Electric vehicle charging system, first control device, second control device, electric vehicle charging method and program

Abstract

To improve convenience for a user in the use of charging services.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle charging system 100 includes an association storage unit 161, a conversion unit 162, and a processing unit 163. The association storage unit 161 is a storage unit for storing associated data. The associated data is data that links a first authentication key and a second authentication key to each other. The first authentication key and the second authentication key indicate information assigned to use a charger that complies with a first standard and a second standard, respectively. When the conversion unit 162 obtains one of the first authentication key or the second authentication key when the first charger is used, the other authentication key associated with the obtained one authentication key is identified based on the associated data. The processing unit 163 performs a first process using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. The first process is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle charging system, a first management device, a second management device, an electric vehicle charging method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. Along with this, charging services for electric vehicles are also becoming more and more popular, and various technologies for providing charging services have been proposed.

[0003] For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, a charging application transmits authentication information of a pre-registered user to a charging service providing server and payment information to a payment service providing server. The charging service providing server described in Patent Document 1 confirms the validity of the authentication information acquired from the portable terminal by the user information processing unit, and when receiving a notification from the portable terminal that the payment information is valid, requests the charger to start charging based on OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol).

[0004] For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, an IC card reader is provided in the charger. In the technology described in Patent Document 2, when a user touches (contacts or approaches) an IC card to the IC card reader of the charger, the charger reads the ID of the IC card by the IC card reader. When the communication unit of the charger receives an authentication response of the card ID from the server, it notifies the charge control unit of this.

[0005] For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 3, a charging application of a portable terminal manages authentication information in a storage area managed by the charging application, and when starting a charging service, the portable terminal transmits the authentication information. The user information processing unit described in Patent Document 3 collates the received authentication information with the user authentication information managed in the DB, and if both match, authenticates the received authentication information from the portable terminal as being legitimate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 027265 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 108156 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-022110 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Currently, there is not just one standard used for electric vehicle charging services, but rather a mixture of multiple standards. For example, in authentication when using charging services, there are standards that use charging apps (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 3) and standards that use IC cards (see, for example, Patent Document 2), among others.

[0008] Therefore, when using a charging service, users need to check the specifications of that service, appropriately decide whether to use a charging app or an IC card, and prepare the appropriate charging app or IC card according to the service's specifications. In this way, the effort required to prepare the appropriate charging app or IC card when using a charging service diminishes user convenience.

[0009] One example of the object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle charging system, a first management device, a second management device, an electric vehicle charging method, and a program that solve the above-mentioned problems and improve user convenience in using charging services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, A linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, a conversion means identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data, The system includes processing means that executes a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. An electric vehicle charging system will be provided.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, A first request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a first request which is a request to use the first charger, A first query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, and when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key, The system comprises a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. A first control device is provided.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, A second request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a second request which is a request for using the second charger, A second query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, The system includes a second authentication means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, executes a second authentication process which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. A second control device is provided.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. Using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used, the first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, is executed. A method for charging electric vehicles is provided.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, when one of the first authentication key and the second authentication key is obtained, based on the association data, the other authentication key associated with the obtained one authentication key is specified. A program is provided for causing execution of a first process which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger by using the other authentication key specified when the first charger is used.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to improve the convenience of the user in using the charging service.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an outline of an electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an outline of a first management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an outline of a second management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an outline of an electric vehicle charging method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an outline of a first management method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an outline of a second management method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a detailed example of the configuration of an electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of a first charger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of a second charger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of a first management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first registered data according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the second control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the second registration data according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the linking device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the structure of linked data according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] This figure shows the functional configuration of the performance management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the first charging performance data according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the second charging performance data according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of the physical configuration of a user terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of the physical configuration of the first charger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example of the physical configuration of the first control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 23] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 24] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 25] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 27] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 28] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 29]This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the first control device according to Modification 1. [Figure 30] This diagram shows the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0018] <Embodiment 1> (overview) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The electric vehicle charging system 100 includes a linking storage unit 161, a conversion unit 162, and a processing unit 163.

[0019] The association storage unit 161 is a storage unit for storing association data. The association data is data that links the first authentication key and the second authentication key to each other. The first authentication key indicates information assigned for using the first charger compliant with the first standard. The second authentication key indicates information assigned for using the second charger compliant with the second standard.

[0020] When the first charger is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data.

[0021] The processing unit 163 executes the first process using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. The first process is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger.

[0022] This electric vehicle charging system 100 makes it possible to improve user convenience when using charging services.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an overview of the first control device 104 according to Embodiment 1. The first control device 104 is, for example, one of the devices that make up the electric vehicle charging system 100.

[0024] The first management device 104 includes a first request acquisition unit 141, a first inquiry unit 145, and a first authentication unit 144.

[0025] The first request acquisition unit 141 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with the first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with the second standard, and acquires a first request, which is a request to use the first charger.

[0026] The first query unit 145, if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, and if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key.

[0027] The first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process, which is an authentication process that uses the first authentication key.

[0028] This first management device 104 makes it possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an overview of the second control device 105 according to Embodiment 1. The second control device 105 is, for example, one of the devices that make up the electric vehicle charging system 100.

[0030] The second management device 105 includes a second request acquisition unit 151, a second inquiry unit 155, and a second authentication unit 154.

[0031] The second request acquisition unit 151 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with the first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with the second standard, and acquires a second request, which is a request to use the second charger.

[0032] The second query unit 155, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key.

[0033] The second authentication unit 154 executes a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key.

[0034] This second management device 105 makes it possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the electric vehicle charging method according to Embodiment 1. The entity that executes the electric vehicle charging method is one or more computers, including, for example, a computer equipped with a linking storage unit 161 for storing linking data. The linking data is data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a charger and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard.

[0036] When the first charger is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data (step S104).

[0037] The processing unit 163 executes a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used (step S105).

[0038] This electric vehicle charging method makes it possible to improve user convenience when using charging services.

[0039] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the first management method according to Embodiment 1. The entity that executes the first management method is, for example, the first management device 104.

[0040] The first request acquisition unit 141 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with a second standard, and acquires a first request, which is a request to use the first charger (step S101).

[0041] If one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key (step S102; first authentication key), the first query unit 145 queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key (step S117). If one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key (step S102; second authentication key), the first query unit 145 queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key (step S106).

[0042] The first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key (step S107).

[0043] This first management method makes it possible to improve user convenience when using charging services.

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the second management method according to Embodiment 1. The entity that executes the second management method is, for example, the second management device 105.

[0045] The second request acquisition unit 151 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with the first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with the second standard, and acquires a second request, which is a request to use the second charger (step S131).

[0046] The second query unit 155, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key (step S132; first authentication key), queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key (step S140).

[0047] The second authentication unit 154 executes a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key (step S132; second authentication key) (step S136).

[0048] This second management method makes it possible to improve user convenience when using charging services.

[0049] The following describes a detailed example of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0050] (detail) Figure 7 shows a detailed example of the configuration of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The electric vehicle charging system 100 is a system for managing the charging of electric vehicles using chargers 102 and 103 that conform to multiple different standards.

[0051] Electric vehicles are vehicles powered by electric motors, such as electric cars and electric motorcycles. In this embodiment, the standards for charging electric vehicles will be explained using the example of two types of standards: a first standard and a second standard. The first standard is, for example, a standard managed by OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol). The second standard is, for example, one of the standards managed by various companies and organizations other than OCPP.

[0052] Furthermore, there may be three or more standards for charging electric vehicles, and the electric vehicle charging system 100 may include chargers conforming to multiple different types of standards other than the second standard, and a management device for managing those chargers. In this case, the chargers and management device conforming to standards other than the second standard may have the same functions as the first charger 102 and the first management device 104, respectively (details described later).

