Battery management system, battery management device, battery management program, battery management method, and battery

Abstract

To provide a battery management system using a small, inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in small stores. [Solution] The battery has a location detection unit that detects the location of the battery using a location information detection function, and a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery. The battery transmits the location information of the battery and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge to a server using a wireless communication function. The power connector unit controls the power supply for charging the battery based on instructions transmitted from the server, and transmits to the server the location information of the power connector unit and supplied power information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery. The server outputs the battery's location information and remaining charge information in association with each other based on the information transmitted from the battery.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery management system, a battery management device, a battery management program, a battery management method, and a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, attention has been focused on electric vehicles, such as battery-powered electric cars and electric motorcycles. After an electric vehicle has been driven for a certain distance, the battery needs to be charged. When attempting to charge the battery while traveling or at a destination, the user must wait until charging is complete, which is inconvenient. While it is possible to install multiple batteries on an electric vehicle, batteries are expensive and have large volume and weight, which poses many problems in terms of cost and installation method. In relation to the above-mentioned problems, technology has been proposed for replacing used batteries with charged batteries at battery stations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-014007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned prior art requires a highly functional, large, and expensive battery station to manage the inventory status and charging status of each battery, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure the cost and space required to install the battery station.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery management system, a battery management device, a battery management program, a battery management method, and a battery that use a small, inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in small stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object can be achieved by the following means.

[0007] The battery management system includes a battery, a power connector, and a server. The battery has wireless communication and location information detection functions and is used to drive an electric vehicle. The power connector has wireless communication functions and is connected to a power source to charge the battery. The server is configured to be connectable to the battery, the power connector, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector. The battery has a location detection unit that detects the location of the battery using the location information detection function and a remaining battery capacity detection unit that detects the remaining battery capacity of the battery. The battery has a first transmission unit that transmits location information of the battery and remaining capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity to the server using the wireless communication function. The power connector has a charging control unit that controls the supply of power for charging the battery based on instructions transmitted from the server, and a second transmission unit that transmits location information of the power connector and supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery to the server. The server has an output unit that outputs the battery's location information and remaining capacity information associated with each other based on the information transmitted from the first transmission unit of the battery.

[0008] The battery management device has a wireless communication function and a location information detection function, and is connectable from a battery used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having a wireless communication function and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit. The battery management device has an acquisition unit, an instruction unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires location information of the battery and remaining amount information indicating the remaining battery amount, transmitted from the battery via the wireless communication function. The instruction unit transmits an instruction to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery. The output unit outputs the battery location information and remaining amount information of the battery in association with each other based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0009] The battery management program is configured to cause the computer to function as the battery management device described above.

[0010] The battery management method is executed by an information processing device that includes a battery having wireless communication capabilities and location information detection capabilities and used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having wireless communication capabilities and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit. The battery management method includes an acquisition step, a transmission step, and an output step. The acquisition step acquires location information of the battery and remaining battery capacity information that indicates the remaining battery capacity, transmitted from the battery via the wireless communication capability. The transmission step transmits an instruction to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery. The output step outputs the battery location information and remaining battery capacity information in association with each other based on the information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0011] The battery is used in a battery management system having the battery, a power connector unit that is used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, and a server that can be connected to the battery and the power connector unit. The battery has a wireless communication function and a location information detection function. The battery has a location detection unit, a remaining charge detection unit, and a first transmission unit. The location detection unit detects the location of the battery using the location information detection function. The remaining charge detection unit detects the remaining charge of the battery. The first transmission unit transmits location information indicating the location of the battery and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery to the server using the wireless communication function. The battery location information and remaining charge information transmitted by the first transmission unit are associated and output by the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the battery management system of the present invention, the battery transmits the location information of the battery and remaining battery capacity information to the server via wireless communication, the power connector unit controls the power supply for charging the battery based on instructions sent from the server, and transmits the location information of the power connector unit and supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery to the server. Based on the information sent from the battery, the server outputs the battery location information and remaining battery capacity information in association with each other.

[0013] In this way, each battery transmits its location information and remaining battery charge information to the server, and the server manages the location information and remaining battery charge information for each battery. Therefore, the power connector unit used as the battery station only needs to transmit information about the amount of power supplied for charging the battery to the server. This allows the battery station to be realized with a power connector unit with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to provide a battery management system that uses a small, inexpensive battery station that can be installed and operated even in small stores. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing how the power connector unit is connected to a power source (outlet) and a battery. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power connector portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an installer terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server. [Figure 9] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a battery charging process executed in the battery management system. [Figure 10] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a battery replacement and use process executed in the battery management system. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen of the power connector unit displayed on the installer terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery information display screen displayed on a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0016] <Battery management system configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a power connector unit is connected to a power source (outlet) and a battery.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery management system includes a user terminal 100, a battery 200, a power connector unit 300, an installer terminal 400, and a server 500. The battery management system is a system for managing a rechargeable and replaceable battery 200 used to drive an electric vehicle. The battery management system is provided by a service provider that provides battery management services, including management, charging, and replacement of the battery 200, billing users, and payments to installers. Each component is connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or various wireless or wired communication means. For example, the user terminal 100, the battery 200, the power connector unit 300, and the installer terminal 400 are connected to the server 500 via a network using long-distance wireless communication. The user terminal 100, the battery 200, the power connector unit 300, and the installer terminal 400 can also communicate with each other via short-distance wireless communication.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the power connector unit 300 can be connected to a power source via a household power outlet or the like, and can charge the battery 200 via a charger, charging cable, or the like. The power connector unit 300 can obtain power by connecting to a household power outlet or the like via a plug 351. The power connector unit 300 can charge the battery 200 by connecting the battery 200 or a charger for the battery 200 to an outlet unit 352 and outputting the power obtained via the plug 351 via the outlet unit 352. The power connector unit 300 may also function as a charger. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0019] <User terminal 100> The user terminal 100 is an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC used by a user who uses the battery 200. The user installs the rechargeable and replaceable battery 200 in an electric vehicle and drives the electric vehicle.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal.

