Rental System

Abstract

To allow a borrower (4) to easily borrow a battery (2) provided in a mobile body (5).SOLUTION: A management server (7) for managing lending and borrowing of batteries (2) between a lender (3) who lends the batteries (2) and a borrower (4) who borrows the batteries (2) includes: a receiving unit (701) that receives, for each of the batteries (2) provided in a mobile body (5), battery information including battery status information indicating the status of the battery (2) from a communication device (51); a generation unit (703) that generates a map image in which the battery status information that satisfies a predetermined condition, of the battery status information included in the battery information received by the receiving unit (701) is displayed at a position on the map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body (5); and a transmitting unit (702) that transmits map image data of the map image generated by the generation unit (703) to a borrower terminal (80).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server, a rental system, and a method for controlling the management server. [Background technology]

[0002] Because electricity charged by renewable energy can be used in places other than the charging site, batteries have been used in recent years with the aim of increasing the proportion of renewable energy. Technologies using batteries have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle that has a main battery attached to the vehicle body and a drive source that outputs drive power for traveling using the power of the main battery, and that has a holder provided on the vehicle body that detachably holds a user battery owned by the user, separate from the main battery, and has the function of charging the user battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6882588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, a system is conceivable in which a user who owns a user battery (hereinafter referred to as a "lender") lends the user battery to a third party user (hereinafter referred to as a "borrower"). This system allows the borrower to borrow the user battery from the lender when they need it, thereby improving the borrower's convenience. However, in this system, if the user battery to be borrowed or lent is a user battery installed in a mobile object as described in Patent Document 1, the location of the borrowed or lent user battery changes as the mobile object moves. Therefore, in this case, if the borrower cannot determine where the borrowed or lent user battery is located, the borrower cannot easily borrow the user battery installed in the mobile object.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a management server, a rental system, and a method for controlling the management server that allow a borrower to easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends out a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, and includes a receiving unit that receives battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in a mobile body from a communication device equipped in the mobile body, a generating unit that generates a map image in which battery status information included in the battery information received by the receiving unit, for which a predetermined condition is met, is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body, and a transmitting unit that transmits image data of the map image generated by the generating unit to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a borrower can easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [1. Rental system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a rental system 1 according to this embodiment. The rental system 1 is a system that provides a power pack 2 rental and borrowing service between a lender 3 that rents out a power pack 2, which is a portable battery, and a borrower 4 that borrows the power pack 2. The power pack 2 corresponds to the battery in this disclosure.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the rental system 1 of this embodiment includes a first vehicle 5 operated by a lender 3, a lender terminal 6 operated by the lender 3, an in-vehicle device 80 operated by a borrower 4, and a management server 7 that manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2. The in-vehicle device 80 is mounted on a second vehicle 8 operated by the borrower 4. The first vehicle 5, management server 7, and second vehicle 8 are each connected to a communication network 9 such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other. The first vehicle 5 corresponds to the moving body in this disclosure. The in-vehicle device 80 corresponds to the renter terminal in this disclosure.

[0011] The power pack 2 can be placed in a predetermined position (such as under a seat) in the first vehicle 5. The power pack 2 can be attached to and detached from a charging station 54 provided in the first vehicle 5. The power pack 2 is equipped with a wireless communication device that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and transmits battery status information indicating the status of the power pack 2 and a battery ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 to an external device. The type of storage battery (electrode material) of the power pack 2 is arbitrary.

[0012] The lessor 3 refers to a person who has the right to rent the power pack 2 to a third party, such as the owner of the power pack 2 or a person who has the right to sublease the power pack 2 that they have rented from an operator of the rental system 1. The lessor 3 in this embodiment also has ownership or the right to use the first vehicle 5.

[0013] The first vehicle 5 is an electric four-wheeled vehicle. The first vehicle 5 is equipped with a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, and a third communication device 53. The first communication device 51 is a device that includes a transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving data to and from the management server 7, and communicates wirelessly using cellular communication methods such as 3G (third generation mobile communication method), 4G (fourth generation mobile communication method), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication method). The second communication device 52 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the first communication device 51, and is a device that includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the lender terminal 6. The second communication device 52 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The third communication device 53 is a device with a shorter communication distance than the second communication device 52, and includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the power pack 2. The third communication device 53 communicates wirelessly using a communication method such as Bluetooth. The first communication device 51 corresponds to the communication device in this disclosure, and the second communication device 52 corresponds to the short-range communication device in this disclosure.

[0014] The lessee 4 refers to a person who has the right to borrow and use the power pack 2 from the lessor 3. The lessee 4 in this embodiment is the user of the second vehicle 8. The second vehicle 8 is a four-wheeled electric vehicle. The second vehicle 8 is equipped with a fourth communication device 81. The fourth communication device 81 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 7, and communicates wirelessly using a cellular communication method.

[0015] The management server 7 is a server computer that provides the above-mentioned lending and borrowing service, and manages the lending and borrowing of power packs 2 between the lender 3 and the borrower 4 .

[0016] The lender terminal 6 and the in-vehicle device 80 are both devices equivalent to a client computer that receives the rental and borrowing service from the management server 7. That is, the lender terminal 6 is a terminal device that performs processing related to the lending of the power pack 2 to the management server 7 based on the operation of the lender 3. The lender terminal 6 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a notebook personal computer. The in-vehicle device 80 is a device that performs processing related to the rental of the power pack 2 on the management server 7 based on the operation of the borrower 4.

