Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable proper evaluation of parking spaces for charging stations that charge the batteries of electric vehicles. [Solution] The information processing device 1 includes an acquisition unit 131 that acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of each of several people; a determination unit 132 that uses the attribute data to determine the number of people who may own electric vehicles in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for installing a charger that charges the battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity; an evaluation unit 133 that uses the number of people to determine an evaluation index indicating whether or not the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing a charger; and an output unit 134 that outputs the evaluation index in association with the parking lot.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for evaluating a parking lot for arranging a charger for charging a storage battery provided in an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for performing navigation to a charging stand having a charger for charging a storage battery based on information such as the type and remaining amount of the storage battery provided in an electric vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Chargers for storage batteries are arranged not only at the bases of households or businesses that own electric vehicles but also at parking lots such as hourly rental parking lots or monthly parking lots. Conventionally, since electric vehicles have not been sufficiently popular, even if chargers are arranged in arbitrary parking lots, the utilization rate of the chargers may be low, and thus the cost of arranging the chargers in the parking lots may not be fully recovered.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to enable appropriate evaluation of a parking lot for arranging a charger for charging a storage battery provided in an electric vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of people; a determination unit that uses the attribute data to determine the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own an electric vehicle, in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for arranging a charger for charging a battery equipped in an electric vehicle that is powered by electricity; an evaluation unit that uses the number of owners to determine an evaluation index indicating whether or not the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of arranging the charger; and an output unit that outputs the evaluation index in association with the parking lot.

[0007] The determination unit may determine the number of owners by aggregating information indicating whether or not a person owns the electric vehicle, as indicated in the attribute data, for multiple people residing in the evaluation area identified using the place of residence indicated in the attribute data.

[0008] The determination unit may calculate the population of multiple people residing in the evaluation area using the place of residence indicated by the attribute data, and estimate the number of people possessing the property by multiplying the population by a predetermined coefficient.

[0009] The determination unit may estimate the number of people possessing the property by multiplying the population by a coefficient that varies depending on at least one of the attribute data, such as age, income, occupation, and interests.

[0010] The acquisition unit may further acquire human flow data indicating the distance traveled by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area, and the evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the distance traveled by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area, as indicated by the human flow data, with the evaluation area as the endpoint.

[0011] The acquisition unit may further acquire pedestrian flow data indicating the time spent by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area, and the evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the time spent by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area as indicated by the pedestrian flow data.

[0012] The evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the number of people possessed and the distance between the evaluation area and a predetermined commercial facility.

[0013] The evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the number of users and the distance between the evaluation area and another parking lot different from the parking lot where the charger is located.

[0014] The acquisition unit may further acquire operational data indicating the operating status of the parking lot, and the evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the number of occupants and the operating status.

[0015] The acquisition unit may further acquire vehicle type data indicating the proportion of electric vehicles among multiple vehicles that have driven or stayed in the vicinity of the parking lot, and the evaluation unit may determine the evaluation index using the number of owners and the proportion of electric vehicles.

[0016] The output unit may output the evaluation index as a value that is higher when the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, and lower when the parking lot is unsuitable for the purpose of installing the charger.

[0017] The output unit may output the evaluation indicators to an information terminal associated with a business operator other than the owner and operator of the parking lot.

[0018] The evaluation area may be at least one of the area including the parking lot and the area surrounding said area.

[0019] The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: a step of acquiring attribute data indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of humans, which is executed by a processor; and in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for arranging a charger that charges a storage battery included in an electric vehicle driven by electric power, a step of determining the number of owners, which is the number of a plurality of humans who may own the electric vehicle, using the attribute data; a step of determining an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of arranging the charger, using the number of owners; and a step of outputting the evaluation index in association with the parking lot.

[0020] The program according to the third aspect of the present invention causes a processor to execute: a step of acquiring attribute data indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of humans; and in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for arranging a charger that charges a storage battery included in an electric vehicle driven by electric power, a step of determining the number of owners, which is the number of a plurality of humans who may own the electric vehicle, using the attribute data; a step of determining an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of arranging the charger, using the number of owners; and a step of outputting the evaluation index in association with the parking lot.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, there is an effect that a parking lot for arranging a charger that charges a storage battery included in an electric vehicle can be appropriately evaluated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram for explaining attribute data acquired by an acquisition unit. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram for explaining flow data acquired by an acquisition unit. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which an evaluation unit determines evaluation indices. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a display terminal that displays evaluation indices. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [Overview of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing apparatus 1, a charger 2, a mobile communication terminal 3, and a display terminal 4. The information processing system S may include devices such as other servers and terminals.

