Server, guidance method, and notification device

Abstract

To provide a server that allows a predetermined facility to be easily used while a power controller is in use.SOLUTION: A server 100 includes a processor 101 (control unit) that extracts a facility 40 available during a reservation period in which an EVSE 20 is reserved for use, and a communication unit 103 that transmits information on the extracted facility 40 to an electric vehicle 10 associated with a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a guidance method, and a notification device. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2013-137071 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system in which an electric vehicle is charged based on a reservation for use of a charger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013-137071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, users of electric vehicles want to make effective use of the time while their electric vehicles are charging. Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows users to easily use facilities such as restaurants while using a charger (power controller).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a server, a guidance method, and an alarm device that allow for easy use of specified facilities while using a power controller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A server according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that extracts facilities that are available for use by a user who uses a power controller during a reservation period for which use of the power controller is reserved, from among facilities other than a power controller that is capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle, and a communication unit that transmits information about the extracted facilities to at least one of an electric vehicle and an information device associated with the user.

[0007] As described above, the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure extracts facilities available during a reservation period for which use of a power controller is reserved, and notifies the user of information about the extracted facilities. This allows the user to obtain information about facilities available during the reservation period for the power controller. As a result, the user can easily use the facilities while using the power controller. This allows the user to effectively use time at the facilities while power control is being executed.

[0008] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities that can be reserved within the reservation period. With this configuration, the user can obtain information on facilities that can be reserved within the reservation period of the power controller.

[0009] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities that are available during the reservation period based on a predicted value of the stay time at the facilities. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately extract facilities that are available during the reservation period of the power controller based on the predicted value of the stay time at the facilities.

[0010] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities that are available during the reservation period based on a waiting time until the facility is used. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately extract facilities that are available during the reservation period of the power controller based on the waiting time until the facility is used.

[0011] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities that are available during the reservation period based on travel time required to travel from the power controller to the facilities. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately extract facilities that are available during the reservation period of the power controller based on travel time required to travel to the facilities.

[0012] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities that are available during the reservation period based on the sum of a predicted value of the stay time at the facility, a waiting time before using the facility, and a travel time required to move from the power controller to the facility. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately extract facilities that are available during the reservation period of the power controller based on the predicted value of the stay time at the facility, the waiting time before using the facility, and the travel time required to move to the facility.

[0013] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities available during the reservation period based on the type of facility the user wishes to use during the reservation period. This configuration allows the user to use the facility they desire during the reservation period. As a result, the user can make more effective use of their time during the reservation period.

[0014] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably extracts facilities located within a predetermined range based on the position of the reserved power controller. With this configuration, facilities outside the predetermined range are excluded from the extraction, so that the processing load on the control unit can be reduced and the extraction process can be completed more quickly than in a case where facilities outside the predetermined range are also included in the extraction.

[0015] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably adjusts the incentive to be given to the user in accordance with the degree of congestion at the facility that the user has decided to use during the reservation period. This configuration allows the user to select a facility that offers a larger incentive. As a result, the degree of congestion at the facility can be easily adjusted.

[0016] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably predicts the time the user will depart from the facility based on the predicted value of the stay time, calculates execution conditions for power control to bring the electric vehicle to a State Of Charge (SOC) based on a full charge at the departure time corresponding to the facility that the user has decided to use, and controls the electric vehicle so that power control is performed in accordance with the execution conditions. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the electric vehicle from being overcharged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery of the electric vehicle from deteriorating. Note that the SOC based on a full charge includes an SOC of 100% and also an SOC close to 100%.

[0017] A facility guidance method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: extracting facilities that are available to a user who uses a power controller during a reservation period for which use of the power controller is reserved, from among facilities other than a power controller that is capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle; and transmitting information about the extracted facilities to at least one of an electric vehicle and an information device associated with the user.

[0018] In the facility guidance method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, facilities that are available during a reservation period for which use of a power controller is reserved are extracted, and information about the extracted facilities is notified to the user. This makes it possible to provide a facility guidance method that allows the user to easily use the facilities while using the power controller.

[0019] A server according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that extracts a power controller that can be used by a user who uses a facility during a planned usage period in which the facility, which is different from the power controller, is scheduled to be used, from among power controllers capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle, and a communication unit that transmits information of the extracted power controller to at least one of an electric vehicle and an information device associated with the user.

