Terminal program and server device
The terminal program and server device system addresses the delay in vehicle charging and power supply service initiation by obtaining and transmitting parking location information beforehand, ensuring timely service dispatch.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
The location determination for vehicle charging and power supply services is not finalized until the user parks, leading to delays in service initiation.
A terminal program and server device system that obtains and transmits information about the parking location before the vehicle is parked, allowing service staff or vehicles to begin moving towards the location, thereby reducing the time to initiate energy replenishment services.
The system significantly reduces the time from vehicle parking to receiving energy replenishment services by enabling pre-determined service dispatch.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal program and a server device.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing a service for substituting the charging of a vehicle and a service for dispatching a power supply vehicle.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the service of substituting the charging of a vehicle, the location where the substitute picks up the vehicle to be charged is not determined until the user actually parks the vehicle to be charged. Since the substitute starts moving towards the vehicle to be charged after the location is identified, it takes time from when the vehicle to be charged is parked until it is handed over.
[0005] Also, in the service of dispatching a power supply vehicle, the location where the power supply vehicle is dispatched is not determined until the user actually parks the vehicle to be charged. Since the power supply vehicle starts moving towards the vehicle to be charged after the location is identified, it takes time from when the vehicle to be charged is parked until the power supply vehicle arrives.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to shorten the time taken from when the user parks the vehicle until the user receives the service of replenishing the energy source to the vehicle.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The terminal program related to this disclosure is: A terminal program for requesting a service to supply energy to a user vehicle by dispatching service staff or a service vehicle to the location where the user vehicle is parked, Before the user vehicle is parked at the parking location, first information regarding the parking location is obtained, and request data including the obtained first information is transmitted. After transmitting the aforementioned request data, second information is obtained regarding the parking location, which includes information not included in the first information, and notification data including the obtained second information is transmitted. To have the computer perform an action that includes [this].
[0008] The server equipment related to this disclosure is A communication unit that communicates with a terminal device that requests a service to be provided to the user vehicle by dispatching service staff or a service vehicle to the location where the user vehicle is parked, to replenish the energy source of the user vehicle. When the control unit receives request data from the terminal device via the communication unit, which includes first information about the parking location acquired before the user vehicle is parked at the parking location, it processes the service staff or service vehicle to begin moving to the parking location. When the control unit receives notification data from the terminal device via the communication unit, which includes second information about the parking location, which includes information not included in the first information, acquired after the request data has been transmitted, it processes the service staff or service vehicle that has started moving to the parking location. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to this disclosure, the time it takes for a user to park their vehicle and receive a service to replenish the vehicle's energy source will be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1]This figure shows the configuration of the service provision system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a terminal screen corresponding to S4 in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a terminal screen corresponding to S5 in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.
[0012] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.
[0013] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the service provision system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0014] The service provision system 10 comprises a server device 20 and a terminal device 30.
[0015] The server device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The server device 20 may also communicate via the network 40 with mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, or tablets held by the service staff 11. The server device 20 may communicate via the network 40 with in-vehicle devices installed in the service vehicle 12, or with mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, or tablets held by the staff riding in the service vehicle 12. The terminal device 30 may also communicate via the network 40 with mobile devices held by the service staff 11, with in-vehicle devices installed in the service vehicle 12, or with mobile devices held by the staff riding in the service vehicle 12.
[0016] The server device 20 is a computer belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system installed in a facility such as a data center. The server device 20 is operated by an operator providing replenishment services.
[0017] The terminal device 30 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet held by each user. The terminal device 30 executes a terminal program for requesting replenishment services.
[0018] The refueling service is a service that dispatches service staff 11 or a service vehicle 12 to the location where the user vehicle is parked to refuel the user vehicle with an energy source. In this embodiment, the user vehicle is a BEV. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. The energy source refueled to the user vehicle is electricity. As a variant of this embodiment, the user vehicle may be another type of vehicle such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, a HEV, a PHEV, or a FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The user vehicle may be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service. The energy source refueled to the user vehicle is not limited to electricity, and may also be a fuel such as gasoline, light oil, or hydrogen.