[0024] The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer that performs processing for evaluating a parking lot for arranging a charger that charges a storage battery included in an electric vehicle (EV). The parking lot to be evaluated is, for example, a parking lot (such as a time-rental parking lot or a monthly parking lot) where a vehicle can be parked by paying a fee according to the usage period. Also, the parking lot to be evaluated may be a parking lot of a public facility, a commercial facility, or a restaurant.

[0025] An electric vehicle is a vehicle that is driven by electric power charged in a storage battery included in the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that uses only the electric power of the storage battery as a power source, or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that includes a plurality of power sources including the electric power of the storage battery.

[0026] Charger 2 is a charging facility for charging the battery of an electric vehicle. Charger 2 charges the battery of an electric vehicle by supplying power while connected to the electric vehicle. Charger 2 is located, for example, in a designated parking lot and is provided to users by a charging service provider. Users charge the battery of their electric vehicle using Charger 2 in the parking lot where Charger 2 is located by paying a predetermined fee to the charging service provider.

[0027] A charging operator may not own a parking lot to install Charger 2. In this case, the charging operator will pay a predetermined fee to a parking lot operator (the owner or manager of the parking lot, etc.) to receive a parking lot (also called a parking area or parking space) from the parking lot operator and install Charger 2 in the provided parking lot.

[0028] The mobile communication terminal 3 is an information terminal carried by multiple people while they are on the move. The mobile communication terminal 3 is used, for example, by a person who provides information to generate the pedestrian flow data described later. The mobile communication terminal 3 is pre-associated with a person by setting identification information (Identifier: ID) to identify the person using the mobile communication terminal 3.

[0029] Display terminal 4 is an information terminal that displays the evaluation results of the parking lot by the information processing device 1. Display terminal 4 is used, for example, by the owner of the parking lot, the operator of the parking lot, or other business operators. Display terminal 4 is pre-associated with a business operator by setting an ID to identify the business operator that will use the display terminal 4.

[0030] The mobile communication terminal 3 and the display terminal 4 are, for example, smartphones, tablet devices, or personal computers. The mobile communication terminal 3 and the display terminal 4 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The mobile communication terminal 3 also has a position measurement unit for measuring the location of the mobile communication terminal 3 using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or the like. The mobile communication terminal 3 and the display terminal 4 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0031] The following describes the general process performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of each of several individuals (age, place of residence, occupation, etc.). The attribute data is pre-stored, for example, in a database constructed on a predetermined storage device.

[0032] The information processing device 1 uses attribute data to determine the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own electric vehicles in the evaluation area defined for evaluating the parking lot to be evaluated. The evaluation area is, for example, at least one of the area containing the parking lot to be evaluated and the area surrounding that area.

[0033] The information processing device 1 uses the number of users to determine an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot under evaluation is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger 2. The evaluation index is, for example, a value that represents the degree to which the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger 2. The information processing device 1 outputs the determined evaluation index to the display terminal 4 in association with the parking lot under evaluation.

[0034] In this way, the information processing device 1 uses attribute data to determine the number of electric vehicles owned in the vicinity of the parking lot, thereby evaluating whether the parking lot is suitable for the placement of the charger 2. As a result, the information processing system S can appropriately evaluate parking lots for the placement of charger 2 for charging electric vehicle batteries, taking into account information about the attributes of people in the vicinity of the parking lot.

[0035] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the arrows indicate the main data flows, and there may be other data flows besides those shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each block represents a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data exchange between blocks may be performed via any means, such as a data bus, network, or portable storage medium.

[0036] The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured by two or more physically separate devices connected by wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be configured as a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0037] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for sending and receiving data between the mobile communication terminal 3 and the display terminal 4 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received via the network from the mobile communication terminal 3, the display terminal 4 or other devices. The communication unit 11 also transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the mobile communication terminal 3, the display terminal 4 or other devices via the network.

[0038] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be located outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged with the control unit 13 via a network.

