Charging station management system and charging station management method

Abstract

To provide a charging stand management system and method that eliminate the need for long-distance radio communication facilities and enable easy use of charging stands.SOLUTION: In a charging stand management system 1, when a user terminal reads an identification code 11e of a charging stand 11, a short-range radio control unit of the user terminal performs short-range radio communication with a breaker control unit 12a of a power supply control device 12 provided in the charging stand corresponding to the identification code. When the short-range radio communication begins, an inquiry control unit inquires of a server 13 via long-range radio communication between the user terminal and the server on the network whether the charging stand is available for use. A confirmation control unit confirms the connection of a power transmission line between the charging stand and an electric vehicle and a charging time setting from the user terminal. An attention control unit accepts the selection of a confirmation key from the user terminal. A charging control unit controls the breaker control unit via the short-range radio communication to charge for the set charging time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging station management system and a charging station management method. [Background technology]

[0002] There have been many conventional technologies related to charging devices that charge batteries (storage batteries) of user terminals such as mobile phones and tablets. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-114968 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery charging system that includes a charging device, a code input means, and an access means. The charging device charges the battery, and the code input means inputs a code for accessing service information provided by a service provider. The access means accesses the service information provided by the service provider based on the code input by the code input means. The charging device includes a charge control means that starts charging the battery after confirming that the code input means has input the code and that the access means has accessed the service information provided by the service provider. This allows the service provider to provide service information to service users and allows the service users to charge their batteries.

[0003] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-72069 (Patent Document 2) discloses a battery management system including multiple battery devices, multiple battery exchange devices, and a server device. The battery devices are provided for a battery exchange service, and the battery exchange devices are placed in battery stations to accommodate and charge battery devices returned by users and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices. The server device is connected to the multiple battery exchange devices via a network and manages battery exchanges at the battery exchange devices. The battery exchange devices also have cameras that capture images of visitors. The server device performs face matching to determine whether the visitor is an authorized user based on facial image information of the visitor acquired from the camera image. Based on the results of the face matching, the server device determines whether or not a battery exchange is permitted and notifies the battery exchange device of the determination result. This eliminates the need for users to perform special operations, reducing the user's workload during battery exchange and ensuring sufficient security related to user authentication.

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-44499 (Patent Document 3) discloses a charging service provision system that provides services related to the use of charging equipment for charging mobile communication terminals. This charging equipment is a charging service provision system equipped with an identification code that stores at least charging equipment provider information, which is information corresponding to the provider of the charging equipment. The charging equipment also includes a charging equipment provider information database, a charging equipment provider information registration unit, a charging equipment location information database, a charging equipment location information registration unit, a charging equipment location information provision unit, a charging equipment provider information extraction unit, a points information provision unit, and a server. The charging equipment provider information registration unit registers the charging equipment provider information in the charging equipment provider information database, and the charging equipment location information registration unit registers charging equipment location information, which is information corresponding to the location of the charging equipment provided by the charging equipment provider, in the charging equipment location information database. The charging equipment location information provision unit extracts charging equipment location information from the charging equipment location information database based on communication terminal location information, which is information corresponding to the location of the service recipient's mobile communication terminal, and provides the extracted charging equipment location information to the service recipient. The charging facility provider information extraction unit extracts charging facility provider information that matches the charging facility provider information transmitted from the mobile communication terminal of the service recipient from the charging facility provider information database. The point information provision unit determines points to be awarded to the provider corresponding to the extracted charging facility provider information based on the extracted charging facility provider information and communication terminal charging amount information, which is information corresponding to the charging amount of the mobile communication terminal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal of the service recipient, and provides point information, which is information corresponding to the determined points, to the provider of the charging facility. The server is connected to the mobile communication terminal via a communication network. The mobile communication terminal includes an identification code information transmission unit and a charging amount information transmission unit. The identification code information transmission unit reads the identification code of the charging facility corresponding to the provided charging facility location information and transmits the charging facility provider information stored in the identification code to the server.The charging amount information transmission unit transmits to the server, communication terminal charging amount information corresponding to the amount of charge supplied to the mobile communication terminal of the service recipient from the charging facility corresponding to the provided charging facility location information. This enables the service recipient, who needs to charge their mobile communication terminal while out and about, to efficiently find charging facilities based on the charging facility location information.

[0005] Meanwhile, the present applicant has filed and obtained patent rights for a charging analysis system and a charging analysis method that can easily grasp the user's utilization rate for charging devices, as shown in Japanese Patent No. 6489339 (Patent Document 4). Also, the present applicant has filed and obtained patent rights for an unmanned reservation management system and an unmanned reservation management method that are highly secure and can automatically manage the power supply to electrical devices in a facility at reserved times, as shown in Japanese Patent No. 7197872 (Patent Document 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-114968 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-72069 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-44499 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6489339 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 7197872 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed in various locations. It is generally preferable to manage these charging stations unmanned. However, when managing unmanned charging stations, it is necessary to wirelessly connect the charging station to the user's terminal and authenticate the user who uses the charging station. This poses a problem in that long-distance wireless communication equipment such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is required near the charging station.

[0008] On the other hand, it is desirable for users of charging stations to be able to quickly find and easily use nearby charging stations while driving an electric vehicle. As such, there has been a demand for a system that can properly manage charging stations installed in various locations without staffing and that allows users to use them easily.

[0009] Here, the technology described in Patent Document 1 controls charging equipment based on a code. The technology described in Patent Document 2 performs user authentication by facial matching. The technology described in Patent Document 3 efficiently displays charging equipment using charging equipment location information. The technology described in Patent Document 4 controls charging equipment based on a code. The technology described in Patent Document 5 controls electrical equipment based on a code. However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 above do not allow for specific management of charging stations installed in various locations.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a charging station management system and a charging station management method that do not require long-distance wireless communication equipment and allow users to easily use charging stations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A charging station management system according to the present invention includes a short-range wireless control unit, an inquiry control unit, a confirmation control unit, a warning control unit, and a charging control unit. When an identification code provided on a charging station is read by a user terminal, the short-range wireless control unit performs short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and a breaker control unit of a distribution breaker of the charging station corresponding to the identification code. When short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit is initiated, the inquiry control unit queries the server via long-range wireless communication between the user terminal and a server on a network to inquire whether the charging station is available for use. If the result of the inquiry indicates that the charging station is available for use, the confirmation control unit confirms the connection of the power transmission line between the charging station and the electric vehicle and the charging time setting from the user terminal. After completing confirmation of the power transmission line connection and the charging time setting, the warning control unit selectably displays a confirmation key for warnings regarding use of the charging station on the user terminal and accepts selection of the confirmation key from the user terminal. When the confirmation key is selected, the charging control unit controls the breaker control unit via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit so that the charging stand charges for the set charging time.

