Information Management System

Abstract

To provide information about charging stations capable of charging intended by a user.SOLUTION: A terminal executes processing including the steps of: transmitting vehicle model information and location information when receiving a search request (YES in S150); and executing display processing when receiving charging station information (YES in S154). When a management server receives the vehicle model information and the location information (YES in S250), the management server executes processing including the steps of: executing extraction processing (S252); acquiring various temperatures (S254); calculating SOC recovery amount (S256); and transmitting the charging station information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management system.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for searching for a charging stand capable of charging a power storage device around a vehicle equipped with an externally chargeable power storage device using an in-vehicle navigation device or a terminal owned by a user is known.

[0003] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-193903 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for displaying icons capable of identifying the charging methods and output power magnitudes of a plurality of chargers in an image showing a map of a navigation device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the amount of charge that can be charged per unit time at a charging stand varies not only depending on the vehicle type and the capacity of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle, but also depending on external temperature environments such as the outside air temperature and the state of the power storage device. Therefore, even if a charging stand is selected using the charging method and the magnitude of the output power, it may not be possible to perform charging of the amount of charge intended by the user.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information management system capable of providing information about a charging stand capable of charging as intended by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information management system relating to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises multiple charging facilities capable of externally charging a battery storage device mounted on a vehicle, a server that manages the amount of charge that can be charged to the battery storage device at each of the multiple charging facilities over a predetermined period of time, and a terminal that includes a display device and can request the server to search for charging facilities. When the server receives a search request, it displays information on the charging facilities around the target location and the amount of charge that can be charged at each charging facility on the display device of the terminal.

[0008] In this way, the terminal displays the amount of charge available at charging facilities around the target location for a specified period, allowing the user to select a charging station that can provide the desired charge.

[0009] In one embodiment, once charging the energy storage device is complete, the charging facility sends the charging history, along with the vehicle type information and information about the energy storage device, to a server. The server uses the charging history to update the available charge amount for each vehicle type.

[0010] In this way, the charging capacity for each vehicle model is updated using the charging history, allowing for highly accurate information about charging stations that can provide the intended charging for the user.

[0011] In one further embodiment, the charging history includes the amount of charge over a predetermined period, the history of ambient temperature during charging, and the history of the temperature of the energy storage device.

[0012] In this way, by using the amount of charge over a predetermined period, the history of ambient temperature during charging, and the temperature history of the energy storage device, it is possible to obtain an accurate amount of charge that corresponds to the temperature environment.

[0013] In one further embodiment, the terminal sets the vehicle's current location as the target location.

[0014] This allows the user to select a charging station near the vehicle's current location that is capable of charging as intended.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the terminal sets a point between the current position of the vehicle and the destination of the vehicle and shorter than the vehicle's travelable distance as the target point, and displays the charging facilities acquired by the search request on the display device as options for the route.

[0016] By doing so, when charging is required between the current position and the destination, an appropriate charging facility can be selected as the route.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, an information management system capable of providing information about a charging stand where charging intended by the user is possible can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the information management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed among the vehicle, the management server, and the charging stand. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of tabular charging prediction information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed between the management server and the terminal.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments 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 description will not be repeated.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the information management system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the information management system 1 includes a vehicle 2, a communication network 6, a base station 7, a management server 100, a terminal 200, and a charging stand 300.

[0021] The vehicle 2 may be, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device capable of external charging. For example, it may be an electric vehicle with an electric motor as a drive source, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and an electric motor, with at least one of them as a drive source. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, only one vehicle 2 connected to the charging stand 300 is shown, but the number of vehicles connected to the charging stand 300 is not particularly limited to one, and includes cases where there are multiple vehicles.

[0022] The information management system 1 is configured to be communicable with the management server 100, and acquires or provides predetermined information from at least one of the vehicle 2, the terminal 200, and the charging stand 300, and manages the acquired information and the information to be provided.

[0023] The management server 100 includes a control device 11, a communication device 13, a storage device 15, and a communication bus 14 that connects each component so as to be communicable with each other.