[0039] The control unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, an evaluation unit 133, and an output unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the acquisition unit 131, determination unit 132, evaluation unit 133, and output unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] The following describes in detail the processes performed by the information processing device 1. The acquisition unit 131 acquires attribute data that indicates the attributes of each of several individuals. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the attribute data acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0041] Attribute data is generated, for example, by aggregating mobile communication contract information used on mobile communication terminals 3 held by multiple individuals, or registration information registered by multiple individuals for a predetermined service (SNS (Social Networking Service), etc.), and is pre-stored in the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires attribute data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device.

[0042] Attribute data may include, for example, the gender, age, place of residence, occupation, annual income, interests, vehicle ownership status, and vehicle type (e.g., electric vehicle) of multiple individuals. Attribute data may represent the attributes of each individual or statistical values ​​(percentages, sums, averages, etc.) of the attributes of multiple individuals. Attribute data may not be limited to the specific information shown herein and may include other information related to the attributes of multiple individuals. Attribute data may not be limited to the specific methods shown herein and may be obtained by other methods.

[0043] The acquisition unit 131 acquires pedestrian flow data that shows the number of people who stayed in each of the multiple regions that are divided into areas, for each period of time. The period shown by the pedestrian flow data is defined by predetermined criteria such as time (daytime or nighttime), day of the week (weekday or holiday), and date (Golden Week, New Year's holidays, etc.). The number of people shown by the pedestrian flow data is the total value for one period, or the average value per unit time (1 hour, etc.) for one period.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pedestrian flow data acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Pedestrian flow data is generated, for example, by aggregating the location information of mobile communication terminals 3 held by multiple individuals for each of multiple areas over a period of time, and is pre-stored in the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the pedestrian flow data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The multiple individuals from whom the pedestrian flow data is acquired may be the same as, or different from, the multiple individuals from whom the attribute data is acquired.

[0045] Multiple regions are, for example, multiple meshes defined by dividing a region into shapes of a predetermined size. Alternatively, multiple regions may be cells, which are the ranges reached by radio waves from each of multiple wireless communication base stations.

[0046] Human flow data includes, for example, movement and stay data showing the number of people who moved and stayed in each of multiple areas, and departure and arrival data showing the number of people who moved between multiple areas.

[0047] Movement and stay data may, for example, show the number of people who were in each of several regions for a predetermined period (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes) as the number of people who moved, and the number of people who were in each region for a predetermined period or longer as the number of people who stayed. Movement and stay data may also show the stay duration of each individual person, or a statistical value of the stay duration of multiple people, for each of several regions. Departure and arrival data may, for example, show the number of people who moved from the starting point (the first region) to the ending point (the second region) for each period, for any combination of a first and second region from among several regions. Movement and stay data may also show the distance traveled by each individual person, or a statistical value of the distance traveled by multiple people.

[0048] Human flow data is not limited to the specific information shown herein and may include other information related to the number of people who stayed in each of the multiple areas over a period of time. Human flow data is not limited to the specific methods shown herein and may be obtained by other methods.

[0049] The acquisition unit 131 may further acquire operational data showing the operating status of the parking lot under evaluation. The operational data shows the actual usage of the parking lot under evaluation for the purpose of parking vehicles. The acquisition unit 131 may also acquire operational data of parking lots that are different from the parking lot under evaluation but are within a predetermined range (e.g., within 500 meters) of the parking lot under evaluation. The operational data shows, for example, the occupancy rate, which is the percentage of time (daytime or nighttime), day of the week (weekday or holiday), date (Golden Week, New Year's holidays, etc.) that the parking lot was used for.

[0050] Operational data is generated, for example, by aggregating the parking lot usage history recorded by the parking lot operator for each period, and is pre-stored in the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the operational data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The operational data is not limited to the specific method shown herein and may be acquired by other methods.

[0051] The acquisition unit 131 may further acquire vehicle type data indicating the proportion of electric vehicles among multiple vehicles that traveled or stayed in or around the parking lot being evaluated. The area from which vehicle type data is acquired is, for example, an area within a predetermined range (e.g., within 50 meters) based on the parking lot being evaluated, or the evaluation area described later.

