on a future time point after the predetermined time frame, and determines whether or not there will be any battery stations to be notified about after the predetermined time frame.

[0069] The reservation management unit 57 manages the user's battery replacement reservations. Specifically, the reservation management unit 57 accepts a battery replacement reservation when the user performs a reservation operation on the user terminal 5. The reservation management unit 57 also cancels a battery replacement reservation when the user performs a reservation cancellation operation on the user terminal 5. Furthermore, if the battery replacement is not performed within a predetermined time after the battery replacement reservation is accepted, the reservation for battery replacement is forcibly canceled.

[0070] The history analysis unit 58 analyzes history information relating to the past charging and replacement status of the battery pack 2 at each battery station, and obtains a sell-out index as the analysis result. This sell-out index evaluates the degree of opportunity loss caused by not being able to provide a battery replacement service to users at each battery station, that is, the degree to which a state occurs in which there are no charged battery packs 2 available for rental (a state in which rental is not possible).

[0071] In this embodiment, the duration of the unavailable for rental state in a unit time (e.g., one hour) is acquired as a sold-out indicator. The duration of the unavailable for rental state in this unit time corresponds to the average value of the waiting time that a user waits at a battery station until a rentable battery pack 2 becomes available. Therefore, in this embodiment, the duration of the unavailable for rental state for each time period is processed as an estimated waiting time for each time period. Note that the analysis of the history information is performed for a period specified by the user (e.g., one week, one month, one year).

[0072] Meanwhile, the user's waiting time at the battery station can be estimated based on real-time information about the current battery charging status at each battery station. Specifically, the remaining time until charging of the battery pack 2 being charged at the battery station is completed (charging completion time) can be acquired as the user's waiting time. Therefore, the estimated waiting time may be acquired based on both the waiting time (charging completion time) acquired from such real-time information and the waiting time (sold-out indicator) acquired from the history information.

[0073] Specifically, the waiting time obtained from the real-time information and the waiting time obtained from the history information may be compared, and the larger value may be adopted as the estimated waiting time. For example, if the waiting time obtained from the real-time information is 3 minutes and the waiting time obtained from the history information is 7 minutes, the estimated waiting time may be set to 7 minutes.

[0074] Furthermore, the history analysis unit 58 analyzes historical information regarding the past lending status of the battery packs 2 at each battery station to acquire setting information for controlling the extended lending mode for each battery station. This setting information complements the administrator setting information acquired by the administrator entering it on the management screen (FIG. 5). In particular, the history analysis unit 58 may analyze the historical information to acquire extended lending conditions for each battery station. Furthermore, the history analysis unit 58 may derive the extended lending conditions from the historical information using an engine (machine learning model) constructed using machine learning such as deep learning.

[0075] The guidance suitability determining unit 59 determines, based on the user's profile information and the like, whether the battery station to be guided is one in which battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs is possible and to which the user should be guided for battery replacement.

[0076] Specifically, it is determined whether the battery configuration of the user is compatible, i.e., whether there are charged battery packs 2 available for rent in the number of battery packs 2 required for the electric vehicle 1 used by the user (battery configuration determination). If the battery configuration of the user is not compatible, i.e., the required number of battery packs 2 cannot be rented, it is determined that the battery station is not the target for guidance.

[0077] In this embodiment, the battery pack 2 operated in the battery exchange service is of one type, and the battery configuration of the electric vehicle 1 is defined as the number of batteries installed, but multiple types of battery packs 2 (for example, large and small battery capacities) may be operated in the battery exchange service, and in this case, the battery configuration includes not only the number of batteries installed but also the type of battery pack 2.

[0078] Furthermore, the guidance suitability determination unit 59 permits the battery exchange machine 3 to lend the battery pack 2 according to the lending mode. In this embodiment, there are two lending modes: a normal lending mode and an extended lending mode.

[0079] In the normal lending mode, lending of a battery pack 2 is permitted only when there is a fully charged (charged) battery pack 2. That is, in the normal lending mode, a fully charged battery pack 2 is determined to be available for lending.

[0080] On the other hand, in the extended lending mode, lending of the battery pack 2 is permitted even if charging is incomplete if the specified extended lending conditions are met. Here, in this embodiment, a threshold value (rental threshold) related to the charging rate of the battery pack 2, specifically, a lower limit value of the charging rate of the battery pack 2 that is allowed to be lent, is set as the extended lending condition. In addition, application conditions of the lending threshold, specifically, the period, day of the week, and time period when the lending threshold is applied, are set as the extended lending condition. In this embodiment, the administrator can specify the extended lending conditions. The guidance suitability determination unit 59 determines the battery packs 2 that are allowed to be lent based on these extended lending conditions.

[0081] Furthermore, the guidance suitability determination unit 59 automatically switches the rental mode when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. Specifically, if there are no fully charged battery packs 2 at any of the battery stations within the travelable area and if there is a battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached a specified rental threshold at any of the battery stations within the travelable area, the mode automatically transitions from the normal rental mode to the extended rental mode. Furthermore, if a fully charged battery pack 2 appears at any of the battery stations located within the travelable area, the mode automatically transitions (returns) from the extended rental mode to the normal rental mode. In this embodiment, the administrator can set whether or not to enable automatic transition to the rental mode.