[0019] The refueling service includes at least a charging service or a battery swapping service, and in this embodiment, it includes both a charging service and a battery swapping service. The charging service is a service that refuels the user vehicle with an energy source by charging the battery mounted on the user vehicle. The battery swapping service is a service that refuels the user vehicle with an energy source by swapping the battery mounted on the user vehicle with another battery. As a variant of this embodiment, the refueling service may include a service for refueling the user vehicle with fuel.
[0020] The replenishment service includes at least a proxy service or a mobile service, and in this embodiment, it includes both a proxy service and a mobile service. The proxy service is a service in which a service staff member 11 is dispatched to the location where the user vehicle is parked, the dispatched service staff member 11 moves the user vehicle to another location, and the user vehicle is replenished with an energy source at the destination location. The mobile service is a service in which a service vehicle 12 is dispatched to the location where the user vehicle is parked, and the dispatched service vehicle 12 replenishes the user vehicle with an energy source at the location where the user vehicle is parked.
[0021] In this embodiment, as a replenishment service, one of the following is provided, either by the user or automatically selected by the user: a combination of charging service and proxy service, a combination of battery replacement service and proxy service, a combination of charging service and mobile service, or a combination of battery replacement service and mobile service. In other words, in this embodiment, one of the following is provided: a proxy charging service, a proxy battery replacement service, a mobile charging service, or a mobile battery replacement service.
[0022] For example, in a proxy charging service, while user U1 is not using user vehicle V1, a worker acting as service staff 11 drives user vehicle V1 from the parking lot to the charging station, charges the battery B1 of user vehicle V1, and then returns user vehicle V1. In a proxy battery replacement service, while user U1 is not using user vehicle V1, a worker acting as service staff 11 drives user vehicle V1 from the parking lot to the battery replacement station, replaces the battery B1 of user vehicle V1 with another battery, and then returns user vehicle V1. In a mobile charging service, a mobile charging vehicle acting as service vehicle 12 comes to the parking lot and charges the battery B1 of user vehicle V1 on the spot. In a mobile battery replacement service, a mobile battery replacement vehicle acting as service vehicle 12 comes to the parking lot and replaces the battery B1 of user vehicle V1 with another battery on the spot.
[0023] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.
[0024] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.
[0025] The terminal device 30 acquires first information about the parking location before the user vehicle is parked there and transmits request data to the server device 20. The request data is data that includes the first information. In this embodiment, the request data is data requesting replenishment service, including the first information acquired before the user vehicle is parked there. When the server device 20 receives the request data from the terminal device 30, it processes the request to start the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 moving to the parking location.
[0026] After sending the request data, the terminal device 30 obtains second information, which includes information about the parking location not included in the first information, and sends notification data to the server device 20. The notification data is data that includes the second information. That is, the notification data is data that includes the second information obtained after the request data has been sent. The second information is information that, when combined with the first information, becomes more detailed than the first information alone. For example, the address of the parking lot may be sent as the first information, and the parking space number may be sent as the second information. Alternatively, the second information may be information that has been newly added to the information already sent in the first information. That is, the second information may be more detailed than the first information. When the server device 20 receives the notification data from the terminal device 30, it processes the dispatch of the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 that has started moving to the parking location.
[0027] According to this embodiment, service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 can be near the parking spot before the user arrives at the parking spot. As a result, the time it takes for the user to park their vehicle and receive refueling service is shortened.
[0028] For example, when user U1 receives a proxy service, service staff 11 needs to pick up user vehicle V1. However, if service staff 11 only starts moving towards user vehicle V1 after the location where they will pick up the user vehicle V1 has been determined, it will take time from the time user vehicle V1 is parked until it is handed over. Therefore, terminal device 30 accepts input of a rough parking location before arriving at the parking location and notifies service staff 11 of this rough parking location via server device 20. Terminal device 30 then accepts input of a more detailed parking location and notifies service staff 11 of this detailed parking location again via server device 20. As a result, service staff 11 can start moving towards user vehicle V1 before the location where they will pick up the user vehicle V1 has been determined. Consequently, the time it takes from when user U1 parks user vehicle V1 until they receive the proxy service is shortened.