[0052] The acquisition unit 131, for example, uses cameras installed in or around the parking lot under evaluation to acquire images of multiple vehicles that have driven or stayed in or around the parking lot, and performs known image recognition processing on the acquired images to identify the type of vehicle (whether or not it is an electric vehicle, etc.) of each of the multiple vehicles. The acquisition unit 131 calculates the ratio of the number of electric vehicles to the total number of vehicles to generate vehicle type data indicating the proportion of electric vehicles.

[0053] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may generate vehicle type data for the parking lot being evaluated if it can acquire vehicle type data for the parking lot being evaluated, and may generate vehicle type data for the surrounding area of ​​the parking lot if it cannot acquire vehicle type data for the parking lot being evaluated.

[0054] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may generate vehicle type data indicating the proportion of electric vehicles by using the attribute data of multiple people residing in the vicinity of the parking lot to be evaluated (for example, the evaluation area described later) to calculate the ratio of the number of electric vehicles owned by multiple people to the total number of multiple vehicles owned by multiple people.

[0055] Vehicle type data is generated at predetermined intervals, such as every hour or every day, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the vehicle type data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device. The vehicle type data is not limited to the specific method shown herein and may be acquired by other methods.

[0056] The determination unit 132 uses the attribute data acquired by the acquisition unit 131 to determine the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own electric vehicles in the evaluation area defined for evaluating the parking lot to be evaluated. The parking lot to be evaluated is a parking lot for installing a charger 2 that charges the storage battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity, and is a parking lot that a charging operator may receive from a parking lot operator for the installation of the charger 2. The charging operator, for example, designates one of several parking lots as the target for evaluation using the display terminal 4.

[0057] The determination unit 132 determines an evaluation area for evaluating the parking lot to be evaluated. The evaluation area is at least one of several areas (meshes, cells, etc.) that divide the region, including the area containing the parking lot and the area surrounding that area. For example, the determination unit 132 determines the area containing the location (address or coordinates) of the parking lot to be evaluated as the evaluation area. Alternatively, the determination unit 132 may determine the area surrounding the area containing the location of the parking lot to be evaluated (for example, one or more areas adjacent to that area) as the evaluation area, either in lieu of or in addition to the area containing the location of the parking lot to be evaluated.

[0058] If the attribute data includes information indicating whether or not each of several individuals owns an electric vehicle (for example, "vehicle ownership status" and "vehicle type owned"), the determination unit 132 uses the attribute data to aggregate the number of owners. The determination unit 132 uses, for example, the place of residence indicated by the attribute data to identify several individuals residing in the evaluation area (i.e., several individuals whose place of residence is within the evaluation area). The determination unit 132 aggregates the information indicating whether or not each of the identified individuals residing in the evaluation area owns an electric vehicle, as indicated by the attribute data. The determination unit 132 determines the number of individuals who own an electric vehicle as the number of owners based on the aggregated information.

[0059] If the attribute data does not include information indicating whether each of the multiple individuals owns an electric vehicle, the determination unit 132 estimates the number of owners using the attribute data. For example, the determination unit 132 uses the place of residence indicated by the attribute data to calculate the population of multiple individuals residing in the evaluation area (i.e., multiple individuals whose place of residence is within the evaluation area). The determination unit 132 estimates the number of owners by multiplying the calculated population by a predetermined coefficient.

[0060] The determination unit 132 multiplies the calculated population by a different coefficient depending on at least one of the attribute data, such as age, income, occupation (job type), and interests. The coefficients that vary by age are set such that, for example, the coefficient for a certain age group (e.g., those in their 30s and 40s) is larger than the coefficient for other age groups. Because younger generations tend to have a higher intention to purchase electric vehicles, the information processing system S can estimate the electric vehicle ownership population using the ages of multiple people residing in the evaluation area.

[0061] Different coefficients are set according to income, for example, such that the coefficient for the population with an income above a predetermined threshold is greater than the coefficient for the population with an income below a predetermined threshold. Since electric vehicles are generally more expensive than gasoline vehicles, the information processing system S can estimate the electric vehicle ownership population using the incomes of multiple people residing in the evaluation area.

[0062] Different coefficients are used depending on the occupation, for example, such that the coefficient for the population in a given occupation is larger than the coefficient for the population in other occupations. Because electric vehicle ownership rates may be high among people in certain occupations (such as sales positions), the information processing system S can estimate the electric vehicle ownership population using the occupations of multiple people residing in the evaluation area.