[0012] The charging station management method according to the present invention includes a short-range wireless control step, an inquiry control step, a confirmation control step, an attention control step, and a charging control step. Each control step of the charging station management method corresponds to a respective control unit of the charging station management system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, long-distance wireless communication equipment is not required, and the user can easily use the charging station. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a charging station management system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a charging station management system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for executing a charging station management method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A shows an example of an app download screen, an SMS authentication screen, and an example of SMS authentication, and FIG. 4B shows an example of an authentication code notification screen, an authentication code input screen, and an account registration screen. [Figure 5] 5A is a diagram showing an example of an account registration table, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a login screen, an error screen, and a login success screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A shows an example of a charging station table when a user terminal acquires the current location, and FIG. 6B shows an example of a charging station map screen when a user drives an electric vehicle toward a nearby charging station. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A shows an example of when a user arrives at a proximity charging station in an electric vehicle and when an identification code is read by a user terminal, and FIG. 7B shows an example of when short-range wireless communication is performed between a user terminal and a breaker control unit and when long-range wireless communication is performed between a user terminal and a server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A shows an example of a usability table, a charging station unavailable screen, and a case where a user searches for another charging station, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a case where a user terminal obtains history information from a breaker control unit and transmits it to a server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A shows an example of a power line connection confirmation screen, a screen when the power line is disconnected, and a screen when the power line is disconnected. FIG. 9B shows an example of a charging time setting screen when the power line is connected. [Figure 10] 10A shows an example of a payment procedure screen, a payment procedure incomplete screen, and a payment procedure complete screen, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a special member table. [Figure 11]FIG. 11A shows an example of a warning confirmation screen, an additional warning confirmation screen, and a case where a user terminal sends an ON signal and charging time to a breaker control unit, and FIG. 11B shows an example of a charging screen when the breaker control unit switches on a distribution breaker. [Figure 12] FIG. 12A shows an example of a charging error screen when the power line is disconnected, and FIG. 12B shows an example of a charging completion screen when the elapsed time exceeds the charging time. [Figure 13] FIG. 13A shows an example of a case where a user terminal acquires history information from a breaker control unit and transmits it to a server when the elapsed time exceeds the charging time, and FIG. 13B shows an example of a case where a user terminal acquires history information from a breaker control unit and transmits it to a server when the next user uses the charging stand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to help understand the present invention. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0016] 1, a charging stand management system 1 according to the present invention includes a user terminal 10, a charging stand 11, a power supply control device 12, a server 13, and a network 14. The user terminal 10 and the server 13 can communicate with each other via long-distance wireless communication via the network 14. The user terminal 10 and the power supply control device 12 can also communicate with each other via short-distance wireless communication.

[0017] Here, long-distance wireless communication refers to wireless communication over a wide range, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). On the other hand, short-distance wireless communication refers to wireless communication over a narrow range, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Long-distance wireless communication is different from short-distance wireless communication.

[0018] The user terminal 10 also includes a terminal display unit (output unit), a terminal reception unit (input unit), a code input unit, a long-distance wireless communication unit, a short-distance wireless communication unit, a terminal storage unit, a position detection unit, and a terminal control unit. The terminal display unit displays a screen, and the terminal reception unit receives input of predetermined instructions through user operation. The code input unit receives code input via a camera, the long-distance wireless communication unit is capable of long-distance wireless communication, and the short-distance wireless communication unit is capable of short-distance wireless communication. The terminal storage unit stores data, the position detection unit detects the current location based on communication with a satellite, and the terminal control unit controls each unit. Here, the position detection unit includes, for example, a GPS device (Global Positioning System).

[0019] Furthermore, the charging stand 11 is, for example, a charging device or charging facility used for charging an electric vehicle EV, but is not limited to this and may also be used for charging an electric truck, an electric bicycle, etc. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the charging stand 11, but for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the charging stand 11 is provided with a power transmission line 11a, a charging connector 11b of the power transmission line 11a is inserted into a predetermined mounting portion of the electric vehicle EV, and a charging plug 11c of the power transmission line 11a is inserted into a charging outlet 11d of the charging stand 11, thereby enabling power from the charging stand 11 to be supplied to the electric vehicle EV via the power transmission line 11a. Furthermore, a plurality of charging stands 11 may be provided at predetermined intervals in a specific area, such as a parking lot or plaza, and the configuration of each charging stand 11 is the same as that described above.

[0020] The charging stand 11 is also provided with an identification code 11e. There are no particular limitations on the type of the identification code 11e, but examples include a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode. Here, the identification code 11e is used to identify the charging stand 11.

[0021] Furthermore, the power supply control device 12 is a device that controls the power supply of each charging stand 11, and is electrically connected to each charging stand 11 by two electric wires: a positive electric wire and a negative electric wire. Here, the power supply control device 12 is provided with a distribution breaker 12a and a breaker control unit 12b for each charging stand 11. The distribution breaker 12a is provided and electrically connected to the two electric wires of the charging stand 11, and the breaker control unit 12b is provided near the distribution breaker 12a, and controls the switching on and off (disconnecting) of the distribution breaker 12a. The breaker control unit 12b is provided with a short-range wireless communication unit 12c, and is capable of short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 10. Furthermore, the breaker control unit 12b stores usage information of the distribution breaker 12a as history information in a predetermined memory.

[0022] The power supply control device 12 is also provided with a main power breaker 12d that is electrically connected to the two electric wires of the distribution breaker 12a. A separate safety device may be provided between the distribution breaker 12a and the main power breaker 12d. The main power breaker 12d is electrically connected to an external power pole, receives power from the power pole, and distributes it to each distribution breaker 12a.

[0023] The server 13 is a commonly used computer and includes a server communication unit for wireless and wired communication, a server storage unit for storing data, and a server control unit for controlling each unit. The server 13 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 10 via the network 14.

[0024] The network 14 is connected to the user terminal 10 and the server 13 so as to enable long-distance wireless communication. Examples of the network 14 include a LAN (Local Area Network) via a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless base station, a third-generation (3G) communication method, a fourth-generation (4G) communication method such as LTE, and a fifth-generation (5G) or later communication method. The network 14 does not include short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0025] Furthermore, the user terminal 10, the power supply control device 12, and the server 13 each incorporate a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, etc. (not shown), and the CPU uses, for example, the RAM as a work area to execute programs stored in the ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. Furthermore, each control unit (described later) is realized by the CPU executing a program.

[0026] Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 13. First, a user who owns a user terminal 10 downloads a dedicated app (software) to the user terminal 10, which enables the user to use a charging station 11 to charge an electric vehicle EV.

[0027] Specifically, the user operates the terminal reception unit of the user terminal 10, and causes the user terminal 10 to access the server 13 from which the dedicated app is downloaded via the network 14 using the long-distance wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10, and causes a predetermined app selection screen to be displayed on the terminal display unit of the user terminal 10. Then, when the user selects an app selection key on the app selection screen, the user terminal 10 accepts the selection of the app selection key and causes the user terminal 10 to display an app download screen (FIG. 3: S101).

[0028] Here, there are no particular limitations on the app download screen 400, but for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the app download screen 400 displays the app title 401, a message 402 prompting the user to download the app (e.g., "Do you want to download the app?"), an OK key 403, and a cancel key 404.

[0029] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 404, the user terminal 10 accepts the selection of the cancel key 404, erases the application download screen 400, and does not execute the download (FIG. 3: S101 NO).

[0030] On the other hand, when the user selects the OK key 403, the user terminal 10 accepts the selection of the OK key 403 and downloads the dedicated app from the server 13 to the user terminal 10 via the network 14 (FIG. 3: S101 YES). Then, the user terminal 10 stores the dedicated app from the server 13 in a predetermined memory.

[0031] Once the dedicated app is downloaded to the user terminal 10, the user operates the user terminal 10 to launch the dedicated app. Then, the registration and authentication control unit 201 of the dedicated app causes the user terminal 10 to display an SMS authentication screen.

[0032] Here, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of SMS authentication screen 405, but for example, as shown in Fig. 4A, SMS authentication screen 405 displays an application launch display 406, a message 407 prompting the user to enter a mobile phone number for SMS authentication (e.g., "Please enter your mobile phone number to register your account"), a mobile phone number input field 408, an OK key 409, and a cancel key 410. SMS (Short Message Service) is a service for sending short messages using a mobile phone number.

[0033] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 410, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the cancel key 410, erases the SMS authentication screen 405, and does not execute the SMS authentication.