[0082] In this embodiment, the transition to the extended lending mode can be prohibited in advance for each battery station. The administrator can set whether or not to prohibit the transition to the extended lending mode.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the battery station is located within an area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel (drivable area) (area determination). At this time, the drivable distance of the electric vehicle 1 is obtained based on the allowable remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 (the lower limit of the remaining capacity that the user can tolerate) based on the replacement timing specified by the user, the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, and the electricity consumption of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user (drivable distance per unit capacity of the battery pack 2). A circular area with a radius equal to this drivable distance becomes the drivable area.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, based on the estimated waiting time for each battery station acquired by the history analysis unit 58, it is determined whether a charged, rentable battery pack 2 can be prepared within the waiting time (allowable waiting time) desired by the user (waiting time determination). Specifically, if the estimated waiting time of a battery station is shorter than the allowable waiting time of the user, it is determined to be a battery station to be introduced. On the other hand, if the estimated waiting time of a battery station is longer than the allowable waiting time of the user, it is determined not to be a battery station to be introduced.

[0085] The determination of whether a battery station is a target for guidance made by this guidance suitability determination unit 59 may use the current time as the reference time, or may use a future time as the reference time. Specifically, in the case of a random search, if the user's tolerable waiting time is 0 minutes, the current time becomes the reference time. On the other hand, in the case of a random search, if the user's tolerable waiting time is not 0 minutes, or if a future time is used as the reference time for a detailed search, the future time becomes the reference time.

[0086] The user terminal 5 includes a display unit 61 , an operation unit 62 , a communication unit 63 , a storage unit 64 , and a control unit 65 .

[0087] The display unit 61 displays various screens, such as a screen that guides users to battery stations and a screen for making reservations for battery replacement. The operation unit 62 performs various screen operations on the screens displayed on the display unit 61. Note that the display unit 61 may be configured as a touch panel display in which a display panel and a touch panel are integrated as the operation unit 62.

[0088] The communication unit 63 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0089] The storage unit 64 stores programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 65, etc.

[0090] The control unit 65 is configured with a processor and performs various processes related to providing information about battery stations and reserving battery replacement. That is, in response to a user's screen operation using the operation unit 62, the control unit 65 controls the display of a screen that provides information about the location of battery stations, a screen for reserving battery replacement, and the like, on the display unit 61 based on information delivered from the management server 4.

[0091] Next, a description will be given of the profile information managed by the user management unit 51 of the management server 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the contents of the profile information for each user.

[0092] The user management unit 51 of the management server 4 manages profile information for each user. The profile information relates to the user's requests (preferences, convenience, etc.) regarding battery replacement. The profile information is acquired from the user terminal 5 in response to the user's operation on the user terminal 5, and is stored in the storage unit 42 of the management server 4.

[0093] The profile information includes the user ID and setting information regarding replacement timing, waiting time, vehicle model, alert settings, and screen display settings. Note that, assuming the setting of the fee grade for the battery replacement service, the profile information can also include information such as the age (deterioration level) of the battery, favorite areas, favorite battery stations, and membership type.

[0094] In the User ID field, a user ID (user number) that identifies the user is registered. This user ID can be used to obtain membership information about the user who will be replacing the battery, as well as the billing method (pay each time a battery is replaced, flat rate payment, etc.). Depending on the user's billing method, it is possible to determine the user's behavioral characteristics regarding battery replacement, such as the frequency of battery replacement.

[0095] In the item of replacement timing, either "replace frequently" (setting value: 0) or "ride for a long time" (setting value: 1) is registered as the user's request (preference, convenience, etc.) regarding the timing of battery replacement. "Replace frequently" refers to a case where the user wants to replace the battery when there is sufficient remaining capacity in the battery pack 2. "Ride for a long time" refers to a case where the user wants to replace the battery when the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 is close to its limit. In this embodiment, the user's allowable remaining capacity (the lower limit of the remaining capacity that the user can tolerate) is determined based on the replacement timing. For example, in the case of "replace frequently," the timing for battery replacement is set to the point when the allowable remaining capacity is 50% and the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 is 50%. On the other hand, in the case of "ride for a long time," the timing for battery replacement is set to the point when the allowable remaining capacity is, for example, 30% and the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 is 30%. Note that this replacement timing for each user can also be estimated from the remaining capacity of battery packs 2 that have been returned in the past.

[0096] In the waiting time item, the length of the acceptable waiting time is registered as the user's request (preference, convenience, etc.) regarding waiting time. The acceptable waiting time is the maximum waiting time that the user can tolerate when waiting at the battery station until the required number of charged, rentable battery packs 2 become available at the battery station. In this embodiment, the user is allowed to select, for example, 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes as the acceptable waiting time.

[0097] In the vehicle type item, information regarding the vehicle type of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user is registered. The vehicle type may be, for example, a compact vehicle equipped with one battery pack 2 (setting value: 1), a medium-sized vehicle equipped with two battery packs 2 (setting value: 2), or a large vehicle equipped with four battery packs 2 (setting value: 3). From this vehicle type information, it is possible to obtain the number of battery packs 2 equipped in the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, i.e., the number of battery packs 2 required by the user when replacing the batteries. Furthermore, from the vehicle type, it is possible to obtain a simple electricity consumption (travel distance per unit capacity of the battery pack 2).