[0021] 3, the user terminal 100 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a storage 140, a communication interface 150, and an operation display unit 160. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 170 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0022] The CPU 110 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 120 and storage 140 .

[0023] The ROM 120 stores various programs and various data.

[0024] The RAM 130 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs and data.

[0025] The storage 140 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. For example, applications for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the server 500 via a network and for displaying various information provided by the server 500 are installed in the storage 140.

[0026] The communication interface 150 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server 500, and uses, for example, standards for mobile phone communication such as 3G, 4G, and LTE-M, or standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).The communication interface 150 may use standards for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Bluetooth 4.0 (also referred to as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE), and may communicate with nearby battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, etc.

[0027] The operation display unit 160 is, for example, a touch panel display, which displays various information and accepts various inputs from the user.

[0028] <Battery 200> The battery 200 is a rechargeable and replaceable battery used to drive an electric vehicle. The battery 200 is connected to the power connector unit 300 and charged at an installer's store where the power connector unit 300 is installed. The battery 200 has a long-distance wireless communication function such as 3G, 4G, or LTE-M for mobile phone communication, and can connect to the server 500 via a network such as the Internet. The battery 200 may also have a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth 4.0 (also referred to as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE), and may communicate with nearby user terminals 100, the power connector unit 300, the installer terminal 400, and the like. The battery 200 also has a location information detection function that detects its own location information. For example, the location information detection function of the battery 200 may include a GPS location information detection function that receives signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and acquires location information based on the received signals. Alternatively, the location information detection function of the battery 200 may include a location information detection function using short-range wireless communication such as a beacon. The location information detection function may be realized by any method as long as the location information of the battery 200 can be detected.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the battery.

[0030] 4, the battery 200 has a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, a storage 240, a communication interface 250, an operation and display unit 260, and a power storage unit 270. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 280 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the CPU 210, the ROM 220, the RAM 230, the storage 240, the communication interface 250, and the operation and display unit 260 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0031] The power storage unit 270 receives power via the power connector unit 300 connected to a power source, stores (i.e., charges) the power, and outputs the required power from the stored power when driving the electric vehicle.

[0032] As a position detection unit, CPU 210 detects the position of battery 200 using a position information detection function and acquires position information. Battery 200 also has a detection unit such as a sensor that detects the power storage status in power storage unit 270. As a remaining capacity detection unit, CPU 210 detects the remaining battery capacity in power storage unit 27 based on the output result of the detection unit and acquires remaining capacity information. As a first transmission unit, CPU 210 transmits the position information and remaining capacity information of battery 200 to server 500 via the wireless communication function of communication interface 250.

[0033] Battery 200 is assigned a first identifier that encodes first identification information for identifying the battery. When a user uses battery 200, user terminal 100 acquires the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to server 500. When an installer charges battery 200, installer terminal 400 acquires the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to server 500. For example, if the first identifier is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, user terminal 100 or installer terminal 400 can acquire the first identification information from an image obtained by capturing the code with a camera. The first identifier may be an IC tag or the like readable by user terminal 100 or installer terminal 400, or data recorded in a memory or the like included in battery 200. The first identifier may be provided in any form that allows user terminal 100 or installer terminal 400 to acquire the first identification information.

[0034] When the battery 200 receives the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 via the communication interface 250, the battery 200 transmits the second identification information to the server 500.

[0035] Battery 200 can switch its charge status between a charge management state in which it can be charged but cannot output power, and a usable state in which it can output power. For example, CPU 210 switches the charge status based on an instruction from server 500, and stores charge status information indicating the charge status in RAM 230 or storage 240. Battery 200 transmits charge status information indicating the current charge status to server 500. When battery 200 is being charged at the installer's store, it is in a charge management state, and therefore battery 200 cannot output (discharge) power. This prevents unauthorized use of battery 200 at the installer's store.

[0036] Battery 200 can switch its rental status between a rental available state in which it can be rented to a user and a rental unavailable state in which it cannot be rented to a user. For example, CPU 210 switches the rental status based on an instruction from server 500 and stores rental status information indicating the rental status in RAM 230 or storage 240. Battery 200 transmits rental status information indicating the current rental status to server 500. The rental status information may be recorded in server 500 instead of RAM 230 or storage 240.

[0037] The user exchanges the battery 200 used to drive the electric vehicle for a charged battery 200 at the installer's store, and then installs the charged battery 200 in the electric vehicle for use. The user pays a fee according to the amount of use of the battery 200. The installer receives a fee according to the amount of power supplied to charge the battery 200. <Power connector unit 300> The power connector unit 300 is a device that is used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery 200. The power connector unit 300 has a wireless communication function and can be connected to a server 500 via a network such as the Internet.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power connector section.

[0039] 5, the power connector unit 300 has a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, a communication interface 340, and a charging connection unit 350. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 360 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the CPU 310, the ROM 320, the RAM 330, and the communication interface 340 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0040] Charging connection unit 350 has a plug 351 that connects to a household power outlet or the like, and an outlet unit (receptacle) 352 for connecting the battery 200 to be charged or the plug of a charger for the battery 200. Charging connection unit 350 outputs the power obtained from the household power source via plug 351 via outlet unit 352 for charging the battery 200, in accordance with control by CPU 310. Therefore, CPU 310, as a charging control unit, controls charging connection unit 350 based on instructions transmitted from server 500, and controls the power supply for charging the battery 200.

[0041] CPU 310 acquires supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied from charging connection unit 350 for charging battery 200. CPU 310 transmits the supplied power amount information to server 500 as a second transmission unit.

[0042] The power connector unit 300 is assigned a second identifier that encodes second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300. When an installer uses the power connector unit 300 at the installer's store, the installer terminal 400 acquires the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server 500. For example, if the second identifier is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the installer terminal 400 can acquire the second identification information from an image obtained by capturing the code with a camera. The second identifier may be an IC tag or the like that can be read by the installer terminal 400, or data recorded in a memory or the like included in the power connector unit 300. The second identifier may be provided in any form that allows the installer terminal 400 to acquire the second identification information.

