Display method, display control device, and display control system

Abstract

To provide a display method capable of making it easy to view a predetermined video in a process of battery replacement.SOLUTION: A display method comprises a step of causing a navigation system 202 (display device) of an electric vehicle 200 to display an advertisement (predetermined video) in response to detecting a user performing an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle 200 in a battery station 100 (battery replacement station).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display method, a display control device, and a display control system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery replacement device for replacing a battery unit of an electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During the battery replacement process in a battery replacement device (battery replacement station) as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a predetermined video that can be viewed by a user of an electric vehicle (electric vehicle) may be displayed. However, since the timing at which the above-mentioned predetermined video is displayed is not determined, the above-mentioned predetermined video may be displayed at a timing that is difficult for the user to view (for example, when it is displayed immediately before exiting the battery replacement device). Therefore, it is desired to facilitate viewing of a predetermined video during the battery replacement process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a display method, a display control device, and a display control system capable of facilitating viewing of a predetermined video during the battery replacement process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The display method relating to the first aspect of this disclosure comprises a detection step of detecting that a predetermined process relating to battery exchange has been performed at a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery to be exchanged for a first battery of an electric vehicle, and a display step of causing a predetermined image to be displayed on a display device in response to the detection that the predetermined process has been performed.

[0007] In the display method relating to the first aspect of this disclosure, as described above, a predetermined image is displayed on the display device in response to the detection that a predetermined process has been performed. This makes it easy to control the timing at which the predetermined image is displayed on the display device. As a result, it is possible to easily view the predetermined image during the battery replacement process. Furthermore, since the predetermined image can be displayed without the user having to perform any operation to display the predetermined image, the user's effort is reduced.

[0008] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the detection step is a step of detecting that the user of the electric vehicle has performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle in the battery replacement station. The display step is a step of displaying the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the user has performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle in the battery replacement station. With this configuration, the predetermined image can be viewed while the electric vehicle is automatically parked.

[0009] In this case, preferably, the system further includes a step of detecting when the automatic parking of the electric vehicle into the battery exchange station is complete, and a step of stopping the display of a predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle into the battery exchange station is complete. With this configuration, the predetermined image will stop without the user having to perform an operation to stop the predetermined image, thus further reducing the user's effort.

[0010] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the detection step is a step of detecting that the parking of the electric vehicle in the battery exchange station has been completed. The display step is a step of starting to display a predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the parking of the electric vehicle in the battery exchange station has been completed. With this configuration, the predetermined image can be viewed after the automatic parking of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the display step is to display a predetermined video and a selection section that accepts an operation to start battery replacement on the same screen of the display device in response to the detection that the electric vehicle has finished parking in the battery replacement station. With this configuration, after the automatic parking of the electric vehicle is completed, the user can start the operation to start battery replacement while viewing the predetermined video.

[0012] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the detection step is a step of detecting that an electric vehicle has entered the battery exchange station. The display step is a step of starting to display a predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that an electric vehicle has entered the battery exchange station. With this configuration, the predetermined image can be viewed inside the battery exchange station.

[0013] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the detection step is a step of detecting that an operation to start battery replacement has been performed by the user of the electric vehicle. The display step is a step of starting to display a predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that an operation to start battery replacement has been performed by the user. With this configuration, a predetermined image can be viewed while the battery replacement work is being performed.

[0014] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, a step is further provided in which precautions regarding battery replacement are displayed on the display device before battery replacement is started. The display step is to display a predetermined image on the display device after the display of the precautions. With this configuration, the precautions can be shown to the user before they view the predetermined image. As a result, the precautions can be shown (read) to the user more reliably than when the predetermined image and the precautions are displayed on the same screen.

[0015] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the method further includes a step of detecting that the battery replacement has been completed, and a step of stopping the display of a predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the battery replacement has been completed. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the display of the predetermined image from continuing even after the battery replacement has been completed.

[0016] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the method further includes a step of acquiring user information relating to the user of the electric vehicle, and a step of determining a predetermined image based on the user information. With this configuration, a predetermined image suitable for the user can be displayed.