[0053] Users of the electric vehicle charging system 100 are pre-registered to use the first charger 102, which conforms to the first standard, and the second charger 103, which conforms to the second standard, and are pre-assigned the first authentication key and the second authentication key, respectively.

[0054] The first authentication key is an authentication key assigned to use the first charger 102, which conforms to the first standard. The second authentication key is an authentication key assigned to use the second charger 103, which conforms to the second standard.

[0055] The electric vehicle charging system 100 includes a user terminal 101, a first charger 102, a second charger 103, a first management device 104, a second management device 105, a linking device 106, and a performance management device 107.

[0056] The user terminal 101, the first charger 102, the second charger 103, the first management device 104, the second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107 are connected to each other via network N and can send and receive information from each other via network N. Network N is a communication network configured as wired, wireless, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Furthermore, the user terminal 101, the first charger 102, and the second charger 103 may each be provided in multiple units within the electric vehicle charging system 100.

[0058] (Functions of user terminal 101) Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 101 according to Embodiment 1.

[0059] User terminal 101 is a device used by the user. User terminal 101 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet device, and has a charging application installed. The charging application is a predetermined application software.

[0060] The user terminal 101 includes a terminal holding unit 111, a first terminal communication unit 112, a second terminal communication unit 113, a display unit 114, a display control unit 115, an operation reception unit 116, and a charging request processing unit 117.

[0061] The terminal holder 111 holds a retention authentication key, which is determined according to the functionality of the installed charging application. The retention authentication key is at least one of a first authentication key and a second authentication key. That is, the terminal holder 111 holds either only the first authentication key, only the second authentication key, or both the first and second authentication keys as the retention authentication key. Which authentication key the terminal holder 111 holds is determined, for example, according to the functionality of the charging application installed on the user terminal 101.

[0062] The first terminal communication unit 112 communicates with the first charger 102 and the second charger 103, respectively. The first terminal communication unit 112 communicates with the first charger 102 and the second charger 103 using short-range communication, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) functionality.

[0063] For example, the user connects the plug 121 or 131 (details described later) of the charger 102 or 103 to the electric vehicle and holds a designated part of the user terminal 101 over a designated part of the charger 102 or 103. As a result, the first terminal communication unit 112 establishes a communication state with the charger 102 or 103.

[0064] The second terminal communication unit 113 communicates through the network N.

[0065] The display unit 114 displays various types of information. The display unit 114 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display control unit 115 causes the display unit 114 to display various types of information. The operation reception unit 116 receives user operations.

[0066] The charging request processing unit 117 executes processing related to the charging request based on the user's operation to charge the electric vehicle using the charger 102 or 103.

[0067] For example, when the charging request processing unit 117 receives a predetermined operation from the user while the first terminal communication unit 112 has established communication with the charger 102 or 103, it obtains the device IDs of the chargers 102 and 103 with which the first terminal communication unit 112 has established communication through the first terminal communication unit 112.

[0068] The device ID obtained here is either the first device ID or the second device ID. The first device ID (Identification) is information for identifying the first charger 102 (first device identification information). The second device ID (Identification) is information for identifying the second charger 103 (second device identification information).

[0069] If communication is established between the first terminal communication unit 112 and the first charger 102, the charging request processing unit 117 obtains the first device ID of the first charger 102. If communication is established between the first terminal communication unit 112 and the second charger 103, the charging request processing unit 117 obtains the second device ID of the second charger 103.

[0070] The first device ID may be, for example, fixed information assigned to the first charger 102 or information randomly assigned to the first charger 102, or it may be the communication address of the first charger 102 in network N. The second device ID may be, for example, fixed information assigned to the second charger 103 or information randomly assigned to the second charger 103, or it may be the communication address of the second charger 103 in network N.

[0071] The charging request processing unit 117 determines whether the chargers 102 and 103 that the first terminal communication unit 112 is communicating with are the first charger 102 which conforms to the first standard and the second charger 103 which conforms to the second standard. For example, the charging request processing unit 117 performs this determination process based on various information such as the device ID obtained from the first terminal communication unit 112, and predetermined rules for determining which standard the chargers 102 and 103 conform to based on this information.

[0072] The charging request processing unit 117 then sends a request including the acquired device ID and authentication key to the first management device 104 or the second management device 105.

[0073] More specifically, the request transmitted by the charging request processing unit 117 is either a first request or a second request. The first request is a request to use the first charger 102. The second request is a request to use the second charger 103.

[0074] If the charger that the first terminal communication unit 112 is communicating with (i.e., the charger that the user intends to use for charging) is the first charger 102, the request that the charging request processing unit 117 sends is the first request. In this case, the charging request processing unit 117 sends the first request, which includes the first device ID and the authentication key, to the first management device 104. If the charger that the first terminal communication unit 112 is communicating with (i.e., the charger that the user intends to use for charging) is the second charger 103, the request that the charging request processing unit 117 sends is the second request. In this case, the charging request processing unit 117 sends the second request, which includes the second device ID and the authentication key, to the second management device 105.

[0075] For example, the authentication key included in the request (first request, second request) is an authentication key corresponding to the retained authentication key held by the terminal holding unit 111, and is either the first authentication key or the second authentication key. That is, for example, if the retained authentication key is only the first authentication key, the authentication key included in the request may be the first authentication key. For example, if the retained authentication key is only the second authentication key, the authentication key included in the request may be the second authentication key. For example, if the retained authentication key is both the first authentication key and the second authentication key, the authentication key included in the request may be both the first authentication key and the second authentication key, or it may be either one of the first authentication key or the second authentication key as predetermined.

[0076] (Functions of the first charger 102 and the second charger 103) The first charger 102 and the second charger 103 are devices for charging electric vehicles. The first charger 102 and the second charger 103 are installed at locations (facilities) that are appropriately provided for charging electric vehicles. Examples of locations where the first charger 102 and the second charger 103 are installed include parking lots and charging stations of companies and organizations.

[0077] The first charger 102 and the second charger 103 comply with different standards. The first charger 102 is a charger that complies with the first standard. The second charger 103 is a charger that complies with the second standard.

[0078] (Functions of the first charger 102) Figure 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of the first charger 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0079] The first charger 102 includes a first plug 121, a first inter-terminal communication unit 122, and a first charging control unit 123.

[0080] The first plug 121 is a plug that is connected to an electric vehicle for charging the electric vehicle. The first plug 121 conforms to the first standard.

[0081] The first terminal communication unit 122 communicates with the first terminal communication unit 112. The first terminal communication unit 122 communicates with the first terminal communication unit 112 using short-range communication, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) functionality.

[0082] For example, the first terminal-to-terminal communication unit 122 has a first device ID stored in advance. When the plug 121 is connected to an electric vehicle and the first terminal-to-terminal communication unit 122 receives a charging request based on user operation from the user terminal 101, it transmits the first device ID to the user terminal 101.

[0083] The first charging control unit 123 controls the charging of the electric vehicle through the first plug 121.

[0084] For example, when the first charging control unit 123 receives a first charging start instruction, it may charge the electric vehicle through the first plug 121. Alternatively, when the first charging control unit 123 completes charging the electric vehicle in response to the first charging start instruction, it may transmit first charging information (details described later), which is information related to the charging, to the performance management device 107.

[0085] (Functions of the second charger 103) Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the second charger 103 according to Embodiment 1.

[0086] The second charger 103 includes a second plug 131, a second terminal communication unit 132, and a second charging control unit 133.

[0087] The second plug 131 is a plug that is connected to an electric vehicle for charging the electric vehicle. The second plug 131 conforms to the second standard.

[0088] The second terminal communication unit 132 communicates with the first terminal communication unit 112. The second terminal communication unit 132 communicates with the first terminal communication unit 112 using short-range communication, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) functionality.