[0043] Furthermore, the power connector unit 300 transmits second identification information to the surrounding area by short-range wireless communication such as BLE. When the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 is received by a nearby battery 200, the battery 200 transmits the received second identification information to the server 500. This allows the server 500 to know that the battery 200 is located close to the power connector unit 300.

[0044] The power connector unit 300 may have a location information detection function that detects its own location information. For example, the power connector unit 300 may have a GPS location information detection function that receives signals from GPS satellites and acquires location information based on the received signals. Alternatively, the power connector unit 300 may have a location information detection function that uses short-range wireless communication such as a beacon. The location information detection function may be implemented by any method that can detect the location information of the power connector unit 300. In this case, the CPU 310 transmits the location information of the power connector unit 300 to the server 500 via the wireless communication function of the communication interface 340. If the power connector unit 300 does not have a location information detection function, the server 500 may recognize the location of the installer terminal 400 of the installer using the power connector unit 300 as the location of the power connector unit 300. Alternatively, the server 500 may accept registration of information regarding the location of the power connector unit 300 from an installer or the like and register the information in a database in the storage 540.

[0045] <Installer terminal 400> The installer terminal 400 is an information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC used by an installer who installs the power connector unit 300 .

[0046] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the installer terminal.

[0047] 6, installer terminal 400 has CPU 410, ROM 420, RAM 430, storage 440, communication interface 450, and operation display unit 460. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via bus 470. Note that CPU 410, ROM 420, RAM 430, storage 440, communication interface 450, and operation display unit 460 have the same functions as the corresponding components of user terminal 100, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0048] When an installer uses power connector unit 300 in his or her own store, the installer terminal 400 acquires the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 and transmits it to server 500. The installer terminal 400 may also transmit its own location information acquired by a location information detection function to server 500. In this case, the location information may also be used as location information of the power connector unit 300 being used by the installer using the installer terminal 400.

[0049] When the installer charges the battery 200 using the power connector unit 300 used in his / her store, the installer obtains the first identification information of the battery 200 using the installer terminal 400 and transmits it to the server 500.

[0050] <Server 500> The server 500 is, for example, a computer such as a server. The server 500 is a device provided by a business (service provider) that provides a battery management system or service including management, charging, and replacement of the battery 200, billing the user, and payment to the installer. In this embodiment, the server 500 functions as a battery management device.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server.

[0052] 7, server 500 has CPU 510, ROM 520, RAM 530, storage 540, communication interface 550, and operation display unit 560. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via bus 570. Note that CPU 510, ROM 520, RAM 530, storage 540, communication interface 550, and operation display unit 560 have the same functions as the corresponding components of user terminal 100, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0053] In this embodiment, the CPU 510 functions as an acquisition unit, an output unit, a calculation unit, a management unit, and an instruction unit. The storage 540 stores various programs and data required for the CPU 510 to function as each of the above units.

[0054] Server 500, as an acquisition unit, acquires location information of battery 200 and remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity, transmitted from battery 200 via the wireless communication function. Server 500, as an instruction unit, transmits to power connector unit 300 an instruction to control the power supply for charging battery 200. Server 500, as an output unit, outputs location information of battery 200 and remaining capacity information of battery 200 in association with each other, based on the information acquired from battery 200 by the acquisition unit.

[0055] <Server 500 functional configuration> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the server 500 functions as an acquisition unit 511, an output unit 512, a calculation unit 513, a management unit 514, and an instruction unit 515 by the CPU 510 reading a program stored in the storage 540 and executing the processing.

[0057] The acquisition unit 511 acquires the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity, transmitted from the battery 200. The acquisition unit 511 may further acquire the supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery 200, transmitted from the power connector unit 300.

[0058] The output unit 512 outputs the position information of the battery 200 and the remaining capacity information of the battery in association with each other based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 511. The output unit 512 may output the position information of the battery 200 and the remaining capacity information of the battery 200 in association with each other on a map. Note that when the output unit 512 receives second identification information from the battery 200, it may output the position information of the battery 200 and the remaining capacity information in association with each other, and when the output unit 512 does not receive second identification information, it may not be necessary to output the position information and the remaining capacity information of the battery 200. Furthermore, when outputting the position information of the battery 200 and the remaining capacity information of the battery 200, the output unit 512 may output information of the battery 200 whose charging status is in a charge management state, and may not be necessary to output information of the battery 200 whose charging status is in a usable state. Furthermore, when outputting the location information of battery 200 and the remaining charge information of battery 200, output unit 512 may output information of battery 200 whose lending status is lendable, and may not output information of battery 200 whose lending status is unlendable. Furthermore, output unit 512 may output the location information of power connector unit 300 transmitted from power connector unit 300, by further associating it on a map.

[0059] Based on the supplied power amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 511, the calculation unit 513 calculates the amount of money to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit 300.

[0060] The management unit 514 stores and manages mileage that can be used by a user as payment for using the battery 200, in association with information about the user. The management unit 514 may deduct the user's mileage according to the amount of use of the battery 200 by the user. When the user replaces the first battery 200 that the user is using with a second battery 200 that has been charged at the installer's store, the management unit 514 may calculate the amount of use of the battery 200 by the user based on the difference in the remaining battery capacity between the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. The management unit 514 may also check the status (such as the conclusion status and payment status) of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase mileage. If the subscription contract is not valid or if the mileage is less than a predetermined amount, the management unit 514 may send an instruction to the battery 200 to control the battery 200 so that it cannot be charged. In addition, the management unit 514 may control the user so that the first battery being used by the user cannot be replaced with a second battery that has been charged at the installer's store if the user's subscription contract is not valid or if the user's mileage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0061] The instruction unit 515 transmits an instruction to the power connector unit 300 to control the power supply for charging the battery 200 .

[0062] <Processing Overview> Next, the processing flow in the battery management system will be described.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery charging process executed in the battery management system. Fig. 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery use and replacement process executed in the battery management system. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen for the power connector unit displayed on the installer terminal. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a battery information display screen displayed on the user terminal. The processing of each device shown in the sequence charts of Figs. 9 and 10 is stored as a program in the storage of each device, and is executed by the CPU of each device controlling each unit.