[0017] Here, the lending and borrowing service in the rental system 1 of this embodiment is premised on the following first to eighth items. The first condition is that the lender 3 lends out the power pack 2 using the current location of the first vehicle 5 as the lending location. The second point is that when the borrower 4 borrows the power pack 2, the borrower 4 can exchange the borrowed power pack 2 for the power pack 2 that he or she is using (so-called exchange method). The third point is that the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 without exchanging the power pack 2 that the borrower 4 is using for the power pack 2 that he or she is borrowing. The fourth point is that the borrower 4 can borrow the power pack 2 even if the borrower 4 does not own the power pack 2. The fifth point is that if Power Pack 2 is exchanged by Lessee 4, Lessor 3 can rent out the Power Pack 2 acquired through the exchange. In other words, Lessor 3 has the right to sublease the Power Pack 2 acquired through the exchange. The sixth item is that the lessor 3 receives an incentive from the operator of the rental system 1 or the like according to the rental performance of the power pack 2. The seventh point is that the incentives received by the lender 3 differ depending on the manner in which the borrower 4 borrows the power pack 2. In other words, the incentives received by the lender 3 differ depending on the three manners described in the second, third, and fourth points. The eighth point is that the lessor 3 can use the power pack 2 placed at the station managed by the operator of the rental system 1 from the station.

[0018] According to this rental system 1, the lender 3 can rent out the power pack 2 not only at his / her own home but also at a destination (e.g., a shopping mall) while traveling in the first vehicle 5. The lender 3 can also receive an incentive for renting out the power pack 2. The incentive may be, for example, money or a discount coupon. On the other hand, when the remaining charge of the power pack 2 in use becomes low or when the borrower 4 wishes to use the power pack 2, the borrower 4 can borrow a power pack 2 from a lender 3 nearby who is lending out power packs.

[0019] The configuration of each part of the rental system 1 will be described. [2. Configuration of the first vehicle] First, the configuration of the first vehicle 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first vehicle 5. As shown in FIG. The first vehicle 5 includes a vehicle control device 50 , a first communication device 51 , a second communication device 52 , a third communication device 53 , a charging station 54 , and a first position detection device 55 .

[0020] The vehicle control device 50 is a device that controls each part of the first vehicle 5. The vehicle control device 50 includes a processor 500 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 510, and an interface circuit 520 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0021] The memory 510 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 500. The memory 510 is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 510 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures a work area for the processor 500. The memory 510 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory 510 stores data processed by the processor 500 and a control program 511 executed by the processor 500.

[0022] The vehicle control device 50 is connected to a first communication device 51, a second communication device 52, a third communication device 53, a charging station 54, and a first position detection device 55.

[0023] The charging station 54 includes a holding unit 541 that detachably holds the power pack 2, and an electrical component unit 542 that houses various electric and electronic circuits. The electrical component unit 542 houses a charging station control device 543 and a charging device 544. The charging station control device 543 corresponds to the control device in this disclosure.

[0024] The holding unit 541 includes a charging connector 545 electrically connected to the electrodes of the power pack 2, and a locking mechanism 546 that prevents the power pack 2 from being removed in response to an instruction from the charging station control device 543. The locking mechanism 546 includes, for example, an electric key that locks the cover of the power pack removal port formed in the first vehicle 5 so that it cannot be opened or closed, or an electrically controlled latching mechanism that hooks onto the power pack 2 stored in the holding unit 541 to prevent it from being removed, as a mechanism for preventing the power pack 2 from being removed.

[0025] The charging station control device 543 is a device that controls each part of the charging station 54, and includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU, a memory, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The processor executes computer programs stored in the memory to realize various functions of the charging station 54.

[0026] The charging device 544 is a device that charges the power pack 2 using power supplied from an on-board battery 56 mounted on the first vehicle 5. The charging device 544 supplies power to the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 541 in accordance with a power supply instruction from the charging station control device 543. The charging station control device 543 manages the correspondence between the battery ID and the connecting charging connector 545 for the power pack 2 held in the holding unit 541. The charging station control device 543 can issue a power supply instruction for a specific power pack 2 by using this correspondence. The on-board battery 56 may be a battery that can be removed from the first vehicle 5, or may be a battery that cannot be removed from the first vehicle 5. The vehicle battery 56 corresponds to the mobile battery in this disclosure.

[0027] The first position detection device 55 is a device that detects the current position of the first vehicle 5, and is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The first position detection device 55 outputs the detection result to the vehicle control device 50.

[0028] The processor 500 reads and executes a control program 511 stored in a memory 510, thereby functioning as a first communication control unit 501, a second communication control unit 502, a third communication control unit 503, and an instruction unit 504.

[0029] The first communication control unit 501 communicates with the management server 7 via the first communication device 51. The first communication control unit 501 transmits upload information to the management server 7.