[0020] As described above, the server according to the third aspect of the present disclosure extracts power controllers available for use during a planned period in which facility use is planned, and notifies the user of information about the extracted power controllers. This allows the user to obtain information about power controllers available for use during the planned period in which the facility is used. As a result, the user can easily use the power controllers while using the specified facility.

[0021] A notification device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure notifies a user of facilities that are available during a reservation period for which use of the power controller is reserved, among facilities other than a power controller that is capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle.

[0022] As described above, the notification device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure notifies the user of information about power controllers that can be used during a planned usage period for a facility, thereby providing a notification device that allows the user to easily use the facility while the power controller is in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, a user can easily use a predetermined facility while using a power controller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating sequence control of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of an initial screen of a reservation screen for an EVSE according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a screen after facility extraction on the reservation screen of the EVSE according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting reservable facilities according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting non-reservable facilities according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the SOC of an electric vehicle and time. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating sequence control of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of an initial screen of a reservation screen for an EVSE according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a screen of the EVSE reservation screen after EVSE extraction according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting an EVSE when using a facility that can be reserved according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting an EVSE when a facility that cannot be reserved is used according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to a first embodiment. The system 1 includes a server 100, an electric vehicle 10, a plurality of EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20, and a facility 40. The system 1 may include only one EVSE 20. For simplicity, the example shown in FIG. 1 illustrates only one EVSE 20. The EVSE 20 is an example of a "power controller" in the present disclosure.

[0027] The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0028] The electric vehicle 10 includes a navigation system 11 and a communication device 12. The electric vehicle 10 also includes a battery 13 that supplies power to electrical devices such as the navigation system 11 and the communication device 12. The communication device 12 may include a DCM (Data Communication Module) or a communication I / F compatible with 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system). The navigation system 11 is an example of the "notification device" of the present disclosure.

[0029] The electric vehicle 10 is configured to be electrically connectable to the EVSE 20. A charging cable 21 connected to the EVSE 20 is connected to an inlet of the electric vehicle 10, thereby charging the battery 13 of the electric vehicle 10. Charging the battery 13 using the EVSE 20 is an example of "power control" in the present disclosure.

[0030] The server 100 manages the charging reservations of the electric vehicle 10 (and other electric vehicles) in each of the multiple EVSEs 20.

[0031] Server 100 is also configured to manage information on a plurality of registered electric vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and information on a plurality of registered EVSEs 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in memory 102, which will be described later.

[0032] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user, and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to store information received from the mobile terminal 14 separately for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user. The mobile terminal 14 is an example of an "information device" in the present disclosure.

[0033] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the travel schedule of each electric vehicle 10.

[0034] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 20 and the status of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE 20. The EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 that are connected to each other (for example, a combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0035] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. The processor 101 is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure.

[0036] The memory 102 stores programs executed by the processor 101 as well as information used in the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters).

[0037] Memory 102 also stores information related to the time required to visit facility 40. Facility 40 includes, for example, a cafe 41 and a restaurant 42. Facility 40 may also include a shopping store. Memory 102 stores, for example, information that the time required to visit cafe 41 and restaurant 42 is 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. For example, memory 102 may store the average time spent by customers at each facility 40 as the time required to visit each facility 40.

[0038] The memory 102 also stores location information of each EVSE 20 and location information of each facility 40.

[0039] The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103. Specifically, the processor 101 communicates with the communication device 12 (or the mobile terminal 14) of the electric vehicle 10, each EVSE 20, and each facility 40 (41, 42) through the communication unit 103.

[0040] Here, a user of the electric vehicle 10 may wish to make effective use of the time while the electric vehicle 10 is being charged. In this case, it is conceivable that the user may have a meal or the like at a facility 40 around the EVSE 20 while the electric vehicle 10 is being charged. However, if the facility 40 is crowded, it may be difficult for the user to have a meal or the like while the electric vehicle 10 is being charged. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that allows the user to easily use the facility 40 while the electric vehicle 10 is being charged, thereby improving the convenience for the user at the facility 40.

[0041] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 extracts facilities 40 that are available to a user who uses the EVSE 20 during a reservation period for which use of the EVSE 20 is reserved. Then, the communication unit 103 transmits information about the extracted facilities 40 to the electric vehicle 10 associated with the user. Note that the communication unit 103 may transmit the information to the mobile terminal 14, or may transmit the information to both the mobile terminal 14 and the electric vehicle 10. When the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 14, the mobile terminal 14 is an example of a "notification device" of the present disclosure.