[0034] On the other hand, when the user operates the user terminal 10 to input the mobile phone number of the user terminal 10 (e.g., "123456789") into the mobile phone number input field 408 as shown in FIG. 4A and selects the OK key 409, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the mobile phone number ("123456789") and the OK key 409 and performs SMS authentication (FIG. 3: S102).

[0035] Here, there is no particular limitation on the SMS authentication method of the registration authentication control unit 201, but for example, the registration authentication control unit 201 accesses the server 13 via the network 14 and refers to the registered mobile phone number in the account registration table pre-stored in a predetermined memory of the server 13. Then, the registration authentication control unit 201 determines whether there is a registered mobile phone number that matches the input mobile phone number ("123456789") that was input.

[0036] If the result of the determination is that there is a registered mobile phone number that matches the input mobile phone number ("123456789"), the user has already registered an account with the dedicated app, so the registration authentication control unit 201 displays a message on the user terminal 10 indicating that the user has already registered an account with the dedicated app, and terminates the SMS authentication (Figure 3: S102 NO).

[0037] On the other hand, if the determination result shows that there is no registered mobile phone number that matches the input mobile phone number ("123456789"), this means that the user has not yet registered an account with the dedicated app, and so the registration authentication control unit 201 causes the server 13 to generate an authentication code via the network 14. The server 13 uses a predetermined code generation unit to generate a predetermined authentication code (for example, "12ab") corresponding to the input mobile phone number ("123456789"). The server 13 then sends the generated authentication code ("12ab") by SMS to the input mobile phone number ("123456789") as the destination. The registration authentication control unit 201 of the user terminal 10 then receives the authentication code from the server 13 and causes the user terminal 10 to display an authentication code notification screen including the authentication code.

[0038] 4B, authentication code notification screen 411 displays SMS authentication display 412, message 413 indicating that the authentication code has been notified (e.g., "The code will be notified"), authentication code display 414 (e.g., "12ab"), and OK key 415. Since authentication code notification screen 411 has been sent via SMS, it is displayed, for example, as a pop-up, unlike the display screen of the dedicated app.

[0039] Next, the registration and authentication control unit 201 displays an authentication code input screen as a display screen for the dedicated app on the user terminal 10. Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the authentication code input screen 415, but for example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the authentication code input screen 415 displays an SMS authentication display 416, a message 417 prompting the user to input an authentication code (e.g., "Please enter the code"), an authentication code input field 418, an OK key 419, and a cancel key 420.

[0040] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 420, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the cancel key 420, erases the authentication code input screen 415, and ends the SMS authentication (FIG. 3: S102 NO).

[0041] On the other hand, when the user sees the authentication code ("12ab") on the authentication code notification screen 411, operates the user terminal 10 to input the authentication code into the authentication code input field 418, and selects the OK key 419, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the authentication code and the OK key 419, accesses the server 13 via the network 14, and determines whether the input authentication code matches the generated authentication code generated by the server 13 earlier.

[0042] If, as a result of the determination, the input authentication code does not match the generated authentication code ("12ab") for some reason, the registration authentication control unit 201 determines that SMS authentication of this user is not possible, displays a message on the user terminal 10 indicating that SMS authentication has failed, and terminates SMS authentication (Figure 3: S102NO).

[0043] On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that the input authentication code ("12ab") matches the generated authentication code ("12ab"), the registration authentication control unit 201 determines that SMS authentication of this user is possible, makes the SMS authentication successful (FIG. 3: S102 YES), displays the account registration screen on the user terminal 10, and executes account registration (FIG. 3: S103).

[0044] Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of account registration screen 421, but for example, as shown in Fig. 4B, account registration screen 421 displays account registration display 422, user ID input field 423, password input field 424, email input field 425, and OK key 426. Note that email input field 425 allows for arbitrary input.

[0045] Here, while viewing the account registration screen 421, the user operates the user terminal 10 to input an arbitrary user ID (for example, "abc") determined by the user into a user ID input field 423, an arbitrary password (for example, "dfe") determined by the user into a password input field 424, and an email address held by the user (for example, "ghi@jkl") into an email address input field 425. Then, when the user selects the OK key 426, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the user ID ("abc"), password ("dfe"), email address ("ghi@jkl"), and OK key 426, and executes account registration.

[0046] Here, the registration method of the registration authentication control unit 201 is not particularly limited, but for example, the registration authentication control unit 201 refers to the account registration table of the server 13 via the network 14. As shown in FIG. 5A, the account registration table 500 stores a registered mobile phone number 501, a registered user ID 502, a registered password 503, and a registered email address 504 in association with each other. The registration authentication control unit 201 stores the authenticated mobile phone number ("123456789") used for the SMS authentication in the registered mobile phone number 501, the input user ID ("abc") in the registered user ID 502, the input password ("dfe") in the registered password 503, and the input email address ("ghi@jkl") in the registered email address 504. This completes the account registration.

[0047] Once the registration and authentication control unit 201 has completed the account registration, the user can use the charging stand 11 via the dedicated app. When the user operates the user terminal 10 to start the dedicated app, the registration and authentication control unit 201 displays a login screen on the user terminal 10 and executes the login process (FIG. 3: S201).

[0048] Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the login screen 505, but for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the login screen 505 displays a login display 506, a user ID input field 507, a password input field 508, an OK key 509, and a cancel key 510.

[0049] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 510, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of the cancel key 510, erases the login screen 505, and ends the login process (FIG. 3: S201 NO).

[0050] On the other hand, when the user looks at the login screen 505 and operates the user terminal 10 to input a user ID in a user ID input field 507, input a password in a password input field 508, and select the OK key 509, the registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the user ID, password, and selection of the OK key 509. Then, the registration authentication control unit 201 determines whether the input user ID matches a registered user ID 502 in the account registration table 500, and whether the input password matches a registered password 503 associated with the registered user ID 502 that matches the input user ID.

[0051] If the result of the determination is that the input user ID does not match the registered user ID 502, or if the input password does not match the registered password 503 associated with the registered user ID 502 that matches the input user ID, the registration authentication control unit 201 displays an error screen on the user terminal 10 indicating that there is an error in the input user ID or the input password, and prompts the user to enter the correct user ID and password (Figure 2: S201NO).

[0052] Here, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of error screen 511, but for example, error screen 511 displays login failure display 512, message 513 indicating that login has failed (for example, "Please enter the correct ID and password"), and OK key 514. This allows the user to confirm that login has failed. Here, for example, when the user selects OK key 514, registration authentication control unit 201 accepts the selection of OK key 514, erases the input user ID and input password, and displays login screen 505 again (FIG. 2: S201).

[0053] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment is that the input user ID matches the registered user ID 502 and the input password matches the registered password 503 associated with the registered user ID 502 that matches the input user ID, the registration authentication control unit 201 judges that the input user ID and input password are correct, displays a login success screen on the user terminal 10, and logs in the user terminal 10 (Figure 2: S201 YES).

[0054] Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the login success screen 515, but for example, the login success screen 515 displays a login success display 516 and an OK key 517. This allows the user to confirm that the login was successful. When the OK key 517 is selected, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0055] Now, when the registration authentication control unit 201 completes the login, the proximity control unit 202 of the dedicated app causes the user terminal 10 to display the installation location of the nearest charging stand 11 to the current location of the user terminal 10, based on the current location of the user terminal 10 and the installation locations of each charging stand 11 pre-registered in a predetermined charging stand table (Fig. 2: S202).