[0030] The uploaded information includes first battery information, first location information indicating the current location of the first vehicle 5, second battery information indicating the charge level of the on-board battery 56, and a lender ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the lender 3. The first battery information corresponds to battery information in this disclosure. The first battery information includes, for each power pack 2 provided in the first vehicle 5, a battery ID that uniquely identifies the power pack 2 and battery status information. For example, if the first vehicle 5 is provided with three power packs 2, the first battery information includes a combination of the battery ID and battery status information for each of the three power packs 2. The status of the power pack 2 indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the power pack 2 and whether or not the power pack 2 is being charged. The current position of the first vehicle 5 indicated by the first position information is the current position detected by the first position detection device 55.

[0031] The second communication control unit 502 communicates with the lender terminal 6 via the second communication device 52.

[0032] The third communication control unit 503 communicates with the power packs 2 via the third communication device 53. The third communication control unit 503 receives a battery ID and battery state information from each of the power packs 2 provided in the first vehicle 5.

[0033] The instruction unit 504 issues various instructions to the charging station 54. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 546 to the charging station control device 543. When the instruction to unlock the locking mechanism 546 is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 543 unlocks the locked state of the locking mechanism 546. The instruction unit 504 outputs an instruction to charge the power pack 2 to the charging station control device 543. When the instruction to charge is input from the instruction unit 504, the charging station control device 543 outputs an instruction to supply power to the charging device 544.

[0034] [3. Configuration of the second vehicle] Next, the configuration of the second vehicle 8 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second vehicle 8. As shown in FIG. The second vehicle 8 includes an on-board device 80, a fourth communication device 81, and a second position detection device .

[0035] The in-vehicle device 80 is a device that controls each part of the second vehicle 8. The in-vehicle device 80 includes a processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 810, an interface circuit 820 to which other devices and sensors are connected, and a touch panel 830.

[0036] The memory 810 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 800. The memory 810 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The memory 810 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 800. The memory 810 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 810 stores data processed by the processor 800 and a control program 811 executed by the processor 800.

[0037] The touch panel 830 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images and a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed.

[0038] The in-vehicle device 80 is connected to a fourth communication device 81 and a second position detection device 82.

[0039] The second position detection device 82 is a device that detects the current position of the second vehicle 8, and is equipped with a GNSS receiver that receives positioning signals transmitted from multiple positioning satellites. The second position detection device 82 outputs the detection result to the in-vehicle device 80.

[0040] The processor 800 reads and executes a control program 811 stored in the memory 810, thereby functioning as a fourth communication control unit 801, a first display control unit 802, and a first reception unit 803.

[0041] The fourth communication control unit 801 communicates with the management server 7 via the fourth communication device 81 . First display control unit 802 causes touch panel 830 to display information. The first reception unit 803 receives an operation on the touch panel 830 .

[0042] [4. Lender terminal configuration] Next, the configuration of the lender terminal 6 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lender terminal 6. The lender terminal 6 includes a terminal control device 60, a fifth communication device 61, and a touch panel 62.

[0043] The terminal control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the lender terminal 6. The terminal control device 60 includes a processor 600 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 610, and an interface circuit 620 to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0044] The memory 610 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 600. The memory 610 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 610 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 600. The memory 610 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 610 stores data processed by the processor 600 and a control program 611 executed by the processor 600.

[0045] The terminal control device 60 is connected to a fifth communication device 61 and a touch panel 62. The fifth communication device 61 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from the second communication device 52. The fifth communication device 61 is a wireless communication device. The touch panel 62 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display panel that displays characters and images and a touch sensor that detects contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed.

[0046] The processor 600 reads and executes a control program 611 stored in the memory 610, thereby functioning as a fifth communication control unit 601, a second display control unit 602, and a second reception unit 603.

[0047] The fifth communication control unit 601 communicates with the second communication device 52 via the fifth communication device 61 . The second display control unit 602 causes the touch panel 62 to display information. The second reception unit 603 receives an operation on the touch panel 62.

[0048] [5. Management Server Configuration] Next, the configuration of the management server will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 7. As shown in FIG. The management server 7 includes a server control device 70 and a sixth communication device 71.

[0049] The server control device 70 is a device that controls each part of the management server 7. The server control device 70 includes a processor 700 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 710, and an interface circuit 720 to which a sixth communication device 71 is connected.

[0050] The memory 710 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 700. The memory 710 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The memory 710 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 700. The memory 710 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 710 stores data processed by the processor 700, a control program 711 executed by the processor 700, a lessor management database 712, a lessee management database 713, an upload information management database 714, and map data 715.

[0051] The lender management DB 712 stores information about each lender 3. The information about the lender 3 includes a lender ID and communication information for communicating with the first vehicle 5 operated by the lender 3. An example of the communication information is the address information of the first communication device 51.

[0052] The borrower management DB 713 stores information about each borrower 4. The information about the borrower 4 includes a borrower ID that uniquely identifies the borrower 4, and lender information that indicates the name of the borrower 4 and a photograph of the borrower 4.

[0053] The upload information management DB 714 stores the upload information.

[0054] The map data 715 is data that stores road map information, facility information on various facilities, data for map matching, etc. The road map information is made up of a road network in which roads on a map are represented by lines, and includes information on links in which intersections, branching points, etc. are used as nodes and divided into multiple sections, and the sections between each node are defined as links. The facility information indicates the location (latitude, longitude) of the facility, the name of the facility, an image of the facility, etc. The map data 715 includes image data of the map.