[0024] The control device 11 includes a processor 11a that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory)) 11b, and the like. Various controls executed by the control device 11 are software processes, that is, executed by the program stored in the memory 11b being read out by the CPU 11a. Various controls by the control device 11 can also be realized by a general-purpose computer (not shown) executing a program stored in a storage medium. Various controls by the control device 11 are not limited to software processes, and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0025] The storage device 15 stores predetermined information about the charging station 300, which is configured to communicate with the management server 100. This predetermined information includes, for example, information about the location and charging capacity of the charging station 300, as described later, and information for identifying the charging station 300 (hereinafter referred to as the charging station ID). The charging station ID is unique information set for each charging station. The management server 100 can identify the location of the charging station 300 using the charging station ID.

[0026] The communication device 13 enables bidirectional communication between the control device 11 and the communication network 6. The management server 100 uses the communication device 13 to enable communication with the vehicle 2 equipped with the communication device 30 via the base station 7 located on the communication network 6. Furthermore, the management server 100 uses the communication device 13 to enable communication with the terminal 200 via the base station 7 located on the communication network 6.

[0027] Terminal 200 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device owned by the user of vehicle 2. Terminal 200 includes a control device 200a having a processor such as a CPU that executes programs and memory, a communication device 200b configured to communicate with the management server 100 via the base station 7, a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) 200c, and a location detection device 200d. The UI 200c includes, for example, a display device that displays predetermined information and a touch panel that accepts user operations. Terminal 200 stores applications and browsers that can connect to the management server 100 and search for charging spots around Terminal 200. The location detection device 200d detects the location of vehicle 2, for example. The location detection device 200d is composed of, for example, a receiving device that receives signals (radio waves) from a Global Positioning System (GROOM) satellite or a Wi-Fi (Local Area Network) base station.

[0028] The charging station 300 is installed, for example, in at least one of several parking spaces provided within a parking lot, and in Figure 1, one charging station 300 is shown as a representative example.

[0029] A power line (not shown) connected to the power grid is connected to the charging station 300. One end of a cable 302 is connected to the charging station 300. A connector 304 is connected to the other end of the cable 302. The connector 304 has a structure that allows it to be connected to the inlet 40 of the vehicle 2. Figure 1 shows the case where the connector 304 is connected to the inlet 40 of the vehicle 2.

[0030] The connector 304 is connected to the inlet 40, enabling the exchange of power between the charging station 300 and the vehicle 2's energy storage device 20. The charging station 300 includes, for example, a control device and a communication device (neither of which are shown), and is configured to communicate wirelessly or via wired connection with the management server 100 via the base station 7 and the communication network 6.

[0031] The charging station 300 includes a control device having a processor and memory for executing programs such as a CPU, and a communication device configured to communicate with the management server 100 via the base station 7. The communication device of the charging station 300 may be configured to enable power line communication with the vehicle 2 using the power lines included in the cable 302 as communication lines, or it may be configured to enable wireless communication.

[0032] Next, the specific configuration of Vehicle 2 will be described. Vehicle 2 further includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10, a power storage device 20, a communication device 30 consisting of a DCM (Data Communication Module), an inlet 40, and a navigation device 60.

[0033] The ECU 10 is a computer having a processor 10a that executes programs such as a CPU, and memory 10b. The ECU 10 includes various control programs for controlling various actuators mounted on the vehicle 2.

[0034] The energy storage device 20 is a DC power source configured to be rechargeable, and is comprised of, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a solid or liquid electrolyte, or a capacitor.

[0035] The communication device 30 is configured to enable bidirectional communication (wired or wireless communication) with the management server 100 via the communication network 6 and the base station 7.

[0036] The navigation device 60 includes, for example, a position detection device that identifies the position of the vehicle 2 using signals (radio waves) received from GPS satellites or Wi-Fi base stations, a database that stores map information and driving history, and a control device (none of which are shown) using a CPU or the like. The navigation device 60 identifies a driving route on a map from the current position of the vehicle 2 to the destination, and provides guidance to lead the vehicle 2 to the destination while it is traveling along the route. The navigation device 60 displays map information and guidance information on a touch panel display (not shown), identifies a destination entered by the user through operation on the touch panel, and displays multiple driving route options to the identified destination. Furthermore, the navigation device 60 is configured to display available charging stations around the vehicle 2 as options to the user through operation on the touch panel.