[0063] Different coefficients are set according to interests, for example, such that the coefficient for the population with a particular interest is larger than the coefficient for the population without that interest. Since electric vehicle ownership rates may be higher among people with specific interests (technology, environmental issues, ecology, etc.), the information processing system S can estimate the electric vehicle ownership population using the interests of multiple people residing in the evaluation area.

[0064] Below are exemplary estimation formulas (1) to (4) used by the determination unit 132 to estimate the number of people possessing the item. These estimation formulas are pre-stored in the memory unit 12. (1) Number of holders = Population of teenagers in the evaluation area × coefficient α1 + Population of people in their 20s in the evaluation area × coefficient α2 + Population of people in their 30s in the evaluation area × coefficient α3 + ... (2) Number of holders = Population with an annual income of 1 million yen or more in the evaluation area × coefficient β1 + Population with an annual income of 2 million yen or more in the evaluation area × coefficient β2 + Population with an annual income of 3 million yen or more in the evaluation area × coefficient β3 + ... (3) Number of holders = Population of sales professionals in the evaluation area × coefficient γ1 + Population of non-sales professionals in the evaluation area × coefficient γ2 (4) Number of holders = Population interested in the "technology" in the evaluation area × coefficient δ1 + Population not interested in the "technology" in the evaluation area × coefficient δ2

[0065] The determination unit 132 is not limited to the specific methods described above, and may determine the electric vehicle ownership population by other methods.

[0066] The evaluation unit 133 uses the number of users determined by the decision unit 132 to determine an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot under evaluation is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger 2. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process by which the evaluation unit 133 determines the evaluation index.

[0067] The evaluation index is, for example, a score that indicates the degree to which a location is suitable for the intended use of Charger 2. A higher evaluation index indicates greater suitability for the intended use of Charger 2, while a lower index indicates less suitability.

[0068] The evaluation unit 133 retrieves, for example, an evaluation formula, which is a rule for determining evaluation indicators, that has been pre-stored in the memory unit 12. The evaluation formula is, for example, a calculation formula for calculating evaluation indicators using the number of people and other information. The evaluation unit 133 determines the evaluation indicators by applying the number of people and other information corresponding to the flow of people, operation data, or vehicle type data to the evaluation formula obtained from the memory unit 12.

[0069] The evaluation unit 133, for example, increases the evaluation index as the number of owners increases and decreases the evaluation index as the number of owners decreases. This allows the information processing system S to reflect the number of electric vehicles owned in the vicinity of the parking lot, determined based on attribute data, in the evaluation of the parking lot.

[0070] The evaluation unit 133 determines an evaluation index using, for example, the number of users and the distance between the evaluation area and a predetermined commercial facility. The evaluation unit 133 identifies, for example, the distance from the evaluation area to the nearest predetermined type of commercial facility (shopping mall, department store, supermarket, etc.). The evaluation unit 133 identifies the distance using map data pre-stored in the storage unit 12 and using a map service provided by a predetermined business operator. The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index as the distance to the predetermined commercial facility decreases, for example, as the distance to the predetermined commercial facility decreases.

[0071] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 133 may calculate different evaluation indices depending on the type of commercial facility located within a predetermined range (e.g., within 500 meters) based on the evaluation area. For example, the evaluation unit 133 may set the evaluation indices higher when there is a predetermined type of commercial facility (shopping mall, department store, supermarket, etc.) within a predetermined range from the evaluation area than when there is no such commercial facility.

[0072] Since users may use charger 2 while shopping at a commercial facility, the information processing system S can reflect the presence or absence of a designated commercial facility near the parking lot in its evaluation of the parking lot.

[0073] The evaluation unit 133 determines an evaluation index using, for example, the number of users and the distance between the evaluation area and another parking lot different from the parking lot being evaluated, where the charger 2 is located. The evaluation unit 133 identifies, for example, the distance from the evaluation area to the nearest other parking lot. The evaluation unit 133 identifies the distance using map data pre-stored in the storage unit 12 and identifies the distance using a map service provided by a predetermined operator.