[0055] The sixth communication device 71 is a device including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data between the first vehicle 5 and the second vehicle 8. The sixth communication device 71 may be a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

[0056] The processor 700 reads and executes a control program 711 stored in a memory 710 to function as a server receiving unit 701, a server transmitting unit 702, a generating unit 703, and a searching unit 704. The server receiving unit 701 corresponds to the receiving unit in this disclosure. The server transmitting unit 702 corresponds to the transmitting unit in this disclosure.

[0057] The server receiving unit 701 receives data from the first communication device 51 and the fourth communication device 81 via the sixth communication device 71 .

[0058] The server transmitting unit 702 transmits data from the first communication device 51 and the fourth communication device 81 via the sixth communication device 71 .

[0059] The generating unit 703 generates a first map image, a second map image, and a third map image, which will be described later.

[0060] The search unit 704 refers to the map data 715 and searches for a route from the current location of the lessee 4 to the destination of the lessee 4. In this embodiment, the search unit 704 searches for a route from the current location of the second vehicle 8 as the current location of the lessee 4.

[0061] [6. Operation of each part of the rental system] Next, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 will be described. First, the operation of each part of the rental system 1 related to the uploaded information will be described. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG. 6, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the first vehicle 5, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the management server 7.

[0062] As shown in flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 501 determines whether a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1). Examples of the trigger include the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) since the previous upload information was transmitted, the ignition of the first vehicle 5 being turned on, or the ignition of the first vehicle 5 being turned off.

[0063] When first communication control unit 501 determines that a trigger for transmitting upload information has occurred (step SA1: YES), first communication control unit 501 generates upload information (step SA2).

[0064] In step SA2, the first communication control unit 501 acquires a combination of the battery ID and battery state information received by the third communication device 53 from the third communication device 53. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires first location information from the first location detection device 55. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires the lender ID from the memory 510. The first communication control unit 501 also acquires second battery information indicating the charge amount of the in-vehicle battery 56. The first communication control unit 501 generates upload information including the acquired information.

[0065] The lender ID is stored in advance in the memory 510 when the second communication device 52 and the lender terminal 6 establish a communication connection, for example.

[0066] For example, if the in-vehicle battery 56 and the third communication device 53 are capable of communicating with each other and the third communication device 53 receives the second battery information from the in-vehicle battery 56, the first communication control unit 501 acquires the second battery information from the third communication device 53. Also, for example, if the in-vehicle battery 56 and the charging station control device 543 are capable of communicating with each other and the charging station control device 543 receives the second battery information from the in-vehicle battery 56, the first communication control unit 501 acquires the second battery information from the charging station control device 543.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, the first communication control unit 501 transmits the generated upload information to the management server 7 (step SA3).

[0068] As shown in the flowchart FB, the server receiving unit 701 receives the upload information from the first vehicle 5 (step SB1).

[0069] Next, the server receiving unit 701 stores the upload information received in step SB1 in the upload information management DB 714 (step SB2). In addition, in step SB2, if upload information having the same lender ID as the lender ID contained in the upload information received in step SB1 exists in the upload information management DB 714, the server receiving unit 701 updates the upload information having the same lender ID to the upload information received in step SB1.

[0070] Next, the operation of the rental system 1 related to searching for a power pack 2 that is currently being rented will be described. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. In FIG.

[0071] As shown in the flowchart FD, the fourth communication control unit 801 determines whether to search for a power pack 2 that is currently being rented out (step SD1). For example, when the first reception unit 803 receives an instruction to search for a power pack 2 via the touch panel 830, the fourth communication control unit 801 makes a positive determination in step SD1.

[0072] If the fourth communication control unit 801 determines that a search for the power pack 2 is to be performed (step SD1: YES), it generates search request information (step SD2). In step SD2, the fourth communication control unit 801 acquires second location information from the second location detection device 82. Then, the fourth communication control unit 801 generates search request information including the acquired second location information. Here, if the first reception unit 803 has accepted input of a destination from the lessee 4, the fourth communication control unit 801 causes the generated search request information to include the destination information accepted by the first reception unit 803.

[0073] Next, the fourth communication control unit 801 transmits the search request information to the management server 7 (step SD3).

[0074] As shown in flowchart C, the server receiving unit 701 receives search request information (step SC1).

[0075] Next, the generation unit 703 acquires a map image of the reference predetermined range from the map data 715 based on the search request information received in step SC1 (step SC2). The reference predetermined range is a predetermined range (for example, a range with a radius of 10 km from the reference) based on the current position indicated by the second location information in the search request information. The size of this range is determined in advance.

[0076] Next, the generation unit 703 determines whether or not the uploaded information including the first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range is stored in the uploaded information management DB 714 (step SC3).

[0077] If the generation unit 703 determines that the uploaded information including the first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range is not stored in the uploaded information management DB 714 (step SC3: NO), the generation unit 703 performs the process of step SC11.

[0078] On the other hand, if the generation unit 703 determines that the uploaded information including the first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range is stored in the uploaded information management DB 714 (step SC3: YES), the generation unit 703 performs the process of step SC4 on the uploaded information including the first location information indicating a location within the reference predetermined range. That is, the generation unit 703 determines whether or not there is any uploaded information including battery state information for which the predetermined condition is met among the target uploaded information (step SC4).