[0098] In the alert setting item, whether or not an alert is required to prompt the user to replace the battery (battery replacement notification) is registered. In this embodiment, an alert is issued by displaying an alert screen (see FIG. 12) on the user terminal 5 to notify the user that a battery station that meets the user's needs will soon be in a state where battery replacement is no longer possible.

[0099] In the item of screen display setting, whether or not the area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel (drivable area) is to be displayed on the screen is registered. In this embodiment, on the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10), a drivable area 157 can be displayed on an area map 151 (road map) that shows the surrounding road conditions.

[0100] Next, a description will be given of the management screen displayed on the management terminal 6. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a management screen (extended lending rule setting screen) relating to extended lending rules.

[0101] In this embodiment, by accessing the management server 4 from the management terminal 6 and logging in, the management screen shown in FIG.

[0102] The management screen shown in Fig. 5 has a menu selection section 71. The menu selection section 71 has a plurality of tabs 72 representing each menu. In the example shown in Fig. 5, tabs 72 are provided for battery station, battery pack, user, notice, error alert, usage status check, and extended lending rules. The management screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed by operating the extended lending rules tab 72.

[0103] When the battery station tab 72 is operated, a station information list screen (not shown) is displayed. This station information list screen displays a list of information related to the battery station. Specifically, information such as the battery station number, battery station name, the number of installed battery exchange machines 3, operating status, network status, number of charged packs (number of charged battery packs 2), any abnormalities in the battery exchange machine 3, and any abnormalities in the battery packs 2 is displayed.

[0104] Operating the battery pack tab 72 transitions to a battery pack list screen (not shown). This battery pack list screen displays information about the battery pack 2 in use, specifically, the serial number of the battery pack 2, information about the location of the battery pack 2 (the user currently using it, the battery exchange machine 3 in which it is stored), and the like.

[0105] Operating the user tab 72 transitions to a user list screen (not shown). This user list screen displays information about the registered user, specifically, the user ID, name, age, sex, ID of the electric vehicle 1 in use, information about the battery pack 2 in use (such as the battery pack ID), and registration date.

[0106] Operating the notification tab 72 transitions to a notification list screen (not shown). This notification list screen displays history information about notifications sent in the past, specifically the notification date and time and notification content. In addition, it is possible to transition from the notification list screen to a notification registration screen. On this notification registration screen, it is possible to register a new notification. Specifically, the title, display period, and notification content are entered to perform the registration operation.

[0107] Operating the error / alert tab 72 transitions to an error / alert list screen (not shown). This error / alert list screen displays history information about errors and alerts that have been output in the past regarding the battery exchange machine 3, specifically, the output date and time, output content, etc.

[0108] Operating the usage status confirmation tab 72 transitions to a usage status confirmation screen (not shown). This usage status confirmation screen displays, as a result of the history analysis, a sold-out indicator for each time period for each battery station, specifically, the time when the rental unavailable state occurred in each time period. Note that, on the usage status confirmation screen, the administrator can specify the target period for the history analysis.

[0109] In addition, it is possible to provide a tab (history search) that transitions to a screen for searching user usage history and system operation history, and a tab (maintenance settings) that transitions to a screen where the administrator can set up maintenance work such as part replacement.

[0110] The management screen displayed by operating the extended lending rules tab 72 also includes an extended lending rules input section 73. The extended lending rules input section 73 includes a battery station designation section 74, a lending threshold designation section 75, a period designation section 76, a day of the week designation section 77, a time period designation section 78, and an execute button 79.

[0111] In the battery station designation unit 74, the administrator can designate a target battery station by selecting an item from a pull-down menu.

[0112] In the lending threshold specification unit 75, the administrator can specify the lending threshold by selecting from a pull-down menu. Note that a lower limit (e.g., 70%) may be set for the lending threshold, and values ​​lower than this may not be selected. The lending threshold is initially set to 100%. If the lending threshold remains set to 100%, transition to extended lending mode is not possible, and the mode is fixed to normal lending mode. On the other hand, if the lending threshold is set to less than 100%, transition to extended lending mode is possible. Furthermore, in battery stations that have been prohibited from transitioning to extended lending mode in advance, the lending threshold is fixed to 100%, and the operation to change the lending threshold is not possible.

[0113] In the period specification section 76, the administrator can specify the target period (start date and end date) by selecting from a pull-down menu. In the day of the week specification section 77, the administrator can specify the target day of the week by checking a checkbox. In the time period specification section 78, the administrator can specify the target time period (start time and end time) by selecting from a pull-down menu.

[0114] Check boxes are provided in each of the period designation section 76, the day of the week designation section 77, and the time period designation section 78. The administrator can validate the designations in the period designation section 76, the day of the week designation section 77, and the time period designation section 78 by checking the check boxes.

[0115] When the administrator performs the necessary operations for each item in the extended lending rule input section 73 and then operates the execute button 79, the setting information regarding the lending threshold and the conditions (period, day of the week, and time period) under which the lending threshold applies will be registered as one extended lending rule for the specified battery station.