[0017] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the method further includes a step of determining a predetermined image based on information about the second battery. With this configuration, information about the second battery can be obtained by viewing the predetermined image.

[0018] In the display method relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the display step is to display an advertisement for facilities surrounding the battery exchange station on a display device based on the location information of the battery exchange station. With this configuration, information about facilities surrounding the battery exchange station can be obtained by viewing the predetermined video.

[0019] The display control device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with at least one of an electric vehicle equipped with a first battery and a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery that is exchanged with the first battery. The display control device includes a control unit that detects that a predetermined process related to battery exchange has been performed at the battery exchange station, and performs control to cause a predetermined video to be displayed on the display device in response to detecting that the predetermined process has been performed.

[0020] In the display control device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, a predetermined video is displayed on the display device in response to detecting that a predetermined process has been performed. Thereby, it is possible to provide a display control device capable of facilitating viewing of a predetermined video during the battery exchange process.

[0021] The display control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a first processing device that executes a battery exchange process at a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery that is exchanged with a first battery of an electric vehicle, and a second processing device that performs a process of causing a predetermined video to be displayed on a display device. The second processing device performs a process of causing a predetermined video to be displayed on the display device when it is detected that a predetermined process has been executed by the first processing device.

[0022] In the display control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, a predetermined video is displayed on the display device in response to detecting that a predetermined process has been executed by the first processing device. Thereby, it is possible to provide a display control system capable of facilitating viewing of a predetermined video during the battery exchange process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate viewing of a predetermined video during the battery exchange process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the display control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a sequence diagram of a display control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a screen of a navigation system where an operation to start automatic parking is performed. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a screen of a navigation system indicating precautions for battery replacement. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an advertisement screen. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a screen of a navigation system where an operation to start battery replacement is performed. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a screen on which a message indicating that battery replacement has been completed is displayed. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a display control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram of a display control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a screen on which an advertisement screen and a button to start battery replacement are displayed. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a display control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram of a display control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a display control system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram of a display control system according to the fourth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0026] [First Embodiment] (Configuration of Display Control System) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the display control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The display control system 1 comprises a battery station 100, an electric vehicle 200, and an advertising management server 300. The battery station 100 is an example of the "battery exchange station" in this disclosure. The advertising management server 300 is an example of the "display control device" and "second processing device" in this disclosure.

[0027] The battery station 100 is a device for replacing the battery 201 installed in an electric vehicle 200 with a new battery 101. The battery station 100 comprises a battery exchange area 100a where the battery exchange takes place, and a storage area 100b where the battery 101 is stored. The storage area 100b is adjacent to the battery exchange area 100a. The battery exchange area 100a is provided with an entrance / exit 102 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit. Note that battery 201 and battery 101 are examples of the "first battery" and "second battery" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0028] The battery station 100 comprises a control device 10 and a drive device 20. The drive device 20 is an example of the "first processing device" of this disclosure.

[0029] The control unit 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The memory 12 stores the program executed by the processor 11, as well as information used by the program (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 11 controls the drive unit 20.

[0030] The communication unit 13 includes various communication interfaces. The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the electric vehicle 200 and the advertising management server 300. The communication unit 13 may also communicate with a mobile terminal 209 owned by a user of the electric vehicle 200.

[0031] The drive unit 20 performs the battery replacement process at the battery station 100. Specifically, the drive unit 20 includes a movement mechanism for fine-tuning the position of the electric vehicle 200 to the battery replacement position, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the electric vehicle 200, and a mechanism for replacing the battery. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of each of the above mechanisms are not provided in this specification.

[0032] The battery station 100 also includes a monitor 30 mounted on the exterior wall of the battery station 100. Furthermore, the battery station 100 includes a monitor 40 mounted on the interior wall of the battery station 100. The user of the electric vehicle 200 can see the monitor 30 from outside the battery station 100. Specifically, the user can see the monitor 30 from inside the vehicle while the electric vehicle 200 is parked at the battery station 100. Additionally, the user of the electric vehicle 200 can see the monitor 40 from inside the electric vehicle 100 while it is inside the battery station 100.

