Vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

To preferably control charging / discharging between vehicles while taking into consideration settlement after the charging / discharging is completed, according to a communication state.SOLUTION: Vehicles (for example, 100a, 100b) comprise chargeable / dischargeable batteries (150a, 150b), first communication means (142a, 142b) for performing radio communication with a server, second communication means (143a, 143b) for performing direct radio communication with the other vehicle, and third communication means (144a, 144b) communicable via a cable connected with the other vehicle. The vehicles control charging / discharging of the batteries via the cable; and obtain information about the charging / discharging via at least one of the second communication means and the third communication means to make a storage part hold it, when a communication state with the first communication means is not in a good condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle capable of charging and discharging with other vehicles, and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In addition to using household outlets and charging stations to charge electric vehicles, it is also possible to charge and discharge vehicles by directly connecting them with cables. A rescue system has been proposed that uses such cables to send a power train to the location of a vehicle that is unable to run due to a lack of electricity, and connects the power train to the vehicle that needs to be charged with a cable to charge and discharge the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a charging system that provides more charging rescue opportunities for vehicles that need to be charged. Patent Document 1 also proposes using direct communication functions to perform matching processing and charge even in areas with poor communication conditions, such as mountainous areas and remote areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-130963 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, charging and discharging can be performed by connecting vehicles with a cable. The cable also includes a communication line, but CAN (Controller Area Network) communication using the communication line has limitations on the amount of communication traffic. Therefore, it is not suitable to send and receive complex information related to payment over the communication line of the cable, and it is desirable to use communication with a higher amount of communication traffic. However, while the above-mentioned conventional technology describes matching between vehicles using a direct communication function, sufficient consideration has not been given to controlling payment after charging is completed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suitably control charging and discharging between vehicles in accordance with the communication state, while taking into consideration payment after charging and discharging is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, for example, a vehicle is provided, A rechargeable battery; a first communication means for wirelessly communicating with the server; a second communication means for performing direct wireless communication with another vehicle; a third communication means capable of communicating with the other vehicle via a cable connected to the other vehicle; a control means for controlling charging and discharging of the battery via the cable, and for acquiring information relating to the charging and discharging via at least one of the second communication means and the third communication means when the communication state of the first communication means is poor, and for storing the information in a storage unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, charging and discharging between vehicles can be suitably controlled in accordance with the communication state while taking into consideration payment after charging and discharging is completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the procedure for charging processing of the present system. [Figure 4] Charging sequence when communication with the server is possible. [Figure 5] Charging sequence when communication with the server is possible. [Figure 6] Charging sequence when communication with the server is not possible. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a feeder electric vehicle. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when paying for a power supply vehicle. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a charging vehicle. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a matching process in the server. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a payment process in the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <System configuration example> 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system including vehicles and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes vehicles 100a and 100b that are driven by battery power, and a server 200.

[0011] Vehicle 100a is a vehicle requiring charging that needs to have its battery charged, and vehicle 100b is a power supply electric vehicle that charges the battery of the vehicle requiring charging. Vehicles 100a and 100b are, as an example, four-wheeled sedan-type passenger cars. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various mobile objects equipped with rechargeable batteries, such as four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, small mobility vehicles, and robots. According to this embodiment, a charging service is provided in which a vehicle requiring charging is matched with a power supply electric vehicle, the vehicle requiring charging is charged from the power supply electric vehicle, and after charging is completed, payment is suitably made in accordance with information related to charging and discharging.

[0012] The vehicles 100a, 100b access the network 300 via a nearby base station or access point using a wireless communication unit (first communication means) included in a TCU (telematics control unit) described later, and are communicatively connected to the server 200. In areas with good communication conditions, the charging service can be easily provided by using communication via the network 300. On the other hand, in remote areas such as mountainous regions, radio waves may be weakened due to reasons such as the lack of nearby access points, resulting in poor communication conditions. According to this embodiment, even in areas with weak power environments (weak electric fields), the service can be provided with the same convenience as in areas with good communication conditions by using other communication methods described later.

[0013] Reference numeral 171 denotes short-range wireless communication between the vehicles 100a and 100b. The vehicles 100a and 100b have short-range wireless communication units (second communication means) described later in their TCUs, and one vehicle functions as a wireless connection host and the other vehicle functions as a wireless connection client to perform short-range direct wireless communication. In this embodiment, WiFi wireless communication using a WiFi hotspot 170 will be described as an example of direct wireless communication.

[0014] Furthermore, the vehicles 100a and 100b can charge and discharge each other's batteries via a connected cable 160. The cable 160 has a communication line in addition to a charging line. The vehicles 100a and 100b have wired communication units (third communication means) described later in their TCUs, and perform bidirectional CAN (Controller Area Network) communication using the communication line of the cable 160.