[0116] Furthermore, the management screen that is displayed by operating the extended lending rules tab 72 has an extended lending rules list display section 81. In the extended lending rules list display section 81, each line represents one extended lending rule. The extended lending rules list display section 81 has a battery station name display field 82, a lending threshold display field 83, a period display field 84, a day of the week display field 85, and a time period display field 86.

[0117] The extended lending rule list display unit 81 also has a radio button 87 for each extended lending rule. If the administrator wants to update a registered extended lending rule, he or she operates the radio button 87 to select the extended lending rule. This causes the contents of the selected registered extended lending rule to be displayed in the extended lending rule input unit 73. This allows the contents of the registered extended lending rule to be changed.

[0118] The extended lending rule list display section 81 is also provided with a scroll bar 88. When the user operates the scroll bar 88, extended lending rules outside the display area of ​​the extended lending rule list display section 81 can be displayed.

[0119] In the initial state, one extended lending rule is pre-registered for one battery station. In this initial extended lending rule, the lending threshold is set to 100%, and no period, day of the week, or time period is specified.

[0120] In addition, multiple extended lending rules can be registered for one battery station. For example, if you want to change the time period depending on the day of the week, you can register an extended lending rule for each day of the week. Incidentally, if multiple extended lending rules are registered for one battery station, control can be performed by determining the conditions (period, day of the week, and time period) specified in each of the multiple extended lending rules using AND or OR conditions.

[0121] Next, we will explain the login screen and start screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the login screen and start screen.

[0122] 6(A) is displayed on the user terminal 5 when the user terminal 5 accesses the management server 4. This login screen and subsequent screens are displayed by a station guide application (for example, an application compatible with a mobile terminal OS, a web browser) installed on the user terminal 5.

[0123] The login screen is provided with a user ID input section 101, a password input section 102, and a login button 103. When a user inputs a user ID and password and operates the login button 103, the management server 4 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password. Note that the user ID can be a unique user number or an email address.

[0124] If the user authentication is successful, the user terminal 5 transitions to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0125] The start screen (menu screen) shown in FIG. 6(B) has buttons 111, 112, and 113 for "automatic search," "detailed search," and "profile settings."

[0126] When the "Automatic Search" button 111 is operated on the start screen, a search for battery stations is performed based on default search conditions based on the profile information for each user previously acquired by the management server 4, and the screen transitions to a station guide screen (see Figures 9 and 10) that guides the user to the battery stations that are the search results.

[0127] When the "Advanced Search" button 112 is operated, the screen transitions to an advanced search screen (see FIG. 8) where the user can input their own search conditions and have the management server 4 search for battery stations.

[0128] When the "profile setting" button 113 is operated, the screen transitions to a profile setting screen (see FIG. 7(A)) where the user can set his / her preferences and circumstances as a profile.

[0129] Next, a description will be given of the profile setting screen and the profile registration completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the profile setting screen and the profile registration completion screen.

[0130] The profile setting screen shown in FIG. 7(A) is displayed by selecting "profile setting" on the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0131] The profile setting screen has a user ID display section 121, a replacement timing selection section 122, a waiting time selection section 123, a vehicle model selection section 124, an alert necessity selection section 125, an area display necessity selection section 126, a decision button 127, and a cancel button 128.

[0132] In the user ID display section 121, the user ID (user number) of the logged-in user is displayed.

[0133] The replacement timing selection unit 122 allows the user to select either "replace frequently" (setting value: 0) or "ride longer" (setting value: 1) using a pull-down menu regarding the timing of battery replacement, depending on the user's desire (preference, convenience, etc.). For example, if the user does not want to worry about running out of power (a state in which the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 has run out and the vehicle is no longer capable of running), the user should select "replace frequently." Also, if the user's billing method is to pay each time the battery is replaced, the cost of battery replacement can be reduced by using it to the limit, so in this case the user should select "ride longer."

[0134] In the waiting time selection unit 123, the user can select the length of the allowable waiting time (for example, 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes) using a pull-down menu according to the user's request (preference, convenience, etc.).

[0135] The vehicle type selection unit 124 allows the user to select the vehicle type of the electric vehicle 1 to be used by the user using a pull-down menu. Vehicle types include, for example, a compact vehicle equipped with one battery pack 2 (setting value: 1), a medium-sized vehicle equipped with two battery packs 2 (setting value: 2), and a large vehicle equipped with four battery packs 2 (setting value: 3).

[0136] In the alert necessity selection unit 125, the user can select, using a pull-down menu, whether or not to issue an alert (ON or OFF) to prompt the user to replace the battery.

[0137] In the area display necessity selection unit 126, the user can select (ON or OFF) using a pull-down menu whether or not to display the drivable area 157 on the station guide screen (see Figs. 9 and 10). Note that in cases where the membership type can be identified based on the user ID or the like, the profile setting screen may display pre-selected recommended settings (popular setting states) so that the user can change them according to their preferences.

[0138] Here, when the user makes a selection on each section of the profile setting screen and operates the decision button 127, the management server 4 performs a process of registering the information input by the user as profile information. In response to this, the user terminal 5 transitions to a profile registration completion screen (see FIG. 7(B)). On the other hand, when the cancel button 128 is operated, the screen returns to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0139] The profile registration completion screen shown in FIG. 7(B) has a character 131 indicating that the profile registration has been completed, and a button 132 for instructing the user to return to the start screen.