[0064] <Charging process> First, the flow of the battery charging process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] 9, installer terminal 400 receives a request (instruction) to use power connector unit 300 based on an operation by an installer or the like (step S401). For example, an application for installers provided by a service provider is installed in installer terminal 400. Installer terminal 400 receives the request by receiving an input from the installer on a screen displayed on operation display unit 460 by the application, for example.

[0066] The installer terminal 400 acquires second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300 from the power connector unit 300 to be used (step S402). For example, the installer terminal 400 acquires the second identification information by activating a camera using an installer application and capturing and reading a two-dimensional barcode, which is the second identifier attached to the power connector unit 300. The installer terminal 400 may also acquire the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 to be used by another method such as short-range wireless communication.

[0067] The installer terminal 400 transmits a request to use the power connector unit 300 to the server 500 together with the second identification information of the power connector unit 300.

[0068] Based on the information transmitted from the installer terminal 400, the server 500 registers information about the installer terminal 400 and the installer, as well as information about the power connector unit 300 used by the installer, in a database in the storage 540 (step S501). The server 500 stores various information about the installer and information about the installer terminal 400 used by the installer in advance, as a result of prior registration by the installer. The information about the installer also includes bank account information and account information required for transferring payment to the installer. The server 500 transmits information indicating the registration result to the installer terminal 400. The operation display unit 460 of the installer terminal 400 displays information about the power connector unit 300 being used, for example, using a screen such as that shown in FIG. 11. The screen in FIG. 11 shows that two power connector units 300, "OUTLET A" and "OUTLET B," are being used. The amount of power supplied for charging by each power connector unit 300 within a specified period is shown to be 285 points and 137 points, respectively. The installer is paid a fee calculated according to the amount of power supplied. The installer may use the points (fees) earned according to the amount of power supplied for charging as a user of the battery management system to use the battery 200, or may transfer them to another user (for a fee or free of charge). This allows for the creation of a points scheme and system that can be exchanged for power, i.e., energy, and for the distribution of points.

[0069] The installer terminal 400 receives an instruction to charge the battery through the power connector unit 300 based on an operation by the installer or the like (step S403). For example, the installer terminal 400 receives the instruction by receiving an input from the installer on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 460 by an application for the installer.

[0070] The installer terminal 400 acquires first identification information for identifying the battery 200 from the battery 200 to be charged (step S404). For example, the installer terminal 400 acquires the first identification information by activating a camera using an application for the installer and capturing and reading a two-dimensional barcode, which is the first identifier attached to the battery 200. The installer terminal 400 may acquire the first identification information of the battery 200 by another method such as short-range wireless communication.

[0071] The installer terminal 400 transmits an instruction to charge the battery 200 to the server 500 together with the first identification information of the battery 200. If the installer is using multiple power connector units 300, the installer terminal 400 may receive from the installer a designation of the power connector unit 300 to be used for charging, and transmit the second identification information of the designated power connector unit 300 to the server 500 together with the designation.

[0072] Based on the information transmitted from the installer terminal 400, the server 500 registers information about the installer and the power connector unit 300 to be used, and information about the battery 200 to be charged in a database in the storage 540 (step S502). The server 500 transmits an instruction to the power connector unit 300 to be used for charging to execute charging. The server 500 also transmits an instruction to the battery 200 to be charged to change its status.

[0073] Battery 200 changes the charging status based on a status change instruction from server 500 (step S201). Specifically, battery 200 switches the charging status from an available state in which power output is possible to a charge management state in which charging is possible but power output is not possible. Battery 200 transmits charging status information indicating the charging status after the switch to server 500 as a status change completion notification.

[0074] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch its rental status between a rental available state in which it can be rented to a user and a rental unavailable state in which it cannot be rented to a user. For example, the installer terminal 400 receives an instruction to switch the rental status based on an operation by the installer or the like and transmits the instruction to the server 500. The server 500 transmits an instruction to change the rental status to the battery 200. The battery 200 switches its rental status based on the instruction from the server 500. The battery 200 transmits rental status information indicating the rental status after the switch to the server 500 as a status change completion notification. Note that the change of each status is not limited to the above-described form in which the installer terminal 400 transmits a status change instruction to the battery 200 via the server 500. For example, the installer terminal 400 may transmit a status change instruction to the battery 200 via short-range wireless communication or the like. Alternatively, the battery 200 may receive a status change instruction via the operation / display unit 260.

[0075] The server 500 registers the information transmitted from the battery 200 in the storage 540, and updates the charging status information of the battery 200 stored and managed in the server 500 (step S503).

[0076] When the installer connects the battery 200 to the power connector unit 300, the power connector unit 300 charges the battery 200. The power connector unit 300 charges the battery 200 until charging of the battery 200 is completed or until an instruction to end charging is received. The battery 200 may be connected to the power connector unit 300 via a dedicated charger or the like. Alternatively, the power connector unit 300 may also function as a charger and charge the battery 200 wired or wirelessly.

[0077] The power connector unit 300 acquires supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied from the charging connection unit 350 for charging the battery 200 (step S301). The power connector unit 300 transmits the acquired supplied power amount information to the server 500.

[0078] Based on the information on the amount of power supply transmitted from the power connector unit 300, the server 500 calculates the amount of money to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit 300 (step S504). The server 500 transmits information indicating the calculated compensation to the installer terminal 400.

[0079] The installer terminal 400 outputs the information indicating the compensation transmitted from the server 500 and the information on the amount of supplied power that is the basis for the calculation to the operation display unit 460 or the like (step S405). The installer is paid the calculated compensation by a method such as bank transfer or value redemption such as points or mileage on an installer application.