[0015] According to this embodiment, in the weak electric field, communication is performed between vehicles using at least one of direct wireless communication and CAN communication, and information necessary for charging, information during charging, information related to payment, etc. is sent and received and stored in each vehicle. Furthermore, after charging is completed, when the vehicle leaves the weak electric field, that is, when communication with server 200 is restored via network 300, communication with server 200 is performed to perform payment. In this payment, information sent and received via direct wireless communication or CAN communication during charging and stored in each vehicle is used.

[0016] <Configuration of each device> An example of the configuration of each device included in this system will be described with reference to Figure 2. Here, the configuration of each device will be described, but the configuration necessary for explaining the present invention will be mainly described, and other configurations will not be described. In other words, the configuration of each device in the present invention is not limited to the configuration described below, and additional or alternative configurations are not excluded. Because vehicles 100a and 100b have similar configurations, the letters at the end of the reference numerals of vehicle 100a, which is the vehicle to be charged, and vehicle 100b, which is the vehicle to be fed, will be omitted here. Note that when describing the configuration or control of either one, an alphabet will be added to the end of the reference numeral.

[0017] The vehicle 100 mainly comprises a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an operation panel 130, a TCU 140, and a battery 150. The control unit 110, such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), controls each device connected via a signal line. The control unit 110 reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 120 to perform various processes.

[0018] In addition to the control program, the storage unit 120 has an area for storing various data, setting values, etc., and a work area for the control unit 110. Note that the storage unit 120 does not need to be configured as a single device, and can be configured to include at least one memory device, such as a ROM, RAM, HDD, or SDD.

[0019] Operation panel 130 is a device having an operation unit and a display unit, and may be realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. Alternatively, the operation unit and the display unit may be provided separately. Information related to communication, information related to charging and discharging including payment information, etc. are displayed on operation panel 130.

[0020] The TCU (telematics control unit) 140 is a unit that includes a GNSS 141, a wireless communication unit 142, a short-range wireless communication unit 143, and a wired communication unit 144, and controls communications using various communication protocols. The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite system) 141 receives GNSS signals and detects the current position of the vehicle 100.

[0021] The wireless communication unit 142 functions as a first communication means, and communicates bidirectionally with the server 200, which is an external device, via the network 300. The short-range wireless communication unit 143 functions as a second communication means, and the vehicle 100a, which is a power supply vehicle, functions as a host (access point) of the WiFi Hotspot 170. Meanwhile, the vehicle 100a, which is a vehicle that needs to be charged, functions as a client of the WiFi wireless communication. Note that as the short-range wireless communication of the present invention, for example, a communication method that allows communication within a predetermined range, such as wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, NFC, or infrared communication, can be applied.

[0022] Cable 160 has a communication line 161 and a charging line 162. Wired communication unit 144 functions as a third communication means and controls CAN communication between vehicles using communication line 161 of cable 160. Batteries 150a and 150b are connected to each other via charging line 162 of cable 160, and power stored in one battery is supplied to the other battery for charging.

[0023] The server 200 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, and includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The control unit 210 includes a matching processing unit 211 and a payment processing unit 212. The control unit 210 performs various processes by reading and executing control programs stored in the storage unit 220. In addition to the control programs, the storage unit 220 stores various data, setting values, user registration information, etc. The user registration information includes user identification information, information required for payment, etc. The communication unit 230 controls communication with the vehicles 100a, 100b via the network 300.

[0024] The matching processing unit 211 controls the matching of electric power supply vehicles and vehicles that need to be charged. In the matching processing, a synchronization processing is executed to determine whether the electric power supply vehicle can charge the amount of charge requested by the vehicle that needs to be charged, and a connection processing is executed to establish short-range wireless communication. Details will be described later. After charging is completed, the payment processing unit 212 executes payment processing for the charging in response to requests from the electric power supply vehicle and the vehicle that needs to be charged. In this payment, the amount to be paid to the electric power supply vehicle and the amount to be billed to the vehicle that needs to be charged are determined and executed according to information about charging and discharging (information about payment). Details will be described later.

[0025] <Charging system operation overview> Next, an overview of the operation of this charging system will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Here, we will describe the operation related to charging in a weak electric field, which is an issue of the present invention, rather than the operation between a vehicle in need of charging and a power supply train that are matched via server 200, which is performed in a good communication environment. In other words, we will describe a case where power is supplied from a nearby vehicle, such as a passing vehicle, when a sufficient communication speed cannot be obtained in communication between the vehicle and server 200 due to poor communication conditions.