[0140] Next, we will explain the detailed search screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed search screen.

[0141] The advanced search screen is displayed by selecting "Advanced Search" on the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0142] The detailed search screen is provided with a date input section 141, a time input section 142, a location input section 143, a search button 144, and a cancel button 145.

[0143] The date input unit 141 allows the user to input a date (year, month, and day) as a search criterion. The date may be selectable using a calendar screen or the like. The time input unit 142 allows the user to input a time as a search criterion. The current date and time (date and time) may be displayed initially, and if the user does not specify a date and time, a battery station search may be performed using the current date and time. The location input unit 143 allows the user to input a location as a search criterion. The user may be able to select each district within the service area using a pull-down menu or the like, or to specify a location from an overall map of the service area.

[0144] Here, when the user inputs search conditions (date, time, location) and operates search button 144, management server 4 performs a battery station search based on the input search conditions, and station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that guides the user to the battery stations that are the search results is displayed on user terminal 5. On the other hand, when cancel button 145 is operated, the screen returns to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0145] Next, the station guide screen displayed on the user terminal 5 will be described. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the station guide screen. Here, Fig. 9(A), Fig. 9(B), and Fig. 10(A) show the transition status of the station guide screen. Fig. 10(B) shows the change status of the display form of the battery icon 153 according to the charging rate.

[0146] The station guide screen is displayed by selecting the "automatic search" on the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).The station guide screen is also displayed by entering search conditions (date, time, location) on the advanced search screen (see FIG. 8) and operating the search button 144.

[0147] The station guide screen displays a guide map in which a battery station display section 152 is superimposed on an area map 151 (road map). The battery station display section 152 includes a battery icon 153, a lendable number display section 154, and a lending threshold display section 155. The lendable number display section 154 displays the number of battery packs 2 that are charged and available for lending at the corresponding battery station.

[0148] 10(B), the form of the battery icon 153 changes depending on the charging rate of the battery pack 2. When the charging rate has not reached 100%, the battery icon 153 displays an empty space in a light color at the top, and the empty space becomes smaller as the charging rate increases. This allows the user to easily recognize the charging rate of the battery pack 2. The current charging rate of the battery pack 2 may also be displayed in text.

[0149] The lending threshold display unit 155 displays the lending threshold, i.e., the lower limit of the charging rate of the battery pack 2 that is permitted to be lent. The lending threshold display unit 155 is in a displayed state when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged can be lent in extended lending mode. On the other hand, when there is no battery pack 2 that can be lent in extended lending mode, or when the normal lending mode is active because there is a fully charged battery pack 2, the lending threshold display unit 155 is in a hidden state.

[0150] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, an electric vehicle icon 156 indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 1 is superimposed on the area map 151. The management server 4 acquires location information from the user terminal 5 and displays the electric vehicle icon 156 based on the location information.

[0151] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, the user can perform an operation to select a battery station display section 152. At this time, when the battery station display section 152 is operated (for example, tapped), detailed information (such as the location and contact information) about the corresponding battery station is displayed. Furthermore, when the battery station display section 152 is operated (for example, pressed and held) on the station guide screen, the screen transitions to a reservation screen (see FIG. 11(A)).

[0152] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, a drivable area 157 is displayed on the area map 151 (road map). This drivable area 157 is an area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel without changing the battery. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drivable area 157 is displayed as a circular area with a radius that is based on the current location of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user and the drivable distance based on the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1. Furthermore, on the station guide screen, areas outside the drivable area 157 are displayed in gray. Furthermore, the drivable area 157 is not displayed if the user disables the screen display on the profile setting screen (see FIG. 7(A)).

[0153] The drivable distance is the distance that the electric vehicle 1 can travel before the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user reaches the user's allowable remaining capacity based on the replacement timing specified by the user. Therefore, the size of the drivable area 157 varies depending on the setting of the replacement timing. That is, in the case of "frequent battery replacement," the drivable distance is shorter, and therefore the drivable area 157 is smaller, and in the case of "long rides," the drivable distance is longer, and therefore the drivable area 157 is larger.

[0154] Furthermore, on the station guidance screen, the state of the battery station display unit 152 changes depending on the result of a determination (guidance suitability determination) as to whether the battery station to be guided, i.e., whether it is a battery station that is capable of battery replacement that meets the user's needs and to which the user should be guided for battery replacement, is the target battery station.

[0155] Specifically, if the battery station is the target of the guidance, battery station display unit 152 becomes active, and lendable battery number display unit 154 is displayed in a color (e.g., blue) that indicates an active state. On the other hand, if the battery station is unable to perform a battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs and should not guide the user to a battery replacement, battery station display unit 152 becomes inactive, and lendable battery number display unit 154 is displayed in a color (e.g., gray) that indicates an inactive state.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the battery station display unit 152 is in an enabled state, it is possible to select the battery station display unit 152, and it is possible to display detailed information about the battery station or transition to a reservation screen (see FIG. 11(A)) for making a reservation for battery replacement at the battery station. On the other hand, when the battery station display unit 152 is in an disabled state, it is not possible to select the battery station display unit 152.