[0080] The user terminal 100 accepts instructions regarding user registration and a service contract based on user operations, etc., and accepts input of user information, etc., required for registration and the contract (step S101). The user information includes attribute information such as the user's name, address, and age, as well as account information such as a user ID. The user information also includes payment information, etc., for the user to purchase mileage points that can be used in exchange for using the battery. The user terminal 100 transmits instructions regarding user registration and a service contract and the necessary user information to the server 500. The user's contract and mileage purchase are executed, for example, through a subscription contract. By entering into a subscription contract, the user pays a fixed contract fee at a predetermined cycle, such as monthly, and is awarded a predetermined amount of mileage at the predetermined cycle. If the predetermined amount of mileage awarded through the subscription contract is insufficient, the user can purchase additional mileage. The server 500 checks the user's subscription contract status and mileage balance. For example, if the subscription contract is invalid due to non-payment or cancellation due to a payment error, the server 500 prohibits the user from replacing the battery 200 or charging the battery 200 by himself / herself. Also, if the user's mileage balance is less than a predetermined amount, the server 500 may prohibit the user from replacing the battery 200 or charging the battery 200 by himself / herself.

[0081] Based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 100, the server 500 registers various pieces of information about the user and information about the user terminal 100 used by the user in the database of the storage 540 (step S505). When the user purchases mileage using the payment information, the server 500 stores and manages the remaining mileage held by the user in the database of the storage 540 in association with information about the user. The server 500 transmits information indicating the results of the user registration and the remaining mileage to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 displays the information transmitted from the server 500.

[0082] <Replacement and use process> Next, the flow of the battery replacement and use process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] 10, an available power connector unit 300 transmits the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 to the surrounding area via short-range wireless communication (step S311). The transmitted information is not limited to the second identification information, and may be any information as long as it is recognizable as information transmitted from the power connector unit 300.

[0084] When the battery 200 detects the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 by short-range wireless communication, the battery 200 acquires the second identification information (step S211).

[0085] The battery 200 transmits the first identification information, location information, and remaining battery capacity information of the battery 200, as well as the second identification information acquired from the power connector unit 300, to the server 500 (step S212). If the battery 200 has not acquired the second identification information from the power connector unit 300, the battery 200 may transmit the first identification information, location information, and remaining battery capacity information to the server 500. The battery 200 may also transmit information indicating the charging status and rental status to the server 500. The battery 200 may also transmit to the server 500 the serial number of the battery 200 and information indicating the health state of the battery 200, which may also be used as the first identification information.

[0086] The server 500 acquires the various pieces of information transmitted from the battery 200 and registers them as information on each battery in the database of the storage 540 (step S511).

[0087] The user terminal 100 receives a request (instruction) to search for a usable battery 200 that can be replaced, based on a user operation or the like (step S111). For example, an application for users provided by a service provider is installed in the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 receives the request by, for example, receiving input from the user on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 160 by the application. The user terminal 100 transmits a search request for a battery 200 to the server 500.

[0088] Based on the battery 200 search request transmitted from the user terminal 100, the server 500 outputs information about batteries 200 that can be used in place of the battery 200 currently being used by the user (step S512). Specifically, based on the information received from each battery 200 in the processing of step S511, the server 500 outputs the location information of each battery 200 and the remaining charge information of that battery in association with each other. The server 500 also outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 in association with each other on a map. Furthermore, when the server 500 has received second identification information from each battery 200, the server 500 may output the location information and remaining charge information of that battery 200, but when the server 500 has not received second identification information, the server 500 may not output the location information and remaining charge information of that battery 200. Furthermore, the server 500 may output information about batteries 200 whose charging status is in a charge management state, and may not output information about batteries 200 whose charging status is in a usable state. Furthermore, the server 500 may output information about batteries 200 whose rental status is available for rental, and may not output information about batteries 200 whose rental status is unavailable for rental. The server 500 transmits the output information to the user terminal 100. Specifically, the server 500 transmits to the user terminal 100 the first identification information, location information, and remaining capacity information of each battery 200 for which information is to be output.

[0089] Based on the information transmitted from server 500, user terminal 100 displays information about replaceable and usable batteries 200 (step S112). For example, user terminal 100 uses a user application to display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 12 on operation / display unit 160. The screen in FIG. 12 indicates that there are three replaceable and usable batteries 200, and the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200 are displayed in association with each other on a map. The screen in FIG. 12 also indicates that the user's mileage balance is 137 points. The user goes to the location of the battery 200 they want to use, i.e., to the installer's store where the battery 200 is being charged, and exchanges the battery 200 they are currently using for the new battery 200. For example, the user hands over the battery 200 they are currently using to the installer and receives a charged battery 200 from the installer in exchange.

[0090] User terminal 100 receives an instruction to replace and use battery 200 based on a user operation or the like (step S113). For example, user terminal 100 receives the instruction by receiving an input from the user on a screen displayed on operation display unit 160 by a user application.

[0091] The user terminal 100 acquires first identification information for identifying the battery 200 from the battery 200 that the user desires to use (step S114). For example, the user terminal 100 acquires the first identification information by activating a camera using a user application and capturing and reading a two-dimensional barcode, which is the first identifier attached to the battery 200. The user terminal 100 may also acquire the first identification information of the battery 200 using another method, such as near-field wireless communication.

[0092] The user terminal 100 transmits to the server 500 an instruction to replace and use the battery 200, together with the first identification information of the battery 200. The user terminal 100 may also transmit to the server 500 the first identification information of the battery 200 that has been used until now, before the replacement.

[0093] Based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 100, the server 500 registers information indicating that the user has replaced the battery 200 in the database of the storage 540 (step S513). The server 500 transmits an instruction to change the status of the newly used battery 200. Note that the above example illustrates the user replacing the battery 200 by using the user terminal 100 to acquire first identification information of the battery 200 before and after replacement and transmitting it to the server 500, but this is not limiting. For example, the installer may replace the battery 200 used by the user by acquiring first identification information of the battery 200 before and after replacement using the installer terminal 400 and transmitting it to the server 500. This realizes a service scheme in which the service provider grants the installer authority to replace the battery, and the user's battery 200 is replaced based on the permission of the installer who has the authority to replace the battery. In the above case, the user may further use the user terminal 100 to acquire first identification information of the replaced battery 200 and transmit it to the server 500. This more reliably executes the replacement of the battery 200. Server 500 stores information (such as first identification information) about the battery 200 used by each user in a database or the like of storage 540. For example, when installer terminal 400 transmits the first identification information of the battery 200 before replacement to server 500, server 500 can identify the user using that battery 200 based on the information stored in storage 540. Then, when installer terminal 400 transmits the first identification information of the replaced battery 200 to server 500, server 500 updates the information about the battery 200 used by that user. This allows the user to replace the battery.