[0026] First, in S1, vehicle 100a, which is a vehicle requiring charging, and vehicle 100b, which is a train, are adjacent to each other. Here, "adjacent" means that the vehicles are located at least within the communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit 143. Next, in S2, matching between the two vehicles is performed. For example, information about both vehicles 100 is exchanged via server 200, and synchronization between the vehicles is performed. This synchronization between the vehicles determines, for example, whether the battery on the train side has sufficient charging capacity to meet the charging request of the vehicle requiring charging. In other words, it determines whether the matching allows charging and discharging to meet the charging request. If synchronization between the vehicles is successful, a WiFi Hotspot connection is established. More specifically, first, connection information for short-range wireless communication using short-range wireless communication unit 143 is exchanged. The exchanged connection information includes, for example, an SSID and a password. The password may be a randomly generated password that is valid for a predetermined time after issuance and may be a one-time password that can be used only once. This prevents charging and discharging from occurring outside the control of server 200.

[0027] When short-range wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi wireless communication) is established, the power port is released, and in S3 the user connects the cable 160 to both vehicles 100. After connection, predetermined information is sent and received between the vehicles, and charging begins in S4. During charging, the vehicle requiring charging notifies the electric train of status information as needed. When charging is completed, information regarding charging and discharging is sent and received between the vehicles in S5, and stored in the memory units 120 of each vehicle.

[0028] Thereafter, when the communication state for communication via the wireless communication unit 142 to access the network 300 is restored, in S6, one of the vehicles 100 requests the server 200 to perform payment processing, and the server 200 performs payment. Note that payment processing may not be performed until payment processing requests are notified from both vehicles 100. This makes it possible to prevent fictitious billing by users such as impersonation. Furthermore, if the server 200 receives a payment request from one vehicle but does not receive a request from the other vehicle within a predetermined time, the server 200 may prompt the other vehicle to notify the other vehicle of a payment request. This makes it possible to prevent payment from not being performed due to a user's omission of a procedure, for example.

[0029] In the matching in S2 above, there is a possibility that the vehicle 100 cannot access the server 200 due to poor communication conditions. In such a case, since it is not possible to send or receive connection information, the cable 160 may be connected first, and the connection information may be sent or received via the communication line 161 of the cable 160, and short-range wireless communication may be established in accordance with the connection information. Alternatively, the connection information may be displayed on the operation panel 130b of the vehicle that has sufficient power, and the connection information may be entered from the operation panel 130a of the vehicle that needs to be charged, to perform the WiFi Hotspot connection process in S3 above.

[0030] <Operation sequence> Next, the operation sequence of the charging system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In the sequence diagrams, notifications generated between devices are indicated by solid lines. Note that ACKs in response to each notification are indicated by dotted lines, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] (Sequence for weak electric field) First, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, a case will be described in which the vehicle 100a that needs to be charged is located in an area with a weak electric field but is able to communicate with the server 200. Here, an example will be described in which a user on the electric power supply side issues a request for matching. Of course, the user on the vehicle that needs to be charged can also issue a request for matching.

[0032] In S10, the user of the vehicle 100b to be the vehicle to be charged requests matching. For example, the user can issue a request by operating the operation panel 130b. When issuing the request, it is desirable to input identification information of the vehicle 100b to be the vehicle to be charged. Alternatively, an image of the vehicle to be charged captured by a camera (not shown) or the like provided on the vehicle 100b may be included in the request. Furthermore, location information acquired by the GNSS 141b may be notified. Note that, when communication with the server 200 is interrupted, control may be performed so that the corresponding operation section of the operation panel 130b cannot be selected. When the vehicle 100b accepts the matching request in S11, the vehicle 100b requests synchronization processing with the vehicle to be charged to the server 200 via the wireless communication unit 142b. Here, in addition to information about the vehicle's own vehicle's vehicle to be charged, identification information of the vehicle to be matched to the vehicle to be charged may be transmitted to the server 200. The information about the vehicle to be charged includes the identification information and information about the amount of charge that can be provided. Using this information about the amount of charge, synchronization between the vehicles is performed to determine whether the vehicle to be charged can perform the charging requested by the vehicle to be charged.

[0033] Thereafter, in S12, the server 200 notifies the vehicle needing to be charged of a synchronization processing request including the identification information of the electric power supply train, according to the identification information of the vehicle needing to be charged. Furthermore, when a normal ACK is returned from the vehicle needing to be charged, the server 200 notifies the electric power supply train in S13 that synchronization has been completed normally. If location information is notified in S11, this location information is also notified to the vehicle needing to be charged. This location information is useful for recognizing the location of the electric power supply train, for example, when the user of the vehicle needing to be charged does not know the location of the electric power supply train.