[0089] For example, the second terminal communication unit 132 has a second device ID stored in advance. When the plug 131 is connected to an electric vehicle and the second terminal communication unit 132 receives a charging request based on user operation from the user terminal 101, it transmits the second device ID to the user terminal 101.

[0090] The second charging control unit 133 controls the charging of the electric vehicle through the second plug 131.

[0091] For example, when the second charging control unit 133 receives a second charging start instruction, it may charge the electric vehicle through the second plug 131. Alternatively, when the second charging control unit 133 completes charging the electric vehicle, it may transmit second charging information (details described later), which is information related to the charging, to the performance management device 107.

[0092] (Functions of the first control device 104) Figure 11 shows an example of the functional configuration of the first control device 104 according to Embodiment 1.

[0093] The first control device 104 is a device for managing the first charger 102. If multiple first chargers 102 are provided, the first control device 104 should manage multiple first chargers 102.

[0094] The first management device 104 includes a first request acquisition unit 141, a first registration data storage unit 142, a first registration unit 143, a first authentication unit 144, a first inquiry unit 145, a first charging instruction unit 146, a first completion notification unit 147, and a first result notification unit 148.

[0095] The first request acquisition unit 141 acquires the first request from the user terminal 101. As described above, the first request is a request to use the first charger 102. The first request includes the first device ID of the first charger 102 that the user intends to use, and one of the authentication keys, either the first authentication key or the second authentication key.

[0096] The first registered data storage unit 142 is a storage unit for storing the first registered data 142a.

[0097] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of the first registered data 142a.

[0098] The first registration data 142a is data that associates a first authentication key with the user information of the user to whom the first authentication key is assigned. User information includes, for example, at least one of the following: name or company name, address, and contact information. User information may also include a password used for user authentication, biometric information (e.g., facial image features, fingerprint features), etc. Here, the name is the name of the company, organization, etc., if the user is a company, etc. Contact information may include one or more of the following: telephone number, email address, etc.

[0099] The first registration unit 143 generates first registration data 142a based on information from the terminal device used by the user and stores it in the first registration data storage unit 142. The terminal device may be a user terminal 101, or it may be a personal computer (not shown) used by the user. The first registration unit 143 may obtain information from the terminal device through functions such as a charging application or browser that runs on the terminal device.

[0100] The first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process. The first authentication process is an authentication process that uses the first authentication key.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first authentication unit 144 may execute the first authentication process using the first authentication key if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, and the first query unit 145 queries the linking device 106 (details to be described later) and is unable to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key. In addition, in this embodiment, the first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process using the first authentication key if the first query unit 145 (described later) obtains the first authentication key.

[0102] The first inquiry unit 145 obtains the result of authentication using the second authentication key or the first authentication key associated with the second authentication key by querying the linking device 106.

[0103] For example, if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, the first query unit 145 queries the linking device 106 (details described later) to obtain the authentication result using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key. The first query unit 145 may obtain the authentication result directly from the second management device 105, which performs the authentication process using the second authentication key, as described later, or it may obtain the authentication result from the second management device 105 via the linking device 106.

[0104] For example, if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is a second authentication key, the first query unit 145 queries the linking device 106 (details described later) to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key from the linking device 106.

[0105] If the authentication for the first request is successful, the first charging instruction unit 146 transmits a first charging start instruction to the first charger 102, which was requested to be used in the first request. The first charging start instruction is an instruction to the first charger 102 to start charging.

[0106] The first charging start instruction includes at least one of the following predetermined elements: a first authentication key, a second authentication key, and a first device ID for identifying the first charger 102 to initiate charging.

[0107] The first completion notification unit 147 notifies the user terminal 101 that charging related to the first request is complete.

[0108] The first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the first request.

[0109] (Functions of the second control device 105) Figure 13 shows an example of the functional configuration of the second control device 105 according to Embodiment 1.

[0110] The second management device 105 includes a second request acquisition unit 151, a second registration data storage unit 152, a second registration unit 153, a second authentication unit 154, a second inquiry unit 155, a second charging instruction unit 156, a second completion notification unit 157, and a second result notification unit 158.

[0111] The functional units 151 to 158 of the second management device 105 correspond to the functional units 141 to 148 of the first management device 104, respectively, as described below. However, the second authentication unit 154 and the second inquiry unit 155 in this embodiment are particularly different from the first authentication unit 144 and the first inquiry unit 145, respectively.

[0112] The second request acquisition unit 151 acquires the second request from the user terminal 101. As described above, the second request is a request to use the second charger 103. The second request includes the first device ID of the second charger 103 that the user intends to use, and one of the authentication keys, either the first authentication key or the second authentication key.

[0113] The second registration data storage unit 152 is a storage unit for storing the second registration data 152a.

[0114] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of the second registration data 152a.

[0115] The second registration data 152a is data that associates a second authentication key with the user information of the user to whom the second authentication key is assigned. This user information may be the same as the user information in the first registration data 142a. That is, the user information includes, for example, at least one of the following: name or company name, address, and contact information. The user information may also include a password used for user authentication, biometric information (for example, facial image features, fingerprint features), etc.

[0116] The second registration unit 153 generates second registration data 152a based on information from the terminal device used by the user and stores it in the second registration data storage unit 152. The terminal device may be a user terminal 101, or it may be a personal computer (not shown) used by the user. The second registration unit 153 may obtain information from the terminal device through functions such as a charging application or browser that runs on the terminal device.

[0117] The second authentication unit 154 executes the second authentication process. The second authentication process is an authentication process that uses the second authentication key.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second authentication unit 154 executes a second authentication process using the second authentication key if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second authentication unit 154 executes a second authentication process using the second authentication key if the second query unit 155, which will be described later, obtains the second authentication key.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the second authentication unit 154 obtains a second authentication key from the linking device 106 in response to an inquiry from the first inquiry unit 145 based on the first request, it executes a second authentication process using the second authentication key.

[0120] The second query unit 155 obtains the second authentication key associated with the first authentication key by querying the linking device 106. For example, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, the second query unit 155 obtains the second authentication key associated with that first authentication key by querying the linking device 106 (details described later).

[0121] Thus, in this embodiment, the second authentication unit 154 performs all authentication related to the second request in cooperation with the second query unit 155 as appropriate. However, if the second query unit 155 queries the linking device 106 (details described later) and is unable to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key included in the second request, the authentication related to this second request is not performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key and the second authentication key linked to that first authentication key is obtained, the second authentication unit 154 performs the second authentication process using the second authentication key.

[0122] Furthermore, if the first request includes a second authentication key, the second authentication unit 154 may obtain the second authentication key from the first management device 104, execute the second authentication process using the second authentication key, and transmit the authentication result to the first management device 104.

[0123] If the authentication for the second request is successful, the second charging instruction unit 156 sends a second charging start instruction to the second charger 103, which was requested to be used in the second request. The second charging start instruction is an instruction to the second charger 103 to start charging.

[0124] The second charging start instruction includes at least one predetermined element from the following: the first authentication key, the second authentication key, and the first device ID for identifying the second charger 103 to initiate charging.

[0125] The second completion notification unit 157 notifies the user terminal 101 that charging related to the second request is complete.

[0126] The second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the second request.

[0127] (Function of the linking device 106) Figure 15 shows an example of the functional configuration of the linking device 106 according to Embodiment 1.

[0128] The linking device 106 stores the linking data 161a and converts the first authentication key and the second authentication key to each other based on the linking data 161a. The linking device 106 comprises a linking storage unit 161, a conversion unit 162, a processing unit 163, and a registration unit 164.

[0129] The association storage unit 161 is a storage unit for storing association data 161a. The association data 161a is data that links the first authentication key and the second authentication key to each other.

[0130] Figure 16 shows an example of the configuration of the linked data 161a according to this embodiment. The linked data 161a links a first authentication key and a second authentication key assigned to the same user.