[0074] The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index the longer the distance to other parking lots, and decreases the evaluation index the shorter the distance to other parking lots. Since competition for customers may arise if multiple parking lots with chargers 2 are located in close proximity, the information processing system S can reflect the presence or absence of other competing parking lots near the parking lot being evaluated in the evaluation of the parking lot.

[0075] The evaluation unit 133 determines an evaluation index using, for example, the number of people and the travel distance of multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area indicated by the people flow data. In this case, the evaluation unit 133 determines the evaluation index using the evaluation area as the starting point, ending point, or transit point of movement. For example, the evaluation unit 133 calculates the travel distance for each of multiple people, using the departure and arrival data included in the people flow data, with the evaluation area as the starting point and ending point, in an area different from the evaluation area. The evaluation unit 133 may also calculate statistical values ​​(mean, median, etc.) of the travel distances of multiple people.

[0076] The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index as the travel distance to the evaluation area increases, for example, and decreases the evaluation index as the travel distance to the evaluation area decreases. Since users who travel long distances to reach the evaluation area may use the charger 2 in the evaluation area, the information processing system S can reflect the distance traveled by multiple people from other areas to the evaluation area in the evaluation of the parking lot. In addition, the evaluation unit 133 may determine the evaluation index using the travel distance with the evaluation area as the starting point or intermediate point, instead of the travel distance with the evaluation area as the endpoint.

[0077] The evaluation unit 133 determines evaluation indicators using, for example, the number of people and the duration of stay of multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area indicated by the pedestrian flow data. The evaluation unit 133 obtains, for example, the duration of stay of each of the multiple people in the evaluation area, as indicated by the movement and stay data included in the pedestrian flow data. The evaluation unit 133 may also calculate statistical values ​​(mean, median, etc.) of the duration of stay of multiple people.

[0078] The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index the longer the stay time, and decreases the evaluation index the shorter the stay time. Since users who stay in the evaluation area for a long time may use the charger 2 in the evaluation area, the information processing system S can reflect the time spent by multiple people in the evaluation area in the evaluation of the parking lot.

[0079] The evaluation unit 133 determines an evaluation index using, for example, the number of users and the operating status indicated by the operational data. The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index as the utilization rate indicated by the operational data decreases, and decreases the evaluation index as the utilization rate indicated by the operational data increases. The evaluation unit 133 may also determine the evaluation index using the utilization rate for a specific period of time within a day (daytime or nighttime, etc.). The evaluation unit 133 may also determine the evaluation index using the utilization rate for a specific day of the week or a specific date (weekday or holiday, etc.). Since parking lots with low utilization rates are more likely to be offered under favorable conditions for the placement of chargers 2, the information processing system S can reflect the utilization rate of a parking lot in its evaluation of the parking lot.

[0080] The evaluation unit 133 determines an evaluation index using, for example, the number of owners and the proportion of electric vehicles indicated by the vehicle type data. The evaluation unit 133 increases the evaluation index as the proportion of electric vehicles indicated by the vehicle type data increases, and decreases the evaluation index as the proportion of electric vehicles indicated by the vehicle type data decreases. Since a higher proportion of electric vehicles around a parking lot may indicate a higher demand for chargers 2, the information processing system S can reflect the proportion of electric vehicles near the parking lot being evaluated in the evaluation of the parking lot.

[0081] Below are example evaluation formulas (5) to (10) used by the evaluation unit 133. (5) Evaluation index = Number of holders × Coefficient ε (6) Evaluation index = Number of people × Coefficient ε + 1 / Distance to commercial facility × Coefficient ζ (7) Evaluation index = Number of holders × coefficient ε + Statistical value of travel distance × coefficient η (8) Evaluation index = Number of people × Coefficient ε + Statistical value of stay time × Coefficient θ (9) Evaluation index = Number of holders × coefficient ε + 1 / Occupancy rate × coefficient ι (10) Evaluation index = Number of owners × coefficient ε + Ratio of electric vehicles × coefficient κ

[0082] The evaluation unit 133 may determine an evaluation index by combining (for example, by multiplication or addition) two or more types of information from the above-mentioned information represented by the pedestrian flow data, attribute data, operation data, and vehicle type data. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 133 may determine a single evaluation index by taking a weighted average of multiple evaluation indexes determined using multiple evaluation formulas, each weighted by a predetermined weight.