[0033] The advertising management server 300 is a server that manages the distribution of advertisements to be viewed by users of electric vehicles 200 that utilize the battery station 100. The advertising management server 300 is located separately from the battery station 100.

[0034] The advertising management server 300 comprises a processor 301, a memory 302, and a communication unit 303. The memory 302 stores programs executed by the processor 301, as well as information used by the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The memory 302 also stores location information of the battery station 100. The processor 301 controls the communication unit 303. The communication unit 303 includes various communication interfaces. Note that the processor 301 is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

[0035] The electric vehicle 200 includes a battery 201, a navigation system 202, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 203, and a communication device 204. The navigation system 202 is an example of a "display device" as disclosed herein.

[0036] The battery 201 supplies power to various electrical devices of the electric vehicle 200, such as a drive motor (not shown). The ECU 203 controls various electrical devices of the electric vehicle 200, including the navigation system 202 and the communication device 204. The communication device 204 communicates with the advertising management server 300 and the battery station 100.

[0037] Furthermore, the battery station 100 is provided with a vehicle stopping area 103. Battery replacement work is performed while the electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0038] (Sequence control of display control system) Next, the sequence control of the display control system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Note that the example shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the order of each processing step is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2.

[0039] In step S1, the electric vehicle 200 accepts a user command to initiate automatic parking into the battery station 100. Specifically, the user selects (touches) button 202a (see Figure 3) displayed on the navigation system 202, thereby accepting the command to initiate automatic parking. This command may also be performed using the user's mobile terminal 209.

[0040] In step S2, the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 204) sends a signal to the advertising management server 300 indicating that the operation to start automatic parking in step S1 has been received.

[0041] In step S3, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301) detects that the electric vehicle 200 has received an operation to start automatic parking by acquiring the signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S2.

[0042] In step S4, the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 204) transmits user information to the advertising management server 300. User information includes, for example, the user's age and hobbies. Note that the processing in step S4 may be performed by the mobile terminal 209. Also, the processing in step S4 may be completed, for example, before step S1.

[0043] In step S5, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) starts automatic parking control in response to the processing in step S1. Automatic parking control is performed based on, for example, images from a camera (not shown) mounted on the electric vehicle 200.

[0044] In step S6, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301) obtains user information through the processing in step S4.

[0045] In step S7, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301) determines which advertisements to deliver to the electric vehicle 200 based on the user information obtained in step S6.

[0046] In step S8, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301), in response to detecting that the user performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle 200 in step S3, controls the display of the advertisement determined in step S7 on the navigation system 202.

[0047] In step S9, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) displays a warning about battery replacement on the navigation system 202, in response to the control of advertisement display by the advertisement management server 300 in step S8. Specifically, the electric vehicle 200 displays message 202b (see Figure 4) indicating a warning about battery replacement on the navigation system 202.

[0048] In step S10, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) displays an advertisement screen 202c (see Figure 5) based on the advertisement determined in step S7 on the navigation system 202. Specifically, the electric vehicle 200 displays the advertisement screen 202c after hiding the cautionary notices displayed in step S9. Note that the advertisement screen 202c is an example of a "predetermined video" as disclosed herein.

[0049] In step S11, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) completes the automatic parking control in response to detecting that it has been parked in a designated location within the battery station 100.

[0050] In step S12, the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 204) sends a signal to the advertising management server 300 indicating that automatic parking is complete.

[0051] In step S13, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301) detects that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle 200 has been completed based on the signal transmitted in step S12.

[0052] In step S14, the advertising management server 300 (processor 301), having detected that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle 200 was completed in step S13, performs control to stop the display of advertisements on the electric vehicle 200.

[0053] In step S15, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) stops (hides) the display of the advertisement screen 202c shown on the navigation system 202 in accordance with the processing in step S14.

[0054] In step S16, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) displays a button 202d (see Figure 6) on the navigation system 202 to initiate battery replacement, in response to the fact that the advertising screen 202c of the navigation system 202 was hidden in step S15.