[0029] For example, if user U1 uses a charging service while shopping, user U1 can inform service staff 11 of the general location, such as the store name, before arriving at the store's parking lot, allowing service staff 11 to arrive near the parking lot in advance. Once user U1 arrives at the store's parking lot, they can then inform service staff 11 of the detailed location, such as the parking space number, allowing service staff 11 to immediately pick up user vehicle V1. User U1 does not have to inform service staff 11 of the detailed location upon arrival at the parking lot. If user U1 can reserve a parking space between requesting the charging service and arriving at the store's parking lot, user U1 may inform service staff 11 of the detailed location, such as the parking space number, after reserving the parking space but before arriving at the parking lot.
[0030] For example, when user U1 receives a mobile service, the service vehicle 12 needs to stop near user vehicle V1. However, if the service vehicle 12 only starts moving towards user vehicle V1 after the stopping location is determined, it will take time from when user vehicle V1 is parked until the service vehicle 12 arrives. Therefore, the terminal device 30 accepts input of a rough parking location before arriving at the parking location and notifies the service vehicle 12, or the staff in the service vehicle 12, of this rough parking location via the server device 20. The terminal device 30 then accepts input of a more detailed parking location and notifies the service vehicle 12, or the staff in the service vehicle 12, of this detailed parking location again via the server device 20. As a result, the service vehicle 12 can start moving towards user vehicle V1 before the stopping location is determined. Consequently, the time it takes from when user U1 parks user vehicle V1 until they receive a mobile service is shortened.
[0031] The parking location may be entered manually or automatically. For example, the terminal device 30 may accept a user operation to input a rough parking location into an application corresponding to a terminal program before arriving at the parking location, and then accept a user operation to input a detailed parking location into the same application. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may accept a user operation to input a reserved parking location into an application corresponding to a terminal program before arriving at the parking location, and then accept a user operation to input a confirmed parking location into the same application after arriving at the parking location. The application may also allow for the reservation of a parking location. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may determine a rough parking location by referring to a map application or destination information obtained from a navigation device installed in the user vehicle V1 before arriving at the parking location, and then determine a detailed parking location by referring to positioning information.
[0032] Instead of notifying service staff 11, service vehicle 12, or staff in service vehicle 12 of the parking location via server device 20, the parking location may be notified directly to service staff 11, service vehicle 12, or staff in service vehicle 12. That is, instead of sending request data and notification data to server device 20, terminal device 30 may send them to a mobile device held by service staff 11, an in-vehicle device installed in service vehicle 12, or a mobile device held by staff in service vehicle 12. Before sending request data, terminal device 30 may send data to server device 20 that only requests replenishment service and does not include information about the parking location. Depending on the data requesting replenishment service, server device 20 may dispatch service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 to the parking location in cooperation with the mobile device held by service staff 11, the in-vehicle device installed in service vehicle 12, or the mobile device held by staff in service vehicle 12, which will subsequently receive the request data and notification data.
[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the server device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0034] The server device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.
[0035] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the server device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the server device 20.
[0036] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the server device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the server device 20.
[0037] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet® or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 30. The communication unit 23 may also communicate with a mobile device held by the service staff 11. The communication unit 23 may also communicate with an in-vehicle device installed in the service vehicle 12, or with a mobile device held by a staff member riding in the service vehicle 12. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the server device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the server device 20.
[0038] The functions of the server device 20 are realized by executing the server program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the server device 20 are realized by software. The server program causes the computer to perform the operations of the server device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the server device 20. That is, the computer functions as the server device 20 by performing the operations of the server device 20 according to the server program.
[0039] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.
[0040] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".
[0041] Some or all of the functions of the server device 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or dedicated circuit as a control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the server device 20 may be implemented by hardware.
[0042] Referring to Figure 3, the configuration of the terminal device 30 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0043] The terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, an output unit 35, and a positioning unit 36.
[0044] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 31 controls each part of the terminal device 30 and executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 30.
[0045] The storage unit 32 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The flash memory is, for example, SSD. The magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. The storage unit 32 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores data used for the operation of the terminal device 30 and data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 30.
[0046] The communication unit 33 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 33 communicates with the server device 20. The communication unit 33 may also communicate with a mobile device held by a service staff member 11. The communication unit 33 may also communicate with an in-vehicle device installed in the service vehicle 12, or with a mobile device held by a staff member riding in the service vehicle 12. The communication unit 33 receives data used for the operation of the terminal device 30 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 30.