[0131] When the first charger 102 is used, the conversion unit 162 acquires either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and based on the linking data 161a, identifies the other authentication key that is linked to the acquired authentication key. Similarly, when the second charger 103 is used, the conversion unit 162 acquires either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and based on the linking data 161a, identifies the other authentication key that is linked to the acquired authentication key.

[0132] The processing unit 163 executes a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger 102, using the other authentication key that was identified when the first charger 102 was used. The processing unit 163 also executes a second process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the second charger 103, using the other authentication key that was identified when the second charger 103 was used.

[0133] The registration unit 164 acquires the linking data 161a from the terminal device used by the user and stores it in the linking storage unit 161. The terminal device may be the user terminal 101, or it may be a personal computer (not shown) used by the user. The registration unit 164 may acquire the linking data 161a from the terminal device through functions such as a charging application or browser that run on the terminal device.

[0134] (Functions of the performance management device 107) Figure 17 shows the functional configuration of the performance management device 107 according to Embodiment 1.

[0135] The performance management device 107 is a device that manages the charging performance using the first charger 102 and the second charger 103. The performance management device 107 manages the charging performance for each user.

[0136] The performance management device 107 includes a charging performance storage unit 171, a first performance update unit 172, and a second performance update unit 173.

[0137] The charging history storage unit 171 is a storage unit for storing charging history data that shows the charging history for each user.

[0138] The charging performance data includes, for example, first charging performance data 171a showing the charging performance using the first charger 102 for each user, and second charging performance data 171b showing the charging performance using the second charger 103 for each user.

[0139] Figure 18 shows examples of the configuration of the first charging performance data 171a according to Embodiment 1 (first to third configuration examples). The first charging performance data 171a is data associated with first charging information indicating the charging performance using the first charger 102, and either or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key. In the first charging performance data 171a, either or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key of the user who performed the charging indicated by the first charging information are associated.

[0140] Figure 18(a) shows a first example of the configuration of the first charging performance data 171a_1, in which the first charging information and the first authentication key are associated. Figure 18(b) shows a second example of the configuration of the first charging performance data 171a_2, in which the first charging information and the second authentication key are associated. Figure 18(c) shows a third example of the configuration of the first charging performance data 171a_3, in which the first charging information, the first authentication key, and the second authentication key are associated.

[0141] The first charging information includes, for example, the first device ID of the first charger 102 used for charging, the start time of charging, the end time of charging, and one or more of the amount of energy charged. The time indicates, for example, the year, month, day, and time.

[0142] Figure 19 shows examples of the configuration of the second charging performance data 171b according to Embodiment 1 (first to third configuration examples). The second charging performance data 171b is data associated with second charging information indicating the charging performance using the second charger 103, and either or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key. In the second charging performance data 171b, either or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key of the user who performed the charging indicated by the second charging information are associated.

[0143] Figure 19(a) shows a first example of the configuration of the second charging performance data 171b_1, in which the second charging information and the first authentication key are associated. Figure 19(b) shows a second example of the configuration of the second charging performance data 171b_2, in which the first charging information and the second authentication key are associated. Figure 19(c) shows a third example of the configuration of the second charging performance data 171b_3, in which the second charging information, the first authentication key, and the second authentication key are associated.

[0144] The second charging information is information. The second charging information includes, for example, one or more of the following: the second device ID of the second charger 103 used for charging, the start time of charging, the end time of charging, and the amount of energy charged. The time indicates, for example, the year, month, day, and time.

[0145] The first performance update unit 172 generates first charging performance data 171a and stores it in the charging performance storage unit 171 when charging in response to the first charging start instruction is completed.

[0146] For example, the first performance update unit 172 acquires the first charging information from the first charging control unit 123 when charging in response to the first charging start instruction is completed. At this time, the first performance update unit 172 may acquire one of the first authentication key, the second authentication key, or the first device ID included in the first charging start instruction.

[0147] If one or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key included in the first charging performance data 171a are not included in the first charging start instruction, the first performance update unit 172 obtains one or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key included in the first charging performance data 171a from the linking device 106 based on the linking data 161a and one of the first authentication key, the second authentication key, and the first equipment ID included in the first charging start instruction. As a result, the first performance update unit 172 generates the first charging performance data 171a in which the first charging information and one or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key are associated. In other words, the first performance update unit 172 generates the first charging performance data 171a using one or both of the first authentication key and the second authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction.

[0148] Here, the first device ID may be temporarily associated with the first authentication key and the second authentication key in the linking data 161a while charging using the first charger 102 corresponding to the first device ID. Also, if the first charger 102 is installed at a location owned by the user corresponding to the first authentication key and the second authentication key, the first device ID of this first charger 102 may be pre-associated with the first authentication key and the second authentication key in the linking data 161a.

[0149] The second performance update unit 173 generates second charging performance data 171b and stores it in the charging performance storage unit 171 when charging in response to the second charging start instruction is completed.

[0150] For example, the second performance update unit 173 acquires second charging information from the second charging control unit 133 when charging in response to the second charging start instruction is completed. At this time, the second performance update unit 173 may acquire either the first authentication key, the second authentication key, or the first device ID included in the second charging start instruction.

[0151] If one or both of the first and second authentication keys included in the second charging performance data 171b are not included in the second charging start instruction, the second performance update unit 173 obtains one or both of the first and second authentication keys included in the second charging performance data 171b based on the association data 161a with one of the first authentication keys, second authentication keys, and second device ID included in the first charging start instruction. As a result, the second performance update unit 173 generates second charging performance data 171b in which the second charging information and one or both of the first and second authentication keys are associated. In other words, the second performance update unit 173 generates second charging performance data 171b using one or both of the first and second authentication keys corresponding to the second charging start instruction.

[0152] Here, the second device ID may be temporarily associated with the first authentication key and the second authentication key in the linking data 161a while charging is being performed using the second charger 103 corresponding to the second device ID. Also, if the second charger 103 is installed at a location owned by the user corresponding to the first authentication key and the second authentication key, the second device ID of this second charger 103 may be pre-associated with the first authentication key and the second authentication key in the linking data 161a.

[0153] Up to this point, the functional configuration of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 has been mainly described. From here, the physical configuration of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0154] (Physical configuration of electric vehicle charging system 100) The electric vehicle charging system 100 is physically composed of a user terminal 101, a first charger 102, a second charger 103, a first management device 104, a second management device 105, a linking device 106, and a performance management device 107, all connected via a network N. In this embodiment, each of the user terminal 101, the first charger 102, the second charger 103, the first management device 104, the second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107 is physically composed of a single, distinct device.

[0155] The electric vehicle charging system 100 may be physically composed of a single device. In this case, the single device comprising the electric vehicle charging system 100 may have the functions of the first management device 104, the second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107. Alternatively, the electric vehicle charging system 100 may be physically composed of multiple devices. In this case, the entire group of multiple devices comprising the electric vehicle charging system 100 may have the functions of the user terminal 101, the first charger 102, the second charger 103, the first management device 104, the second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107.

[0156] Figure 20 shows an example of the physical configuration of the user terminal 101 according to Embodiment 1. Physically, the user terminal 101 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet device.

[0157] The user terminal 101 physically includes, for example, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a user interface 1050, a first communication interface 1060, and a second communication interface 1070.

[0158] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, user interface 1050, first communication interface 1060, and second communication interface 1070 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0159] Processor 1020 is a processor implemented in the form of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Memory 1030 is main memory implemented in the form of RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0160] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the user terminal 101. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to those program modules.

[0161] The user interface 1050 includes touch panels, keyboards, mice, etc., as interfaces for the user to input information, and liquid crystal panels, organic EL panels, etc., as interfaces for presenting information to the user.