[0056] Here, there is no particular limitation on the display method of the proximity control unit 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the proximity control unit 202 acquires position information as the current location using the position detection unit 10a of the user terminal 10. Here, if the position detection unit is a GPS device, the proximity control unit 202 communicates with the position detection unit 10a and causes the position detection unit 10a to receive position information signals (e.g., GPS signals) from GPS satellites. Then, the proximity control unit 202 acquires the position information signals received by the position detection unit 10a and regards the position information {e.g., two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y)} of the position detection unit 10a as the current location of the user terminal 10. In this way, the current location of the user terminal 10 can be immediately acquired by utilizing the position detection unit 10a of the user terminal 10.

[0057] Next, the proximity control unit 202 accesses the server 13 via the network 14 and references a charging station table pre-stored in a predetermined memory of the server 13. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A , the charging station table 600 stores a charging station ID 601 (e.g., "a01"), a charging station name 602 (e.g., "abcd"), and an installation location 603 {e.g., two-dimensional coordinates (X1, Y1)} of the charging station 11 corresponding to the charging station ID, in association with each other. Here, the charging station ID 601 is identification information of the charging station 11. Furthermore, the charging station name 602 is information indicating the characteristics of the charging station 11, and may include, for example, information such as the installation location of the charging station 11, the name of the place where the charging station 11 is installed, and the names of nearby stores. The charging station ID 601, charging station name 602, and installation location 603 of the charging station table 600 are pre-stored by an administrator who manages the charging stations 11.

[0058] Therefore, the proximity control unit 202 compares the current location of the user terminal 10 with the installation locations 603 in the charging station table 600, searches for the installation location (X1, Y1) that is closest to the current location (X, Y) of the user terminal 10, and acquires the charging station ID 601 ("a01") and charging station name 602 ("abcd") associated with the searched installation location (X1, Y1) as the charging station ID and charging station name of the nearby charging station 11. Then, the proximity control unit 202 causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging station map screen showing the current location (X, Y) of the user terminal 10 and the installation location (X1, Y1) of the searched nearby charging station 11.

[0059] Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the charging station map screen 604, but for example, as shown in Fig. 6B, the charging station map screen 604 displays a map 605 showing the vicinity of the current location of the user terminal 10, a current location 606 of the user terminal 10, and an installation location 607 of the nearby charging station 11. This allows the user to quickly find the nearby charging station 11 closest to their current location.

[0060] Furthermore, when the user selects the installation location 607 of the nearby charging station 11 on the charging station map screen 604, the proximity control unit 202 displays the charging station name ("abcd") of the nearby charging station 11. This allows the user to check detailed information about the nearby charging station 11. Note that the charging station ID ("a01") is associated with the identification code 11e, so it is preferable not to display it externally.

[0061] Furthermore, the charging station map screen 604 displays a scan key 608 for inputting an identification code for identifying the charging station 11. This allows the user to select the scan key 608 when visiting a nearby charging station 11 and input the identification code of the nearby charging station 11. Note that the scan key 608 does not need to be displayed on the charging station map screen 604; for example, it may be displayed on a screen following the charging station map screen 604, or it may be displayed on the screen at all times.

[0062] Incidentally, in the above description, the proximity control unit 202 is configured to display the installation location 607 of the nearest charging station 11 to the current location 606 of the user terminal 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the proximity control unit 202 may be configured to acquire a predetermined number of installation locations 607 of charging stations 11 that are nearest to the current location 606 of the user terminal 10 and display the installation locations 607 of the predetermined number of charging stations 11 on the charging station map screen 604 in order of proximity to the current location 606 of the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 6B . For example, the installation locations 607 of other charging stations 11 are indicated by dotted lines. This allows the user to check multiple charging stations 11 near the current location 606 as candidates and identify a charging station 11 that is convenient for the user.

[0063] Now, when the proximity control unit 202 displays the charging station map screen 604, the user checks the charging station map screen 604, and then gets into his or her electric vehicle EV and drives toward the proximity charging station 11, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0064] When the user arrives near the proximity charging stand 11 in the electric vehicle EV, as shown in Fig. 7A, the user gets out of the electric vehicle EV and approaches the proximity charging stand 11. Next, the user finds the identification code 11e of the proximity charging stand 11 and selects the scan key 608 on the map screen 604 of the dedicated app. The proximity control unit 202 then accepts the selection of the scan key 608, and the short-range wireless control unit 203 of the dedicated app reads the identification code 11e of the proximity charging stand 11 using the user terminal 10 (Fig. 2: S203 YES).

[0065] Here, there are no particular limitations on the method for reading the short-distance wireless control unit 203, but for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the user operates the user terminal 10 to point the camera, which is the code input unit 10b of the user terminal 10, at the identification code 11e of the proximity charging stand 11 and selects a predetermined scan key 608. The short-distance wireless control unit 203 then takes a picture of the identification code 11e with the camera and reads the identification code 11e of the proximity charging stand 11. Here, the identification code 11e is associated with the short-distance wireless communication unit 12c (e.g., charging stand ID "a01") of the breaker control unit 12b of the distribution breaker 12a that controls the power supply to the proximity charging stand 11, and reading the identification code 11e makes it possible to identify the breaker control unit 12b of the distribution breaker 12a of the proximity charging stand 11.

[0066] Now, when the proximity control unit 202 reads the identification code 11e, short-range wireless communication is then performed between the breaker control unit 12b of the distribution breaker 12a of the proximity charging stand 11 corresponding to the identification code 11e and the user terminal 10 (Figure 2: S204).

[0067] Here, the short-range wireless communication method of the short-range wireless control unit 203 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , the short-range wireless control unit 203 acquires the charging station ID "a01" from the read identification code 11e using a predetermined analysis method. The analysis method is not particularly limited, and a general analysis method can be adopted. Meanwhile, since the short-range wireless communication unit 12c of the breaker control unit 12b uses its own charging station ID "a01" as a short-range wireless signal, the short-range wireless control unit 203 uses the short-range wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10 to identify the short-range wireless communication unit 12c of the breaker control unit 12b corresponding to the proximity charging station 11, and performs short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10. This allows the user to use the short-range wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10 to perform short-range wireless communication with the breaker control unit 12b of the distribution breaker 12a of the charging station 11. Here, the short-range wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, when the short-range wireless control unit 203 performs short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication unit 12c of the breaker control unit 12b, it is preferable from the viewpoint of security to use a predetermined encryption means. Examples of encryption means include means using a hash function such as MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-256, SHA-512, or RIPEMD-160. When the short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication unit 12c of the breaker control unit 12b is successful, the short-range wireless control unit 203 may proceed directly to the next process, or may, for example, display a short-range wireless communication screen on the user terminal 10 to notify the user of the success of the short-range wireless communication.

[0068] Now, when the short-distance wireless control unit 203 starts short-distance wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10, the inquiry control unit 204 of the dedicated application inquires of the server 13 whether the proximity charging stand 11 can be used or not via long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 13 on the network 14 (FIG. 2: S205).

[0069] Here, there is no particular limitation on the inquiry method of the inquiry control unit 204, but for example, as shown in Figure 7B, the inquiry control unit 204 uses the long-distance wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10 to access the server 13 via the network 14 and refers to a usability table pre-stored in a specified memory of the server 13.

[0070] 8A, the usability table 800 stores charging station IDs 801 (e.g., "a01") and usability information 802 (e.g., "OK" indicating usable or "NG" indicating unusable) in association with each other. The charging station IDs 801 are the same as the charging station IDs 601 in the charging station table 600 described above. The usability information 802 in the usability table 800 is stored in advance by an administrator who manages the charging stations 11.

[0071] Therefore, the inquiry control unit 204 searches for the charging station ID ("a01") used in the short-range wireless communication among the charging station IDs 801 in the referenced usability table 800, and references the usability information 802 associated with the found charging station ID 801.