[0055] In step S17, the electric vehicle 200 accepts a user input to initiate battery replacement. Specifically, the user selects (touches) button 202d displayed on the navigation system 202 in step S16, thereby accepting the operation to initiate battery replacement. This operation may also be performed on the user's mobile terminal 209.

[0056] In step S18, the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 204) transmits a signal to the battery station 100 (communication unit 13) indicating that the operation to start battery replacement in step S17 has been received.

[0057] In step S19, the battery station 100 (processor 11) detects that the electric vehicle 200 has received an operation to start battery replacement by acquiring the signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S18.

[0058] In step S20, the battery station 100 (processor 11) controls the drive unit 20 to start battery replacement control.

[0059] In step S21, the battery station 100 (processor 11) completes the battery replacement control in response to detecting that the battery replacement by the drive unit 20 has been completed.

[0060] In step S22, the battery station 100 (communication unit 13) transmits a signal to the electric vehicle 200 (communication device 204) indicating that the battery replacement control has been completed.

[0061] In step S23, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) detects that the battery replacement control has been completed by acquiring the signal transmitted from the battery station 100 in step S22.

[0062] In step S24, the electric vehicle 200 (ECU 203) displays message 202e (see Figure 7) on the navigation system 202, indicating that the battery replacement is complete.

[0063] As described above, in the first embodiment, an advertisement is displayed on the navigation system 202 in response to the detection that the user has performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle 200 in the battery station 100. This allows the advertisement to be displayed on the navigation system 202 at the time the automatic parking starts, so that the user can reliably view the advertisement while the electric vehicle 200 is automatically parked.

[0064] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the second embodiment, an advertisement is displayed when the automatic parking of the electric vehicle 210 is completed. Components that are the same as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and will not be described repeatedly.

[0065] (Configuration of the display control system) Figure 8 shows the configuration of the display control system 2 according to the second embodiment. The display control system 2 comprises a battery station 110, an electric vehicle 210, and an advertising management server 310. The battery station 110 is an example of the "battery exchange station" in this disclosure. The advertising management server 310 is an example of the "display control device" and "second processing device" in this disclosure.

[0066] The battery station 110 comprises a control unit 50 and a drive unit 20. The control unit 50 includes a processor 51, a memory 52, and a communication unit 53. The memory 52 stores programs executed by the processor 51, as well as information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 51 controls the drive unit 20.

[0067] The advertising management server 310 comprises a processor 311, a memory 312, and a communication unit 313. The memory 312 stores programs executed by the processor 311, as well as information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 311 controls the communication unit 313. The communication unit 313 includes various communication interfaces. Note that the processor 311 is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

[0068] The electric vehicle 210 includes a battery 201 and a navigation system 202, as well as an ECU 213 and a communication device 214.

[0069] (Sequence control of display control system) Next, the sequence control of the display control system 2 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Note that the same processing steps as in the first embodiment described above will not be explained in detail.

[0070] In step S31, the electric vehicle 210 accepts a user input to initiate automatic parking into the battery station 110, similar to step S1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0071] In step S32, the electric vehicle 210 (communication device 214) transmits a signal to both the advertising management server 310 and the battery station 110 indicating that the operation to start automatic parking in step S31 has been received. The signal transmitted to the battery station 110 may also be transmitted from the advertising management server 310 to the battery station 110. Alternatively, the signal transmitted to the advertising management server 310 may also be transmitted from the battery station 110 to the advertising management server 310.

[0072] In step S33, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) detects that an operation to start automatic parking has been received by the electric vehicle 210, similar to step S3 of the first embodiment described above.

[0073] In step S34, the battery station 110 (processor 51) detects that the electric vehicle 210 has received an operation to start automatic parking by acquiring the signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 210 in step S32.

[0074] In step S35, the battery station 110 (processor 51), in response to the processing in step S34, transmits information about the battery 101 stored in the battery station 110 to the advertising management server 310. The information about the battery 101 includes information about the company that holds the advertising broadcasting rights, which is determined for each battery 101.

[0075] In step S36, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) obtains information about the battery 101 through the processing in step S35.

[0076] In step S37, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) determines the advertisement based on the battery information (information of companies that hold the rights to broadcast advertisements) obtained in step S36. For example, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) decides to deliver the advertisement of the above company.