[0083] The evaluation unit 133 may determine evaluation indicators using not only the information indicated by the passenger flow data, attribute data, operation data, and vehicle type data, but also other information indicated by the passenger flow data, attribute data, operation data, and vehicle type data.

[0084] The output unit 134 outputs the evaluation index determined by the evaluation unit 133 to the display terminal 4, associating it with the parking lot being evaluated. The output unit 134 either displays the value of the evaluation index determined by the evaluation unit 133 directly on the display terminal 4, or converts the evaluation index determined by the evaluation unit 133 according to a predetermined rule (for example, converting the score of the evaluation index to one of the letters A, B, or C that indicates the evaluation) and then displays it on the display terminal 4.

[0085] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the display terminal 4 that displays the evaluation indicators. The display terminal 4 displays, for example, information about the parking lot to be evaluated (address and operational data) and the evaluation indicators in association with each other. The output unit 134 outputs, for example, the evaluation indicators to the display terminal 4 associated with the owner or operator of the parking lot to be evaluated. This allows the information processing system S to present the owner or operator of the parking lot with an evaluation of whether or not the parking lot is suitable for the use of charging stations 2.

[0086] Furthermore, the output unit 134 may output the evaluation index to a display terminal 4 associated with a business operator (for example, a charging business operator) that is different from the owner or operator of the parking lot being evaluated. This makes it easier for a business operator different from the owner or operator of the parking lot to select a parking lot that is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger 2.

[0087] Furthermore, the output unit 134 may output to the display terminal 4 the types of chargers 2 that are proposed for installation in the parking lot under evaluation, along with the evaluation index. In this case, the determination unit 132 determines different types of chargers 2 according to the types of facilities within a predetermined range (e.g., within 500 meters) based on the evaluation area, for example, according to rules (tables, etc.) pre-stored in the memory unit 12. For example, the determination unit 132 determines a charger 2 capable of rapid charging as a proposed option if a commercial facility is present within a predetermined range based on the evaluation area, and determines a charger 2 capable of normal charging as a proposed option if a medical facility is present. As a result, the information processing system S can propose types of chargers 2 that correspond to whether users visiting facilities around the parking lot require a long time.

[0088] [Information Processing Method Flowchart] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary information processing method performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 131 acquires attribute data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device (S11). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire pedestrian flow data, operation data, and vehicle type data from the storage unit 12 or other storage device.

[0089] The determination unit 132 uses the attribute data acquired by the acquisition unit 131 to determine the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own electric vehicles in the evaluation area defined for evaluating the parking lot to be evaluated (S12). The evaluation area is at least one of several areas (meshes, cells, etc.) that divide the region, which includes the area containing the parking lot and the area surrounding that area.

[0090] The evaluation unit 133 uses the number of occupants determined by the decision unit 132 to determine an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot under evaluation is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger 2 (S13). The evaluation unit 133 obtains, for example, an evaluation formula, which is a rule for determining the evaluation index, that is pre-stored in the memory unit 12. The evaluation unit 133 determines the evaluation index by applying the number of occupants and other information corresponding to pedestrian flow data, operational data, or vehicle type data to the evaluation formula.

[0091] The output unit 134 outputs the evaluation indicators determined by the evaluation unit 133 to the display terminal 4 in association with the parking lot being evaluated (S14). For example, the output unit 134 outputs the evaluation indicators to the display terminal 4 associated with the owner or operator of the parking lot being evaluated. Alternatively, the output unit 134 may output the evaluation indicators to the display terminal 4 associated with a different business operator (for example, a rental business operator) than the owner or operator of the parking lot being evaluated.

[0092] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the information processing system S of this embodiment, the information processing device 1 evaluates whether a parking lot is suitable for the placement of a charger 2 by determining the number of electric vehicles owned in the vicinity of the parking lot using attribute data. As a result, the information processing system S can appropriately evaluate parking lots for the placement of chargers 2 for charging electric vehicle batteries by taking into account information on the attributes of people in the vicinity of the parking lot.