[0162] The first communication interface 1060 is an interface for communication using short-range communication, such as RFID functionality. The second communication interface 1070 is an interface for connecting to network N.

[0163] Figure 21 shows an example of the physical configuration of the first charger 102 according to Embodiment 1. Physically, the first charger 102 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a user interface 1050, a first communication interface 1060, and a second communication interface 1070, similar to, for example, a user terminal 101. The first charger 102 further includes a plug 1080 that is connected to an electric vehicle to supply power.

[0164] The storage device 1040 of the first charger 102 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the first charger 102. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing the function corresponding to that program module.

[0165] The second charger 103 may be physically configured in the same way as the first charger 102. However, the storage device 1040 of the second charger 103 stores a program module for realizing the functions of the second charger 103.

[0166] Figure 22 shows an example of the physical configuration of the first management device 104 according to Embodiment 1. Physically, it has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, and a storage device 1040, similar to, for example, a user terminal 101. The first management device 104 also has an input interface 2050, an output interface 2060, and a communication interface 2070.

[0167] The input interface 2050 is an interface for the user to input information, and consists of, for example, a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. The output interface 2060 is an interface for presenting information to the user, and consists of, for example, an LCD panel or an OLED panel. The communication interface 2070 is an interface for connecting to network N.

[0168] The second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107 may each be physically configured in the same way as the first management device 104. However, the storage devices 1040 of the second management device 105, the linking device 106, and the performance management device 107 each store program modules for realizing the functions of the device.

[0169] So far, the physical configuration of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 has been mainly described. From here, the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0170] (Operation of electric vehicle charging system 100) Figures 23 to 28 are diagrams showing the processing flow performed by the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 23 to 25 show the processing flow when a user attempts to charge using the first charger 102. Figures 26 to 28 show the processing flow when a user attempts to charge using the second charger 103.

[0171] Refer to Figure 23. The first request acquisition unit 141 acquires the first request from the user terminal 101 (step S101).

[0172] The first request includes, as described above, the first device ID of the first charger 102 that the user intends to use for charging, and one of the authentication keys, either the first authentication key or the second authentication key.

[0173] The first request acquisition unit 141 may acquire the first request from the first charger 102. In this case, the first terminal communication unit 122 may, for example, acquire from the user terminal 101 either the first authentication key or the second authentication key corresponding to the holding authentication key held by the terminal holding unit 111, based on user operation. The first charging control unit 123 may then store the first device ID in advance and send the first request, including the first device ID and the said authentication key, to the first management device 104.

[0174] The first query unit 145 determines the type of authentication key included in the first request obtained in step S101 (step S102).

[0175] If the first query unit 145 contains the second authentication key in the first request (step S102; second authentication key), it sends a query containing the second authentication key to the linking device 106. As a result, the conversion unit 162 obtains the query (step S103).

[0176] In step S103, when the first charger 102 is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains one of the authentication keys (in this case, the second authentication key) between the first authentication key and the second authentication key.

[0177] Based on the linking data 161a, the conversion unit 162 identifies the other authentication key (in this case, the first authentication key) that is linked to the other authentication key obtained in step S103 (step S104).

[0178] The processing unit 163 executes the first process (step S105). The first process here is to send the first authentication key identified in step S104 to the first management device 104.

[0179] The first inquiry unit 145 obtains the first authentication key transmitted in step S105 (step S106).

[0180] The first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process using the first authentication key obtained in step S106 (step S107).

[0181] In the first authentication process, for example, the first authentication unit 144 refers to the first registration data 142a and determines whether the first authentication key obtained in step S106 is included in the first registration data 142a. The first authentication unit 144 determines that the first authentication process was successful if the first authentication key is included in the first registration data 142a. The first authentication unit 144 determines that the first authentication process failed if the first authentication key is not included in the first registration data 142a.

[0182] Furthermore, if the user information in the first request and the first registration data 142a includes a password, the user's biometric information, etc., the first authentication unit 144 may perform the first authentication process using the password, biometric information, etc. In this case, the first authentication unit 144 may determine that the first authentication process was successful if both the first authentication key included in the first registration data 142a and the password, biometric information, etc. associated with it in the first registration data 142a match. The first authentication unit 144 may determine that the first authentication process failed if at least one of the first authentication key included in the first registration data 142a and the password, biometric information, etc. associated with it in the first registration data 142a do not match. In this case, the user terminal 101 may be equipped with a function to take a photograph of the user's face and extract the features of the face image, a function to read the user's fingerprint and extract the features of the fingerprint, etc.

[0183] The first charging instruction unit 146 determines whether the first authentication process in step S107 was successful (step S108). If the authentication for the first request is successful (step S108; Yes), the first charging instruction unit 146 sends a first charging start instruction to the first charger 102 that the user intends to use (step S109).

[0184] The first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the first request after step S109, or if authentication for the first request fails, i.e., if authentication for the first request is not successful (step S108; No) (step S110).

[0185] In detail, after step S109, the first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the first request was successful. If authentication for the first request is unsuccessful (step S108; No), the first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the first request failed.

[0186] If the first query unit 145 contains the first authentication key in the first request (step S102; first authentication key), it sends a query containing the first authentication key to the linking device 106. As a result, the conversion unit 162 obtains the query as shown in Figure 24 (step S111).

[0187] In step S111, when the first charger 102 is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains one of the authentication keys (in this case, the first authentication key) between the first authentication key and the second authentication key.

[0188] The conversion unit 162 identifies the other authentication key (in this case, the second authentication key) that is associated with the one authentication key obtained in step S111, based on the association data 161a (step S112).

[0189] The processing unit 163 executes the second process (step S113). This second process involves sending the second authentication key identified in step S104 to the second management device 105.

[0190] The second authentication unit 154 obtains the second authentication key (i.e., the second authentication key based on the first request) transmitted in step S113 from the linking device 106 (step S114).

[0191] The second authentication unit 154 executes the second authentication process using the second authentication key obtained in step S114 (step S115).

[0192] In the second authentication process, for example, the second authentication unit 154 refers to the second registration data 152a and determines whether the second authentication key obtained in step S114 is included in the second registration data 152a. The second authentication unit 154 determines that the second authentication process was successful if the second authentication key is included in the second registration data 152a. The second authentication unit 154 determines that the second authentication process failed if the second authentication key is not included in the second registration data 152a.

[0193] Furthermore, if the user information in the second request and the second registration data 152a includes a password, the user's biometric information, etc., the second authentication unit 154 may perform the second authentication process using the password, biometric information, etc. In this case, the second authentication unit 154 may determine that the second authentication process was successful if both the second authentication key included in the second registration data 152a and the password, biometric information, etc. associated with it in the second registration data 152a match. The second authentication unit 154 may determine that the second authentication process failed if at least one of the second authentication key included in the second registration data 152a and the password, biometric information, etc. associated with it in the second registration data 152a do not match. In this case, the user terminal 101 may be equipped with functions such as taking a photo of the user's face and extracting features from the face image, and reading the user's fingerprint and extracting features from the fingerprint.

[0194] The second authentication unit 154 transmits the result of the authentication (second authentication process) in step S115 to the first management device 104 (step S116). The first inquiry unit 145 obtains the authentication result transmitted in step S116 (step S117).

[0195] The first charging instruction unit 146 determines whether the authentication (second authentication process based on the first request) was successful based on the authentication result obtained in step S117 (step S118). If the authentication result obtained in step S117 indicates success, that is, if the authentication for the first request was successful (step S108; Yes), the first charging instruction unit 146 sends a first charging start instruction to the first charger 102 that the user intends to use (step S119).

[0196] The first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the first request (step S120) after step S119, or if the authentication result obtained in step S117 indicates failure, i.e., if authentication for the first request was unsuccessful (step S118; No).