[0077] In step S38, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) starts controlling automatic parking, similar to step S5 of the first embodiment described above.

[0078] In step S39, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) completes the control of automatic parking, similar to step S11 of the first embodiment described above.

[0079] In step S40, the electric vehicle 210 (communication device 214) sends a signal to the advertising management server 310 indicating that automatic parking is complete.

[0080] In step S41, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) detects that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle 210 has been completed, based on the signal obtained through the processing in step S40.

[0081] In step S42, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311), in response to detecting that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle 210 was completed in step S41, controls the display of the advertisement determined in step S37 on the navigation system 202.

[0082] In step S43, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213), in response to the processing in step S42, displays a warning regarding battery replacement on the navigation system 202, similar to step S9 in the first embodiment described above.

[0083] In step S44, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) displays an advertisement screen 202f, which displays the advertisement determined in step S37, and a button 202g, which accepts the operation to start battery replacement, on the same screen of the navigation system 202 (see Figure 10). The button 202g is an example of the "selection section" in this disclosure. The advertisement screen 202f is an example of a "predetermined image" in this disclosure.

[0084] In steps S45 to S49, the same processes as in steps S17 to S21 of the first embodiment described above are performed.

[0085] In step S50, the battery station 110 (communication unit 53) transmits a signal to both the electric vehicle 210 and the advertising management server 310 indicating that the battery replacement control has been completed. The signal transmitted to the advertising management server 310 may also be transmitted from the electric vehicle 210 to the advertising management server 310. Alternatively, the signal transmitted to the electric vehicle 210 may also be transmitted from the advertising management server 310 to the electric vehicle 210.

[0086] In step S51, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) detects that the battery replacement control has been completed by acquiring the signal transmitted from the battery station 110 in step S50.

[0087] In step S52, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311) detects that the battery replacement control has been completed by acquiring the signal transmitted from the battery station 110 in step S50.

[0088] In step S53, the advertising management server 310 (processor 311), having detected that the battery replacement was completed in step S52, performs control to stop the display of advertisements in the electric vehicle 210.

[0089] In step S54, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) stops (hides) the display of the advertisement screen 202f shown in the navigation system 202, in accordance with the processing in step S53.

[0090] In step S55, the electric vehicle 210 (ECU 213) displays on the navigation system 202 that the battery replacement is complete, in accordance with the processing in step S51 (see Figure 7).

[0091] As described above, in the second embodiment, an advertisement is displayed on the navigation system 202 in response to the detection of the completion of automatic parking. This allows the advertisement to be displayed on the navigation system 202 at the moment automatic parking is completed. As a result, the user can be sure to view the advertisement while the battery is being replaced after automatic parking.

[0092] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In the third embodiment, an advertisement is displayed in response to the electric vehicle 220 entering the battery station 120. Components that are the same as those in the first or second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first or second embodiment, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0093] (Configuration of the display control system) Figure 11 shows the configuration of the display control system 3 according to the third embodiment. The display control system 3 comprises a battery station 120, an electric vehicle 220, and an advertising management server 320. The battery station 120 is an example of the "battery exchange station" in this disclosure. The advertising management server 320 is an example of the "display control device" and "second processing device" in this disclosure.

[0094] The battery station 120 comprises a control device 60, a drive device 20, and a camera 70.

[0095] The control unit 60 includes a processor 61, a memory 62, and a communication unit 63. The memory 62 stores the program executed by the processor 61, as well as information used by the program (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 61 controls the drive unit 20.

[0096] Camera 70 acquires images of the electric vehicle 220 entering the battery station 120. Based on the images acquired by camera 70, processor 61 detects that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120.

[0097] The advertising management server 320 comprises a processor 321, a memory 322, and a communication unit 323. The memory 322 stores programs executed by the processor 321, as well as information used by the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 321 controls the communication unit 323. The communication unit 323 includes various communication interfaces. Note that the processor 321 is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

[0098] The electric vehicle 210 includes a battery 201 and a navigation system 202, as well as an ECU 223 and a communication device 224.