[0042] (How to guide the facility) A method for providing guidance to the facility 40 that the user will use during the reservation period of the EVSE 20 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0043] In step S1, the user of the electric vehicle 10 accesses a reservation site for making a reservation for use of the EVSE 20 through the navigation system 11. As a result, a reservation screen 30 (see FIG. 3) for the EVSE 20 is displayed on the navigation system 11. Note that the access to the reservation site and the display of the reservation screen 30 may be performed by the mobile terminal 14. Furthermore, the configuration of the reservation screen 30 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 described below.

[0044] In step S2, the user of the electric vehicle 10 inputs information about the EVSE 20 to be used (such as the EVSE-ID) into an input field 31 of the reservation screen 30. The input field 31 is, for example, a pull-down input field. The user also inputs a reservation period (reservation period for the EVSE 20) for reserving charging of the battery 13 into an input field 32 of the reservation screen 30. The input field 32 includes a field 32a for inputting the start time of the reservation period and a field 32b for inputting the end time of the reservation period. Note that each of the fields 32a and 32b is a pull-down input field configured to allow selection of a time in 15-minute increments, for example. In the following description, the EVSE 20 refers to the EVSE 20 input into the input field 31 by the user.

[0045] In step S3, the user inputs the type of facility desired by the user into input field 33 (see FIG. 3) on reservation screen 30. The types of facility include, for example, restaurants, shopping, movie theaters, convenience stores, and restrooms. Input field 33 is, for example, a pull-down input field. Then, by selecting button 34 on reservation screen 30, processing from step S4 onwards is started.

[0046] In step S4, the processor 101 acquires reservation status or waiting time information corresponding to the type of facility 40 specified by the user in step S3 from among the facilities 40 located within a predetermined range E1 (see FIG. 1) based on the position of the EVSE 20 specified in step S2. In this way, the processor 101 acquires information about the degree of congestion of the facilities 40 within the predetermined range E1. Note that the predetermined range E1 is, for example, an area within a radius R1 (e.g., 500 m) centered on the EVSE 20. In the following description, the facility 40 refers to the facility 40 located within the predetermined range E1 and of the type specified by the user in step S3. In addition, only one facility 40 may be provided in the predetermined range E1.

[0047] Specifically, the processor 101 receives information on the reservation status or waiting time of the facility 40 from each facility 40 via the communication unit 103. The processor 101 may estimate the reservation status or waiting time of the facility 40 based on information on the congestion level transmitted from each facility 40 (for example, information on the number of vehicles and people in the facility 40).

[0048] In step S5, the processor 101 sets an incentive for use of each facility 40. The processor 101 sets (adjusts) the incentive according to the degree of congestion of each facility 40 based on the information acquired in step S4. The incentive may include, for example, a discount on the usage fee of the facility 40 or the provision of a coupon that can be used at the facility 40. The processor 101 sets a larger incentive for a facility 40 that is less crowded.

[0049] In step S6, processor 101 acquires information on the predicted value of the stay time at each facility 40. As described above, the predicted value of the stay time corresponding to each facility 40 is stored in memory 102. Specifically, processor 101 acquires information from memory 102 indicating that the predicted value of the stay time at restaurant 42 is 60 minutes. Processor 101 also acquires information from memory 102 indicating that the predicted value of the stay time at cafe 41 is 30 minutes.

[0050] The processor 101 may correct the predicted value of the stay time stored in the memory 102 according to the degree of congestion at each facility 40. Specifically, the processor 101 may perform a correction such that the higher the degree of congestion at the facility 40, the larger the predicted value.

[0051] In step S7, the processor 101 acquires (calculates) information on the time required to travel from the EVSE 20 to each facility 40. Specifically, the processor 101 calculates the distance between the EVSE 20 and each facility 40 using the location information of the EVSE 20 and the location information of each facility 40 stored in the memory 102. Then, the processor 101 calculates the time required to travel from the EVSE 20 to each facility 40 based on the calculated distance.

[0052] The processor 101 may correct the travel time required to travel from the EVSE 20 to each facility 40 depending on the user of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the processor 101 may make a correction to increase the travel time if the users include children or elderly people. The processor 101 may also correct the travel time depending on information about the user's means of transportation (walking, taxi, etc.).