[0079] In this embodiment, the battery state information for which the predetermined condition is met is battery state information for which the first predetermined condition or the second predetermined condition is met. The battery state information that satisfies the first predetermined condition is battery state information that indicates that the charge amount of the power pack 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50% of the charge amount when fully charged). The battery status information for which the second predetermined condition is met is battery status information of the power pack 2 that is receiving power from the on-board battery 56 that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and is battery status information that indicates that the power pack 2 is being charged.

[0080] The generating unit 703 determines whether the battery state information satisfies a predetermined condition as follows. When the battery state information to be determined indicates a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the generating unit 703 determines that the battery state information to be determined is battery state information for which the first predetermined condition is established. If the battery status information to be determined indicates that the battery is being charged and the second battery information in the uploaded information including the battery status information to be determined indicates that the battery is charged to a predetermined amount or more, the generation unit 703 determines that the battery status information to be determined is battery status information for which the second predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0081] If it is determined that there is no uploaded information containing battery state information that satisfies the predetermined condition (step SC4: NO), the generating unit 703 performs the process of step SC11.

[0082] On the other hand, if the generation unit 703 determines that there is uploaded information containing battery status information that satisfies the specified condition (step SC4: YES), the search unit 704 determines whether the search request information received in step SC1 includes destination information (step SC5).

[0083] If the search unit 704 determines that the destination information is not included (step SC5: NO), the generation unit 703 generates a first map image TG1 (step SC6).

[0084] The first map image TG1 is a map image that displays, at a position on the map within a reference predetermined range that corresponds to the current position of the first vehicle 5, battery state information that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first map image TG1. The map shown in the first map image TG1 is a map of a predetermined reference range. The first map image TG1 displays battery status information for which a predetermined condition is met as an icon. Hereinafter, this icon will be referred to as the first icon and will be given the symbol "IC1." The first icon IC1 is included in the second icon IC2. The second icon IC2 is an icon that groups together one or more first icons IC1 and is generated for each piece of uploaded information. The first icon IC1 is an icon that indicates charging if the corresponding battery status information indicates charging, and is an icon that indicates the charge amount if the corresponding battery status information does not indicate charging.

[0086] FIG. 8 shows the first map image TG1 on which second icons IC2-1 and IC2-2 are displayed. The second icon IC2-1 includes first icons IC1-1, IC1-2, and IC1-3. The first icons IC1-2, IC1-2, and IC1-3 all indicate the charge level of the power pack 2. The second icon IC2-2 includes first icons IC1-4, IC1-5, IC1-6, IC1-7, and IC1-8. The first icons IC1-4, IC1-5, and IC1-6 all indicate the charge level of the power pack 2. The first icons IC1-7 and IC1-8 all indicate that charging is in progress.

[0087] The generation unit 703 processes uploaded information that includes first location information indicating a location within a reference predetermined range and that includes battery status information for which a predetermined condition is met, and generates a first map image TG1 as follows. The generation unit 703 generates a first icon IC1 for each piece of battery status information included in the upload information to be processed, for which a predetermined condition is met. Next, the generation unit 703 generates a second icon IC2 by arranging the first icons IC1. In the map image acquired in step SC2, the generation unit 703 places the generated second icon IC2 at a position on the map corresponding to the current location indicated by the first location information included in the upload information to be processed. By placing the second icon IC2, the first icon IC1 is placed at this corresponding position on the map. The generation unit 703 generates and places the second icons IC2 for all of the upload information to be processed, thereby generating a first map image TG1.

[0088] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the first map image data, which is the image data of the first map image TG1 generated in step SC6, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC7).

[0089] Returning to the explanation of step SC5, if it is determined that destination information is included (step SC5: YES), searching unit 704 performs a route search (step SC8). The route searched for in step SC8 is a route from the current location indicated by the second location information in the search request information received in step SC1 to the destination indicated by the destination information included in the search request information.

[0090] Next, the generation unit 703 generates a second map image TG2 (step SC9).

[0091] The second map image TG2 is a map image that displays an image of the route searched for in step SC8 in addition to the display contents of the first map image.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second map image TG2. The second map image TG2 shown in FIG. 9 exemplifies a map image in which a route image RG, which is an image of the route, is displayed in addition to the display contents of the first map image TG1 shown in FIG.

[0093] The generation unit 703 generates a route image RG that indicates the route searched by the search unit 704. Then, the generation unit 703 arranges the generated route image RG and the second icon IC2 on the map image acquired in step SC to generate a second map image TG2.

[0094] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the second map image data, which is the image data of the second map image generated in step SC9, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC10).

[0095] If the determinations at steps SC3 and SC4 are negative, the generation unit 703 generates a third map image (step SC11). The third map image is a map image showing a map of a reference predetermined range, and does not include the second icon IC2 and the route image RG.

[0096] When the generation unit 703 generates the third map image, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the third map image data, which is image data of the third map image, to the second vehicle 8 (step SC12).

[0097] As shown in the flowchart FD, the fourth communication control unit 801 receives any one of the first map image data, the second map image data, and the third map image data (step SD4).