[0099] (Sequence control of display control system) Next, the sequence control of the display control system 3 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Note that the same processing steps as those in the first or second embodiment described above will not be explained in detail.

[0100] In step S61, the electric vehicle 220 accepts a user command to initiate automatic parking into the battery station 120, similar to step S1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0101] In step S62, the electric vehicle 220 (communication device 224) transmits a signal to the battery station 120 indicating that the operation to start automatic parking in step S61 has been received.

[0102] In step S63, the battery station 120 (processor 61) detects that the electric vehicle 220 has received an operation to start automatic parking by acquiring a signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 220 in step S62.

[0103] In step S64, the electric vehicle 220 (ECU 223) starts controlling automatic parking, similar to step S5 of the first embodiment described above.

[0104] In step S65, the battery station 120 (processor 61) transmits information about facilities (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.) located around the battery station 120 to the advertising management server 320 in response to the processing in step S63.

[0105] In step S66, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321) obtains information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 120 through the processing in step S65. Alternatively, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321) may obtain information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 120 via the internet or other means based on the location information of the battery station 120 stored in memory 322.

[0106] In step S67, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321) determines the advertisements based on the information about the facilities surrounding the battery station 120 obtained in step S66. For example, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321) decides to deliver advertisements for products sold in stores around the battery station 120.

[0107] In step S68, the battery station 120 (processor 61) detects that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120 based on the image acquired by the camera 70.

[0108] In step S69, the battery station 120 (communication unit 63) sends a signal to the advertising management server 320 indicating that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120.

[0109] In step S70, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321) detects that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120 based on the signal obtained through the processing in step S69.

[0110] In step S71, the advertising management server 320 (processor 321), upon detecting that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120, controls the navigation system 202 to display the advertisement determined in step S67.

[0111] In step S72, the electric vehicle 220 (ECU 223) displays a warning regarding battery replacement on the navigation system 202, similar to step S9 in the first embodiment described above.

[0112] In step S73, the electric vehicle 220 (ECU 223) displays the advertisement determined in step S67 on the navigation system 202.

[0113] In step S74, the electric vehicle 220 (ECU 223) completes the control of automatic parking, similar to step S11 of the first embodiment described above.

[0114] In steps S75 to S79, the same processing as in steps S16 to S20 of the first embodiment is performed. In steps S80 to S86, the same processing as in steps S49 to S55 of the second embodiment is performed.

[0115] As described above, in the third embodiment, an advertisement is displayed on the navigation system 202 in response to the detection that the electric vehicle 220 has entered the battery station 120. This allows the user to start watching the advertisement while automatic parking is being performed.

[0116] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In the fourth embodiment, an advertisement is displayed in response to the user initiating a battery replacement operation. Note that components identical to those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0117] (Configuration of the display control system) Figure 13 shows the configuration of the display control system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The display control system 4 comprises a battery station 130, an electric vehicle 230, and an advertising management server 330. The battery station 130 is an example of the "battery exchange station" in this disclosure. The advertising management server 330 is an example of the "display control device" and "second processing device" in this disclosure.

[0118] The battery station 130 comprises a control unit 70 and a drive unit 20. The control unit 70 includes a processor 71, a memory 72, and a communication unit 73. The memory 72 stores programs executed by the processor 71, as well as information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 71 controls the drive unit 20.

[0119] The advertising management server 330 comprises a processor 331, a memory 332, and a communication unit 333. The memory 332 stores programs executed by the processor 331, as well as information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 331 controls the communication unit 333. The communication unit 333 includes various communication interfaces. Note that the processor 331 is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

[0120] The electric vehicle 230 includes a battery 201 and a navigation system 202, as well as an ECU 233 and a communication device 234.

[0121] (Sequence control of display control system) Next, the sequence control of the display control system 4 will be described with reference to Figure 14. Note that the same processing steps as those in the first to third embodiments described above will not be explained in detail.

[0122] The processes in steps S91 to S95 are the same as those in steps S1, S5, S11, S16, and S17 of the first embodiment described above.