[0157] The station guide screen also has a rental mode display section 158. The rental mode display section 158 displays the current rental mode (normal rental mode or extended rental mode), allowing the user to confirm the current rental mode.

[0158] 9(A), 9(B), and 10(A) show an example of the transition of the station guide screen over time. Battery stations BS1 to BS5 are displayed on the station guide screen, but the following description focuses on battery stations BS3, BS4, and BS5.

[0159] Battery station BS3 is located within travelable area 157. In addition, the rental threshold for battery station BS3 is set to 80%.

[0160] In battery station BS3, at the time shown in Fig. 9(A), there are no battery packs 2 whose charge rate has reached 80% of the rental threshold, so the number of battery packs available for rental display 154 is 0. On the other hand, at the time shown in Fig. 9(B), two battery packs 2 have reached 80% of the threshold, so the number of battery packs available for rental display 154 has increased to two. In addition, rental threshold display 155 is displayed, and the rental threshold of 80% is displayed on rental threshold display 155. Furthermore, at the time shown in Fig. 10(A), two battery packs 2 have reached 100% of the charge rate, so the system switches to normal rental mode, and rental threshold display 155 is not displayed.

[0161] Battery station BS4 is located within travelable area 157. Furthermore, the rental threshold for battery station BS4 is set to 70%.

[0162] At the time shown in FIG. 9(A) in battery station BS4, there are two battery packs 2 whose charge rate has reached 70% of the rental threshold, so the number of available battery packs for rental display unit 154 shows 2. In addition, rental threshold display unit 155 is in a display state, and the threshold of 70% is displayed on rental threshold display unit 155. At the time shown in FIG. 9(B), the charge rate of battery pack 2 has risen to 90%, but there is no change in the display state of number of available battery packs for rental display unit 154 and rental threshold display unit 155. At the time shown in FIG. 10(A), the charge rate of battery pack 2 has risen to 100%, so the system has transitioned to normal rental mode, and rental threshold display unit 155 is in a non-display state.

[0163] Battery station BS5 is located outside travelable area 157. Furthermore, the rental threshold is set to 90% at battery station BS5. Because battery station BS5 is located outside travelable area 157, rental number display section 154 is displayed in gray.

[0164] 9(A), there are four battery packs 2 whose charge rates have reached 90% of the rental threshold, and therefore the number of available battery packs for rental display unit 154 is 4. Furthermore, rental threshold display unit 155 is in a display state, and the threshold of 90% is displayed on rental threshold display unit 155. Meanwhile, at the time shown in FIG. 9(B), two battery packs 2 have reached 100% charge, and therefore the system transitions to normal rental mode, and rental threshold display unit 155 is in a non-display state. Furthermore, at the time shown in FIG. 10(A), two battery packs 2 whose charge rates are 100% have been rented out, and therefore there are no battery packs 2 whose charge rates are 100%, but only two battery packs 2 whose charge rates have reached 90% of the rental threshold and are not yet fully charged remain, and therefore the number of available battery packs for rental display unit 154 is 2. Furthermore, since the mode has shifted to the extended lending mode, the lending threshold display section 155 is in a display state, and the lending threshold display section 155 displays 90% of the lending threshold.

[0165] The examples shown in FIGS. 9(A), 9(B), and 10(A) are for cases where the target electric vehicle 1 is equipped with two battery packs 2, i.e., where battery packs 2 are rented in units of two. In this case, the number of battery packs 2 available for rent is displayed as an even number. On the other hand, when targeting electric vehicles 1 equipped with one battery pack or three or more battery packs, the displayed number of battery packs 2 available for rent is not limited to an even number. Furthermore, when targeting electric vehicles 1 equipped with different numbers of battery packs 2, the screen display may change depending on the number of battery packs 2 installed in the electric vehicle 1 used by the user. Specifically, for example, when the number of battery packs 2 installed in the electric vehicle 1 used by the user is three, the number of battery packs 2 available for rent is displayed as a multiple of three.

[0166] Next, we will explain the reservation screen and reservation completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the reservation screen and reservation completion screen.

[0167] The reservation screen shown in Figure 11 (A) is displayed by selecting a battery station on the station guide screen (see Figures 9 and 10), specifically by operating (tapping) the battery station display section 152.

[0168] The reservation screen has a station information display section 161, a reservation button 162, and a cancel button 163. The station information display section 161 displays information about the battery station, specifically, the name of the battery station and the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rent (number of remaining batteries).

[0169] When the user checks the information about the battery station and operates the reservation button 162, the management server 4 performs a process to accept the reservation for battery replacement. When the reservation is completed on the management server 4, the user terminal 5 transitions to a reservation completion screen (see FIG. 11(B)). Also, when the cancel button 163 is operated, the screen returns to the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0170] The reservation completion screen shown in Fig. 11(B) has a reservation completion notification section 171, a battery station information display section 172, and a button 173 for instructing the user to return to the start screen. Reservation completion notification section 171 displays text notifying the user that the reservation has been completed. Battery station information display section 172 displays information about the battery station, specifically the name of the battery station. When the user confirms that the reservation has been completed and operates button 173, the screen returns to the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)).

[0171] Next, a description will be given of the alert screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the alert screen.