[0037] A user of vehicle 2 having the above-described configuration searches for a charging station 300 capable of charging the energy storage device 20 using a navigation device 60 or terminal 200. More specifically, when displaying the searched charging station on a display device such as the navigation device 60 or terminal 200, it is conceivable to display, for example, the available charging method and the magnitude of the output power in an identifiable manner. However, the amount of charge that can be charged in a predetermined period varies not only depending on the vehicle type and the capacity of the energy storage device, but also on external temperature conditions such as the outside temperature and the condition of the energy storage device. Therefore, even if a charging station is selected using the charging method and the magnitude of the output power, the user may not be able to charge the amount of charge they intended.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the management server 100 receives a request to search for a charging station 300 (hereinafter referred to as a search request), the management server 100 will display information on the terminal regarding charging facilities around the target location and the amount of charge available at those facilities. In this embodiment, the case in which the management server 100 displays this information on the terminal 200 will be described as an example.

[0039] Furthermore, at each of the multiple charging stations, once charging of the energy storage device 20 is complete, the charging history is transmitted to the management server 100 along with the vehicle type information of the vehicle 2 equipped with the energy storage device 20 and information about the energy storage device 20. The management server 100 updates the chargeable amount for each vehicle type using the charging history.

[0040] In this configuration, the terminal 200 displays the available charge amount at charging facilities around the target location for a predetermined period, allowing the user to select a charging station where they can charge their vehicle as intended. Furthermore, since the available charge amount is updated for each vehicle type using the charging history, the user can obtain highly accurate information about charging stations where they can charge their vehicle as intended.

[0041] The following describes an example of processing performed between vehicle 2, management server 100, and charging station 300, with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between vehicle 2, management server 100, and charging station 300. The processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly performed at predetermined control cycles in vehicle 2, management server 100, and charging station 300. The following describes the processing performed in vehicle 2 (specifically, ECU 10).

[0042] In step 100 (hereinafter referred to as S), the vehicle 2 determines whether or not it has been plugged in. The vehicle 2's ECU 10 determines that it has been plugged in if it detects that the plug has been attached to the inlet by a signal from a sensor (not shown) or a predetermined circuit. The sensor (not shown) or predetermined circuit may be, for example, a contact sensor or switch circuit that outputs an ON signal when the plug is attached to the inlet and stops outputting the ON signal (or outputs an OFF signal) when the plug is removed from the inlet. If it is determined that it has been plugged in (YES in S100), the process moves to S102.

[0043] In S102, vehicle 2 transmits vehicle information to charging station 300. Vehicle 2 may transmit vehicle information to charging station 300 via power line communication or the like through the plugged-in plug and cable. Alternatively, if wireless communication is possible between vehicle 2 and charging station 300, vehicle 2 may transmit vehicle information to charging station 300 via wireless communication. The vehicle information includes, for example, information about the vehicle type of vehicle 2, information about the capacity of the energy storage device 20 installed in vehicle 2, and information about the current SOC of the energy storage device 20. This process is then terminated. If it is determined that the vehicle is not plugged in (NO in S100), the process returns to S100.

[0044] Next, we will describe the processes performed in the charging station 300 (specifically, the control device of the charging station 300).

[0045] In S200, the charging station 300 determines whether or not to receive vehicle information. As the vehicle information is as described above, a detailed explanation will not be repeated. If it is determined that vehicle information has been received (YES in S200), the process moves to S202. If it is determined that vehicle information has not been received (NO in S200), the process returns to S200.

[0046] In S202, the charging station 300 determines whether the charging start condition is met. The charging start condition includes, for example, the condition that the vehicle has been plugged in. In this case, the charging station 300 determines that the charging start condition is met because, for example, it was determined in the process of S200 that the vehicle has been plugged in.

[0047] Alternatively, the charging start condition may include the condition that an operation to start charging has been received. In this case, the charging station 300 may determine that the charging start condition has been met when it receives an operation to start charging (for example, an operation directed at the charging station 300 or an operation directed at vehicle 2). If it is determined that the charging start condition has been met (YES in S202), the process moves to S204. If it is determined that the charging start condition has not been met (NO in S202), the process returns to S202.

