Method executed by an information processing device

Abstract

To improve a technique for promoting a use of a power feeding vehicle to be used in application to a rush charging service.SOLUTION: An information processing device 20 causes a terminal device 10 used by a user to display a screen to select a use purpose and a use start point of a power feeding vehicle. The information processing device 20 acquires the use purpose and the use start point selected by the user. Then, the information processing device 20 moves the power feeding vehicle to the use start point when the use purpose is "feeding power," and determines an operation plan of the power feeding vehicle to perform a power feeding service to feed power to the vehicle of the user. When the use purpose is a "taxicab," the device moves the power feeding vehicle to the use start point and determines the operation plan of the power feeding vehicle to transport the user. Finally, the determined operation plan is transmitted to the terminal device 10 of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method executed by an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for supplying power from a rescue electric vehicle when an electric vehicle runs out of power. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a rescue system for a mobile body that can charge a power storage device without driving to a charging station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-086841 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There was room for improvement in promoting the use of power supply vehicles used in emergency charging services.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for promoting the use of power supply vehicles used in application of emergency charging services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises: A method executed by an information processing device that determines an operation plan for a power supply vehicle according to a user's purpose of use, Displaying a screen on a terminal device used by a user to allow the user to select a purpose of use of the power supply vehicle and a use start point; acquiring a purpose of use and a starting point of use selected by the user; If the purpose of use is "power supply," determining an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the use start point and performs a power supply operation of supplying power to the user's vehicle; When the purpose of use is "taxi," determining the operation plan of the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the use start point and transports the user; transmitting the determined operation plan to the terminal device of the user; Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technique for promoting the use of power supply vehicles used in application of emergency charging services is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] (Outline of the embodiment) An overview of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and an information processing device 20. The plurality of terminal devices 10 and the information processing device 20 are communicably connected to a network 30 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0011] The terminal device 10 is a computer such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is used by a user who desires an emergency charging service. The terminal device 10 may be a computer mounted on an electric vehicle.

[0012] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device, etc. The information processing device 20 is capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices 10 via a network 30.

[0013] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be provided later. The information processing device 20 displays a screen on the terminal device 10 used by the user, prompting the user to select the purpose of use of the power supply vehicle and the start point of use. Next, the information processing device 20 acquires the purpose of use and the start point of use selected by the user. Thereafter, if the purpose of use is "power supply," the information processing device 20 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to move the power supply vehicle to the start point of use and perform a power supply operation to supply power to the user's vehicle. If the purpose of use is "taxi," the information processing device 20 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to move the power supply vehicle to the start point of use and transport the user. Finally, the information processing device 20 transmits the determined operation plan to the terminal device 10 of the user.

[0014] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 20 allows a power supply vehicle owned by a power supply service provider to be used as a taxi depending on the purpose of use requested by the user. This allows the power supply service provider to provide a taxi service in addition to the power supply service without having to own a taxi vehicle separate from the power supply vehicle. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the power supply vehicle can be used for tasks other than power supplying, which increases the likelihood of using the power supply vehicle, thereby improving the technology for promoting the use of power supply vehicles.

[0015] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0016] (Terminal Device Configuration) As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an output unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0017] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to mobile communication standards such as, but not limited to, 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 communicates with the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 11 and the network 30.

[0018] The output unit 12 includes one or more output devices that output information. Examples of the output devices include, but are not limited to, a display that outputs information as a video or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. Alternatively, the output unit 12 may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0019] The input unit 13 includes one or more input devices that detect an input operation by a user. Examples of the input devices include, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch screen integrated with the display of the output unit 12, or a microphone. Alternatively, the input unit 13 may include an interface for connecting an external input device.

[0020] The storage unit 14 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, optical memories, etc., but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 14 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 14 stores any information used in the operation of the terminal device 10. For example, the storage unit 14 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 14 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 11, for example.

[0021] The control unit 15 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The dedicated circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 15 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10.

[0022] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit .

[0023] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 communicates with multiple terminal devices 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30.

[0024] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, a database, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 21, for example.

[0025] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the information processing device 20 as a whole.

[0026] (Operation flow of information processing device) The operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] Step S100: The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 causes the terminal device 10 used by the user to display a screen for selecting the purpose of use of the power supply vehicle and the use start point.

[0028] Specifically, a user who wishes to use a service inputs information regarding the user's desire to use the service into the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 transmits the information regarding the user's desire to use the service to the information processing device 20. When the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 receives the information regarding the user's desire to use the service from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 21, the control unit 23 sends a command to the terminal device 10 to display a screen that prompts the user to select a purpose for using the power supply vehicle and a start point for use. The terminal device 10 receives the command from the control unit 23 via the communication unit 11, and displays a screen on the screen of the terminal device 10 that prompts the user to select a purpose for using the power supply vehicle and a start point for use. However, the terminal device 10 does not transmit the information regarding the user's desire to use the service to the information processing device 20, and any method, not limited to the above example, can be employed. For example, the terminal device 10 may use a program stored in the storage unit 14 of the terminal device 10 to display a screen that prompts the user to select a purpose for using the power supply vehicle and a start point for use.

