Server equipment

Abstract

To increase the operating rate of power supply vehicles.SOLUTION: A server device includes a communication section and a control section that performs communication by the communication section. When the control section receives information requesting a service that can be provided in conjunction with supplying power to a vehicle to be supplied with power from a terminal device within a predetermined range, including the vehicle to be supplied with power, the control section instructs a power supply vehicle that can provide the service and supply power to the vehicle to be supplied with power to move for supplying power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a server device.

Background Art

[0002] When an electric vehicle (Electric Vehicle or EV) driven by a battery or the like runs out of power during movement, that is, falls into a power shortage state. Various technologies have been proposed to solve or avoid such a situation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for charging a vehicle in a power shortage state from another vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an operator who arranges a power supply vehicle for a vehicle in a power shortage state and performs power supply by the power supply vehicle, there is room for improving the operation efficiency of the power supply vehicle.

[0005] This disclosure provides a server device and the like that enables improvement of the operation rate of a power supply vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a vehicle management system configuration. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operating procedure for the server device, power supply vehicle, and terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system in one embodiment. The vehicle management system 1 has one or more server devices 10, power supply vehicles 12, and terminal devices 13, each connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information.

[0011] The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and functions as a server that implements various functions.

[0012] The power supply vehicle 12 is a passenger car or commercial vehicle equipped with communication and information processing functions, and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The power supply vehicle 12 is equipped with a battery 15 as a power source for supplying power to other vehicles that are out of power (hereinafter referred to as "power-depleted vehicles"). The power supply vehicle 12 is, for example, a gasoline car, or a vehicle powered by the battery 15, such as an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The power supply vehicle 12 may be driven by a driver, or its operation may be automated to any level. The power supply vehicle 12 further has service equipment 16 for providing various services to the user of the power-depleted vehicle or to users in the vicinity of the power-depleted vehicle.

[0013] Terminal device 13 is an information processing device equipped with communication functions, used by the user of the vehicle receiving power or users in the vicinity of the vehicle receiving power that has run out of power, and performs various information communication and information processing. Terminal device 13 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. Terminal device 13 may be part or all of the in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle that has run out of power.

[0014] Network 11 may be the Internet, for example, but may also include ad-hoc networks, LANs, MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), other networks, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In this embodiment, the vehicle management system 1 is a system for assisting a power supply vehicle 12 to rush to charge a power-depleted vehicle, such as a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, when the power-depleted vehicle falls into a power-depleted state. A power-depleted state may be a state in which the battery level of the power-depleted vehicle has decreased to the extent that it is unable to perform one or more operations, including driving the power-depleted vehicle, or it may be a state in which the user of the power-depleted vehicle arbitrarily decides that power supply is necessary. Rush charging is a method of supplying power by having the power supply vehicle 12 move to the location of the power-depleted vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the power supply location) and charging the battery of the power-depleted vehicle from the battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 12. In the vehicle management system 1, one or more power supply vehicles 12 perform rush power supply under the control of the server device 10.

[0016] The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103 that communicates via the communication unit 101. When the control unit 103 receives information from a terminal device 13 within a predetermined range, including a vehicle that has run out of power, requesting services that can be provided in conjunction with the supply of power to the vehicle to be powered, it instructs a power supply vehicle 12 that is capable of providing services and supplying power to the vehicle to be powered to move for the purpose of supplying power. The power supply vehicle 12 can provide services such as maintenance and inspection of the vehicle to the user of the vehicle to be powered during the power supply time when supplying power to the vehicle to be powered, or provide services such as ride-sharing to users around the vehicle to be powered when returning after supplying power. Therefore, for businesses that perform on-site charging using the power supply vehicle 12, it is possible to receive payment for services other than power supply, thereby improving the utilization rate of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0017] Next, an example configuration of the server device 10, the power supply vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13 will be described.

[0018] The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The server device 10 may be a single computer, or it may consist of two or more computers that are connected and operate in cooperation with each other. When the server device 10 consists of two or more computers, the configuration shown in Figure 1 is appropriately arranged across the two or more computers.

[0019] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 101 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 103. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 101 and communicates information with the power supply vehicle 12 and the terminal device 13 via the network 11.

[0020] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, which function as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103.

[0021] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. The control unit 103 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 10 while controlling each part of the server device 10.

[0022] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program on the processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of the steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby causing the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processing of the steps. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the server device 10. Also, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by the dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. Further, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording and storage medium readable by the server device 10, and the server device 10 may read it from the medium.