[0034] Next, in S14, the power supply electric train starts connection processing for the WiFi Hotspot and notifies the server 200 of the connection information. In S15, the server 200 notifies the vehicle needing charging of the connection information, and in S16 responds to the vehicle needing charging that the notification was successful. Thereafter, in S17, the vehicle needing charging connects to the WiFi Hotspot on the power supply electric train in accordance with the received connection information. Once the connection is complete, in S18, the power supply electric train notifies the user that a WiFi connection (short-range wireless communication) with the vehicle being charged has been established and that matching has been completed. For example, a message or an icon indicating that matching has been completed may be displayed on the operation panel 130b.

[0035] Next, in S19, the electric power supply train notifies the vehicle that needs to be charged of a request to cancel the power feed port via the established short-range wireless communication. Upon receiving the notification, the vehicle that needs to be charged cancels the power feed port and controls the cable 160 so that it can be connected. In other words, it controls the battery 150a so that it can be charged. The subsequent sequence is shown in Figure 5.

[0036] In S20, the cable 160 is connected to both vehicles 100a, 100b. When the electric power supply train detects that the cable 160 has been connected in S20, it attempts to access the vehicle that needs to be charged via the communication line 161 of the cable 160 in S21. In S22, when the vehicle that needs to be charged has successfully connected the cable 160 and received the notification of S21, it notifies the electric power supply train that the power supply connection has been completed. Here, further information regarding charging and discharging is notified.

[0037] In S23, the power supply electric train starts power supply in accordance with the notified information regarding charging and discharging. When charging starts, in S24, the vehicle that needs to be charged periodically notifies the power supply electric train of the charging status. Thereafter, when charging is completed, in S25, the vehicle that needs to be charged notifies the power supply electric train of the end of charging and also notifies the power supply electric train of information regarding the completed charging and discharging. Note that the information notified from the vehicle that needs to be charged to the power supply electric train in S24 and S25 is transmitted and received using at least one of short-range wireless communication 171 and wired communication (communication line 161). For example, information with a relatively small amount of information is transmitted using the communication line 161, and information with a relatively large amount of information is transmitted using short-range wireless communication 171. The information regarding charging and discharging is stored in both vehicles 100a, 100b as information for later payment processing. In S26, the power supply electric train requests initialization from the vehicle that needs to be charged. The vehicle that needs to be charged, for which initialization has been requested, deletes the received power supply electric train connection information from the storage unit 120a and disconnects short-range wireless communication by the short-range wireless communication unit 143a.

[0038] Thereafter, in S27 and S28, when the wireless communication state of the wireless communication units 142 of both vehicles 100a and 100b is restored, that is, when they leave the weak electric field and become able to communicate with the server 200, they each request payment processing from the server 200. At this time, the vehicles 100a and 100b transmit payment information from the information on charging and discharging that they have stored to the server 200. The server 200 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information from each vehicle and responds with the processing result to both vehicles. It is desirable to execute payment processing when requested by both vehicles 100a and 100b.

[0039] (Sequence when disconnected) Next, a case where communication between vehicle 100 and server 200 is interrupted due to a malfunction will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, a charging sequence will be described for a case where at least one of vehicles 100a and 100b is unable to communicate with server 200. Note that the same step numbers are used for the same controls as in Figs. 4 and 5, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The synchronization processing of S10 to S13 is the same as the processing already explained, so the explanation will be omitted. Note that the response notified to the power supply electric vehicle in S13 is a notification indicating that matching has failed. In S31, the power supply electric vehicle displays a message, icon, etc. on the operation panel 130b indicating that matching with a vehicle requiring charging has failed.

[0041] Thereafter, in S32, the cable 160 is connected to the vehicles 100a and 100b. When the connection of the cable 160 is detected, in S33 the electric power supply vehicle attempts to access the vehicle needing charging via the communication line 161 of the cable 160, and if the access is successful, executes synchronization processing. In S34, the vehicle needing charging notifies the electric power supply vehicle that the cable 160 is connected properly, the notification of S33 is received properly, and synchronization between the vehicles is performed properly. Here, information regarding charging and discharging is also notified.

[0042] Next, in S35, the electric power supply train starts the connection process for the WiFi Hotspot and notifies the charging vehicle of the connection information via the communication line 161 of the cable 160. In S36, the vehicle needing charging connects to the WiFi Hotspot on the electric power supply train side in accordance with the received connection information.

[0043] When a short-range wireless connection (WiFi connection) is established, in S37 the electric power supply train starts power supply according to the notified information regarding charging and discharging. When charging starts, in S38 the vehicle that needs to be charged periodically notifies the electric power supply train of its charging status. Thereafter, when charging is completed, in S39 the vehicle that needs to be charged notifies the electric power supply train that charging has ended, and also notifies the electric power supply train of information regarding the completed charging and discharging. Note that the information notified from the vehicle that needs to be charged to the electric power supply train in S38 and S39 is sent and received using at least one of short-range wireless communication 171 and wired communication (communication line 161). For example, information with a relatively small amount of information is sent using the communication line 161, and information with a relatively large amount of information is sent using short-range wireless communication 171. The information regarding charging and discharging is stored in both vehicles 100a, 100b as information for later payment processing. In S40, the electric power supply train requests initialization of the vehicle that needs to be charged. The vehicle in need of charging, for which initialization has been requested, deletes the received connection information of the power supply electric vehicle from the storage unit 120a, and disconnects the short-distance wireless communication by the short-distance wireless communication unit 143a.