[0172] When a predetermined condition for issuing an alert is met, an alert (battery replacement notification) is issued in the management server 4. In this embodiment, an alert screen shown in FIG.

[0173] The alert screen displays a notification box 181. The notification box 181 is displayed, for example, as a pop-up superimposed on the standby screen. The notification box 181 displays text indicating that a battery exchange will soon become unavailable at a battery station that meets the user's needs, and text urging the user to make a reservation for a battery exchange.

[0174] This makes it possible to avoid the inconvenience of running out of power before arriving at a battery station where battery replacement is possible.

[0175] Note that an alert may be issued when the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user falls below the allowable remaining capacity by comparing the allowable remaining capacity based on the replacement timing specified by the user. In this case, the alert screen may be configured to display text urging the user to immediately replace the battery.

[0176] Next, the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 will be described. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when logging in and when setting a profile. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when selecting automatic search and advanced search. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 when making a reservation.

[0177] First, the process of logging in will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13(A), when a station guide application is started on the user terminal 5, a login screen (see Fig. 6(A)) is displayed. When the user performs a login operation on this login screen, a login request is sent to the management server 4.

[0178] When the management server 4 receives a login request from the user terminal 5, it performs user authentication based on the user ID and password included in the request, and sends a login response to the user terminal 5.

[0179] When the user terminal 5 receives a login response from the management server 4, if the user authentication is successful and the login is approved, the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)) is displayed. If the user authentication fails, an error screen (not shown) is displayed.

[0180] Next, the process of setting a profile will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13(B), when the user selects profile setting on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)) of the user terminal 5, a request for profile setting is sent to the management server 4.

[0181] When the management server 4 receives a profile setting request from the user terminal 5, if the corresponding user has already set a profile, the management server 4 acquires the profile information. Then, the management server 4 sends a profile setting response to the user terminal 5. This response includes the profile information of the corresponding user. Note that when setting a profile for the first time, a response that does not include profile information is sent.

[0182] When the user terminal 5 receives the profile setting response from the management server 4, it displays a profile setting screen (see FIG. 7(A)) based on the information included in the response. Next, when the user performs a selection operation on the profile setting screen and performs an operation to instruct profile registration, the user terminal 5 sends a profile registration request to the management server 4. This request includes screen operation information (input information) of the user on the profile setting screen.

[0183] When the management server 4 receives a profile registration request from the user terminal 5, it updates the profile information of the corresponding user based on the information included in the request. Note that when a profile is set for the first time, new profile information is registered. The management server 4 then sends a profile registration response to the user terminal 5.

[0184] When the user terminal 5 receives the profile registration response from the management server 4, it displays a profile registration completion screen (see FIG. 7(B)). Then, when the user performs an operation to transition to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)), the user terminal 5 returns to the start screen.

[0185] Next, the case where the automatic search is selected will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14(A), when the user selects the automatic search on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)) of the user terminal 5, a request for the automatic search is sent to the management server 4.

[0186] When the management server 4 receives a request for a random search from the user terminal 5, it sets a target area using the current position of the electric vehicle 1 as a reference position and searches a map of the target area (map search). Next, the management server 4 acquires position information of battery stations located within the target area, and acquires information about the current charging status of the battery pack 2 at those battery stations (battery station information acquisition). Then, the management server 4 transmits a response to the random search to the user terminal 5. This response includes a map of the target area and information about the battery stations located within the target area.

[0187] When the user terminal 5 receives a response to the random search from the management server 4, it displays a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) based on the information contained in the response.

[0188] Next, the case where an advanced search is selected will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14(B), when the user selects an advanced search on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)) of the user terminal 5, a request for an advanced search is sent to the management server 4.

[0189] When the management server 4 receives a request for an advanced search from the user terminal 5, if the corresponding user has already performed an advanced search, it acquires the advanced search information from that time. Then, the management server 4 sends a response to the advanced search to the user terminal 5. This response includes the advanced search information of the corresponding user.

[0190] When the user terminal 5 receives a response to the detailed search from the management server 4, it displays a detailed search screen (see FIG. 8) based on the information included in the response. When the user inputs search conditions (date and time of use, location of use) on this detailed search screen and issues a search instruction, a request for registering detailed search information is sent to the management server 4. This request includes screen operation information (input information) of the user on the detailed search screen.

[0191] When the management server 4 receives a request for detailed search information registration from the user terminal 5, it updates the detailed search information for the corresponding user based on the information included in the request. The management server 4 also sets a target area using a location specified by the user as a reference position and searches a map of the target area (map search). Next, the management server 4 acquires information (such as location information) about battery stations located within the target area (battery station information acquisition). The management server 4 then transmits a response to the detailed search information registration to the user terminal 5. This response includes a map of the target area and information about the battery stations located within the target area.

[0192] When the user terminal 5 receives the response to the detailed information registration from the management server 4, it displays a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) based on the information contained in the response.

[0193] Next, the process of making a reservation will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 15, when the user selects a battery station on the station guide screen (see Figs. 9 and 10) of the user terminal 5, a reservation guide request is sent to the management server 4. This request includes information about the battery station selected by the user.