[0197] In detail, after step S119, the first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the first request was successful. If authentication for the first request is unsuccessful (step S118; No), the first result notification unit 148 notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the first request failed.

[0198] Refer to Figure 25. The first charge control unit 123 receives the first charge start instruction transmitted in step S109 or S119 (step S121). In response, the first charge control unit 123 starts charging through the first plug 121.

[0199] When the first charging control unit 123 completes charging in accordance with the first charging start instruction (for example, charging to full charge, charging to an amount of energy specified by the user), it transmits the first charging information to the performance management device 107 (step S122).

[0200] The first performance update unit 172 acquires the first charging information transmitted in step S122 and generates the first charging performance data 171a based on the first charging information (step S123).

[0201] In detail, for example, the first performance update unit 172 generates first charging performance data 171a based on first charging information and one of the first authentication key, second authentication key, and first equipment ID included in the first charging start instruction. At this time, the first performance update unit 172 may, if necessary, query the linking device 106 to obtain one or both of the first authentication key and second authentication key linked in the linking data 161a to one of the first authentication key, second authentication key, and first equipment ID included in the first charging start instruction. The first performance update unit 172 may then generate first charging performance data 171a using one or both of the first authentication key and second authentication key obtained from the linking device 106.

[0202] The first performance update unit 172 stores the first charging performance data 171a generated in step S123 in the charging performance storage unit 171 (step S124). This allows the charging performance of a user to be summarized by referring to the first charging performance data 171a, for example, under either a first authentication key or a second authentication key specified by the user.

[0203] Refer to Figure 26. The second request acquisition unit 151 acquires the second request from the user terminal 101 (step S131).

[0204] The second request includes, as described above, the second device ID of the second charger 103 that the user intends to use for charging, and one of the authentication keys, either the first authentication key or the second authentication key.

[0205] The second request acquisition unit 151 may acquire the second request from the second charger 103. In this case, the second terminal communication unit 132 may, for example, acquire from the user terminal 101 either the first authentication key or the second authentication key corresponding to the holding authentication key held by the terminal holding unit 111, based on user operation. The second charging control unit 133 may then store the second device ID in advance and send the second request, including the second device ID and the said authentication key, to the second management device 105.

[0206] The second query unit 155 determines the type of authentication key included in the second request obtained in step S131 (step S132).

[0207] If the second inquiry unit 155 contains the first authentication key in the second request (step S132; first authentication key), it sends the inquiry containing the first authentication key to the linking device 106. As a result, the conversion unit 162 obtains the inquiry (step S133).

[0208] In step S133, when the second charger 103 is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains one of the authentication keys (in this case, the first authentication key) between the first authentication key and the second authentication key.

[0209] Based on the linking data 161a, the conversion unit 162 identifies the other authentication key (in this case, the second authentication key) that is linked to the other authentication key obtained in step S133 (step S134).

[0210] The processing unit 163 executes the second process (step S135). This second process involves sending the second authentication key identified in step S134 to the second management device 105.

[0211] If a second authentication key is included in the second request (step S132; second authentication key), the second authentication unit 154 uses the second authentication key to perform the same second authentication process as in step S115 (step S136).

[0212] The second charging instruction unit 156 determines whether the second authentication process in step S136 was successful (step S137). If the authentication for the second request is successful (step S137; Yes), the second charging instruction unit 156 sends a second charging start instruction to the second charger 103 that the user intends to use (step S138).

[0213] The second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the second request after step S138, or if authentication for the second request fails, i.e., if authentication for the second request is not successful (step S137; No) (step S139).

[0214] In detail, after step S138, the second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the second request was successful. If authentication for the second request is unsuccessful (step S137; No), the second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the second request failed.

[0215] Refer to Figure 27. After step S135, the second inquiry unit 155 obtains the second authentication key transmitted in step S135 (step S140).

[0216] The second authentication unit 154 uses the second authentication key obtained in step S140 to perform the same second authentication process as in step S115 (step S141).

[0217] The second charging instruction unit 156 determines whether the second authentication process in step S141 was successful (step S142). If the authentication for the second request is successful (step S142; Yes), the second charging instruction unit 156 sends a second charging start instruction to the second charger 103 that the user intends to use (step S143).

[0218] The second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 of the authentication result for the second request after step S143, or if authentication for the second request fails, i.e., if authentication for the second request is not successful (step S142; No) (step S144).

[0219] In detail, after step S143, the second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the second request was successful. If authentication for the second request is unsuccessful (step S142; No), the second result notification unit 158 ​​notifies the user terminal 101 that authentication for the second request failed.

[0220] Refer to Figure 28. The second charge control unit 133 receives the second charge start instruction transmitted in step S138 or S143 (step S145). In response, the second charge control unit 133 starts charging through the second plug 131.

[0221] When the second charging control unit 133 completes charging in accordance with the second charging start instruction (for example, charging to full charge, charging to an amount of power specified by the user), it transmits the second charging information to the performance management device 107 (step S146).

[0222] The second performance update unit 173 acquires the second charging information transmitted in step S146 and generates the second charging performance data 171b based on the second charging information (step S147).

[0223] In detail, for example, the second performance update unit 173 generates second charging performance data 171b based on the second charging information and one of the first authentication key, second authentication key, and second device ID included in the second charging start instruction. At this time, the second performance update unit 173 may, if necessary, query the linking device 106 to obtain one or both of the first authentication key and second authentication key linked in the linking data 161a to one of the first authentication key, second authentication key, and first device ID included in the second charging start instruction. The second performance update unit 173 may then generate second charging performance data 171b using one or both of the first authentication key and second authentication key obtained from the linking device 106.

[0224] The second performance update unit 173 stores the second charging performance data 171b generated in step S147 in the charging performance storage unit 171 (step S148). This allows the user's charging performance to be aggregated by referring to the second charging performance data 171b, for example, under either the first authentication key or the second authentication key specified by the user.

[0225] As described above, according to this embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 includes a linking storage unit 161, a conversion unit 162, and a processing unit 163.

[0226] The association storage unit 161 is a storage unit for storing association data. The association data is data that links the first authentication key and the second authentication key to each other. The first authentication key indicates information assigned for using the first charger compliant with the first standard. The second authentication key indicates information assigned for using the second charger compliant with the second standard.

[0227] When the first charger is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data.

[0228] The processing unit 163 executes the first process using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. The first process is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger.

[0229] This allows authentication of the use of the first charger to be performed regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained when the first charger is used. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0230] According to this embodiment, when the second charger is used, the conversion unit 162 acquires either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then identifies the other authentication key associated with the acquired authentication key based on the association data. The processing unit 163 then uses the other authentication key identified when the second charger is used to execute a second process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the second charger.

[0231] This allows authentication of the use of the second charger to be performed regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained when the second charger is used. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0232] According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 further includes a registration unit 164 that acquires linked data, which links a first authentication key and a second authentication key, from a terminal device used by the user and stores it in a linked storage means.

[0233] This allows the system to store linked data, which associates the first authentication key with the second authentication key, in a linked storage means. By converting one of the first or second authentication keys to the other, it becomes possible to authenticate the use of at least one of the first or second chargers, regardless of which authentication key is obtained. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0234] According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 further includes a first charging instruction unit 146 that, upon successful authentication of a first request, which is a request to use the first charger, transmits a first charging start instruction to the first charger, which is an instruction to start charging.

[0235] The first charging start instruction includes at least one of the following predetermined elements: a first authentication key, a second authentication key, and first device identification information (first device ID) for identifying the first charger to initiate charging.

[0236] This allows the first charger to be instructed to start charging using either the first authentication key, the second authentication key, or the first device ID. Therefore, regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained, the user can use the first charger to charge their device. Consequently, this improves user convenience when using the charging service.

[0237] According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 further comprises a charging history storage unit 171 and a first history update unit 172.