[0044] Thereafter, in S41 and S42, when the wireless communication state of the wireless communication units 142 of both vehicles 100a and 100b is restored, that is, when they leave the weak electric field and become able to communicate with the server 200, they each request payment processing from the server 200. At this time, the vehicles 100a and 100b transmit payment information from among the information on charging and discharging that they have stored to the server 200. The server 200 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment information from each vehicle and responds with the processing result to both vehicles. It is desirable to execute payment processing when requested by both vehicles 100a and 100b.

[0045] Here, we have described a method for establishing short-range wireless communication by first connecting cable 160 and sending and receiving connection information when communication with server 200 is not possible. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, short-range wireless communication may be established by displaying connection information on operation panel 130b on the electric power supply train and having the user input the connection information via operation panel 130a on the vehicle needing charging. In this case, short-range wireless communication is established before cable 160 is connected, and the subsequent charging sequence is the same as in FIG. 5.

[0046] <Processing Procedure> The processing flow of each device included in the charging system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0047] (Fed train processing flow) First, the processing procedure of the vehicle 100b on the electric power supply side according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 shows the processing procedure of the charging processing flow by the electric power supply side according to this embodiment. The processing described below is controlled by the control unit 110b.

[0048] First, in S101, when an instruction to match with a vehicle that needs to be charged is given via, for example, the operation panel 130b, the control unit 110b requests the server 200 for synchronization processing, along with information about the electric power supply train and the identification information of the vehicle that needs to be charged. The information about the electric power supply train includes the amount of charge that can be charged, in addition to the identification information of the vehicle that needs to be charged. Here, an example is described in which the identification information of the vehicle that needs to be charged is notified, but the location information of the electric power supply train may also be notified, and the vehicle to be matched may be selected by the server 200. In this case, a vehicle to be matched with the electric power supply train is selected from the vehicles that need to be charged that have requested matching from the server 200. The server 200 selects a vehicle that needs to be matched based on the amount of charge that can be charged by the electric power supply train and its positional relationship with the electric power supply train.

[0049] Next, in S102, the control unit 110b determines whether communication with the server 200 is possible via the wireless communication unit 142a. For example, this is determined based on whether an ACK indicating that the request in S101 has been successfully notified has been received. If communication with the server 200 is possible, the process proceeds to S103; if not, the process proceeds to S112. Note that if communication with the network 300 is cut off at the stage of requesting synchronization processing to the server 200 in S101, the control unit 110b may determine in S102 that communication with the server 200 is impossible without performing S101, and may proceed to S112.

[0050] In S112, when it is determined that communication with the server 200 is not possible, the control unit 110b determines whether the cable 160 is connected. If a cable connection is detected, the process proceeds to S113; if not, the process proceeds to S114. In S113, the control unit 110b executes synchronization processing with the connected vehicle that needs to be charged using the communication line 161 of the cable 160. In other words, in a low-power environment or when communication is not possible, synchronization processing by the server 200 cannot be expected, so the electric power feeder and the vehicle that needs to be charged execute synchronization processing directly via the communication line 161. In this case, processing is performed to determine whether the amount of charge that can be charged by the electric power feeder satisfies the amount of charge required by the vehicle that needs to be charged. Once synchronization processing has been executed, the process proceeds to S103.

[0051] If it is determined in S102 that communication with the server 200 is possible, or if direct synchronization processing is executed in S113, the control unit 110b determines in S103 whether the synchronization processing is successful. If the synchronization processing is successful, the process proceeds to S104, and if not, the process proceeds to S114.

[0052] In S104, the control unit 110b executes a WiFi Hotspot connection process. If communication with the server 200 is possible, connection information is exchanged via the server 200. If communication with the server is not possible, connection information is exchanged using the communication line 161 of the cable 160 that is already connected. Next, in S105, the control unit 110b determines whether the WiFi wireless connection with the vehicle that needs to be charged has been successfully established. If successful, the process proceeds to S106; if not, the process proceeds to S107. Note that this example describes a case in which the process proceeds to S107 and continues even if the WiFi wireless connection is not established. In this case, short-range wireless communication via the WiFi wireless connection cannot be used, so information related to charging and discharging, etc., must be sent and received using the communication line 161 of the cable 160. On the other hand, if the WiFi wireless connection cannot be established, the process may proceed to S114. In S106, the control unit 110b notifies the vehicle that needs to be charged of a request to cancel the power port, and the process proceeds to S107.