[0053] In step S8, the processor 101 extracts facilities 40 that are available for use during the reservation period for the EVSE 20 within the predetermined range E1, based on the information corresponding to each of steps S3, S4, S6, and S7.

[0054] 5 shows an example of extracting facilities 40 (e.g., restaurants 42) that can be reserved. Processor 101 extracts facilities 40 that can be reserved within the reservation period of EVSE 20 (12:00 to 14:00 in FIG. 5). In detail, processor 101 extracts facilities 40 where the period from the reservation time of facility 40 (12:30 in FIG. 5) to the time the user returns to EVSE 20 (13:45 in FIG. 5) falls within the reservation period.

[0055] The processor 101 predicts the time at which the user will depart from the facility 40 (13:30 in FIG. 5) based on the reservation time at the facility 40 and the predicted stay time corresponding to step S6 (1 hour in FIG. 5). The processor 101 also predicts the time at which the user will return to the EVSE 20 based on the travel time corresponding to step S7 (15 minutes in FIG. 5) and the predicted departure time. That is, the processor 101 performs the extraction based on the sum of the predicted stay time and the travel time. Note that if a waiting time is predicted even though the facility 40 is available for reservation, the waiting time may be added to the sum to perform the extraction.

[0056] On the other hand, Fig. 6 shows an example in which a facility 40 (e.g., a cafe 41) that cannot be reserved is extracted. The processor 101 extracts facilities 40 that can be used within the reservation period for the EVSE 20 (12:00 to 14:00 in Fig. 6). In detail, the processor 101 extracts facilities 40 whose period from the start time of the reservation period for the EVSE 20 (12:00 in Fig. 6) to the time the user returns to the EVSE 20 (13:30 in Fig. 6) falls within the reservation period. Note that a facility 40 that cannot be reserved means a facility 40 for which no system exists for making reservations.

[0057] The processor 101 predicts the start time of use of the facility 40 (12:45 in FIG. 6) based on the start time of the reservation period for the EVSE 20, the travel time corresponding to step S7 (15 minutes in FIG. 6), and the waiting time corresponding to step S4 (30 minutes in FIG. 6). The processor 101 also predicts the time at which the user will depart from the facility 40 (13:15 in FIG. 6) based on the start time of use and the predicted stay time corresponding to step S6 (30 minutes in FIG. 6). The processor 101 also predicts the time at which the user will return to the EVSE 20 based on the travel time corresponding to step S7 and the predicted departure time. That is, the processor 101 performs the extraction based on the predicted value of the stay time, the total value of the travel time, and the waiting time.

[0058] In step S9, the processor 101 displays the facilities 40 extracted in step S8 on the reservation screen 30. Fig. 4 shows an example in which a restaurant 42 and a cafe 41 are displayed on the reservation screen 30 as facilities 40 that can be reserved or are available for use.

[0059] Additionally, the reservation screen 30 displays incentive information corresponding to the extracted facility 40. In the example shown in Fig. 4, a message 36 is displayed on the reservation screen 30 indicating that the restaurant 42 will be discounted by 500 yen as an incentive in response to the selection of the restaurant 42.

[0060] The reservation screen 30 also displays buttons 35 for deciding the time (start time of use) to use the facility 40. The button 35 corresponding to the restaurant 42 displays the time when the restaurant 42 can be reserved. The button 35 corresponding to the cafe 41 displays the time when the cafe 41 is expected to be available for use.

[0061] In step S10, the user selects one of the buttons 35 displayed on the reservation screen 30 to determine the facility 40 to be used and the time of use.

[0062] In step S11, processor 101 determines whether or not the user selected a reservation time slot for facility 40 in step S10. Specifically, processor 101 determines whether or not button 35 corresponding to a facility 40 that can be reserved (restaurant 42) was selected. If button 35 corresponding to a facility 40 that can be reserved was selected (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If button 35 corresponding to a facility 40 that cannot be reserved (cafe 41) was selected (No in S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0063] In step S12, processor 101 executes reservation processing for facility 40 and time period selected in step S10. Note that in step S12, a reservation screen for facility 40 is simply displayed on car navigation system 11 or the like, and the reservation processing may be executed by the user himself / herself.

[0064] In step S13, the processor 101 performs a process of granting the user an incentive corresponding to the facility 40 selected in step S10.