[0098] The first display control unit 802 causes the touch panel 830 to display a map image corresponding to the image data received in step SD4 (step SD5). That is, when the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the first map image data, the first display control unit 802 causes the touch panel 830 to display the first map image. When the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the second map image data, the first display control unit 802 causes the touch panel 830 to display the second map image. When the fourth communication control unit 801 receives the third map image data, the first display control unit 802 causes the touch panel 830 to display the third map image. In displaying the first map image TG1 and the second map image TG2, the first display control unit 802 displays a first icon IC1 that can be selected by a touch operation.

[0099] Next, the operation of the rental system 1 relating to a request to rent a power pack 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rental system 1. 10, flowchart FE shows the operation of the in-vehicle device 80, flowchart FF shows the operation of the management server 7, flowchart FG shows the operation of the first vehicle 5, and flowchart FH shows the operation of the lender terminal 6.

[0100] At the start of the flowchart FE, the in-vehicle device 80 displays the first map image TG1 or the second map image TG2. As shown in the flowchart FE, the first accepting unit 803 accepts the selection of the first icon IC1 on the first map image TG1 or the second map image TG2 displayed on the touch panel 830 (step SE1).

[0101] Next, the fourth communication control unit 801 transmits rental request information requesting the rental of the power pack 2 to the management server 7 (step SE2). The rental request information includes the lender ID corresponding to the selected first icon IC1, the battery ID corresponding to the selected first icon IC1, and the borrower ID stored in the memory 810.

[0102] In the first map image data and the second map image data, each first icon IC1 is associated with the battery ID of the corresponding power pack 2. In addition, in the first map image data and the second map image data, each first icon IC1 is associated with the lender ID of the lender 3 who lends out the corresponding power pack 2.

[0103] As shown in flowchart FF, the server receiving unit 701 receives rental request information from the in-vehicle device 80 (step SF1).

[0104] Next, the server transmission unit 702 transmits the rental request information and renter information received in step SF1 to the first vehicle 5 based on the lender ID and renter ID included in the rental request information received in step SF1 (step SF2).

[0105] Step SF2 will now be described in detail. The server transmission unit 702 acquires communication information corresponding to the lender ID included in the rental request information from the lender management DB 712. Next, the server transmission unit 702 acquires lender information corresponding to the borrower ID included in the rental request information from the borrower management DB 713. Then, the server transmission unit 702 uses the acquired communication information to transmit the rental request information received in step SF1 and the acquired borrower information to the first vehicle 5.

[0106] As shown in flowchart FG, first communication control unit 501 receives rental request information and renter information (step SG1).

[0107] Next, the second communication control unit 502 transmits the rental request information and the renter information received in step SG1 to the renter terminal 6 (step SG2). The timing for transmitting the rental request information and the renter information may be, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed, when the ignition has been turned off, when the ignition has been turned on, or when the door of the first vehicle 5 has been opened or closed.

[0108] As shown in flowchart FH, the fifth communication control unit 601 receives rental request information and renter information from the first vehicle 5 (step SH1).

[0109] Next, the second display control unit 602 displays the rental request information and borrower information received in step SH1 (step SH2). This allows the lender 3 to authenticate the borrower 4.

[0110] The second reception unit 603 receives an operation to approve or disapprove the request to borrow the power pack 2 indicated by the borrow request information displayed in step SH2 (step SH3).

[0111] The fifth communication control unit 601 transmits approval information indicating that the request to borrow the power pack 2 has been approved, or disapproval information indicating that the request to borrow the power pack 2 has not been approved, to the first vehicle 5 (step SH4). If the first receiving unit 803 has accepted an approval operation in step SH3, the fifth communication control unit 601 transmits approval information, and if the first receiving unit 803 has accepted a disapproval operation in step SH3, the fifth communication control unit 601 transmits disapproval information. The approval information includes the battery ID included in the borrower request information.

[0112] As shown in flowchart FG, second communication control unit 502 receives approval information or disapproval information (step SG3).

[0113] Instructing section 504 determines whether second communication control section 502 has received approval information or disapproval information in step SG3 (step SG4).

[0114] When the instructing unit 504 determines that the second communication control unit 502 has received the approval information (step SG4: approval information), it outputs a charge execution instruction to the charging station control device 543 (step SG5). Describing step SG5 in more detail, the instructing unit 504 outputs a charge execution instruction including the battery ID included in the approval information. The charging station control device 543, in accordance with the correspondence relationship described above, designates the power pack 2 identified by the battery ID included in the charge execution instruction as the power supply target, and outputs a power supply instruction to the charging device 544. Note that if the charging station control device 543 does not manage the battery ID included in the charge execution instruction, it discards the charge execution instruction.

[0115] Next, the first communication control unit 501 transmits the approval information or disapproval information received by the second communication control unit 502 to the management server 7 (step SG6).

[0116] As shown in flowchart FF, the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information or disapproval information from the first vehicle 5 (step SF3).

[0117] Next, the server transmitting unit 702 transmits the non-approval information or non-approval information received in step SF3 to the second vehicle 8 as a response to the rental request information received in step SG1 (step SF4). If the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information in step SF3, the server transmitting unit 702 further transmits authentication information (e.g., an electronic key or a password) for authentication between the lender 3 and the borrower 4 to the second vehicle 8 in step SF4. If the server receiving unit 701 receives approval information in step SF3, the server transmitting unit 702 transmits authentication information to the first vehicle 5 as a response to the approval information in step SF4. When the first communication control unit 501 receives the authentication information via the first communication device 51, the second communication control unit 502 transmits the authentication information received by the first communication control unit 501 to the lender terminal 6.