[0053] In S107, the control unit 110b determines whether the cable 160 is connected. If connection of the cable 160 is detected, the process proceeds to S108; if not, the process proceeds to S114. In S108, the control unit 110b starts charging the battery 150a of the vehicle in need of charging via the charging line 162 of the cable 160. Thereafter, in S109, the control unit 110b determines whether charging is complete, and if it is determined to be complete, the process proceeds to S110.

[0054] In S110, the control unit 110b executes termination processing. In the termination processing, information received from the vehicle needing charge during charging and after charging is completed is stored in the storage unit 120b, and an initialization processing is requested from the vehicle needing charge. The initialization processing is a request to discard the notified connection information, etc.

[0055] Next, in S111, when communication with the server 200 is restored, the control unit 110b requests the server 200 to perform a settlement process for the current charging process, and ends the process of this flowchart. Details of the settlement process will be described later with reference to Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the charging process could not be executed for various reasons, the control unit 110b displays an error message to that effect on the operation panel 130b in S114, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0056] (Payment processing for supply trains) Figure 8 shows the processing steps for payment processing by the power supply electric vehicle according to this embodiment. The processing described below is controlled by the control unit 110b. This flowchart shows detailed processing of S111 above, which is the processing that takes place after charging has finished normally. Note that although the payment processing by the power supply electric vehicle is described here, the same control is also applied to the payment processing on the side of the vehicle that needs to be charged.

[0057] First, in S201, the control unit 110b determines whether or not the wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 142b has left a weak electric field. For example, when communication with the server 200 is restored, the control unit 110b determines that the wireless communication has left the weak electric field and proceeds to S202. If not, the determination in S201 is repeated until the wireless communication has left the weak electric field.

[0058] In S202, the control unit 110b acquires information about charging and discharging stored in the storage unit 120b during charging. Subsequently, in S203, the control unit 110b requests the server 200 to process a payment along with the acquired information about charging and discharging. The payment process here is based on the amount of charge supplied, location information about the location where charging was performed, and the like. For example, the payment amount may be controlled so that it is higher in remote areas such as mountainous regions compared to urban areas. In this way, by providing a higher incentive in areas with a relatively small number of electric power supply vehicles, it is possible to encourage the distribution of electric power supply vehicles and create a more convenient charging system environment. While the method of adding the incentive to the amount has been described here, this is not limiting. The amount may be the same as in urban areas, and instead points or the like may be awarded to users of electric power supply vehicles according to location information.

[0059] Then, in S204, the control unit 110b determines whether the payment has been completed. If the server 200 notifies the control unit 110b that the payment has been completed, the process proceeds to S205. If not, the control unit 110b waits until the payment has been completed. In S205, the control unit 110b displays on the display unit of the operation panel 130b that the payment has been completed, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0060] (Processing flow for vehicles requiring charging) Next, the processing procedure of the vehicle 100a on the vehicle-to-be-charged side according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows the processing procedure of the charging processing flow by the vehicle-to-be-charged according to this embodiment. The processing described below is controlled by the control unit 110a. Note that this flowchart is basically the same control as the charging flow on the feeder electric vehicle side in Fig. 7. Therefore, the same step numbers are used for similar processing, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0061] First, in S301, the control unit 110a receives a request for synchronization processing from the power feeder electric vehicle in S101 from the server 200. Note that the request may not be received normally depending on the communication conditions. Then, in S102, similar to the processing of the power feeder electric vehicle, it is determined whether the communication state with the server 200 is sufficient.

[0062] Furthermore, if it is determined in S105 that the WiFi wireless connection has been successfully completed, in S302 the control unit 110a receives a request to unlock the power port from the power supply train via the short-range wireless communication, and the process proceeds to S107. Upon receiving the unlock request, the control unit 110a controls the battery 150a to be chargeable. Note that if a cover or the like is attached to the power port, the control unit 110a also unlocks the cover.