[0047] The input unit 34 is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, a visible light camera, a depth camera, LiDAR, or a microphone. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. The input unit 34 accepts operations to input data used for the operation of the terminal device 30. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 30, the input unit 34 may be connected to the terminal device 30 as an external input device. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth® can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI®" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
[0048] The output unit 35 is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 35 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 30. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 30, the output unit 35 may be connected to the terminal device 30 as an external output device. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.
[0049] The positioning unit 36 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. Examples of GNSS include GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 36 measures the position of the terminal device 30.
[0050] The functions of the terminal device 30 are realized by executing the terminal program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 31. In other words, the functions of the terminal device 30 are realized by software. The terminal program causes the computer to perform the operations of the terminal device 30, thereby causing the computer to function as the terminal device 30. That is, the computer functions as the terminal device 30 by performing the operations of the terminal device 30 according to the terminal program.
[0051] Some or all of the functions of the terminal device 30 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 31. In other words, some or all of the functions of the terminal device 30 may be implemented by hardware.
[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the service provision system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation described below corresponds to the service provision method according to this embodiment. That is, the service provision method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S6 shown in Figure 4.
[0053] Step S1 is executed when user U1 launches a terminal program to request a replenishment service, or selects a specific item such as "Request Service" on the terminal program's menu screen.
[0054] At least steps S1 to S3 are performed before the user vehicle V1 is parked at the parking spot. Step S4 is performed after the user vehicle V1 is parked at the parking spot. Alternatively, step S4 may be performed before the user vehicle V1 is parked at the parking spot if the details of the parking spot have been determined by reservation or other means. Step S5 is performed after S4 in this embodiment, but it may also be performed between S3 and S4.
[0055] In S1, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 acquires first information by receiving a first user operation to input first information regarding the parking location via the input unit 34. Alternatively, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 may acquire first information by identifying the parking location by referring to destination information stored in the storage unit 32. Alternatively, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 may acquire first information by identifying the parking location by referring to destination information received from a navigation device installed in the user vehicle V1 via the communication unit 33. The first information includes general parking location information such as the name or address of a building related to the parking lot, such as a store, the name or address of the parking lot itself, or the name of the area such as a city or town where the parking lot is located.
[0056] In S2, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 receives a second user operation via the input unit 34 to input the desired dispatch time and the desired return time. In the case of a proxy service, the desired dispatch time corresponds to the time requested by user U1 for the service staff 11 to pick up the user vehicle V1. In the case of a mobile service, the desired dispatch time corresponds to the time requested by user U1 for the service vehicle 12 to arrive near the user vehicle V1. In the case of a proxy service, the desired return time corresponds to the time requested by user U1 for the service staff 11 to return the user vehicle V1 after charging or battery replacement. In the case of a mobile service, the desired return time corresponds to the time requested by user U1 for the service vehicle 12 to complete charging or battery replacement of the user vehicle V1.
[0057] In S3, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 receives a third-user operation to pay for the replenishment service via the input unit 34. In the third-user operation, the fee may be paid using a fixed payment method, or a payment method may be selected. The payment method options include, for example, paying a package fee applicable within a specific area, consuming one use of a subscription-based usage count, or paying a one-time fee.
[0058] The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits the request data to the server device 20 via the communication unit 33. The request data is data requesting a replenishment service, including the first information acquired in S1. In this embodiment, the request data includes data indicating the desired dispatch time and desired return time entered by the second user operation in S2. The request data may also include data indicating the payment method selected by the third user operation.
[0059] When the control unit 21 of the server device 20 receives request data from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23, it automatically processes the payment of the replenishment service fee according to the received request data. Once the automatic payment processing is complete, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 refers to the first information contained in the received request data and processes the request to have the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 begin moving to the parking location. Specifically, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 notifies the administrator to select the type of replenishment service according to the positional relationship between the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 and the parking location and have the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 begin moving to the parking location. Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may automatically select the type of replenishment service according to the positional relationship between the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 and the parking location and have the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 begin moving to the parking location.