[0023] The power supply vehicle 12 has an on-vehicle device 14, a battery 15, and service facilities 16. The on-vehicle device 14 has a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, an output unit 126, and a detection unit 127. One or more of these units may be configured as one control device, or may be configured by a personal computer including a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a navigation device, etc. Alternatively, each unit may be connected so as to be able to communicate information via an in-vehicle network compliant with a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The battery 15 is a battery that charges and discharges the power for power supply provided to the power-off vehicle. Further, the battery 15 may include a battery that charges and discharges the power for driving the power supply vehicle 12. The battery 15 is, for example, one or more lithium-ion batteries. The service facilities 16 are spare parts and equipment for providing services other than power supply, such as inspection and maintenance of the power-off vehicle, and living spaces for providing ride-sharing as a service.

[0024] The communication unit 121 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 121 receives information used for the operation of the control unit 123, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123. The control unit 123 is connected to the network 11 via the base station of mobile communication by the communication unit 121, and performs information communication with the server device 10 etc. via the network 11.

[0025] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. Semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained through the operation of the control unit 123.

[0026] The control unit 123 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or ASIC. The control unit 123 controls each part of the in-vehicle device 14 and performs information processing related to the operation of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0027] The positioning unit 124 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 124 acquires the position information of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0028] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures captured images or image codes, or an IC card reader. The input unit 125 accepts operations to input information used for the operation of the control unit 123 and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0029] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0030] The detection unit 127 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the state of various parts of the power supply vehicle 12, or it has one or more sensors. The sensors include, for example, a sensor that detects the remaining battery level of the battery 15, and a sensor that detects the motion state of the power supply vehicle 12 (speed, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, deceleration, etc.). The detection unit 127 sends information indicating each state detected by the sensors to the control unit 123.

[0031] The functions of the control unit 123 are realized by executing a control program on the processor included in the control unit 123. The control program is a program that causes the computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the control unit 123, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes the computer to function as the control unit 123. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may be realized by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 123.

[0032] The terminal device 13 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or an information processing device that constitutes part or all of an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle running out of power. The terminal device 13 has a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, a control unit 133, a positioning unit 134, an input unit 135, and an output unit 136.

[0033] The communication unit 131 has a communication module compatible with wired or wireless LAN standards, or a module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The terminal device 13 is connected to the network 11 via the communication unit 131 through a nearby router device or mobile communication base station, and communicates information with the server device 10, etc. via the network 11.

[0034] The storage unit 132 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 132 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 132 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 133 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 133.

[0035] The control unit 133 has, for example, one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors specialized for a specific process. Alternatively, the control unit 133 may have one or more dedicated circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs. The control unit 133 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal device 13 by operating according to a control and processing program, or by operating according to an operating procedure implemented as a circuit. The control unit 133 then sends and receives various information with the server device 10, etc., via the communication unit 131 and executes the operations according to this embodiment.

[0036] The positioning unit 134 includes one or more GNSS receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS, QZSS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo. The positioning unit 134 acquires location information of the terminal device 13.

[0037] The input unit 135 includes one or more input interfaces. These input interfaces may include, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, or a microphone for receiving voice input. The input interfaces may further include a camera for capturing captured images or image codes, or an IC card reader. The input unit 135 accepts operations for inputting information used in the operation of the control unit 133 and sends the input information to the control unit 133.

[0038] The output unit 136 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 136 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 133.

[0039] The functions of the control unit 133 are realized by the execution of a control program by the processor included in the control unit 133. The control program is a program that causes the processor to function as the control unit 133. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 133 may be realized by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 133.

[0040] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the coordinated operation procedure of the server device 10, the power supply vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13. In Figure 2, the steps related to various information processing of the server device 10, the power supply vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13 are executed by their respective control units 103, 123, and 133. Furthermore, the steps related to the sending and receiving of various information of the server device 10, the power supply vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13 are executed by the respective control units 103, 123, and 133 sending and receiving information to each other via the communication units 101, 121, and 131, respectively. In the server device 10, the power supply vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13, the control units 103, 123, and 133 respectively store the information to be processed and sent and received in the storage units 102, 122, and 132 as appropriate.

[0041] The procedure shown in Figure 2 is an example of the procedure when the server device 10 dispatches a power supply vehicle 12 for on-site charging. The procedure in Figure 2 is executed, for example, when the server device 10 receives a power supply request from a vehicle that is out of power and equipped with information communication and information processing functions.