[0065] In step S14, the processor 101 calculates a charging execution condition for bringing the electric vehicle 10 to an SOC based on a full charge (for example, 90%) at the predicted departure time corresponding to the facility 40 selected in step S10. Note that an SOC based on a full charge means an SOC close to a full charge.

[0066] 7, the execution conditions include information on the delay time Tdly from the reservation start time to the start of charging of the EVSE 20. The execution conditions also include information on the charging power during a period τ1 during which the battery 13 is charged with constant power. The execution conditions also include information on the charging voltage during a period τ2 during which the battery 13 is charged with constant voltage.

[0067] In step S15, the processor 101 controls the electric vehicle 10 so that charging of the battery 13 is performed in accordance with the execution conditions for battery charging calculated in step S14. Note that the EVSE 20 may be controlled so that charging is performed in accordance with the above-mentioned execution conditions.

[0068] As described above, in the first embodiment, the server 100 includes the processor 101 that extracts facilities 40 that the user of the electric vehicle 10 can use during a reservation period based on the reservation period for which the user has reserved the use of the EVSE 20, and the communication unit 103 that notifies the user of information about the extracted facilities 40. This allows the user to easily determine their plans for the reservation period by obtaining information about the facilities 40 that can be used during the reservation period.

[0069] [Second embodiment] Next, the server 200 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 13. Unlike the first embodiment, which extracts facilities 40 that can be used during a reservation period for an EVSE 20, the second embodiment extracts EVSEs 20 that can be used during a reservation period for a facility 40. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 2 according to the second embodiment. The system 2 includes a server 200, an electric vehicle 10, a plurality of EVSEs 20, and a plurality of facilities 40. Note that the system 2 may include only one facility 40. In the example shown in FIG. 2, for simplicity, only a restaurant 42 is shown. Note that the facility 40 may also be a cafe 41. The restaurant 42 is an example of a "predetermined facility" in the present disclosure.

[0071] The server 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a communication unit 203. The processor 201 is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure.

[0072] The memory 202 stores information used by the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters) in addition to the programs executed by the processor 201. The memory 202 also stores location information of each EVSE 20 and location information of each facility 40. The memory 202 also stores information related to the required time at each facility 40.

[0073] The communication unit 203 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 201 controls the communication unit 203. Specifically, the processor 201 communicates with the communication device 12 (or the mobile terminal 14) of the electric vehicle 10, each EVSE 20, and each facility 40 via the communication unit 203.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 that can be used by a user who uses the facility 40 during a planned use period in which the facility 40 is planned to be used. Then, the communication unit 203 transmits information about the extracted EVSEs 20 to the electric vehicle 10 associated with the user. Note that the communication unit 203 may transmit the information to the mobile terminal 14, or may transmit the information to both the mobile terminal 14 and the electric vehicle 10.

[0075] (How to guide the facility) A method for providing guidance on the EVSE 20 that a user will use during a reservation period for the facility 40 (restaurant 42) will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0076] In step S21, the user of the electric vehicle 10 accesses a reservation site for making a reservation for use of the EVSE 20 through the navigation system 11. As a result, the navigation system 11 displays a reservation screen 130 for the EVSE 20 (see FIG. 10).

[0077] In step S22, the user of electric vehicle 10 inputs identification information (such as an EVSE-ID) of facility 40 to be used in input field 131 of reservation screen 130. Furthermore, the user inputs a reservation time for facility 40 that can be reserved in input field 132 of reservation screen 130, or inputs a planned start time for facility 40 that cannot be reserved in input field 133. In the second embodiment, a restaurant 42 that can be reserved is used, so a time is input in input field 132. Note that each of input field 132 and input field 133 is a pull-down input field configured to allow selection of a time in 15-minute increments. Then, by selecting button 134 on the reservation screen 130, processing from step S23 onwards is started. Note that in the following description, facility 40 refers to the facility 40 that the user plans to use and that has been input in input field 131 by the user.

[0078] In step S23, processor 201 acquires information on the reservation status or waiting time of EVSEs 20 located within a predetermined range E2 (see FIG. 8) based on the location of facility 40 specified in step S22. As a result, processor 201 acquires information on the degree of congestion of each EVSE 20 within predetermined range E2. Note that predetermined range E2 is, for example, an area within a radius R2 (e.g., 500 m) centered on facility 40. Note that EVSEs 20 in the following description refer to EVSEs 20 located within predetermined range E2. Also, only one EVSE 20 may be provided within predetermined range E2.