[0123] In step S96, the electric vehicle 230 (communication device 234) transmits a signal to the advertising management server 330 and the battery station 130, respectively, indicating that the operation to start battery replacement has been received.

[0124] In step S97, the advertising management server 330 (processor 331) detects that the battery replacement start operation has been performed based on the signal obtained by the processing in step S96.

[0125] In step S98, the advertising management server 330 (processor 331) controls the navigation system 202 to display advertisements in response to the processing in step S97.

[0126] In step S99, the battery station 130 (processor 71) detects that the battery replacement start operation has been initiated based on the signal obtained by the processing in step S96.

[0127] In step S100, the battery station 130 (processor 71) starts battery replacement control in response to the processing in step S99.

[0128] In step S101, the electric vehicle 230 (ECU 233) displays a warning regarding battery replacement on the navigation system 202 in accordance with the processing in step S98.

[0129] In step S102, the electric vehicle 230 (ECU 233) displays an advertisement on the navigation system 202 in accordance with the processing in step S98.

[0130] The processes in steps S103 to S109 are the same as those in steps S49 to S55 of the second embodiment described above.

[0131] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, an advertisement is displayed on the navigation system 202 in response to the detection that the user has initiated the operation to start a battery replacement. This allows the user to watch the advertisement while the battery replacement is being performed.

[0132] Furthermore, the control methods in the first to fourth embodiments described above may be combined and executed. For example, in the first embodiment, the advertisement may be determined using information about the battery 101 or information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 100 instead of user information. Also, in the second embodiment, the advertisement may be determined using user information or information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 110 instead of information about the battery 101. Also, in the third embodiment, the advertisement may be determined using user information or information about the battery 101 instead of information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 120. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the advertisement may be determined using user information, information about the battery 101, or information about the surrounding equipment of the battery station 130. Also, in the first to third embodiments, the advertisement may be determined randomly without being determined based on predetermined information.

[0133] Furthermore, in each of the first to fourth embodiments, the timing for displaying the advertisement and the timing for stopping the advertisement display may be appropriately set to be the same as the timing in the other embodiments. Also, the process of the second embodiment, which displays the advertisement and the button 202g (see Figure 10) for starting battery replacement simultaneously, may be appropriately applied to other embodiments.

[0134] The first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate examples in which advertisements are displayed on the navigation system 202, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the first embodiment, advertisements may be displayed on the mobile terminal 209 and on the monitor 30 located on the outer wall of the battery station. In the second to fourth embodiments, advertisements may be displayed on the mobile terminal 209 and on the monitor 40 located inside the battery station.

[0135] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the navigation system 202 starts displaying advertisements in response to the control of advertisement display, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in response to the control described above, the advertisement displayed on the navigation system 202 may be switched to another advertisement.

[0136] The first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate examples where advertisements are displayed, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, games or video content such as movies may be displayed.

[0137] The second to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example in which an electric vehicle is automatically parked in a battery station, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The electric vehicle may also be parked in a battery station by the user's driving operation.

[0138] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the operation to initiate battery replacement is performed in the navigation system 202, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The operation to initiate battery replacement may also be performed in the mobile terminal 209 or the monitor 40.

[0139] In the third embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the entry of the electric vehicle 220 into the battery station 120 is detected based on the image from the camera 70, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the entry of the electric vehicle 220 into the battery station 120 may be detected based on the detection results of sensors other than the camera (e.g., a thermal sensor or a weight sensor). Alternatively, the electric vehicle 220 itself may detect its entry into the battery station 120.

[0140] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the display of advertisements is controlled by an advertisement management server provided separately from the battery station, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a control device provided in the battery station may perform the above control. Alternatively, an electric vehicle may independently detect that a predetermined process related to battery replacement has been performed and control the display of advertisements (and control the stopping of advertisements) without communicating with the battery station or the advertisement management server.

[0141] In the second embodiment described above, an example was shown in which an advertisement (a predetermined video) and a button 202g (selection section) to start battery replacement are displayed in response to the completion of parking of the electric vehicle 210, and the advertisement and button 202g are displayed on the same screen. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the advertisement may be displayed in response to the start of automatic parking, and the button 202g may be displayed on the screen where the advertisement is displayed in response to the completion of automatic parking.