[0094] The newly used battery 200 changes its charging status based on the status change instruction from the server 500 (step S213). Specifically, the battery 200 switches its charging status from a charge management state in which charging is possible but power output is not possible to an available state in which power output is possible. The battery 200 transmits charging status information indicating the switched charging status to the server 500 as a status change completion notification. For the previously used battery 200 before replacement, the installer who accepted the replacement performs the processes from step S403 in FIG. 9 onwards, and charging is performed at the installer's store.

[0095] The server 500 calculates the mileage consumed by the user based on the amount of use of the battery 200 by the user, and subtracts the calculated mileage from the remaining mileage accumulated in the user's account (step S514). For example, when the user replaces a first battery 200 with a second battery 200, the server 500 calculates the amount of use of the battery 200 based on the difference in the remaining battery capacity between the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. For example, if the remaining capacity of the first battery 200 is 40 points and the remaining capacity of the second battery 200 is 80 points, the user's amount of use is calculated as 40 points, and the mileage corresponding to 40 points is subtracted from the user's account. Furthermore, if the battery 200 with a remaining capacity of 80 points is replaced with a battery 200 with a remaining capacity of 100 points, the user's amount of use is calculated as 20 points, and the mileage corresponding to 20 points is subtracted from the user's account. Note that any unit corresponding to the amount of power, percentage, etc. may be used as the unit of remaining battery capacity. The server 500 transmits to the user terminal 100 information about the battery 200 before and after replacement, information about consumed mileage, and the like.

[0096] User terminal 100 displays the information about battery 200 and the information about mileage transmitted from server 500 on operation and display unit 160 (step S115).

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0098] For example, in the above embodiment, the server 500 is described as outputting the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200, and the output information is displayed on the user terminal 100. However, this is not limiting. For example, the server 500 may output the location information of the power connector unit 300 and the location information of the installer terminal 400, and the output information may be displayed on the user terminal 100 or the terminal of the administrator of the battery management service. This makes it easier to understand and manage the locations of the power connector unit 300 and the installer terminal 400.

[0099] Furthermore, each of the components of the battery management system, including the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, and server 500, may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above.

[0100] Furthermore, the functions of each component may be realized by other components. For example, some of the functions described as being possessed by server 500 may be executed by other components, such as user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, or an external server. In this case, the CPU of the other components functions as an acquisition unit, output unit, calculation unit, and management unit.

[0101] Furthermore, the transmission path of information exchanged between each component is not limited to the example shown in the sequence chart above, and the information may be transmitted via any path via the communication interface of each component. Furthermore, the content of the information exchanged between each component is not limited to the example above, and other information may be included, or some of the above information may not be included.

[0102] Furthermore, each of the user terminal 100, the battery 200, the power connector unit 300, the installer terminal 400, and the server 500 may be configured by a plurality of devices, or may be configured by a single device.

[0103] Furthermore, the processing in the battery management system according to the above-described embodiment may include steps other than those in the sequence chart above, or may not include some of the steps described above. The order of the steps is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, each step may be combined with other steps and executed as a single step, may be included in other steps and executed, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0104] The means and methods for performing various processes in the battery management system according to the above-described embodiments can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the battery management system as one function of the system.

[0105] As described above, the battery management system of this embodiment includes a battery 200 having wireless communication and location information detection functions and used to drive an electric vehicle; a power connector unit 300 having wireless communication functions and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery 200; and a server 500. The server 500 can be connected to the battery 200, the power connector unit 300, a user terminal 100 used by a user who uses the battery 200, and an installer terminal 400 used by an installer who installs the power connector unit 300. The battery 200 includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the battery using the location information detection function and a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery. The battery 200 transmits location information of the battery 200 and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge to the server 500 using the wireless communication function. The power connector unit 300 controls the power supply for charging the battery 200 based on instructions transmitted from the server 500, and transmits supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied from the power connector unit 300 to the server 500. Based on the information transmitted from the battery 200, the server 500 outputs the location information of the battery 200 in association with the remaining charge information of the battery 200. In this way, the battery 200 itself transmits the location information and remaining charge information to the server 500, and the server 500 can output the information to the user. Therefore, the power connector unit 300 used to charge the battery 200 in the store only needs to control the power supply based on instructions from the server 500 and transmit the amount of power supplied to the server 500, making it possible to realize a battery station with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to provide a battery management system using a small, inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in small stores, without requiring the conventional high-function, large, and expensive battery station.

[0106] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, power connector unit 300 has a simple configuration including a control unit such as CPU 310, a communication interface 340, and a charging connection unit 350 (plug 351 and outlet unit 352). Therefore, unlike conventional battery stations, there is no need for a storage unit to store each battery or a complex configuration for managing the inventory status and charging status of each battery, and there is no need for expensive installation costs or installation space. As a result, even small stores such as food stalls and coffee stands can provide battery station services on their premises by simply connecting power connector unit 300 as long as they have a household power source.

[0107] Server 500 also acquires the supplied power amount information transmitted from power connector unit 300 and, based on the acquired supplied power amount information, calculates the amount to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using power connector unit 300. This allows the installer to easily participate in the battery management system by simply installing power connector unit 300, connecting it to a power source, and charging battery 200, thereby receiving compensation according to the amount of power supplied for charging. Therefore, a battery management system can be provided that makes it easy for even small stores to participate and continue as an installer.

[0108] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 acquires the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery 200 from the server 500, and outputs the information in association with the map. This allows the user to check the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200 on the map, making it easy to grasp which batteries 200 are available for use.

[0109] Furthermore, battery 200 is assigned a first identifier that is encoded first identification information for identifying battery 200. When a user uses battery 200, user terminal 100 acquires the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to server 500. When an installer charges battery 200, installer terminal 400 acquires the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to server 500. As a result, when each battery 200 is used by a user or charged by an installer, the first identification information of that battery 200 is transmitted to server 500, allowing server 500 to easily grasp and manage the status of battery 200.