[0118] As shown in flowchart FE, the fourth communication control unit 801 receives approval information or non-approval information from the management server 7 (step SE3). When receiving approval information, the fourth communication control unit 801 also receives authentication information together with the approval information.

[0119] Next, the first display control unit 802 displays the approval information or disapproval information received in step SE3 on the touch panel 830 (step SE4). This allows the borrower 4 to confirm whether or not the request to borrow the power pack 2 has been approved. The fourth communication control unit 801 may also display the authentication information received together with the approval information on the touch panel 830.

[0120] 7. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is merely one aspect, and any modifications and applications are possible.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, an electric four-wheeled vehicle is exemplified as a moving object of the present disclosure. However, the moving object of the present disclosure is not limited to an electric four-wheeled vehicle, and may be an object that moves on land, in the air, on the sea, or in water by being operated by the lender 3. Such an object may be, for example, a vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, the renter terminal of the present disclosure is exemplified as the in-vehicle device 80. However, the renter terminal of the present disclosure is not limited to the in-vehicle device 80, and may be a terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0123] The charging station control device 543 may be configured to automatically charge the power pack 2 based on the amount of charge in the on-board battery 56. In this configuration, the charging station control device 543 estimates the distance from the departure point to the destination of the lessor 3, and estimates the power consumption of the on-board battery 56 to be used while traveling the estimated distance. The charging station control device 543 charges the power pack 2 when the current amount of charge in the on-board battery 56 is greater than a predetermined amount compared to the estimated power consumption.

[0124] The processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with multiple processors or a single processor. The processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. In this case, the processors 500, 600, 700, and 800 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0125] Furthermore, the components of the devices constituting the rental system 1 shown in Figures 2-5 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each component individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each component to be realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other components of the devices constituting the rental system 1 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the present invention.

[0126] 6, 7, and 10 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing units may be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0127] 8. Configurations Supported by the Above Embodiments The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0128] (Configuration 1) A management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, comprising: a receiving unit that receives battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in a mobile body from a communication device equipped in the mobile body; a generating unit that generates a map image in which battery status information included in the battery information received by the receiving unit, where a predetermined condition is met, is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body; and a transmitting unit that transmits image data of the map image generated by the generating unit to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower. The management server of configuration 1 allows the borrower terminal to display a map image, allowing the borrower to check the location of the battery on the borrower terminal. This allows the borrower to easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object.

[0129] (Configuration 2) The management server according to configuration 1, wherein the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the battery, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is satisfied is the battery status information indicating that the charge amount of the battery is equal to or greater than a specified amount. The management server of configuration 2 allows the location of usable batteries to be confirmed at the time of rental, thereby preventing the borrower from accidentally renting an unusable battery. This allows the borrower to easily rent a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the borrower.

[0130] (Configuration 3) The management server according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the mobile body is equipped with a mobile body battery capable of charging the battery, the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates whether the battery is being charged or not, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information for the battery receiving power supply from the mobile body battery whose charge amount is equal to or greater than a specified amount, and is the battery status information indicating that the battery is being charged. The management server of configuration 3 makes it possible to check the locations of batteries that may be usable at the time of rental, thereby preventing the borrowing of an unusable battery at the time of rental. This allows the borrower to easily borrow a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the borrower.

[0131] (Configuration 4) A rental system comprising: a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender who lends a battery and a borrower who borrows the battery; a mobile body; and a borrower terminal operated by the borrower, wherein the mobile body has a communication device that transmits battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in the mobile body to the management server, the management server receives the battery information from the communication device, generates a map image in which battery status information included in the received battery information that satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body, and transmits image data of the generated map image to the borrower terminal, and the borrower terminal receives the image data from the management server and displays the map image indicated by the received image data. The rental system of the fourth configuration provides the same effects as the management server of the first configuration.

[0132] (Configuration 5) A rental system as described in configuration 4, wherein the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates the charge amount of the battery, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information indicating that the charge amount of the battery is a specified amount or more. The rental system of configuration 5 has the same effect as the management server of configuration 2.

[0133] (Configuration 6) A rental system as described in configuration 4 or configuration 5, wherein the mobile body is equipped with a mobile body battery that can charge the battery, the state of the battery indicated by the battery status information indicates whether the battery is charging or not, and the battery status information for which the specified condition is met is the battery status information for the battery receiving power supply from the mobile body battery that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a specified amount, and is the battery status information indicating that the battery is charging. The rental system of configuration 6 provides the same effect as the management server of configuration 3.

[0134] (Configuration 7) The rental system of configuration 6 is provided with a lender terminal operated by the lender, the mobile body is provided with a control device that controls the supply of power from the mobile body battery to the battery, the borrower terminal displays the map image so that the battery status information can be selected, and when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, transmits rental request information to the lender terminal requesting the borrowing of the battery, the lender terminal accepts an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request to borrow the battery indicated in the received rental request information, and when the lender terminal accepts the approval operation, the control device supplies power to the battery corresponding to the selected battery status information. According to the rental system of configuration 7, the battery can be charged between the time the lender approves the rental and the time the borrower borrows the battery from the lender, so the borrower can borrow a battery with a high charge amount. This improves convenience for the borrower.