[0048] In S204, the charging station 300 performs a charging process. The charging process includes charging the energy storage device 20 mounted on the vehicle 2. The charging station 300 controls, for example, the voltage applied to the energy storage device 20 and the current flowing through the energy storage device 20 so that sufficient power is supplied to charge the energy storage device 20. The charging station 300 controls the charging power so that the temperature state of the energy storage device 20 does not exceed a predetermined range during charging, and reduces the charging power if it exceeds the predetermined range. The charging station 300 performs the charging process from the start of charging until a predetermined period has elapsed, and terminates the charging process when the predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period may be, for example, 30 minutes if rapid charging is performed at the charging station 300, 1 or 2 hours if normal charging is performed, or a period set by the user. The process then moves to S206.

[0049] In S206, the charging station 300 determines whether charging is complete or not. The charging station 300 determines that charging is complete, for example, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed. If it is determined that charging is complete (YES in S206), the process moves to S208. If it is determined that charging is not complete (NO in S206), the process returns to S206.

[0050] In S208, the charging station 300 transmits various information to the management server 100. This information includes vehicle information received from vehicle 2, the amount of charge accumulated by the charging process performed up to a predetermined period, information on the ambient temperature at the start of charging, and identification information (hereinafter referred to as the charging station ID) that identifies the charging station 300. The vehicle information includes the temperature information of the energy storage device 20 at the start of charging. The charging station 300 may, for example, obtain the ambient temperature for charging using an ambient temperature sensor (not shown). This process is then terminated.

[0051] Next, we will describe the processes executed in the management server 100 (specifically, the control device 11).

[0052] In S300, the management server 100 determines whether or not to receive various information from the charging station 300. If the management server 100 determines that it has received various information from the charging station 300 (YES in S300), the process moves to S302.

[0053] In S302, the management server 100 sets the update information for the charging forecast. The management server 100 sets the updated information for the received charging station ID, associating it with the vehicle type, the capacity of the energy storage device 20, the current SOC of the energy storage device 20, the amount of charge over a predetermined period, the ambient temperature at the start of charging, and the temperature of the energy storage device 20 at the start of charging. The process then moves to S304.

[0054] In S304, the management server 100 updates the charging forecast information for the corresponding charging station using the update information. Figure 3 shows an example of charging forecast information in tabular format. As shown in Figure 3, the charging forecast information includes, for example, a first item that identifies the vehicle type, a second item that identifies the capacity of the energy storage device 20 in three stages, a third item that identifies the current SOC of the energy storage device 20 in three stages, a fourth item that identifies the charging station, a fifth item that identifies the ambient temperature at the start of charging in multiple temperature ranges, a sixth item that identifies the temperature of the energy storage device 20 at the start of charging in multiple temperature ranges, and a seventh item that identifies the amount of charge that can be charged (SOC recovery amount) over a predetermined period.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an example of charging prediction information for charging station 300 where the vehicle type is "A", both the capacity and current SOC are in the "Large" category, and the charging station ID is "b". Figure 3 shows that when the ambient temperature range at the start of charging is To(0)-To(1) and the temperature range of the energy storage device 20 is TB(0)-TB(1), the amount of charge that can be charged per predetermined period is ΔSOC(0). Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that when the ambient temperature range at the start of charging is To(1)-To(2) and the temperature range of the energy storage device 20 is TB(1)-TB(2), the amount of charge that can be charged per predetermined period is ΔSOC(1). Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that when the ambient temperature range at the start of charging is To(2)-To(3) and the temperature range of the energy storage device 20 is TB(2)-TB(3), the amount of charge that can be charged per predetermined period is ΔSOC(2).

[0056] The management server 100 uses the update information to identify the seventh item corresponding to the first to sixth items, and updates the chargeable amount included in the identified seventh item. The management server 100 may update by, for example, overwriting it with the chargeable amount included in the update information, or by overwriting it with the average value of the chargeable amount included in the update information and the chargeable amount for a predetermined period (or a predetermined number of times) up to the immediate past, or by performing statistical processing using the chargeable amount included in the update information and the chargeable amount for all periods up to the immediate past, for example, finding the chargeable amount that is calculated most frequently, and updating it by overwriting it with the found value. After this process is completed, the process is terminated.

[0057] The amount of charge available for each vehicle model for a predetermined period, stored in the management server 100, is displayed in response to a search request from the terminal 200, along with the locations of charging stations near the requested target location.