[0072] As a result of the reference, that is, as a result of the inquiry, if the usability information 802 is "NG", the inquiry control unit 204 determines that the proximity charging stand 11 cannot be used (FIG. 2: S205 NO), and causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging stand unusable screen.

[0073] Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the charging station unavailable screen 405, but for example, as shown in FIG. 8A , a message 804 indicating that the nearby charging station 11 is unavailable (e.g., "This charging station cannot be used") and a message 805 requesting a search for another charging station 11 (e.g., "Please go to another charging station") are displayed. This makes the user aware that the nearby charging station 11 cannot be used and prompts the user to search for another charging station 11. In this case, the process returns to S201 or S203, for example.

[0074] As described above, by controlling the availability of charging stations 11 using the availability table 800 of the server 13, it is possible to address power supply restrictions in areas where multiple charging stations 11 are located. For example, if multiple charging stations 11 are installed in a specific parking lot, power from one main power breaker 12d is distributed by multiple distribution breakers 12a. However, if one charging station 11 is in use, the other charging stations 11 may be unavailable due to power supply restrictions. In such cases, an administrator can address the power supply restrictions by changing the availability information 802 of the other charging stations 11 from "OK" to "NG" in the availability table 800 of the server 13. Note that, while the administrator adjusted the availability information 802 in the above description, this is not a limitation. The server 13 may automatically change the availability information 802 of the other charging stations 11 from "OK" to "NG" based on a predetermined program while checking the usage status of a specific charging station 11 among the multiple charging stations 11 in the availability table 800. Furthermore, even if the charging stand 11 is out of order, the usability information 802 for this charging stand 11 can be changed from "OK" to "NG" to allow the user to avoid using this charging stand 11. In this way, in the present invention, the long-distance wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10 is used to inquire of the server 13 about the usability of the charging stand 11, which makes it easier to manage the charging stand 11 and also makes long-distance wireless communication equipment unnecessary.

[0075] On the other hand, if the reference result indicates that the usability information 802 is "OK," the inquiry control unit 204 determines that the proximity charging stand 11 can be used (FIG. 2: S205 YES), and, for example, displays a charging stand usability screen on the user terminal 10 to notify the user that the proximity charging stand 11 can be used. This allows the user to confirm that the proximity charging stand 11 can be used.

[0076] If the proximity charging stand 11 is available, the query control unit 204 acquires history information (e.g., "history information A") stored in a predetermined memory of the breaker control unit 12b and the charging stand ID ("a01") of the proximity charging stand 11 via short-distance wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10. The history information includes, for example, usage information (e.g., date and time of use, charging time, charging state, malfunction information, etc.) of the proximity charging stand 11 (distribution breaker 12a) most recently used by the user. The charging stand ID ("a01") is used for short-distance wireless communication with the breaker control unit 12b and also as identification information for the breaker control unit 12b. The query control unit 204 then transmits the acquired history information and charging stand ID to the server 13 via long-distance wireless communication between the server 13 and the user terminal 10. This allows the server 13 to store history information about the proximity charging stand 11, which can be used to calculate, for example, the frequency of use and malfunction of the proximity charging stand 11.

[0077] In this way, in the present invention, the short-range wireless communication unit and long-range wireless communication unit of the user terminal 10 are utilized to upload history information of the breaker control unit 12b to the server 13, thereby eliminating the need to electrically connect the user terminal 10 to the charging stand 11, the distribution breaker 12a, and the breaker control unit 12b, thereby reducing the effort required of users and administrators and enabling users to use the charging stand 11 easily.

[0078] Furthermore, in the present invention, the history information of the breaker control unit 12b is transmitted to the server 13 via long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 13, so there is no need to install long-distance wireless communication equipment such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in the area where the charging stand 11 is installed. Therefore, the charging stand 11 can be installed even in areas where there is no long-distance wireless communication equipment, and since it is only necessary to be careful about power supply restrictions when installing the charging stand 11, it becomes possible to easily introduce the charging stand 11.

[0079] Now, when the inquiry control unit 204 determines that the proximity charging stand 11 can be used, the confirmation control unit 205 of the dedicated application confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a between the proximity charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV, and the charging time setting from the user terminal 10.

[0080] Here, there are no particular limitations on the confirmation method performed by the confirmation control unit 205, but for example, the confirmation control unit 205 first confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a between the proximity charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV (FIG. 2: S206).

[0081] Specifically, the confirmation control unit 205 causes the user terminal 10 to display a power line connection confirmation screen. Here, the configuration of the power line connection confirmation screen 900 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 9A , a display 901 of the connection target (e.g., "charging connector, charging plug"), a message 902 prompting the user to connect the power line 11a (e.g., "Is it connected?"), and an OK key 903 are displayed. This makes it possible to prompt the user to connect the power line 11a.

[0082] Then, the user checks the power transmission line connection confirmation 900 and inserts the charging connector 11b of the power transmission line 11a into the mounting portion of the electric vehicle EV, and inserts the charging plug 11c of the power transmission line 11a into the charging concept 11d of the proximity charging stand 11.

[0083] Here, suppose that for some reason, there is a poor connection between the charging connector 11b of the power transmission line 11a and the attachment point of the electric vehicle EV, or a poor connection between the charging plug 11c of the power transmission line 11a and the charging concept 11d of the proximity charging stand 11, causing the power transmission line 11a to be improperly connected and disconnected (poor connection of the power transmission line 11a). In this state, if the user selects the OK key 903, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the OK key 903 and causes the breaker control unit 12b to detect the connection of the power transmission line 11a between the proximity charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10.

[0084] 9A, since the power transmission line 11a has not been connected, the breaker control unit 12b detects that the power transmission line 11a has been disconnected (disconnected), and the confirmation control unit 205 confirms that the power transmission line 11a has been disconnected via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10 (FIG. 2: S206 NO).The confirmation control unit 205 then notifies the user of the disconnection of the power transmission line 11a by, for example, displaying a power transmission line disconnection screen on the user terminal 10.

[0085] Here, the configuration of the power transmission line disconnection screen 904 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a display 905 indicating that the power transmission line 11a is not connected (e.g., "The charging connector and charging plug are not connected"), a message 906 prompting the user to check the connection of the power transmission line 11a (e.g., "Please check the connection of the charging plug"), and an OK key 907 are displayed. This allows the user to recheck the connection of the power transmission line 11a. In this case, the process returns to S206 again.

[0086] Meanwhile, suppose the user reviews the connection of the power transmission line 11a and finds that the connection between the charging connector 11b of the power transmission line 11a and the attachment point of the electric vehicle EV is good, and that the connection between the charging plug 11c of the power transmission line 11a and the charging concept 11d of the proximity charging stand 11 is good, so that the connection of the power transmission line 11a is now appropriate. In this state, if the user selects the OK key 903, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the OK key 903 and causes the breaker control unit 12b to detect the connection of the power transmission line 11a between the proximity charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV.

[0087] 9B, since the connection of the power transmission line 11a is appropriate, the breaker control unit 12b detects the connection of the power transmission line 11a, and the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10 (FIG. 2: S206 YES). Then, the confirmation control unit 205, for example, causes a power transmission line connection screen to be displayed on the user terminal 10 to notify the user that the power transmission line 11a is connected. This allows the user to confirm the connection of the power transmission line 11a to the charging stand 11.

[0088] Now, once the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a, it then confirms the setting of the charging time from the user terminal 10 (FIG. 2: S207).