[0029] "Information regarding desired use" may include any information regarding desired use of the service, including, for example, information sent when a button indicating use of the service is pressed on the screen of the service displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the options for the purpose of use include "power supply," which performs power supply work to supply power to the user's vehicle, and "taxi," which transports the user. Note that the purpose of use and the starting point of use may be selected by any method other than the selection method, such as direct input or voice input, rather than by a selection method that displays a screen for selection.

[0031] The control unit 23 may also receive location information of the terminal device 10 when receiving information about a desire to use the power supply vehicle from the terminal device 10, and may control the locations that are candidates for the usage start location based on the location information. For example, the display order of the locations that are candidates for the usage start location may be changed.

[0032] Step S101: The control unit 23 acquires the purpose of use and the start point of use selected by the user.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 15 of the terminal device 10 transmits the purpose of use and the usage start point selected by the user to the information processing device 20. The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 receives the purpose of use and the usage start point from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 21, thereby acquiring the purpose of use and the usage start point.

[0034] Step S102: The control unit 23 determines the next process to be performed according to the acquired purpose of use.

[0035] Specifically, the control unit 23 determines whether the purpose of use is "power supply" or "taxi." If the purpose of use is "power supply" (step S102-power supply), the process proceeds to step S103. If the purpose of use is "taxi" (step S102-taxi), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0036] Step S103: The control unit 23 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the utilization start point and executes the power supply operation of supplying power to the vehicle of the user.

[0037] Step S104: The control unit 23 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the usage start point and transports the user (that is, so that the power supply vehicle performs taxi operations).

[0038] Here, the "operation plan" may include, for example, information identifying the power supply vehicle, the start point of use of the power supply vehicle, the scheduled arrival time of the power supply vehicle at the start point of use, and information indicating the purpose of use such as "power supply" or "taxi," but is not limited to these and may include any information necessary for the operation of the power supply vehicle. For example, it may further include the scheduled time of use of the power supply vehicle.

[0039] The power supply vehicle may be capable of being driven directly or remotely by a driver. The power supply vehicle may be capable of automated driving, such as levels 1 to 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

[0040] Step S105: The control unit 23 transmits the determined operation plan to the terminal device 10 of the user.

[0041] If a change occurs in the determined operation plan, the control unit 23 may transmit the changed operation plan again to the terminal device 10 of the user.

[0042] Furthermore, if the user wishes to change the determined operation plan, the user may transmit the desired changes via the terminal device 10. The control unit 23 may return to step 101 and perform the process again based on the desired changes. The desired changes may include not only the purpose of use and the use start point, but also all information related to the operation plan, such as the scheduled arrival time of the power supply vehicle at the use start point.

[0043] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment displays a screen on the terminal device 10 used by the user, prompting the user to select the purpose of use of the power supply vehicle and the start point of use. Next, the information processing device 20 acquires the purpose of use and the start point of use selected by the user. Thereafter, if the purpose of use is "power supply," the information processing device 20 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to move the power supply vehicle to the start point of use and perform a power supply operation to supply power to the user's vehicle. If the purpose of use is "taxi," the information processing device 20 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to move the power supply vehicle to the start point of use and transport the user. Finally, the information processing device 20 transmits the determined operation plan to the terminal device 10 of the user.

[0044] According to this configuration, the information processing device 20 allows a power supply vehicle owned by a power supply service provider to be used as a taxi depending on the purpose of use requested by the user. This allows the power supply service provider to provide a taxi service in addition to the power supply service without having to own a taxi vehicle separate from the power supply vehicle. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the power supply vehicle can be used for tasks other than power supplying, which increases the likelihood of using the power supply vehicle, thereby improving the technology for promoting the use of power supply vehicles.

[0045] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0046] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and operation of the information processing device 20 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, an embodiment in which some or all of the components of the information processing device 20 are provided in the terminal device 10 may be possible. For example, the terminal device 10 installed in a vehicle may include some or all of the components of the information processing device 20.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the options for the purpose of use include “power supply” and “taxi,” but the options are not limited to these and may further include “rental car.” In such a case, when “rental car” is selected, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may determine an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so as to move the power supply vehicle to the usage start point and temporarily lend the power supply vehicle to the user.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may provide an incentive to a user when the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user uses the power supply vehicle to perform power supply work while the power supply vehicle is being rented to the user.