[0110] Furthermore, each power connector unit 300 is assigned a second identifier that is encoded with second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300. When an installer uses a power connector unit 300, the installer terminal 400 obtains the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server 500. As a result, when each power connector unit 300 is used by the installer, the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 is transmitted to the server 500, allowing the server 500 to easily grasp and manage the status of the power connector unit 300.

[0111] In addition, the power connector unit 300 transmits second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300 via short-range wireless communication. When the battery 200 receives the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300, it transmits the received second identification information to the server 500. When the server 500 receives the second identification information from the battery 200, it outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 in association with each other. On the other hand, when the server 500 does not receive the second identification information from the battery 200, it does not output the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200. This allows the server 500 to output the location information and remaining charge information of only the battery 200 that has received the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 via short-range wireless communication, i.e., the battery 200 that is in the vicinity of the power connector unit 300. Therefore, the server 500 is located in the installer's store and outputs only information about batteries 200 that can be replaced or used by the user, allowing the user to view the information via the user terminal 100. The user can check only the information of the batteries 200 that can be replaced and used, and can therefore easily find the batteries 200 that can be replaced and used.

[0112] The power connector unit 300 also includes a location information detection function and transmits the detected location information of the power connector unit 300 to the server 500. The server 500 outputs the location information of the power connector unit 300 transmitted from the power connector unit 300. The user terminal 100 then outputs the location information output from the server 500, correlating it with a map. This allows users, service administrators, and the like to accurately grasp the location of the power connector unit 300. For example, even if the installer's store where the power connector unit 300 is installed relocates or the power connector unit 300 is simply moved, the location information of the power connector unit 300 detected using the location information detection function can be obtained. This eliminates the need to manually change the registration information of the power connector unit 300 in the server 500, making it easier to manage the power connector unit 300. This allows the installer to easily relocate the power connector unit 300, allowing for flexible changes to the installation location to meet user needs, such as installing the power connector unit 300 in an urban area during the day and installing it in a suburban area in the afternoon.

[0113] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch its charging status between a charge management state in which it is chargeable but unable to output power, and a usable state in which it is able to output power. The battery 200 transmits charging status information indicating the charging status to the server 500. This allows the server 500 to reliably and easily grasp the charging status of the battery 200. Furthermore, when the battery 200 is being charged at the installer's store, the battery 200 is in a charge management state, and therefore the battery 200 is unable to output (discharge) power. This prevents unauthorized use of the battery 200 at the installer's store. More specifically, since the installer can receive payment by charging the battery 200 using the power connector unit 300, it is conceivable that the installer may use the charged battery 200 to discharge it, and then charge the battery 200 again to receive payment. According to the battery 200 of this embodiment, power output is disabled in the charge management state in which the battery 200 is being charged at the store, but power output is enabled in the usable state in which the battery 200 can be used by a user, thereby preventing the above-described fraudulent behavior. Note that even if battery 200 is in a charge management state, it can be discharged if instructed by a battery management service provider or administrator in the event of a disaster or emergency, etc. This allows battery 200 that is being charged in the store to be used as a power source in an emergency or disaster.

[0114] Furthermore, when outputting the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery 200, the server 500 outputs information about the battery 200 whose charging status is in the charge management state, but does not output information about the battery 200 whose charging status is in the usable state. As a result, the server 500 outputs only the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 that has been charged at the installer's store and is replaceable and usable by the user, and allows the user to view this information via the user terminal 100. Therefore, the user can check only the information about the battery 200 that is replaceable and usable, and can therefore reliably and easily find a battery 200 that can be replaced and used.

[0115] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch its rental status between a rental available state in which it can be rented to a user and a rental unavailable state in which it cannot be rented to a user. The battery 200 transmits rental status information indicating the rental status to the server 500. This allows the server 500 to reliably and easily grasp the status regarding whether the battery 200 can be rented.

[0116] Furthermore, when outputting the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery 200, the server 500 outputs information about batteries 200 whose rental status is available for rental, but does not output information about batteries 200 whose rental status is unavailable for rental. As a result, the server 500 outputs only the location information and remaining charge information of batteries 200 that are available for rental at the installer's store and that can be replaced and used by the user, and allows the user to view this information via the user terminal 100. Therefore, the user can check only the information about batteries 200 that can be replaced and used, so that the user can reliably and easily find batteries 200 that can be replaced and used, while at the same time, the user cannot find batteries 200 that are being used by other users, so that privacy between users can be respected.

[0117] In addition, the server 500 stores and manages mileage that can be used as compensation for the user to use the battery 200 in association with information about the user. This allows for easy settlement of the compensation for the use of the battery 200 between the user and the server 500.

[0118] In addition, the server 500 checks the status of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase mileage points, and if the subscription contract is invalid or if the remaining mileage points are less than a predetermined amount, the server 500 controls the battery 200 so that it cannot be charged. This prevents fraudulent behavior, such as a user signing a subscription contract and obtaining an expensive battery 200 provided on the basis of the subscription contract, and then canceling the subscription contract or continuing to charge and use the battery 200 without paying the subscription contract fee.

[0119] In addition, the server 500 deducts the mileage of the user according to the amount of use of the battery 200 by the user. This allows the user to pay only for the amount of use of the battery 200, making it possible to provide a reasonable price. Furthermore, by deducting the mileage that the user has purchased in advance, billing and payment can be carried out reliably and easily.

[0120] Furthermore, when the first battery 200 used by the user is replaced with a second battery 200 charged by the installer, the server 500 calculates the amount of battery usage by the user based on the difference in remaining battery capacity between the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. This allows the user to pay a price according to the difference in remaining capacity between the second battery 200 before and after the replacement, making it possible to provide a reasonable price. Furthermore, since the price to be paid varies depending on the remaining battery capacity of the second battery 200 to be used after the replacement, the user can select whether to use a second battery 200 with a large remaining battery capacity or a second battery 200 with a small remaining battery capacity depending on the situation.