[0142] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1, 2, 3, 4 Display control system, 20 Drive unit (first processing unit), 100, 110, 120, 130 Battery station (battery exchange station), 101 Battery (second battery), 200, 210, 220, 230 Electric vehicle, 201 Battery (first battery), 202 Navigation system (display device), 202c, 202f Advertising screen (predetermined video), 202g Button (selection unit), 300, 310, 320, 330 Advertising management server (display control device) (second processing unit), 301, 311, 321, 331 Processor (control unit), 303, 313, 323, 333 Communication unit.

Claims

1. A detection step that detects whether a predetermined process related to the battery exchange has been performed between the time the user of the electric vehicle initiates the operation to start the battery exchange at a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery to be exchanged for the first battery of the electric vehicle, or the time the user automatically parks the electric vehicle within the battery exchange station, and the completion of the battery exchange. In response to the detection that the predetermined process has been performed, a display step is performed to display a predetermined image on a display device, A display method comprising the step of displaying a selection section on a screen on which the predetermined image is displayed, which accepts an operation to start the battery replacement.

2. The aforementioned detection step is a step of detecting that the user has performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle within the battery replacement station. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step is a step of displaying the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the user has performed an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle in the battery replacement station.

3. A step of detecting that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle into the battery exchange station has been completed, The display method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of stopping the display of the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the automatic parking of the electric vehicle into the battery exchange station has been completed.

4. The aforementioned detection step is a step of detecting that the parking of the electric vehicle in the battery exchange station has been completed. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step is a step of starting to display the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the parking of the electric vehicle in the battery exchange station has been completed.

5. The display method according to claim 4, wherein the display step is a step of displaying the predetermined video and the selection section on the same screen of the display device in response to the detection that the parking of the electric vehicle in the battery exchange station has been completed.

6. The aforementioned detection step is a step of detecting that the electric vehicle has entered the battery exchange station, The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step is a step of starting to display the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the electric vehicle has entered the battery exchange station.

7. The aforementioned detection step is a step of detecting that the operation to start the battery replacement has been performed by the user. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step is a step of starting to display the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the user has performed an operation to start the battery replacement.

8. The process further includes displaying precautions regarding the battery replacement on the display device before the battery replacement is initiated, The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step is a step of displaying the predetermined image on the display device after the display of the precautions.

9. A step to detect that the battery replacement has been completed, The display method according to claim 1, claim 2, and any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising the step of stopping the display of the predetermined image on the display device in response to the detection that the battery replacement has been completed.

10. A step of obtaining user information relating to the aforementioned user, The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the step of determining a predetermined image based on the user information.

11. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the step of determining a predetermined image based on information relating to the second battery.

12. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display step is to display an advertisement on the display device relating to facilities surrounding the battery exchange station based on the location information of the battery exchange station.

13. A communication unit that communicates with at least one of the following: an electric vehicle equipped with a first battery, and a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery that is exchanged for the first battery; The system includes a control unit that detects that a predetermined process related to the battery replacement has been performed between the time the user of the electric vehicle initiates the battery replacement at the battery replacement station or the time the user automatically parks the electric vehicle within the battery replacement station and the completion of the battery replacement, and that controls the display device to show a predetermined image in response to the detection that the predetermined process has been performed, The control unit is a display control device that causes a selection unit for accepting an operation to start the battery replacement to be displayed on the screen on which the predetermined image is displayed.

14. A first processing unit that performs the process of battery exchange at a battery exchange station equipped with a second battery to be exchanged for a first battery of an electric vehicle, The system includes a second processing unit that performs processing to display a predetermined image on a display device, A display control system in which the second processing device detects that a predetermined process related to the battery replacement has been executed between the time the user of the electric vehicle performs an operation to start the battery replacement by the first processing device or the time the user performs an operation to automatically park the electric vehicle in the battery replacement station and the completion of the battery replacement, and then displays a predetermined image on the display device and displays a selection section on the screen on which the predetermined image is displayed that accepts an operation to start the battery replacement.

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