[0089] Specifically, the confirmation control unit 205 displays a charging time setting screen on the user terminal 10. Here, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the charging time setting screen 908, but for example, as shown in FIG. 9B , a charging time selection display 909 (e.g., "Select charging time"), a plurality of charging time keys 910 displaying various charging times (e.g., "30 minutes" key, "1 hour" key, etc.), an OK key 911, and a cancel key 912 are displayed. This makes it possible to prompt the user to select a desired charging time. Note that, for example, a display switching key 913 for the charging time keys 910 may be displayed to switch the display of the various charging time keys 910.

[0090] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 912, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the cancel key 912 (FIG. 2: S207 NO), and returns to S206, and the process returns to the previous step.

[0091] On the other hand, when the user selects a specific charging time key 910a (for example, the "1 hour" key) from the multiple charging time keys 910 and selects the OK key 911, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the specific charging time key 910a (the "1 hour" key) and the OK key 911, and sets the charging time ("1 hour") of the specific charging time key 910a (FIG. 2: S207 YES). This makes it possible to confirm the charging time setting from the user terminal 10.

[0092] In the above description, the confirmation control unit 205 first confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a and then confirms the setting of the charging time, but there is no particular limitation on this order. For example, it is also possible to first confirm the setting of the charging time and then confirm the connection of the power transmission line 11a.

[0093] Incidentally, if there are other items to be confirmed in addition to the connection of the power transmission line 11a and the setting of the charging time, the confirmation control unit 205 may confirm those items. An example of another item to be confirmed is payment of the usage fee for the proximity charging stand 11. For example, after the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the setting of the charging time, it next confirms payment of the usage fee (FIG. 2: S208).

[0094] Specifically, the confirmation control unit 205 causes a payment procedure screen to be displayed on the user terminal 10. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the payment procedure screen 1000, but for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a payment procedure display 1001, a payment method 1002 (e.g., credit card), an OK key 1003, and a cancel key 1004 are displayed. Here, the payment method 1002 displays selectable methods such as using a credit card, using a bank transfer, using points, electronic money, or a prepaid card. This allows the user to confirm the payment method 1002 and proceed with the payment procedure.

[0095] If the user changes his / her mind and selects the cancel key 1004, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the cancel key 912 (FIG. 2: S208 NO), and returns to, for example, S206, and goes back to the previous step.

[0096] On the other hand, if the user selects a specific payment method 1002 (for example, credit card) and presses the OK key 1003, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the specific payment method 1002 and the OK key 1003, transitions to the payment settlement screen, prompts the user to perform the payment operation, and completes the payment process (Fig. 2: S208 YES). This allows the user to complete the payment procedure on the payment settlement screen.

[0097] Here, the payment settlement screen is a screen corresponding to the payment method 1002 described above. For example, if a credit card is selected, the payment settlement screen becomes a payment settlement screen that allows the use of a credit card. The payment settlement screen may be provided by the server 13 or by another server specialized in settlement. The source of payment is the user of the user terminal 10, and the payee is the administrator (service provider, operator of an external facility, service agency, etc.) that provides the charging service of the charging stand 11.

[0098] Here, if the user is operating the user terminal 10 to proceed with the payment procedure on the payment settlement screen and the payment procedure is not completed for some reason, the confirmation control unit 205 causes, for example, a payment procedure incomplete screen 1005 to be displayed on the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 10A, the payment procedure incomplete screen 1005 displays a message 1006 indicating that the payment procedure was not completed (e.g., "The payment procedure was not completed"), a message 1007 urging the user to perform the payment procedure again (e.g., "Please start again from the beginning"), and an OK key 1008.

[0099] Here, when the user selects the OK key 1008, the confirmation control unit 205 accepts the selection of the OK key 1008 and causes the payment procedure screen 1000 to be displayed again on the user terminal 10.

[0100] On the other hand, when the user operates the user terminal 10 to complete the payment procedure on the payment settlement screen, the confirmation control unit 205 causes, for example, a payment procedure completion screen 1009 to be displayed on the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 10A, the payment procedure completion screen 1009 displays a message 1010 indicating that the payment procedure has been completed (e.g., "The payment procedure has been completed") and an OK key 1011. This allows the user to recognize that the payment procedure has been completed. Here, the user can proceed to the next screen by selecting the OK key 1011, but if the payment procedure has been completed, the confirmation control unit 205 may proceed to the next screen without selecting the OK key 1011.

[0101] Incidentally, when the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the payment of the usage fee (FIG. 2: S208), if the user is a special member in the service contract (usage agreement) of the charging station 11, confirmation of the procedure for paying the usage fee may be omitted. For example, when the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the payment of the usage fee (FIG. 2: S208), it accesses the server 13 via the network 14 and refers to a special member table stored in advance in a predetermined memory of the server 13.

[0102] 10B , the special member table 1012 stores a registered charging station ID 1013, a registered mobile phone number 1014, a registered user ID 1015, and special member information 1016 (for example, "NO" indicating that the user is not a special member or "YES" indicating that the user is a special member) in association with each other. The registered mobile phone number 1014, the registered user ID 1015, and the special member information 1016 in the special member table 1012 are stored in advance by an administrator who manages the charging station 11. In other words, the administrator can set the special member table 1012 based on the details of the users and the usage environment of the charging station 11.

[0103] The confirmation control unit 205 then determines whether or not there is a registered charging station ID 1013 in the referenced special member table 1012 that matches the charging station ID ("a01") of the nearby charging station 11.

[0104] If the result of the determination is that there is no registered charging station ID 1013 that matches the charging station ID ("a01") of the nearby charging station 11, the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the nearby charging station 11 is not subject to the special member's usage contract, and displays the payment procedure screen 1000 to confirm payment of the usage fee (Fig. 2: S208).

[0105] On the other hand, if the determination result shows that there is a registered charging station ID 1013 that matches the charging station ID ("a01") of the proximity charging station 11, the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the proximity charging station 11 is subject to a special member's usage contract, and then determines whether the registered mobile phone number 1014 or registered user ID 1015 associated with the matching registered charging station ID 1013 matches the mobile phone number or user ID of the current user. Here, the confirmation control unit 205 may only determine whether the registered mobile phone number 1014 matches the mobile phone number of the current user, or may only determine whether the registered user ID 1015 matches the current user ID, or may perform both determinations.

[0106] If the result of the determination is that the registered mobile phone number 1014 or registered user ID 1015 associated with the matching registered charging station ID 1013 does not match the mobile phone number or user ID of the current user, the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the current user is not registered as a special member and displays the payment procedure screen 1000 to confirm payment of the usage fee (Figure 2: S208).

[0107] On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that the registered mobile phone number 1014 or registered user ID 1015 associated with the matching registered charging station ID 1013 matches the mobile phone number or user ID of the current user, the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the current user is registered as a special member, and finally refers to the special member information 1016 associated with the matching registered mobile phone number 1014 or registered user ID 1015.

[0108] As a result of the reference, if the special member information 1016 is "NO", the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the current user is not a special member, and displays the payment procedure screen 1000 to confirm payment of the usage fee (FIG. 2: S208).

[0109] On the other hand, if the special member information 1016 is "YES" as a result of the reference, the confirmation control unit 205 determines that the current user is a special member and omits confirmation of the payment procedure for the usage fee (FIG. 2: S208 YES). This allows the user to omit the troublesome payment procedure by signing a service contract with the charging station 11.

[0110] In the above description, the confirmation control unit 205 confirms the connection of the power transmission line 11a, the setting of the charging time, and the payment of the usage fee in this order, but this order is not particularly limited, and for example, the confirmation may be made in this order of the payment of the usage fee, the connection of the power transmission line 11a, and the setting of the charging time, or in another order.

[0111] Now, when the confirmation control unit 205 completes the confirmation, the caution control unit 206 of the dedicated app then displays a selectable confirmation key for the cautions when using the proximity charging stand 11 on the user terminal 10, and accepts the selection of the confirmation key from the user terminal 10 (FIG. 2: S209).