[0194] When the management server 4 receives a reservation information request from the user terminal 5, it acquires reservation information (information related to the reservation for battery replacement) for the battery station selected by the user based on the information included in the request. The management server 4 then sends a reservation information response to the user terminal 5. This response includes the reservation information for the corresponding battery station, specifically, the name of the battery station and the number of charged batteries available for rent (number of remaining batteries).

[0195] When the user terminal 5 receives the reservation information response from the management server 4, it displays a reservation screen (see FIG. 11(A)) based on the information included in the response. Next, when the user performs an operation on the reservation screen to instruct a reservation, the user terminal 5 sends a reservation request to the management server 4.

[0196] When the management server 4 receives a reservation request from the user terminal 5, it updates (confirms) the reservation information for the corresponding battery station. Then, the management server 4 sends a reservation response to the user terminal 5. When the reservation information is updated (confirmed), the management server 4 also updates the lending order list of the battery packs 2 and sends it to the battery exchange machine 3, thereby controlling the lending of the battery packs 2 to the user.

[0197] When the user terminal 5 receives the reservation response from the management server 4, it displays a reservation completion screen (see FIG. 11(B)). Then, when the user performs an operation to transition to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)), the user terminal 5 returns to the start screen.

[0198] In this embodiment, when an event related to battery replacement occurs, specifically an event of providing information about a battery station where the user can replace the battery or an event of issuing an alert urging the user to replace the battery, the management server 4 refers to the setting information (profile information) regarding the user's desire for battery replacement and the sold-out indicator, and displays a station information screen or an alert screen on the user terminal 5 as a notification screen related to the event.

[0199] This allows the user to receive information about battery stations where they can change their batteries, and to receive alerts urging them to change their batteries, in a way that meets the user's needs (preferences, convenience, etc.), thereby enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, by referencing an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability of battery rentals at each battery station, it is possible to appropriately display a notification screen regarding an event.

[0200] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0201] For example, in this embodiment, guidance on battery stations where batteries can be replaced is provided based on the extended rental conditions set by the administrator, but guidance on battery stations may also be provided based on the extended rental conditions set by the user in addition to the extended rental conditions set by the administrator. For example, if the user does not set extended rental conditions, guidance on battery stations may be provided based on the extended rental conditions set by the administrator, and if the user sets extended rental conditions, the extended rental conditions set by the user may be applied in preference to the extended rental conditions set by the administrator. [Industrial Applicability]

[0202] The battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device of the present invention have the effect of expanding the range of battery devices that are permitted for rental when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices at a battery station, and providing users with sufficient information regarding the rental of incompletely charged battery devices that are not normally rented out.They are useful as a battery management system and battery management method that manage battery stations and battery devices, as well as a terminal device carried by a user, in a battery exchange service where users of electric vehicles and the like exchange battery devices at a battery station. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 Electric vehicles 2 Battery pack (battery device) 3 Battery exchange machine (battery exchange device) 4 Management Server (Server Device) 5. User terminal (terminal device) 6 Management terminal 54 Station information display unit 57 Reservation Management Department 73 Extended lending rule input section 75 Lending threshold specification section 76 Period specification section 77 Day of the week designation section 78 Time zone specification section 81 Extended lending rules list display section

Claims

1. a plurality of battery exchange devices disposed in a battery station, which receive and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the exchange status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; a terminal device owned by a user and connected to the server device via a network; A battery management system comprising: The server device storing setting information for managing, for each battery station, an extended lending mode that permits lending of incompletely charged battery devices that satisfy predetermined extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices in the battery station based on a manager's designation; By referring to the setting information, switching between a normal lending mode in which only fully charged battery devices are permitted to be lent at each battery station and the extended lending mode is controlled; A battery management system characterized by guiding the user to battery stations based on control of the rental mode and displaying a guidance screen on the terminal device containing information on the transition status to the extended rental mode at each battery station.

2. The server device 2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device displays the guide screen on which battery stations that can rent battery devices in the extended rental mode are superimposed on a map.

3. The server device Based on the administrator's designation, setting information regarding prohibition of transition to the extended lending mode is stored for each battery station, The battery management system according to claim 1 , wherein the extended lending mode in each battery station is controlled based on the setting information.

4. The server device 2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein information regarding a reservation for battery replacement is acquired in response to a user's operation on the guidance screen displayed on the terminal device.

5. The server device The battery management system described in claim 1, characterized in that the extended lending mode at each battery station is controlled based on the setting information, which includes, as the extended lending conditions, a lending threshold, which is the lower limit of the charging rate at which the lending of the battery device is permitted in the extended lending mode, and application conditions regarding at least one of a period, a day of the week, and a time period.

6. The server device 2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein history information relating to past rental status at each battery station is analyzed to determine whether or not to transition to the extended rental mode.

7. A battery management method for managing a battery station in a server device where a user replaces a battery device and the battery devices, comprising: storing setting information for managing, for each battery station, an extended lending mode that permits lending of incompletely charged battery devices that satisfy predetermined extended lending conditions when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices in the battery station based on a designation by an administrator; By referring to the setting information, switching between a normal lending mode in which only fully charged battery devices are permitted to be lent at each battery station and the extended lending mode is controlled; A battery management method characterized by guiding a user to a battery station based on control of the rental mode and displaying a guidance screen on a terminal device containing information regarding the transition status to the extended rental mode at each battery station.

Images