[0135] (Configuration 8) 8. The rental system of claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a lender terminal operated by the lender; the mobile body having a short-range communication device with a shorter communication distance than the communication device; the borrower terminal displays the map image so that the battery status information can be selected; when the battery status information is selected on the map image displayed on the borrower terminal, the renter terminal transmits rental request information requesting the borrowing of the battery to the management server; the management server transmits the rental request information to the communication device; the short-range communication device transmits the rental request information received by the communication device to the lender terminal; the lender terminal accepts an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request to borrow the battery indicated in the received rental request information; when the lender terminal accepts the approval operation, the management server transmits authentication information for authenticating between the lender and the borrower to the communication device and the borrower terminal; and the short-range communication device transmits the authentication information received by the communication device to the lender terminal. According to the rental system of configuration 8, even if the lender is located away from the mobile object, the lender can perform the approval or disapproval operation. Furthermore, according to the rental system of configuration 8, since authentication information is transmitted between the lender terminal and the borrower terminal, authentication can be performed between the lender and the borrower even when the lender is located away from the mobile object, and since the lender terminal and the borrower terminal do not need to perform cellular communication during authentication, communication fees for authentication can be eliminated.

[0136] (Configuration 9) The rental system according to any one of configurations 4 to 8, wherein the management server generates the map image displaying an image of the route to the destination of the renter. According to the rental system of configuration 9, the renter can use the renter terminal to check where the portable battery is located relative to the route to the destination. This allows the renter to easily rent a battery installed in a mobile object and improves convenience for the renter.

[0137] (Configuration 10) 10. The rental system of claim 9, wherein the renter terminal is an on-board device mounted on a vehicle operated by the renter. The rental system of configuration 10 allows a renter to check where the portable battery is located in the vehicle he or she is driving relative to the route to the destination.

[0138] (Configuration 11) A control method for a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of batteries between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, the control method for a management server including the steps of: receiving battery information including battery status information indicating the status of each battery installed in a mobile body from a communication device equipped in the mobile body; generating a map image in which battery status information included in the received battery information that satisfies a predetermined condition is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body; and transmitting image data of the generated map image to a borrower terminal operated by the borrower. According to the control method for the management server of configuration 11, the same effects as those of the management server of configuration 1 can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1...rental system, 2...power pack (battery), 3...lender, 4...renter, 5...first vehicle (mobile body), 6...renter terminal, 7...management server, 8...second vehicle, 51...first communication device (communication device), 52...second communication device (short-range communication device), 56...on-board battery (mobile body battery), 80...on-board device (renter terminal), 543...charging station control device (control device), 701...server receiving unit (receiving unit), 702...server transmitting unit (transmitting unit), 703...generation unit, IC1...first icon, TG1...first map image, TG2...second map image.

Claims

1. A rental system including a management server that manages the lending and borrowing of a battery between a lender that lends a battery and a borrower that borrows the battery, a mobile object, and a borrower terminal operated by the borrower, a lender terminal operated by the lender, The moving body is a mobile battery capable of charging the battery; a control device that controls power supply from the mobile body battery to the battery; a communication device that transmits battery information to the management server, the battery information including battery state information indicating a charge amount of each battery provided in the mobile object; The processor of the management server receiving the battery information from the communication device; generating a map image in which the battery status information included in the received battery information, the battery status information indicating that the amount of charge of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, is displayed at a position on a map corresponding to the current position of the mobile object; Execute a process of transmitting the generated map image data of the map image to the renter terminal; The processor of the borrower terminal receiving the map image data from the management server, displaying the map image indicated by the received map image data in a manner that allows the battery status information to be selected, and, when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, transmitting rental request information requesting the borrowing of the battery to the lender terminal; The processor of the lender terminal Execute a process of accepting an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request for borrowing the battery indicated by the received borrowing request information; The control device When the lender terminal receives the approval operation, power is supplied to the battery corresponding to the selected battery status information. Rental system.

2. The battery status information further indicates whether the battery is charging; The processor of the management server execute a process of generating a map image in which the battery status information included in the received battery information is for a battery receiving power from the mobile body battery that has a charge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and indicates that the battery is being charged, and the battery status information is displayed at a position on the map corresponding to the current position of the mobile body. The rental system according to claim 1 .

3. The mobile object is equipped with a short-range communication device having a communication distance shorter than that of the communication device, the processor of the borrower terminal, when the battery status information is selected on the displayed map image, executes a process of transmitting rental request information requesting the borrowing of the battery to the management server; a processor of the management server executing a process of transmitting the rental request information to the communication device; the short-range communication device transmits the rental request information received by the communication device to the lender terminal; the processor of the lender terminal executes a process of receiving an approval operation or a disapproval operation from the lender in response to the request for borrowing the battery indicated by the borrowing request information received from the short-range communication device, the processor of the management server, when the lender terminal accepts the operation of approval, executes a process of transmitting authentication information for performing authentication between the lender and the borrower to the communication device and the borrower terminal; The short-range communication device transmits the authentication information received by the communication device to the lender terminal. The rental system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor of the management server generating the map image, which displays an image of the route to the renter's destination; A rental system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the renter terminal is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle operated by the renter; The rental system according to claim 4.

Images