[0121] The server 500 also checks the status of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase mileage points, and controls the second battery to disable power output if the subscription contract is invalid or if the mileage balance is less than a predetermined amount. This prevents the user from using a new battery 200 if, for example, the user has canceled the subscription contract, has not paid the subscription fee, or has insufficient mileage points, thereby encouraging the user to maintain the subscription contract or pay the fee. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 100 user terminals, 110 CPUs, 120 ROM, 130 RAM, 140 storage, 150 communication interface, 160 Operation display section, 170 bus, 200 battery, 210 CPUs, 220 ROM, 230 RAM, 240 storage, 250 communication interface, 260 Operation display section, 270 storage unit, 280 bus, 300 Power connector part, 310 CPUs, 320 ROM, 330 RAM, 340 communication interface, 350 charging connection, 351 plug, 352 Outlet part, 360 Bus, 400 installer terminal, 410 CPUs, 420 ROM, 430 RAM, 440 storage, 450 communication interface, 460 Operation display section, 470 bus, 500 servers, 510 CPUs, 511 Acquisition Department; 512 output section, 513 calculation unit, 514 Management Department; 515 Instruction section, 520 ROM, 530 RAM, 540 storage, 550 communication interface, 560 Operation display section, 570 bus.

Claims

1. a battery having a wireless communication function and a location information detection function and used to drive an electric vehicle; a power connector unit having a wireless communication function and connected to a power source for charging the battery; a battery management system including the battery, the power connector unit, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and a server connectable from an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, The battery a position detection unit that detects the position of the battery using the position information detection function; a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery; a first transmission unit that transmits location information of the battery and remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the battery to the server by a wireless communication function; The power connector portion is a charging control unit that controls power supply for charging the battery based on an instruction transmitted from the server; a second transmission unit that transmits to the server supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied from the power connector unit for charging the battery, The server an acquisition unit that acquires information transmitted from the first transmission unit of the battery; an output unit that outputs the location information of the battery and the remaining amount information of the battery in association with each other based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, Battery management system.

2. the acquisition unit of the server further acquires the supplied power amount information transmitted from the second transmission unit of the power connector unit; The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes a calculation unit that calculates an amount to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit based on the supplied power amount information acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user terminal acquires the location information of the battery and the remaining capacity information of the battery from the output unit of the server, and outputs the information in association with the location information and the remaining capacity information of the battery on a map.

4. 3. The battery management system of claim 1, wherein the battery is assigned a first identifier that encodes first identification information for identifying the battery, and when the user uses the battery, the user terminal obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server, and when the installer charges the battery, the installer terminal obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server.

5. A battery management system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power connector unit is assigned a second identifier that encodes second identification information for identifying the power connector unit, and when the installer uses the power connector unit, the installer terminal obtains the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server.

6. the power connector unit transmits second identification information for identifying the power connector unit by a short-range wireless communication function; When the battery receives the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit, the battery further transmits the second identification information to the server by the first transmission unit; 5. The battery management system of claim 4, wherein the output unit of the server, when receiving the second identification information from the battery, outputs the location information and remaining capacity information of the battery in association with each other, and when not receiving the second identification information from the battery, does not output the location information and remaining capacity information of the battery.

7. the power connector unit further includes a position information detection function, and transmits position information of the power connector unit detected using the position information detection function to the server; 3. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit of the server outputs the location information of the power connector unit transmitted from the power connector unit, and the user terminal outputs the location information output from the output unit of the server in association with a map.

8. the battery is capable of switching a charge status between a charge management state in which it is capable of charging but is not capable of outputting power, and an available state in which it is capable of outputting power; The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transmission unit further transmits charging status information indicating the charging status to the server.

9. 9. The battery management system according to claim 8, wherein the output unit of the server, when outputting the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery, outputs information about the battery whose charging status is in a charge management state, and does not output information about the battery whose charging status is in an available state.

10. the battery is capable of switching a lending status between a lendable state in which it is possible to lend to the user and a non-lendable state in which it is not possible to lend to the user; The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transmission unit further transmits rental status information indicating the rental status to the server.

11. 11. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein the output unit of the server outputs information about the battery's location and the remaining charge information of the battery, the output unit outputs information about the battery whose rental status is available for rental, and does not output information about the battery whose rental status is unavailable for rental.

12. 3. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the server further comprises a management unit that stores and manages mileage that can be used by the user as compensation for using the battery, in association with information about the user.

13. 13. The battery management system of claim 12, wherein the management unit checks the status of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase the mileage, and controls the battery so that it cannot be charged if the subscription contract is invalid or if the remaining mileage is less than a predetermined amount.

14. The battery management system according to claim 12 , wherein the management unit subtracts the mileage of the user in accordance with the amount of use of the battery by the user.

15. 15. The battery management system according to claim 14, wherein when the user replaces a first battery with a second battery that has been charged by the installer, the management unit calculates the amount of battery usage by the user based on the difference in remaining battery capacity between the second battery and the first battery.

16. 16. The battery management system of claim 15, wherein the management unit checks the status of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase the mileage, and controls the second battery to disable power output if the subscription contract is invalid or if the mileage balance is less than a predetermined amount.

17. A battery management device connectable to a battery having a wireless communication function and used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having a wireless communication function and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, an acquisition unit that acquires location information of the battery and remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the battery, the location information and remaining amount information being transmitted from the battery via a wireless communication function; an instruction unit that transmits an instruction to the power connector unit to control power supply for charging the battery; an output unit that outputs location information of the battery and the remaining amount information of the battery in association with each other based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; A battery management device having:

18. A battery management program for causing a computer to function as the battery management device according to claim 17.

19. A battery management method executed by an information processing device connectable from a battery having a wireless communication function and used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having a wireless communication function and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user who uses the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, an acquisition step of acquiring location information of the battery and remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the battery, the location information and remaining amount information being transmitted from the battery via a wireless communication function; a transmitting step of transmitting, to the power connector unit, an instruction to control power supply for charging the battery; an output step of outputting the position information of the battery and the remaining amount information of the battery in association with each other based on the information acquired in the acquisition step; A battery management method including:

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