[0079] In step S24, the processor 201 sets an incentive for use of each EVSE 20. The processor 201 sets (adjusts) the incentive according to the degree of congestion of each EVSE 20 based on the information acquired in step S23. The incentive may include, for example, a discount on the usage fee for the EVSE 20. The processor 201 sets a larger incentive for an EVSE 20 with a lower degree of congestion.

[0080] In step S25, the processor 201 acquires information on the predicted value of the stay time at the facility 40. As described above, the predicted value of the stay time corresponding to the facility 40 is stored in the memory 202.

[0081] In step S26, the processor 201 acquires (calculates) information on the time required for travel between the facility 40 and each EVSE 20. Specifically, the processor 201 calculates the distance between each EVSE 20 and the facility 40 using the location information of each EVSE 20 stored in the memory 202 and the location information of the facility 40. Then, the processor 201 calculates the time required for travel between each EVSE 20 and the facility 40 based on the calculated distance.

[0082] In step S27, the processor 201 acquires information about the waiting time at the facility 40 that the user plans to use. Specifically, the processor 201 acquires the information about the waiting time via the communication unit 203.

[0083] In step S28, the processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 that can be reserved during the planned period of use of the facility 40, based on the information corresponding to each of steps S23, S25, S26, and S27.

[0084] 12 shows an example in which a reservation has been made for a facility 40 (e.g., a restaurant 42) that can be reserved. The processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 whose planned use period for the facility 40 (12:30 to 13:30 in FIG. 12) falls within the reservation period (for the EVSEs 20).

[0085] In detail, when the reservation time for facility 40 (restaurant 42) is 12:30, processor 201 predicts the end time of use of facility 40 to be 13:30 based on the predicted stay time corresponding to facility 40 (one hour in FIG. 12). Processor 201 calculates the minimum reservation period for required EVSEs 20 to be 12:15 to 13:45 based on the planned period of use of facility 40 and the travel time corresponding to step S26 (15 minutes × 2 in FIG. 6). Processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 that can be reserved at least from 12:15 to 13:45.

[0086] 13 shows an example in which a facility 40 (cafe 41) that does not accept reservations is scheduled to be used. Processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 whose planned use period for facility 40 (12:30 to 13:00 in FIG. 13) falls within the reservation period (for EVSEs 20).

[0087] Specifically, when the scheduled start time of use of facility 40 (cafe 41) is 12:30, processor 201 predicts the end time of use of facility 40 to be 13:00 based on the predicted stay time corresponding to facility 40 (30 minutes in FIG. 13). Processor 201 calculates the minimum reservation period for the required EVSE 20 as 12:00 to 13:15 based on the planned period of use of facility 40, the travel time corresponding to step S26 (15 minutes × 2 in FIG. 13), and the waiting time corresponding to step S27 (15 minutes in FIG. 13). Processor 201 extracts EVSEs 20 that can be reserved at least from 12:00 to 13:15.

[0088] If there is a waiting time in the EVSE 20, the extraction process of step S28 may be performed taking the waiting time into consideration.

[0089] In step S29, the processor 201 displays the EVSE 20 extracted in step S28 on the reservation screen 130 (see FIG. 11). A button 135 for selecting the EVSE 20 to be used is displayed on the reservation screen 130. The button 135 displays the identification information (number) of the EVSE 20 and the reservation period.

[0090] Additionally, the reservation screen 130 displays a message 136 indicating an incentive corresponding to the extracted EVSE 20.

[0091] In step S30, the user selects one of the buttons 135 displayed on the reservation screen 130 to determine the EVSE 20 to use.

[0092] In step S31, processor 201 executes reservation processing for the EVSE 20 selected by the user in step S30. At this time, the EVSE 20 may be reserved for the minimum reservation period required for the EVSE 20 calculated by processor 201. In addition, in response to button 135 being selected, a screen (not shown) for inputting the reservation period for the EVSE 20 may be displayed on car navigation system 11 or the like.

[0093] In step S32, the processor 201 performs processing to grant the user an incentive corresponding to the EVSE 20 selected in step S30.