[0063] When charging starts in S108, the control unit 110a periodically notifies the power supply electric vehicle of the charging status using the communication line 161 of the cable 160 in S303. The status notification includes notification of the progress of charging and notification of any errors that may have occurred. Thereafter, when it is determined in S109 that charging is complete, the control unit 110a notifies the power supply electric vehicle of completion using the communication line 161 of the cable 160 in S304, stores information about charging and discharging in the storage unit 120a, and further receives a request for initialization processing from the power supply electric vehicle and executes processing such as discarding connection information. After that, when the power supply electric vehicle leaves the weak electric field, the control unit 110a executes settlement processing equivalent to that shown in FIG. 8 in S111, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0064] (Server processing flow) Next, the processing procedure of the server 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 shows the processing procedure of the matching process by the server 200 according to this embodiment. The processing described below is controlled by the control unit 210. First, in S401, the control unit 210 receives a synchronization processing request from the electric power supply train. Here, an example will be described in which a synchronization processing request is received from the electric power supply train, but it is also possible to receive the request from a vehicle that needs to be charged. Next, in S402, the control unit 210 notifies the vehicle that needs to be charged of the requested synchronization processing. Note that if the synchronization processing request from the electric power supply train includes information indicating a vehicle that needs to be charged, the synchronization processing request will be notified to that vehicle, but if it does not include information, the matching partner may be selected from among vehicles that need to be charged for which a request has been separately received.

[0065] Next, in S403, the control unit 210 determines whether the synchronization process has been successful. Note that after S402, information may be sent and received via the server 200 during the synchronization process. If the synchronization process is successful, the process proceeds to S404; if not, the process proceeds to S405. In S404, the control unit 210 notifies both vehicles 100a and 100b that synchronization has been completed, and the process proceeds to S405.

[0066] In S405, the control unit 210 determines whether a WiFi Hotspot connection request has been received. If the connection request has been received, the process proceeds to S406; if not, the process of this flowchart ends. In S406, the control unit 210 notifies the vehicle in need of charging of the WiFi Hotspot connection process together with the connection information.

[0067] Next, in S407, the control unit 210 determines whether or not a response to S406 has been received. If a response has been received, the control unit 210 notifies the feeder electric vehicle of a normal response in S408, and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if a response has not been received, the control unit 210 notifies the feeder electric vehicle of an error in S409, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0068] 11 shows the procedure of the payment process by the server 200 according to this embodiment. The process described below is controlled by the control unit 210.

[0069] First, in S501, the control unit 210 receives a payment processing request from at least one of the power supply electric vehicle and the vehicle that needs to be charged. Next, in S502, the control unit 210 determines whether payment processing requests have been received from both the power supply electric vehicle and the vehicle that needs to be charged, which correspond to each other. If requests have been received from both, the process proceeds to S503; if not, the process proceeds to S505.

[0070] In S505, the control unit 210 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since it received a payment processing request from either the power supply electric vehicle or the vehicle that needs to be charged, without receiving a request from the other vehicle. If it determines that the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to S506; if not, the process returns to S501. In S506, the control unit 210 notifies the vehicles 100 that have not received a request to prompt them to make a payment, and the process returns to S501.

[0071] When a payment processing request is received from both parties, the control unit 210 executes the payment processing in S503. In this payment processing, the amount to be paid to the electric power supply side and the amount to be billed to the vehicle that needs to be charged are determined according to information about charging and discharging and information about the location where charging and discharging were performed, and payment is made according to pre-registered user information. As mentioned above, control regarding incentives such as awarding points may also be performed. Thereafter, in S504, the control unit 210 notifies both vehicles 100a, 100b of the completion of payment, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0072] <Summary of the embodiment> The above embodiment discloses at least the following embodiments.

[0073] 1. The vehicle of the above embodiment (e.g., 100a, 100b) Rechargeable batteries (150a, 150b); First communication means (142a, 142b) for wirelessly communicating with a server; second communication means (143a, 143b) for performing direct wireless communication with other vehicles; a third communication means (144a, 144b) capable of communicating with the other vehicle via a cable connected thereto; control means (110a, 110b) for controlling charging and discharging of the battery via the cable, and for acquiring information relating to the charging and discharging via at least one of the second communication means and the third communication means and storing the information in a storage unit when communication via the first communication means is poor; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0074] According to this embodiment, charging and discharging between vehicles can be appropriately controlled according to the communication status, taking into consideration the settlement after the charging and discharging is completed. That is, when communication with the server is not working properly, information necessary for settlement can be stored by sending and receiving information using other communication methods (WiFi Direct or CAN communication).

[0075] 2. In the above embodiment, When the communication state via the first communication means is restored after charging and discharging of the battery is completed, the control means requests payment for the charging and discharging from the server using information regarding the charging and discharging stored in the memory unit (S111).

[0076] According to this embodiment, the information stored during charging can be used to make a payment later.

[0077] 3. In the above embodiment, The settlement is executed when requests are received from both the charging vehicle and the power supplying vehicle (S502, S503).

[0078] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent fraud such as fictitious billing, and to execute payment processing more securely.

[0079] 4. In the above embodiment, When one of the charging vehicle and the power supplying vehicle requests the payment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request, information regarding the charging and discharging is requested from the server via the first communication means in the other vehicle (S505, S506).