[0060] For example, when the distance or time required from the position of a worker as service staff 11 to the parking location is below a threshold, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may transmit the first instruction data via the communication unit 23 to a mobile device held by the worker. When the distance or time required from the position of a mobile charging vehicle as service vehicle 12 to the parking location is below a threshold, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may transmit the second instruction data via the communication unit 23 to an in-vehicle device installed in the mobile charging vehicle, or to a mobile device held by a worker riding in the mobile charging vehicle. When the distance or time required from the position of a mobile battery replacement vehicle as service vehicle 12 to the parking location is below a threshold, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may transmit the third instruction data via the communication unit 23 to an in-vehicle device installed in the mobile battery replacement vehicle, or to a mobile device held by a worker riding in the mobile battery replacement vehicle. The first instruction data, the second instruction data, and the third instruction data include first information and are data instructing a worker, a mobile charging vehicle or mobile battery replacement vehicle, or a worker riding in a mobile charging vehicle or mobile battery replacement vehicle, to begin moving to the parking location. The first instruction data, the second instruction data, and the third instruction data may also include data indicating the desired dispatch time and the desired return time.
[0061] In S4, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 acquires the second information by receiving a fourth user operation via the input unit 34 to input the second information, which includes information about the parking location that is not included in the first information. Alternatively, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 may acquire the second information by referring to the positioning result obtained from the positioning unit 36 to identify the detailed location of the parking location. The second information includes detailed parking location information such as the parking floor, parking location number, two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates of the parking location, or the complete address of the parking lot. The second information may also include, for example, a photograph of the area around the user vehicle V1 if user U1 has already parked the user vehicle V1 at the parking location.
[0062] The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits notification data to the server device 20 via the communication unit 33. The notification data is data that includes second information.
[0063] When the control unit 21 of the server device 20 receives notification data from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23, it refers to the second information contained in the received notification data and performs the process of dispatching the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 that started moving in S3 to the parking location. Specifically, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 notifies the administrator who will dispatch the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 that started moving in S3 to the parking location with the notification data. Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may dispatch the service staff 11 or service vehicle 12 that started moving in S3 to the parking location.
[0064] For example, if the first instruction data is transmitted in S3, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 transmits the fourth instruction data via the communication unit 23 to a mobile device held by a worker acting as service staff 11. If the second instruction data is transmitted in S3, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 transmits the fifth instruction data via the communication unit 23 to an in-vehicle device mounted on a mobile charging vehicle acting as a service vehicle 12, or to a mobile device held by a worker riding in the mobile charging vehicle. If the third instruction data is transmitted in S3, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 transmits the sixth instruction data via the communication unit 23 to an in-vehicle device mounted on a mobile battery exchange vehicle acting as a service vehicle 12, or to a mobile device held by a worker riding in the mobile battery exchange vehicle. The fourth, fifth, and sixth instruction data include second information and are data instructing a worker, a mobile charging vehicle or mobile battery exchange vehicle, or a worker riding in a mobile charging vehicle or mobile battery exchange vehicle, to complete the movement to the parking point and provide replenishment services.
[0065] Figure 5 shows the first screen 61 as an example of a terminal screen compatible with S4. In the second screen 62, the building name "AAA Store" is displayed as the first piece of information, and detailed parking information such as the parking floor "Basement 1st Floor" and parking space number "B-123" is entered as the second piece of information. Photos of the area around the user vehicle V1 may also be entered.
[0066] In S5, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 monitors the progress of the replenishment service. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a substitute charging service or a substitute battery replacement service, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 monitors the progress by communicating with the mobile device held by the worker via the communication unit 23. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a mobile charging service, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 monitors the progress by communicating with the onboard equipment installed in the mobile charging vehicle or the mobile device held by the worker in the mobile charging vehicle via the communication unit 23. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a mobile battery replacement service, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 monitors the progress by communicating with the onboard equipment installed in the mobile battery replacement vehicle or the mobile device held by the worker in the mobile battery replacement vehicle via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 of the server device 20 notifies the terminal device 30 of the progress via the communication unit 23. The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 displays the progress on the display, which serves as the output unit 35.