[0094] The processes in steps S33 and S34 are similar to the processes in steps S14 and S15 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0095] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0096] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which charging is performed in the EVSE 20 is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Discharging (discharging corresponding to a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) or energy management) may also be performed in the EVSE 20. Furthermore, both charging and discharging may also be performed in the EVSE 20.

[0097] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the planned use period of the facility 40 falls within the reservation period of the EVSE 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Part of the planned use period of the facility 40 may fall outside the reservation period of the EVSE 20.

[0098] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the facility 40 or the EVSE 20 is extracted based on the reservation stay time, waiting time, and travel time for the facility 40. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The extraction may be performed without using any of the reservation stay time, waiting time, and travel time. Alternatively, the extraction may be performed using information on any one of the reservation stay time, waiting time, and travel time. Alternatively, the extraction may be performed using information on any two of the reservation stay time, waiting time, and travel time.

[0099] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the user specifies the type of facility 40 desired by the user, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The type of facility 40 desired by the user may be predicted by the server 100 based on the time period, the user's behavior history, etc. Furthermore, the facility 40 may be extracted without using information on the type of facility 40 desired by the user.

[0100] In the first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which the facility 40 (EVSE 20) located within a predetermined range E1 (E2) centered on the EVSE 20 (facility 40) is the target of extraction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The range of the target of extraction does not need to be limited.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments, an incentive is provided according to the degree of congestion of the facility 40 or EVSE 20 that the user has decided to use. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The incentive may be constant regardless of the degree of congestion. Furthermore, an incentive may not be provided to the user regardless of which facility 40 or EVSE 20 is used.

[0102] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example has been shown in which charging is performed so that the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 reaches a value based on full charge (90%) at the scheduled departure time from the facility 40, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Regardless of the scheduled departure time, the conditions for charging (charging power and charging start time) may be constant. Furthermore, charging may be performed so that the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 reaches full charge (100%) at the scheduled departure time from the facility 40.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments, the extracted facility 40 or EVSE 20 is displayed on the reservation screen 30 (130), thereby notifying the user of the extraction result. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the extraction result may be notified to the user by voice.

[0104] The configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Electric vehicle, 11 Navigation system (alarm device), 14 Mobile terminal (information device), 20 EVSE (power controller), 30 Facility, 31 Restaurant (facility), 32 Cafe (facility), 100, 200 Server, 101, 201 Processor (control unit), 103, 203 Communication unit, E1 Predetermined range.

Claims

1. a control unit that extracts, from among facilities other than a power controller that are capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle, facilities that can be used by a user who uses the power controller during a reservation period for which use of the power controller is reserved; and a communication unit that transmits the extracted facility information to at least one of the electric vehicle and an information device associated with the user, The control unit extracting the facilities available during the reservation period based on a predicted value of the stay time at the facilities; predicting a time at which the user will leave the facility based on the predicted value of the stay time; calculating an execution condition for the power control for causing the electric vehicle to have an SOC based on a full charge at the departure time corresponding to the facility that the user has decided to use; a server that controls the electric vehicle so that the power control is performed in accordance with the execution condition;

2. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts the facilities that can be reserved within the reservation period.

3. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts the facilities that are available during the reservation period based on a waiting time until the facility is used.

4. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts the facilities available during the reservation period based on a travel time required to travel from the power control device to the facilities.

5. 3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts the facilities available during the reservation period based on a sum of the predicted value of the stay time, the waiting time before using the facility, and the travel time required to travel from the power controller to the facility.

6. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts the facilities available during the reservation period based on the type of the facility that the user wishes to use during the reservation period.

7. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts the facilities located within a predetermined range based on the position of the reserved power controller.

8. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adjusts the incentive to be given to the user depending on a degree of congestion at the facility determined by the user to be used during the reservation period.

9. a step in which a server extracts, from among facilities other than a power controller capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging of an electric vehicle, facilities that can be used by a user who uses the power controller during a reservation period for which use of the power controller is reserved, based on a predicted value of a stay time at the facility; a step of predicting, by the server, a time at which the user will leave the facility based on the predicted value of the stay time; a step of calculating, by the server, an execution condition for the power control for causing the electric vehicle to have an SOC based on a full charge at the departure time corresponding to the facility that the user has decided to use; a step of controlling the electric vehicle by the server so that the power control is performed in accordance with the execution condition; and a step of transmitting, by the server, information on the extracted facility to at least one of the electric vehicle and an information device associated with the user.

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