[0080] According to this embodiment, by prompting the user to perform the payment process, it is possible to prevent the user from missing a step, and the payment process can be executed reliably.

[0081] 5. In the above embodiment, Of the information relating to charging and discharging, information relating to payment is transmitted and received via the second communication means (171, S110, S304).

[0082] According to this embodiment, it is possible to send and receive information relating to payment using communication with a larger volume of communication, thereby improving efficiency.

[0083] 6. In the above embodiment, The control means requesting the server via the first communication means to match with any other vehicle; receiving connection information with the matched other vehicle in response to the matching request; Using the connection information with the matched other vehicle, communication is performed with the other vehicle via the second communication means (S101 to S106).

[0084] According to this embodiment, even when the device is located in a weak electric field, if communication with the server is possible, matching can be performed via the server, thereby making it possible to perform matching more reliably.

[0085] 7. In the above embodiment, The control means When the first communication means is unable to communicate and the cable is connected to the other vehicle, connection information with the other vehicle is obtained via the third communication means, and communication with the other vehicle is performed via the second communication means using the obtained connection information (S112, S113, S103 to S106).

[0086] According to this embodiment, even if communication with the server is not possible, direct matching can be performed using CAN communication.

[0087] 8. In the above embodiment, The connection information is connection information for a WiFi hotspot (S104).

[0088] According to this embodiment, the WiFi Hotspot function can be used for short-distance wireless communication.

[0089] 9. In the above embodiment, The password included in the connection information is a one-time password.

[0090] According to this embodiment, more secure direct wireless communication can be realized between vehicles.

[0091] 10. In the above embodiment, When the charging / discharging is completed, the control means deletes the connection information (S110, S304).

[0092] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the connection information from being used fraudulently after charging is completed.

[0093] 11. In the above embodiment, In the communication by the second communication means, the vehicle on the power supply side functions as a host, and the vehicle on the charging side functions as a client (170).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the power supply vehicle with the most remaining power can be in charge of the host that consumes power.

[0095] 12. In the above embodiment, When the vehicle is the power supply side, the control means displays the connection information on a display unit.

[0096] According to this embodiment, direct matching can be performed using the connection information displayed on the display unit. For example, the displayed connection information can be input to a vehicle to be matched, thereby establishing direct wireless communication.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100a: Vehicle (requiring charging), 100b: Vehicle (powered train), 160: Cable, 170: WiFi Hotspot, 171: Short-range wireless communication, 200: Server, 300: Network

Claims

1. A vehicle, A rechargeable battery; a first communication means for wirelessly communicating with the server; a second communication means for performing direct wireless communication with another vehicle; a third communication means capable of communicating with the other vehicle via a cable connected to the other vehicle; a control means for controlling charging and discharging of the battery via the cable, and for acquiring information relating to the charging and discharging via at least one of the second communication means and the third communication means when the communication state of the first communication means is poor, and for storing the information in a storage unit; A vehicle characterized by comprising:

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the communication state via the first communication means is restored after charging and discharging of the battery has been completed, the control means requests payment for the charging and discharging from the server using information regarding the charging and discharging stored in the memory unit.

3. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the payment is executed when a request is received from both the charging vehicle and the power supplying vehicle.

4. The vehicle described in claim 3, characterized in that when one of the charging side vehicle and the power supply side vehicle requests the payment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request, information regarding the charging and discharging is requested from the server via the first communication means in the other vehicle.

5. 5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein payment-related information among the charging / discharging-related information is transmitted and received via the second communication means.

6. The control means requesting the server via the first communication means to match with any other vehicle; receiving connection information with the matched other vehicle in response to the matching request; 6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein communication with the other vehicle is performed via the second communication means using connection information with the matched other vehicle.

7. The control means A vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the first communication means is unable to communicate and the cable is connected to the other vehicle, connection information with the other vehicle is obtained via the third communication means, and communication with the other vehicle is performed via the second communication means using the obtained connection information.

8. 8. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the connection information is connection information for a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Hotspot.

9. 9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the password included in the connection information is a one-time password.

10. 10. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the control means deletes the connection information when the charging / discharging is completed.

11. 11. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein in the communication by the second communication means, the power supplying vehicle functions as a host and the charging vehicle functions as a client.

12. 12. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the control means displays the connection information on a display unit when the vehicle is a power supply side vehicle.

13. A rechargeable battery; a first communication means for wirelessly communicating with the server; a second communication means for performing direct wireless communication with another vehicle; a third communication means capable of communicating with the other vehicle via a cable connected to the other vehicle, controlling charging and discharging of the battery via the cable; a step of acquiring information regarding the charging and discharging via at least one of the second communication means and the third communication means when the communication state of the first communication means is poor, and storing the information in a storage unit; A vehicle control method comprising:

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