[0049] Specifically, in step S100, if the user selects "rental car" as the purpose of use, the control unit 23 displays a screen for confirming whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed instead. Next, in step S101, the control unit 23 further acquires information on whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed instead, selected by the user. Next, in step S102, if the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user desires to have the power supply service performed instead, the control unit 23 moves the power supply vehicle to the usage start point, temporarily lends the power supply vehicle to the user, and determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle performs the power supply service while the power supply vehicle is being rented. Then, the control unit 23 performs step S105. Thereafter, if the user uses the power supply vehicle to perform the power supply service while the power supply vehicle is being lent to the user, the user transmits information related to the fact that the power supply service has been performed instead to the information processing device 20 using the terminal device 10. The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 checks the received information and the operation plan of the power supply vehicle registered in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 20, and determines to provide an incentive.

[0050] The incentive may include, for example, a discount on the rental car fee or an extension of the rental car usage time. The incentive may also include, for example, a predetermined coupon or points that can be used the next time the user receives a service.

[0051] Here, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may determine the incentive grant rate according to the number of times the user has performed the power supply service on behalf of another user. For example, the incentive grant rate may be determined so that the more times the user has performed the power supply service on behalf of another user, but is not limited to this.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user requests a power supply service to be performed on behalf of the user while the power supply vehicle is being rented to the user, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may check whether there are other users who wish to supply power within a predetermined area centered on the power supply vehicle rented to the user. If there are other users, information of the other users may be sent to the terminal device of the user.

[0053] Specifically, if the user selects "rental car" as the purpose of use in step S100, the control unit 23 further displays a screen on the terminal device 10 to confirm whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf. Next, in step S101, the control unit 23 further acquires information on whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf. Next, in step S102, if the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf, the control unit 23 moves the power supply vehicle to the usage start point, temporarily lends the power supply vehicle to the user, and determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to perform the power supply service on his or her behalf during the lending. In addition, the control unit 23 further confirms whether or not there are other users who desire to supply power within a predetermined area of ​​the usage start point. The method of confirming whether or not there are other users may use, for example, the usage start point of the information of the user who desires power supply stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 20, or the usage start point of the power supply vehicle in the operation plan of another power supply vehicle. If there are other users, the control unit 23 further transmits information about the other users to the terminal devices 10 of the users in step S105.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, if the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user requests a power supply service to be performed on behalf of the user while the power supply vehicle is being rented to the user, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may have the user further select a destination point and check whether there are other users who wish to supply power along the route from the use start point to the destination point. If there are other users, information of the other users may be transmitted to the terminal device 10 of the user.

[0055] Specifically, in step S100, if the user selects "rental car" as the purpose of use, the control unit 23 causes the terminal device 10 to further display a screen for confirming whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf. If the user selects that he or she desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf, the control unit 23 causes the terminal device 10 to further display a screen for selecting a destination point. Next, in step S101, the control unit 23 further acquires information on whether or not the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf, selected by the user, and the destination point. Next, in step S102, if the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user desires to have the power supply service performed on his or her behalf, the control unit 23 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle to move to the usage start point, temporarily lend the power supply vehicle to the user, and perform the power supply service during the lending, and further confirms whether or not there are other users who desire power supply along the route from the usage start point to the destination point. The method of checking whether or not other users exist may be, for example, using the utilization start point of the information of the user who desires power supply stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 20, or the utilization start point of the power supply vehicle in the operation plan of the other power supply vehicle. Then, if other users exist, the control unit 23 further transmits the information of the other users to the terminal device 10 of the users in step S105. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 System 10. Information processing equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Output section 13 Input section 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 20 Information processing equipment 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 30 Network

Claims

1. A method executed by an information processing device that determines an operation plan for a power supply vehicle according to a user's purpose of use, Displaying a screen on a terminal device used by a user to allow the user to select a purpose of use of the power supply vehicle and a use start point; acquiring a purpose of use and a starting point of use selected by the user; If the purpose of use is "power supply," determining an operation plan for the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the use start point and performs a power supply operation of supplying power to the user's vehicle; When the purpose of use is "taxi," determining the operation plan of the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle moves to the use start point and transports the user; transmitting the determined operation plan to the terminal device of the user; A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, When the purpose of use is "rental car," determining the operation plan of the power supply vehicle so that the power supply vehicle is moved to the use start point and the power supply vehicle is temporarily rented to the user; The method further comprises:

3. 3. The method of claim 2, When the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user performs a power supplying operation using the power supplying vehicle while the power supplying vehicle is being rented to the user, an incentive is provided to the user; The method further comprises:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, When the purpose of use is "rental car" and the user requests a substitute to perform the power supplying work while the power supplying vehicle is being rented to the user, confirm whether there are other users who wish to supply power within a predetermined area centered on the power supplying vehicle rented to the user; If the other user exists, transmitting information of the other user to the terminal device of the user; The method further comprises:

5. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, If the purpose of use is “rental car” and the user desires to have the power supply service performed on behalf of the user while the power supply vehicle is being rented to the user, the user is prompted to further select a destination point; Checking whether there are other users who wish to receive power supply along the route from the utilization start point to the destination point; If the other user exists, transmitting information of the other user to the terminal device of the user; Further comprising: a method.

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