[0238] The charging history storage unit 171 is a storage unit for storing first charging history data 171a_2 or 171a_3, which associates the charging history using the first charger with the second authentication key. The first history update unit 172 generates the first charging history data 171a_2 or 171a_3 and stores it in the charging history storage unit 171 when charging in response to the first charging start instruction is completed. The first history update unit 172 generates the first charging history data 171a_2 or 171a_3 using the second authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction.

[0239] This allows the system to use a second authentication key to aggregate each user's charging history and consolidate the charges based on that history for each user. Consequently, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0240] According to this embodiment, the first charging performance data 171a_3 is further associated with a first authentication key. The first performance update unit 172 generates the first charging performance data 171a_3 using the first authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction.

[0241] This allows for the aggregation of each user's charging history using either the first or second authentication key, and enables the aggregation of charges based on charging history for each user. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0242] According to this embodiment, the first management device 104 includes a first request acquisition unit 141, a first inquiry unit 145, and a first authentication unit 144.

[0243] The first request acquisition unit 141 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with the first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with the second standard, and acquires a first request, which is a request to use the first charger.

[0244] The first query unit 145, if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, and if one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key.

[0245] The first authentication unit 144 executes the first authentication process, which is an authentication process that uses the first authentication key.

[0246] This allows authentication of the use of the first charger to be performed regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained when the first charger is used. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0247] According to this embodiment, the first management device 104 further includes a first charging instruction unit 146 that, when authentication for the first request is successful, transmits a first charging start instruction, which is an instruction to start charging, to the first charger that was requested to be used in the first request.

[0248] This allows the first charger to receive the first charging start command. Therefore, regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained, the user can use the first charger to charge their vehicle. Consequently, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0249] According to this embodiment, the first management device 104 further includes a first result notification unit 148 that notifies the user terminal of the authentication result for the first request.

[0250] This allows users to know the authentication result for the first request. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0251] According to this embodiment, the second management device 105 includes a second request acquisition unit 151, a second inquiry unit 155, and a second authentication unit 154.

[0252] The second request acquisition unit 151 includes either a first authentication key assigned to use a first charger compliant with the first standard, or a second authentication key assigned to use a second charger compliant with the second standard, and acquires a second request, which is a request to use the second charger.

[0253] The second query unit 155, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key.

[0254] The second authentication unit 154 executes a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key.

[0255] This allows authentication of the use of the second charger to be performed regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained when the second charger is used. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0256] According to this embodiment, the second management device 105 further includes a second charging instruction unit 156 that, when authentication for the second request is successful, transmits a second charging start instruction, which is an instruction to start charging, to the second charger that was requested to be used in the second request.

[0257] This allows the second charger to be instructed to start charging. Therefore, regardless of whether the first or second authentication key is obtained, the user can use the second charger to charge. Consequently, it becomes possible to improve user convenience when using the charging service.

[0258] According to this embodiment, the second management device 105 further includes a second result notification unit 158 that notifies the user terminal of the result of authentication regarding the second request.

[0259] Thereby, the user can know the result of authentication regarding the second request. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the convenience of the user in using the charging service.

[0260] (Modification Example 1) In Embodiment 1, an example in which the electric vehicle charging system 100 includes the association device 106 has been described. However, the electric vehicle charging system may not include the association device 106. In this case, the functions 161 to 164 of the association device 106 according to Embodiment 1 may be provided in, for example, one or both of the first management device 104 and the second management device 105.

[0261] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first management device 104 according to Modification Example 1. FIG. 29 shows an example of the functional configuration of the first management device 104 when the first management device 104 has the functions 161 to 164 of the association device 106 according to Embodiment 1.

[0262] Also, the electric vehicle charging system may not include the performance management device 107. In this case, the functions 171 to 173 of the performance management device 107 according to Embodiment are provided in, for example, one or both of the first management device 104 and the second management device 105. For example, the first management device 104 may include a charging performance storage unit 171 for storing the first charging performance data 171a and a first performance update unit 172. For example, the second management device 105 may include a charging performance storage unit 171 for storing the second charging performance data 171b and a second performance update unit 173.

[0263] This modification example also has the same effects as those of Embodiment 1.

[0264] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the second authentication unit 154 performs the second authentication process when the second authentication key is included in the second request. However, if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, the first query unit 145 may query the linking device 106 to obtain the result of authentication using the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key.

[0265] The functional and physical configuration of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 2 may be generally the same as that of the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0266] However, in this embodiment, the second authentication unit 154 may use the second authentication key to perform the first authentication process if one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, and the first query unit 145 queries the linking device 106 (details described later) and is unable to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key.

[0267] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second query unit 155, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device 106 to obtain the authentication result using the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key. The second query unit 155 may obtain the authentication result directly from the first management device 104 which performs the authentication process using the first authentication key, or it may obtain the authentication result from the first management device 104 via the linking device 106.

[0268] In this embodiment, the process when a user attempts to charge using the first charger 102 may be the same as in Embodiment 1 (see Figures 23-25). In this embodiment, the process when a user attempts to charge using the second charger 103 differs from that in Embodiment 1.

[0269] Figure 30 is a diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the electric vehicle charging system 100 according to Embodiment 2. The processing shown in Figure 30 replaces the processing shown in Figure 26 in Embodiment 1. The processing shown in Figures 27 and 28 may also be performed in this embodiment.

[0270] Refer to Figure 30. If the second authentication key is included in the second request (step S132; second authentication key), the second query unit 155 sends the query containing the second authentication key to the linking device 106. As a result, the conversion unit 162 obtains the query (step S251).

[0271] In step S251, when the second charger 103 is used, the conversion unit 162 obtains one of the authentication keys (in this case, the second authentication key) from either the first authentication key or the second authentication key.

[0272] Based on the linking data 161a, the conversion unit 162 identifies the other authentication key (in this case, the first authentication key) that is linked to the other authentication key obtained in step S251 (step S252).

[0273] The processing unit 163 executes the second process (step S253). This second process involves sending the first authentication key identified in step S252 to the first management device 104.

[0274] The first authentication unit 144 obtains the first authentication key (i.e., the first authentication key based on the second request) transmitted in step S253 from the linking device 106 (step S254).

[0275] The first authentication unit 144 uses the first authentication key obtained in step S254 to perform the same first authentication process as in step S107 (step S255).

[0276] The first authentication unit 144 transmits the result of the authentication (first authentication process) in step S255 to the second management device 105 (step S256). The second inquiry unit 155 obtains the authentication result transmitted in step S256 (step S257).

[0277] The second charging instruction unit 156 determines whether or not the authentication (the first authentication process based on the second request) has succeeded based on the authentication result obtained in step S257 (step S258). When the authentication regarding the second request is successful (step S258; Yes), the second charging instruction unit 156 executes step S138 similar to that in the first embodiment.

[0278] The second result notification unit 158 executes step S139 similar to that in the first embodiment after step S138 or when the authentication regarding the second request fails, that is, when the authentication regarding the second request is not successful (step S258; No).

[0279] Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, when using the first charger, regardless of whether the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the use of the first charger can be authenticated. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the convenience of the user in using the charging service.

[0280] Also, similar to the first embodiment, when using the second charger, regardless of whether the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the use of the second charger can be authenticated. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the convenience of the user in using the charging service.

[0281] As described above, the embodiments and modified examples of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

[0282] Also, in the plurality of flowcharts used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in each of the embodiments is not limited to the described order. In each of the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not interfere with the content. Also, the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be combined within a range where the contents do not conflict.