[0093] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] S Information Processing System 1. Information Processing Device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Decision Section 133 Evaluation Department 134 Output section 2 charger 3. Mobile communication terminals 4 Display terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of multiple individuals, A determination unit determines the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own an electric vehicle, in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for placing a charger that charges the battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity, using the attribute data mentioned above. An evaluation unit that determines an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, using the number of people who own it. An output unit that outputs the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, It has, The determination unit calculates the population of multiple people residing in the evaluation area using the place of residence indicated by the attribute data, and estimates the number of people possessing the property by multiplying the population by a different coefficient depending on at least one of the age, income, occupation, and interests indicated by the attribute data. Information processing device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of each of several people, and human flow data indicating the distance traveled by several people who stayed in an evaluation area designated for evaluating a parking lot for which a charger for charging a battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity is located, A determination unit that uses the attribute data to determine the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own the electric vehicle in the evaluation area, An evaluation unit that determines an evaluation index indicating whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, using the number of people present and the distance traveled by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area as indicated by the pedestrian flow data, with the evaluation area as the endpoint. An output unit that outputs the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, An information processing device having

3. An acquisition unit that acquires attribute data indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of people, A determination unit determines the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own an electric vehicle, in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for placing a charger that charges the battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity, using the attribute data mentioned above. An evaluation unit that uses the number of users to determine whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, and determines different evaluation indicators depending on the type of commercial facility within a predetermined range based on the evaluation area, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, An information processing device having

4. The determination unit determines the number of owners by aggregating information indicating whether or not a person owns the electric vehicle, as indicated in the attribute data, for multiple people residing in the evaluation area identified using the place of residence indicated in the attribute data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The acquisition unit further acquires human flow data indicating the dwell time of multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area, The evaluation unit determines the evaluation index using the time spent in the evaluation area by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area indicated by the human flow data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3.

6. The evaluation unit determines the evaluation index using the number of people present and the distance between the evaluation area and another parking lot different from the parking lot where the charger is located. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The acquisition unit further acquires operational data indicating the operating status of the parking lot, The evaluation unit determines the evaluation index using the number of users and the operating status. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The acquisition unit further acquires vehicle type data indicating the proportion of electric vehicles among multiple vehicles that have driven or stayed in the vicinity of the parking lot. The evaluation unit determines the evaluation index using the number of owners and the ratio of electric vehicles. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The output unit outputs an evaluation index that is higher when the parking lot is suitable for the installation of the charger, and lower when the parking lot is unsuitable for the installation of the charger. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The output unit outputs the evaluation indicators to an information terminal associated with a business operator other than the owner and operator of the parking lot. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The evaluation area is at least one of the area including the parking lot and the area surrounding said area. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The processor executes The steps include obtaining attribute data that shows the attributes of each of several individuals, Using the attribute data, the step of determining the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own an electric vehicle, in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for placing a charger that charges the battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity; The steps include determining an evaluation index that indicates whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, using the number of users, The steps include outputting the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, It has, In the determination step described above, the population of multiple people residing in the evaluation area is calculated using the place of residence indicated by the attribute data, and the number of people possessed is estimated by multiplying the population by a different coefficient depending on at least one of the age, income, occupation, and interests indicated by the attribute data. Information processing methods.

13. The processor executes: The steps include obtaining attribute data that shows the attributes of each of several individuals, The steps include: acquiring pedestrian flow data indicating the distance traveled by multiple people staying in a designated evaluation area in order to evaluate a parking lot for placing chargers that charge the batteries of electric vehicles powered by electricity; Using the attribute data, the step of determining the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own the electric vehicle in the evaluation area; A step of determining an evaluation index that indicates whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, using the number of people and the distance traveled by multiple people who stayed in the evaluation area as indicated by the pedestrian flow data, with the evaluation area as the endpoint. The steps include outputting the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, An information processing method having the following characteristics.

14. The processor executes, The steps include obtaining attribute data that shows the attributes of each of several individuals, Using the attribute data, the step of determining the number of owners, which is the number of people who may own an electric vehicle, in an evaluation area defined for evaluating a parking lot for placing a charger that charges the battery of an electric vehicle powered by electricity; An evaluation index that indicates whether the parking lot is suitable for the purpose of installing the charger, using the number of people who own it, comprising the step of determining different evaluation indexes depending on the type of commercial facility within a predetermined range based on the evaluation area, The steps include outputting the aforementioned evaluation index in relation to the parking lot, An information processing method having the following characteristics.

15. A program for causing a processor to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 12 to 14.

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