[0042] In step S201, the server device 10 obtains the required power supply amount, power supply location, and power supply time. The server device 10 sends information requesting this information to the vehicle to be powered, and in response, obtains the information sent from the vehicle to be powered. The required power supply amount is the amount of power required in the vehicle to be powered until it reaches an arbitrary reference remaining amount, and is sent from the vehicle to be powered. The arbitrary reference remaining amount is, for example, any SOC (State of Charge) value between 80% and 100%. The power supply location is the current location of the vehicle to be powered or a location specified by the user of the vehicle to be powered. The power supply time is the time when power supply should start, as specified by the user of the vehicle to be powered. The power supply time may be, for example, a time brought forward by an arbitrary amount of power supply required from the scheduled start time of driving set for the vehicle to be powered.

[0043] When the server device 10 receives power supply requests from multiple vehicles, it identifies one vehicle using an arbitrary algorithm and executes the procedures from step S202 onward. For example, the vehicle that sent the power supply request first, or the vehicle with the largest or smallest power supply requirement, is identified.

[0044] In step S202, the server device 10 acquires location information, battery information, and service information from one or more power supply vehicles 12. The server device 10 requests location information, battery information, and service information for each power supply vehicle 12 from one or more power supply vehicles 12, and acquires the information sent from each power supply vehicle 12 in response to the request. The battery information includes information on the remaining charge and power supply capacity of the battery 15. The remaining charge of the battery 15 is, for example, the State of Charge (SOC) value. The power supply capacity is, for example, the output current per unit time. The service information is information on the items of services that can be provided by the service equipment 16 and their charges, and includes items such as the type of vehicle inspection and maintenance, and ride-sharing.

[0045] In step S203, the server device 10 selects a power supply vehicle 12 to be charged. For example, the server device 10 selects a power supply vehicle 12 within an arbitrary distance range from the power supply location whose battery level is equal to or greater than the required power supply amount. The arbitrary distance range is, for example, the distance range within which the power supply location can be reached by the power supply time when traveling at the legal speed. Furthermore, the server device 10 derives the time required for the battery level of the vehicle to be powered to reach an arbitrary standard, based on the power supply amount required by the vehicle to be powered and the power supply capacity of the battery 15 of the selected candidate power supply vehicle 12. The standard is, for example, an arbitrary SOC value between 80% and 100%. Then, from among the selected candidate power supply vehicles 12, the server device 10 selects a power supply vehicle 12 that has service items that can be provided during the power supply time. If multiple power supply vehicles 12 are selected as candidates, the server device 10 prioritizes the power supply vehicles 12 according to an arbitrary standard. For example, priority is given based on factors such as proximity to the power supply location or battery level.

[0046] In step S204, the server device 10 sends service provision information to the terminal device 13 of the user of the vehicle receiving power. The service provision information includes, for example, information on maintenance and inspection service items and their fees that can be provided by the selected candidate power supply vehicle 12, or the highest priority power supply vehicle 12 among the candidates, during the power supply time of the vehicle receiving power. The terminal device 13 may be an in-vehicle device of the vehicle receiving power. For example, when the server device 10 receives a power supply request from the vehicle receiving power, it obtains identification information of the terminal device 13, identifies the terminal device 13 based on that identification information, and sends the service provision information. Alternatively, if the service items that the power supply vehicle 12 can provide include ride-sharing, the server device 10 may send service provision information including ride-sharing fees to the terminal devices 13 of users in the vicinity of the vehicle receiving power. In that case, for example, the server device 10 obtains location information from the terminal devices 13 of users who have been registered in advance with the ride-sharing service and sends the service provision information to users within an arbitrary distance range of the vehicle receiving power. The arbitrary distance range can be, for example, from several hundred meters to several kilometers. The narrower the distance range, the less wasted time can be minimized between the end of charging and the provision of rideshare service.

[0047] In step S205, the terminal device 13 receives a service request from the user. The terminal device 13 outputs the service provision information received from the server device 10 by displaying it or otherwise prompting the user to decide whether to request the service. If the user makes an input indicating a service request in response, the terminal device 13 accepts it. Alternatively, the terminal device 13 may accept an input from the user indicating a refusal of the service.

[0048] In step S206, the terminal device 13 sends a service request to the server device 10. Alternatively, if the service is denied, the terminal device 13 may send information to the server device 10 indicating that the service has been denied.

[0049] In step S207, the server device 10 determines which power supply vehicle 12 will perform on-site charging, on the condition that it receives a service request from the terminal device 13. If multiple power supply vehicles 12 have been selected as candidates, and the terminal device 13 sends information indicating that it will refuse the service, steps S204 to S206 may be executed for the power supply vehicle 12 with the next priority.