[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of a terminal screen corresponding to S5, specifically the second screen 62. The second screen 62 displays the time "20:30" when the replenishment service was accepted, and the current progress of the replenishment service, "Staff on the move." The desired dispatch time "21:10" and desired return time "23:40" are also displayed. The times are sorted in ascending order. The location of the worker, the mobile charging vehicle, or the mobile battery exchange vehicle may be displayed on the map in real time. User U1 may use the terminal device 30 to contact the worker who is heading to the parking area. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a substitute charging service, the location P1 of the user vehicle V1 may be displayed on the map in real time from the time the user vehicle V1 is picked up until at least the user vehicle V1 moves to the charging station. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a substitute battery exchange service, the location P1 of the user vehicle V1 may be displayed on the map in real time from the time the user vehicle V1 is picked up until at least the user vehicle V1 moves to the battery exchange station.
[0068] In S6, when the control unit 21 of the server device 20 detects the completion of the replenishment service, it notifies the terminal device 30 of the completion via the communication unit 23. The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 displays a screen indicating that the replenishment service has been completed on the display, which serves as the output unit 35. If the type of replenishment service selected in S3 is a substitute charging service or a substitute battery replacement service, this screen may display information about the location where the worker parked the user vehicle V1. A photograph of the user vehicle V1 taken by the worker may also be displayed.
[0069] As one modification of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may determine whether the remaining energy supply of the user vehicle V1 is below a threshold. If the control unit 21 of the server device 20 determines that the remaining energy supply of the user vehicle V1 is below a threshold, it may dispatch a service staff member 11 or a service vehicle 12 to a pre-specified location before receiving the request data. For example, if the remaining battery B1 of the user vehicle V1 is below a threshold, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may dispatch a service staff member 11 or a service vehicle 12 to a location pre-associated with user U1, such as user U1's home. Such processing may only be performed when user vehicle V1 is located near a location pre-associated with user U1, or when user vehicle V1 is heading towards a location pre-associated with user U1. In addition to or instead of the remaining battery B1 level, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may dispatch a service staff member 11 or a service vehicle 12 to the optimal location according to the destination, route, or both. For example, the control unit 21 of the server device 20 may suggest an optimal charging spot before the trip begins if there is a possibility that the SOC will fall below the standard during that trip. "SOC" is an abbreviation for state of charge.
[0070] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0071] 10. Service Delivery System 11 Service Staff 12 Service Vehicles 20 Server Devices 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Terminal devices 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Input section 35 Output section 36 Positioning Unit 40 Networks 61 1st screen 62 2nd screen
Claims
1. A terminal program for requesting a service to supply energy to a user vehicle by dispatching service staff or a service vehicle to the location where the user vehicle is parked, Before the user vehicle is parked at the parking location, first information regarding the parking location is acquired, and request data including the acquired first information is transmitted. After the user vehicle is parked at the parking spot, information is obtained that, when combined with the first information, provides more detailed information about the parking spot than the first information alone, or second information that provides more detailed information about the parking spot than the first information, and notification data including the obtained second information is transmitted. A terminal program that causes a computer to perform an action that includes [a specific action].
2. Transmitting the request data includes receiving a user operation to input the first information via the input unit of the computer to acquire the first information, or acquiring the first information by referring to destination information stored in the storage unit of the computer or destination information received from a navigation device installed in the user's vehicle, The terminal program according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the notification data includes obtaining the second information by referring to the positioning result obtained from the positioning unit of the computer.
3. Transmitting the aforementioned request data includes transmitting data requesting the service, which includes the first information, to the server device as the request data. The terminal program according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the notification data includes transmitting the notification data to the server device.
4. The terminal program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the service includes a charging service that supplies an energy source to the user vehicle by charging a battery installed in the user vehicle, or a battery replacement service that supplies an energy source to the user vehicle by replacing a battery installed in the user vehicle with another battery.
5. A communication unit that communicates with a terminal device that requests a service to be provided to the user vehicle by dispatching service staff or a service vehicle to the location where the user vehicle is parked, to replenish the energy source of the user vehicle. When the control unit receives request data from the terminal device via the communication unit, which includes first information about the parking location acquired before the user vehicle is parked at the parking location, it processes a system to initiate movement of a service staff member or service vehicle to the parking location. When the control unit receives notification data from the terminal device via the communication unit, which includes second information acquired after the user vehicle is parked at the parking location, which, when combined with the first information, provides more detailed information about the parking location than the first information alone, or information that is more detailed about the parking location than the first information, it processes a system to dispatch the service staff member or service vehicle that has initiated movement to the parking location. A server device equipped with the following features.
Citation Information
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