[0112] Specifically, the warning control unit 206 displays a warning confirmation screen on the user terminal 10. Here, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of the warning confirmation screen 1100, but for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the warning confirmation screen 1100 displays a warning display 1101 (e.g., "Caution"), a notice 1102 (e.g., "If you disconnect the power line (charging connector, charging plug) during the selected charging time, you will not be able to continue charging even if you plug the flag again, and the amount you paid will not be refunded."), an OK key 1103, and a cancel key 1104. Here, the OK key 1103 corresponds to the confirmation key. This allows the user to confirm the notice 1102.

[0113] Here, if the user looks at the attention confirmation screen 1100, changes his / her mind, and selects the cancel key 1104, the attention control unit 206 accepts the selection of the cancel key 1104 (FIG. 2: S209 NO), and returns to, for example, S206, and goes back to the previous step.

[0114] On the other hand, when the user selects the OK key 1103, the notice control unit 206 accepts the selection of the OK key 1103 (FIG. 2: S209 YES). This makes it possible for the user to use the proximity charging stand 11 after checking the notice 1102. In particular, with the charging stand 11, it is necessary for the user to be clearly aware of how the usage fee will be handled if, for example, the connection to the power transmission line 11a is cut off for some reason. Therefore, as described above, by displaying the notice 1102 to the user and having the user select the OK key 1103 (confirmation key), it is possible to prevent trouble from occurring.

[0115] Here, when the warning control unit 206 accepts the selection of the OK key 1103, it may proceed to the next process, or may display an additional warning to the user. For example, when the warning control unit 206 accepts the selection of the OK key 1103, it causes an additional warning confirmation screen to be displayed on the user terminal 10. Here, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of the additional warning confirmation screen 1105, but for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the additional warning confirmation screen 1105 displays a warning display 1106 (e.g., "Caution"), an additional warning 1106 (e.g., "Do not leave the charging station for a specified time after starting charging!"), and an OK key 1107. Here, the specified time is, for example, within a range of 1 minute to 10 minutes.

[0116] Then, when the user views the additional warning confirmation screen 1105 and selects the OK key 1107, the warning control unit 206 accepts the selection of the OK key 1107. This makes it possible for the user to stay at the proximity charging stand 11 for a predetermined time and check for the occurrence of any trouble, such as a malfunction in the connection of the power transmission line 11a.

[0117] Now, when the attention control unit 206 accepts the selection of the confirmation key, the charging control unit 207 of the user terminal 10 controls the breaker control unit 12b via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the breaker control unit 12b so as to charge the proximity charging stand 11 for the set charging time (FIG. 2: S210).

[0118] Here, there is no particular limitation on the method by which the charging control unit 207 controls the breaker control unit 12b, but for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the charging control unit 207 transmits an ON signal to turn on the power and the set charging time ("1 hour") to the breaker control unit 12b via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10, and instructs the breaker control unit 12b to switch on the distribution breaker 12a for the transmitted charging time ("1 hour") (FIG. 2: S210).

[0119] 11B, upon receiving the instruction, breaker control unit 12b switches on distribution breaker 12a to start supplying power to proximity charging stand 11. This enables proximity charging stand 11 to supply power to electric vehicle EV via power transmission line 11a and charge the vehicle. Furthermore, because the power supply from proximity charging stand 11 can be started via short-range wireless communication between breaker control unit 12b and user terminal 10, for example, the user does not need to operate proximity charging stand 11 or distribution breaker 12a themselves, and there is no need to electrically connect user terminal 10 to charging stand 11, distribution breaker 12a, or breaker control unit 12b. This eliminates the need for the user or administrator to do any work, and enables the user to easily use charging stand 11.

[0120] In addition, the breaker control unit 12b measures the time that has elapsed since the distribution breaker 12a was switched on, and determines whether the measured elapsed time exceeds the transmitted charging time ("1 hour") (Figure 2: S211).

[0121] If the determination result shows that the elapsed time does not exceed the charging time ("1 hour") (FIG. 2: S211 NO), the breaker control unit 12b continues to switch on the distribution breaker 12a.

[0122] On the other hand, after the charging control unit 207 instructs the breaker control unit 12b, it causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging screen.

[0123] 11B, the charging screen 1109 may display a charging indication 1110 (e.g., "Charging"), an image 1111 showing the charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV during charging, an indicator 1112 indicating the elapsed charging time, an OK key 1113, and a cancel key 1114. The indicator 1112 measures the elapsed time from the time when the charging control unit 207 instructed the breaker control unit 12b, calculates a division value (-) by dividing the measured elapsed time by the charging time ("1 hour"), and indicates a position 1112a of the division value (-) indicating the elapsed time between "0" and "1" when the charging time is "0 hours" and "1" when the charging time is "1 hour". For example, the left end of indicator 1112 indicates "0" for the charging time, and the right end of indicator 1112 indicates "1" for the charging time, and position 1112a of the division value (-) indicating the elapsed time is indicated between the left and right ends of indicator 1112. This allows the user to easily check whether the charging time has been reached by checking charging screen 1109.

[0124] Here, if the charging connector 11b or the charging plug 11c becomes detached for some reason and the power transmission line 11a is disconnected while the elapsed time does not exceed the charging time (while the electric vehicle EV is being charged), as shown in FIG. 12A , the breaker control unit 12b detects the disconnection of the power transmission line 11a and stops switching on the distribution breaker 12a (opens the switch of the distribution breaker 12a). As a result, the breaker control unit 12b stops the power supply to the proximity charging stand 11. Then, the breaker control unit 12b stores history information (such as the date and time of use, the charging time, the charging state, and fault information) (for example, "history information B"), such as the time the distribution breaker 12a was switched on, the charging time, the time the power transmission line 11a was disconnected, and the time the distribution breaker 12a was opened, in a predetermined memory. This can be used to later identify the cause of a malfunction in the connection of the power transmission line 11a.

[0125] Furthermore, when the connection of the power transmission line 11a is disconnected before the elapsed time exceeds the charging time, if the user terminal 10 is capable of short-range wireless communication with the breaker control unit 12b, the charging control unit 207 of the user terminal 10 acquires the history information ("history information B") stored in the memory of the breaker control unit 12b and causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging error screen.

[0126] 12B , the charging error screen 1200 may display a charging error display 1201 (e.g., "Error"), a message 1202 indicating the details of the error (e.g., "The charging connector and charging plug have been disconnected"), a message 1203 indicating how to deal with the error (e.g., "Please contact your management company"), and an OK key 1204. As a result, if the user terminal 10 is capable of short-range wireless communication with the breaker control unit 12b, the user can immediately check the charging error and deal with the problem.

[0127] In particular, as indicated in the further note 1106 above, problems such as connection problems with the power transmission line 11a are likely to occur within a specified time after charging at the charging stand 11 has begun. Therefore, if the user is near the charging stand 11, they can immediately check for and deal with any problems with the connection of the power transmission line 11a.

[0128] On the other hand, if the user terminal 10 is unable to communicate with the breaker control unit 12b by short-distance wireless communication when the power transmission line 11a is disconnected before the elapsed time exceeds the charging time, the breaker control unit 12b simply stores the history information ("history information B") in memory. On the other hand, since the user terminal 10 located far away cannot receive the above-mentioned information about the connection problem of the power transmission line 11a, the charging control unit 207 keeps displaying the charging screen 1109 on the user terminal 10, and the divided value of the indicator 1112 progresses towards the charging time.