[0050] In step S208, the server device 10 sends a dispatch order to the selected power supply vehicle 12. The dispatch order includes information on the travel route to the power supply location and information on the service items to be provided. The travel route is, for example, the route that allows the power supply vehicle 12 to reach the power supply location in the shortest distance or shortest time from its current location. The server device 10 derives the travel route using map information and an arbitrary algorithm.

[0051] In step S209, the power supply vehicle 12 is dispatched in response to the dispatch order. The power supply vehicle 12 begins to move according to the travel route. Alternatively, the power supply vehicle 12 displays the travel route to the occupants and begins to move in response to the occupants' operations.

[0052] When the power supply vehicle 12 arrives at the power supply location, in step S210, power is supplied from the power supply vehicle 12 to the vehicle to be powered. For example, the power supply vehicle 12 provides power for the vehicle to be powered from the battery 15 through the operation of the occupant or the operation of an automated machine.

[0053] In step S211, the power supply vehicle 12 provides a service. For example, if inspection and maintenance of the vehicle to be powered is required, the power supply vehicle 12 performs the inspection and maintenance of the vehicle to be powered by the operation of the occupant or an automated machine. Alternatively, if ridesharing is selected, after supplying power to the vehicle to be powered, the power supply vehicle 12 moves toward the user's boarding position on the terminal device 13 and allows the user to board. The boarding position may be the position on the terminal device 13, or it may be a position entered by the user into the terminal device 13.

[0054] When the power supply vehicle 12 completes the provision of service, in step S212 it sends a completion notification to the server device 10 indicating that the provision of service has been completed.

[0055] In step S213, the server device 10 sends billing information to the terminal device 13 in response to the completion notification. The billing information includes information indicating that the charges for power supply and service provision will be charged to a financial account previously registered by the user. The server device 10 may send the billing information to the terminal device 13 of the user of the powered vehicle, or it may send the billing information to the terminal device 13 of the user of the powered vehicle and to the terminal devices 13 of users in the vicinity of the powered vehicle, respectively. If the terminal device 13 is a device used by the user of the powered vehicle, and inspection and maintenance are provided as a service along with power supply to the powered vehicle, the server device 10 sends billing information for the power supply and service charges to the terminal device 13. Alternatively, if ride-sharing is provided as a service to different users in the vicinity of the powered vehicle, separate from power supply to the powered vehicle, the server device 10 sends billing information for the power supply and service charges to the different terminal devices 13. In either case, the server device 10 can send billing information that discounts the service provision charges from the regular price. By doing so, it becomes possible to stimulate users' desire to use the service in the long term. Furthermore, it becomes possible to secure revenue opportunities not only from power supply by the power supply vehicle 12, but also from the provision of services.

[0056] In step S214, the terminal device 13 sends billing confirmation information to the server device 10. The terminal device 13 outputs billing information to the user, and when it receives input from the user confirming the billing, it sends the billing confirmation information to the server device 10.

[0057] In step S214, the server device 10 processes the billing of service fees. For example, the server device 10 works in conjunction with the server of the financial institution used by the user to process the billing to the user's account.

[0058] As described above, the opportunities for the power supply vehicle 12 to receive compensation for services provided when it supplies power to the vehicle being powered, or after it has supplied power, can be increased. Therefore, for businesses that provide on-site charging using the power supply vehicle 12, it becomes possible to receive compensation for services other than power supply, thereby improving the utilization rate of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0059] As described above, embodiments have been explained based on various drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Vehicle Management System 10 Server devices 11 Network 12 Power supply vehicles 13 Terminal devices 14 Onboard equipment 15 batteries 16 Service Facilities 101, 121, 131 Communications Department 102, 122, 132 storage section 103, 123, 133 Control Unit 124, 134 Positioning Unit 125, 135 Input section 126, 136 Output section 127 Detection unit

Claims

1. Communications Department and, The system includes a control unit that performs communication using the aforementioned communication unit, When the control unit receives information from a terminal device within a predetermined range, including the vehicle to be powered, requesting a service that can be provided in connection with the power supply to the vehicle to be powered, it instructs a power supply vehicle that is capable of providing the service and can supply power to the vehicle to be powered to move for the purpose of supplying power. Server device.

2. In claim 1, The service is a ride-sharing service provided to users within the predetermined range, The control unit receives information including the boarding position from the terminal device and instructs the power supply vehicle to move based on that information. Server device.

3. In claim 1, The control unit performs processing to charge the user of the terminal device for the service. Server device.

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