[0283] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0284] 1. A linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, a conversion means identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data, The system includes processing means that executes a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. Electric vehicle charging system. 2. A first control device for managing the first charger, A second control device for managing the aforementioned second charger, Equipped with a linking device, The first management device includes a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. The second management device includes a second authentication means that performs a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. The linking device includes the linking storage means, the conversion means, and the processing means, The conversion means obtains one of the authentication keys from the first management device when the first charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system described in 1. 3. A first control device for managing the first charger, The system includes a second management device for managing the second charger, The first control device is Includes a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process which is an authentication process using the first authentication key, The second control device is The aforementioned linking storage means, the conversion means, and the processing means, The system includes an authentication means that performs a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key, The conversion means obtains one of the authentication keys from the first management device when the first charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system described in 1. 4. The conversion means, when the second charger is used, obtains either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then, based on the linking data, identifies the other authentication key linked to the obtained first authentication key. The processing means further executes a second process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the second charger, using the other authentication key identified when the second charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system described in 1. 5. A first control device for managing the first charger, A second control device for managing the aforementioned second charger, Equipped with a linking device, The first management device includes a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. The second management device includes a second authentication means that performs a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. The linking device includes the linking storage means, the conversion means, and the processing means. The conversion means obtains one of the authentication keys from the first management device when the first charger is used, and obtains one of the authentication keys from the second management device when the second charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system described in 4. 6. The system further includes registration means for obtaining linked data, which links the first authentication key and the second authentication key, from a terminal device used by the user and storing it in the linked storage means. An electric vehicle charging system as described in any one of items 1 through 5. 7. The system further includes a first charging instruction means that, upon successful authentication of a first request, which is a request to use the first charger, transmits a first charging start instruction to the first charger, which is an instruction to start charging. The first charging start instruction includes at least one predetermined element from the following: the first authentication key, the second authentication key, and first device identification information for identifying the first charger to initiate charging. An electric vehicle charging system as described in any one of items 1 through 6. 8. A charging record storage means for storing first charging record data associated with the charging record using the first charger and the second authentication key, The system further includes a first performance update means that generates first charging performance data and stores it in the charging performance storage means when charging in response to the first charging start instruction is completed, The first performance update means generates the first charging performance data using the second authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction. The electric vehicle charging system described in 7. 9. The first charging history data is further associated with the aforementioned first authentication key. The first performance update means further uses the first authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction to generate the first charging performance data. The electric vehicle charging system described in 8. 10. A first request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a first request which is a request to use the first charger, A first query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, and when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key, The system comprises a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. First management device. 11. The system further includes a first charging instruction means that, upon successful authentication of the first request, transmits a first charging start instruction, which is an instruction to start charging, to the first charger requested in the first request. The first control device described in 10. 12. The system further comprises a first result notification means for notifying the user terminal of the authentication result related to the first request. The first control device as described in 10. or 11. 13. A charging record storage means for storing first charging record data associated with the charging record using the first charger and the second authentication key, The system further includes a first performance update means that, upon completion of charging in response to the first charging start instruction, generates first charging performance data using the second authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction and stores it in the charging performance storage means. The first control device described in any one of items 10 to 12. 14. A second request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a second request which is a request for using the second charger, A second query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, The system includes a second authentication means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, executes a second authentication process which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. Second management device. 15. The system further includes a second charging instruction means that, upon successful authentication of the second request, transmits a second charging start instruction, which is an instruction to start charging, to the second charger requested in the second request. The second control device described in 14. 16. The system further comprises a second result notification means for notifying the user terminal of the authentication result related to the second request. The second control device described in 14. or 15. 17. A charging record storage means for storing second charging record data associated with the charging record using the second charger and the first authentication key, The system further includes a second performance update means that, upon completion of charging in accordance with the second charging start instruction, generates second charging performance data using the second authentication key corresponding to the second charging start instruction and stores it in the charging performance storage means. The second control device described in any one of items 14 to 16. 18. One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. Using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used, the first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, is executed. Electric vehicle charging methods. 19. One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. A program for executing a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. 20. One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. A recording medium that stores a program for executing a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0285] 100 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems 101 User terminal 102 1st charger 103 2nd charger 104 1st management device 105 Second management device 106 Tying device 107 Performance Management System 111 Terminal holding section 112 First Terminal Communication Unit 113 Second Terminal Communications Unit 116 Operation Reception Unit 117 Charging Request Processing Unit 121 First Plug 122 First Inter-Terminal Communication Unit 123 First Charging Control Unit 131 Second plug 132 Second Inter-Terminal Communication Unit 133 Second Charging Control Unit 141 1st request acquisition part 142 First Registered Data Storage Unit 142a First Registration Data 143 First Registration Section 144 First Authentication Department 145 First Inquiry Department 146 1st charging instruction section 147 1st Completion Notification Department 148 1st result notification department 151 2nd request acquisition part 152 Second Registered Data Storage Unit 152a Second Registration Data 153 Second Registration Section 154 Second Certification Department 155 Second Inquiry Department 156 2nd charging instruction section 157 2nd Completion Notification Department 158 2nd result notification department 161 Linking memory unit 161a Linked data 162 Conversion Unit 163 Processing Unit 164 Registration Department 171 Charging history memory unit 171a First Charging Performance Data 171b Second Charging Performance Data 172 First Performance Update Department 173 Second Performance Update Department

Claims

1. A linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard to each other, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, a conversion means identifies the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key based on the association data, The system includes processing means that executes a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used. Electric vehicle charging system.

2. A first control device for managing the first charger, A second control device for managing the second charger, Equipped with a linking device, The first management device includes a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. The second management device includes a second authentication means that performs a second authentication process, which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. The linking device includes the linking storage means, the conversion means, and the processing means, The conversion means obtains one of the authentication keys from the first management device when the first charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1.

3. The conversion means, when the second charger is used, acquires either the first authentication key or the second authentication key, and then, based on the linking data, identifies the other authentication key associated with the acquired first authentication key. The processing means further executes a second process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the second charger, using the other authentication key identified when the second charger is used. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further includes a registration means for obtaining linked data, which links the first authentication key and the second authentication key, from a terminal device used by the user and storing it in the linked storage means. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further includes a first charging instruction means that, upon successful authentication of a first request, which is a request to use the first charger, transmits a first charging start instruction to the first charger, which is an instruction to start charging, The first charging start instruction includes at least one predetermined element from the following: the first authentication key, the second authentication key, and first device identification information for identifying the first charger to initiate charging. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A charging record storage means for storing first charging record data associated with the charging record using the first charger and the second authentication key, The system further includes a first performance update means that generates first charging performance data and stores it in the charging performance storage means when charging in response to the first charging start instruction is completed, The first performance update means generates the first charging performance data using the second authentication key corresponding to the first charging start instruction. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 5.

7. A first request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a first request which is a request to use the first charger, A first query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the result of authentication using the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, and when one of the authentication keys included in the first request is the second authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the first authentication key linked to the second authentication key, The system comprises a first authentication means that performs a first authentication process, which is an authentication process using the first authentication key. First management device.

8. A second request acquisition means that includes an authentication key which is either a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger conforming to a first standard, or a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger conforming to a second standard, and acquires a second request which is a request for using the second charger, A second query means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the first authentication key, queries the linking device to obtain the second authentication key linked to the first authentication key, The system includes a second authentication means that, when one of the authentication keys included in the second request is the second authentication key, executes a second authentication process which is an authentication process using the second authentication key. Second management device.

9. One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. Using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used, a first process is executed, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger. Electric vehicle charging methods.

10. One or more computers, including a computer equipped with a linking storage means for storing linking data that links a first authentication key assigned for using a first charger compliant with the first standard and a second authentication key assigned for using a second charger compliant with the second standard, When the first charger is used, if either the first authentication key or the second authentication key is obtained, the other authentication key associated with the obtained authentication key is identified based on the association data. A program for executing a first process, which is a process for authenticating the use of the first charger, using the other authentication key identified when the first charger is used.

Images