[0129] Now, after the user leaves the proximity charging stand 11, if the elapsed time at the proximity charging stand 11 exceeds the charging time in S211 (FIG. 2: S211 YES), the breaker control unit 12b stops switching on the distribution breaker 12a, as shown in FIG. 12B. This allows the electric vehicle EV to be charged using the proximity charging stand 11 for only the set charging time.

[0130] Furthermore, the breaker control unit 12b stores history information (date and time of use, charging time, charging state, etc.) (for example, "history information C") such as the time when the distribution breaker 12a was switched on, the charging time, and the time when the distribution breaker 12a was opened in a predetermined memory. This makes it possible to record the charging history of the charging stand 11.

[0131] On the other hand, when the user is away from the proximity charging stand 11, the charging control unit 207 of the user terminal 10 determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the charging time, and causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging completion screen.

[0132] 12B , the charging completion screen 1205 may display a charging completion message 1206 (e.g., "Charging Complete"), an image 1207 showing the charging stand 11 and the electric vehicle EV during charging, an indicator 1208 indicating when the charging time has elapsed, an OK key 1209, and a cancel key 1210. This allows the user to check the elapsed charging time even when the user is away from the proximity charging stand 11.

[0133] Meanwhile, in S211, when the elapsed time at the proximity charging stand 11 exceeds the charging time (FIG. 2: S211 YES), the breaker control unit 12b stops switching on the distribution breaker 12a and stores history information ("history information C") in memory, if the user terminal 10 is capable of short-range wireless communication with the breaker control unit 12b, the charging control unit 207 causes the user terminal 10 to display a charging completion screen 1205, and acquires the history information ("history information C") stored in the memory of the breaker control unit 12b and the charging stand ID ("a01") of the proximity charging stand 11 via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10. The charging control unit 207 then transmits the acquired history information and charging stand ID to the server 13 via long-range wireless communication between the server 13 and the user terminal 10. This enables the server 13 to accumulate history information about proximity charging stands 11 where charging has been completed. Also, here, since the history information of the breaker control unit 12b is transmitted to the server 13 via long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the server 13, long-distance wireless communication equipment can be eliminated.

[0134] On the other hand, when breaker control unit 12b stops switching on distribution breaker 12a and stores history information ("history information C") in memory, if user terminal 10 is unable to communicate with breaker control unit 12b by short-range wireless communication, breaker control unit 12b simply ends the process. In this case, the history information ("history information C") is not sent to server 13 and remains stored in the memory of breaker control unit 12b.

[0135] Therefore, when the next user uses this proximity charging stand 11, if the inquiry control unit 204 determines in S205 that this proximity charging stand 11 can be used (FIG. 2: S205 YES), the inquiry control unit 204 acquires the history information ("history information C") stored in the memory of the breaker control unit 12b and the charging stand ID ("a01") of the proximity charging stand 11 via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit 12b and the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 13B. The inquiry control unit 204 then transmits the acquired history information and charging stand ID to the server 13 via long-range wireless communication between the server 13 and the user terminal 10. This makes it possible for the history information ("history information C") of the previous user's proximity charging stand 11 to be accumulated in the server 13 in a timely manner when the next user uses this proximity charging stand 11, even if the history information ("history information C") remains stored in the memory of the breaker control unit 12b. Also, in this case, since long-distance wireless communication is used between the user terminal 10 and the server 13, long-distance wireless communication equipment can be eliminated.

[0136] In the embodiment of the present invention, the charging station management system 1 is configured to include each control unit. However, the system may be configured to store a program that realizes each unit on a storage medium and provide the storage medium. In this configuration, the program is read by a device, and the device realizes each unit. In this case, the program read from the storage medium itself achieves the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the system may also be provided as a method for storing the control steps executed by each control unit on a hard disk. [Industrial Applicability]

[0137] As described above, the charging station management system and charging station management method according to the present invention are useful as charging station management systems and charging station management methods in all fields and industries that provide charging services at various types of charging stations, whether manned or unmanned, and are effective as charging station management systems and charging station management methods that do not require long-distance wireless communication equipment and allow users to easily use the charging stations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1. Charging station management system 10 User terminal 11 Charging Station 12 Power supply control device 13 Server 14 Network 201 Registration and authentication control unit 202 Proximity Control Unit 203 Short-range wireless control unit 204 Query control section 205 Verification control section 206 Attention Control Section 207 Charging control unit

Claims

1. A charging station management system comprising: a user terminal; a plurality of charging stations; a power supply control device that controls the power supply of each of the charging stations; a server; and a network, the user terminal and the server can communicate via the network using long-distance wireless communication over a wide range, and the user terminal and the power supply control device can communicate via short-distance wireless communication over a narrow range, which is a wireless communication different from the long-distance wireless communication; a short-range wireless control unit that, when an identification code provided on the charging stand is read by the user terminal, performs the short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and a breaker control unit of a distribution breaker of the charging stand that corresponds to the identification code; an inquiry control unit that, when short-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit is started, inquires of the server about whether the charging station is available via the long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and the server on the network; a confirmation control unit that, when the charging stand is available as a result of the inquiry, confirms connection of a power transmission line between the charging stand and the electric vehicle via short-distance wireless communication between the breaker control unit and the user terminal, and confirms setting of a charging time by accepting selection of a specific charging time key from the user terminal by displaying a plurality of selectable charging time keys on the user terminal; a warning control unit that, when confirmation of the connection of the power transmission line and the setting of the charging time is completed, selectably displays a confirmation key for warnings regarding use of the charging stand on the user terminal and accepts selection of the confirmation key from the user terminal; a charging control unit that controls the breaker control unit via the short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit when the confirmation key is selected, so as to charge the charging stand for the set charging time; A charging station management system comprising:

2. a proximity control unit that causes the user terminal to display the installation location of the nearest charging station to the current location of the user terminal based on the current location of the user terminal and the installation locations of each charging station registered in advance in a predetermined charging station table before the identification code is read by the user terminal. Further comprising: The charging analysis system of claim 1 .

3. the breaker control unit stores usage information of the distribution breaker as history information in a predetermined memory, When the charging stand is available for use, the inquiry control unit acquires history information stored in a memory of the breaker control unit and a charging stand ID of the charging stand via short-distance wireless communication between the breaker control unit and the user terminal, and transmits the acquired history information and charging stand ID to the server via long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and the server. The charging analysis system of claim 1 .

4. A charging stand management method for a charging stand management system including a user terminal, a plurality of charging stands, a power supply control device that controls the power supply of each of the charging stands, a server, and a network, comprising: the user terminal and the server can communicate via the network using long-distance wireless communication over a wide range, and the user terminal and the power supply control device can communicate via short-distance wireless communication over a narrow range, which is a wireless communication different from the long-distance wireless communication; a short-distance wireless control step of, when an identification code provided at the charging stand is read by the user terminal, performing the short-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and a breaker control unit of a distribution breaker of the charging stand corresponding to the read identification code; an inquiry control step of inquiring of the server about whether the charging station is available via the long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and the server on a network when short-distance wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit is started; a confirmation control process for confirming, when the result of the inquiry indicates that the charging station is available for use, a connection of a power transmission line between the charging station and the electric vehicle via short-range wireless communication between the breaker control unit and the user terminal, and for confirming the setting of a charging time by displaying a plurality of selectable charging time keys on the user terminal and accepting selection of a specific charging time key from the user terminal; a warning control step of, when confirmation of the connection of the power transmission line and the setting of the charging time is completed, selectably displaying a confirmation key for warnings regarding use of the charging stand on the user terminal and accepting selection of the confirmation key from the user terminal; a charge control step of controlling the breaker control unit via the short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the breaker control unit when the confirmation key is selected, so as to charge the charging stand for the set charging time; A charging station management method comprising:

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