[0058] The following describes an example of processing performed between the management server 100 and the terminal 200, with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between the management server 100 and the terminal 200. The processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined control cycles in both the management server 100 and the terminal 200. The following describes the processing performed in the terminal 200 (specifically, the control device 200a).

[0059] In S150, terminal 200 determines whether or not there is a search request. For example, terminal 200 determines that there is a search request when it receives an operation to search for charging stations in its vicinity while an application for searching for charging stations is being launched. If it is determined that there is a search request (YES in S150), the process moves to S152.

[0060] In S152, terminal 200 transmits vehicle type information and location information to management server 100. Terminal 200 obtains vehicle type information that has been pre-registered by user operation or vehicle type information received through communication with the user's vehicle 2. The vehicle type information includes information about the vehicle type and information about the capacity of the installed energy storage device 20. Terminal 200 also obtains location information obtained by terminal 200's location detection device or location information received through communication with vehicle 2. The process then moves to S154.

[0061] In S154, terminal 200 determines whether or not to receive charging station information from management server 100. The charging station information includes location information for multiple charging stations 300 located within a predetermined distance from the terminal 200's location, and information about the amount of SOC recovery (chargeable amount) at each charging station 300 over a predetermined period. If it is determined that charging station information should be received (YES in S154), the process moves to S156. If it is determined that charging station information should not be received (NO in S154), the process returns to S154.

[0062] In S156, terminal 200 performs display processing. Terminal 200 performs display processing to display, for example, an image showing the location of the charging station 300 along with surrounding map information, and information such as numbers (percentage, power amount, etc.) and images showing the amount of SOC recovery on a display device such as a touch panel display. After that, the processing is terminated. Terminal 200 may, for example, display the SOC before charging and the SOC after charging, or it may display the charging state before charging and the charging state after charging using an image such as a bar graph.

[0063] Next, we will describe the processes executed in the management server 100 (specifically, the control device 11).

[0064] In S250, the management server 100 determines whether or not to receive vehicle information and location information. As detailed explanations of vehicle information and location information have been described above, they will not be repeated. If it is determined that vehicle information and location information have been received (YES in S250), the process moves to S252.

[0065] In S252, the management server 100 performs an extraction process. Specifically, the management server 100 performs a process to extract charging stations 300 within a predetermined distance from the target point based on the location information received from the terminal 200. For example, the management server 100 extracts charging station IDs within a predetermined distance from the target point from the location information associated with each charging station ID stored in the storage device 15. The process then moves to S254.

[0066] In S254, the management server 100 acquires various temperatures. Specifically, the management server 100 may acquire the ambient temperature of each extracted charging station 300 from another server, or it may acquire the ambient temperature from each charging station 300. Furthermore, the management server 100 may acquire the temperature of the energy storage device 20 of the vehicle 2 to be charged from the terminal 200 or from the vehicle 2. The process then moves to S256.

[0067] In S256, the management server 100 calculates the amount of SOC recovery for each of the extracted charging stands 300. The management server 100 calculates the amount of SOC recovery for each charging stand using the acquired vehicle type information, various temperatures, the extracted charging stand ID, and the charging prediction information shown in FIG. 3 that was acquired. The subsequent process proceeds to S258.

[0068] In S258, the management server 100 transmits charging stand information including the location information and the amount of SOC recovery for each of the extracted charging stands 300 to the terminal 200. The subsequent process ends.

[0069] An example of the operations of the vehicle 2, the management server 100, the terminal 200, and the charging stand 300 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[0070] <Update of SOC Recovery Amount> For example, assume that the vehicle 2 is parked in a parking space corresponding to one of a plurality of charging stands 300. When the user connects the plug of the charging stand 300 to the inlet of the vehicle 2, it is determined that it has been plugged in (YES in S100), and vehicle information is transmitted from the vehicle 2 to the charging stand 300 (S102).

[0071] At the charging stand 300, when vehicle information from the vehicle 2 is received (YES in S200), and when the charging start condition is satisfied, such as by receiving an operation to start charging (YES in S202), the charging process is executed (S204). When it is determined that charging has completed, such as after a predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S206), various information is transmitted from the charging stand 300 to the management server 100 (S208).

[0072] When various information is received by the management server 100 (YES in S300), update information is calculated. The calculated update information is used to update the charging forecast information for the corresponding charging station 300. At this time, the update information is used to update the SOC recovery amount corresponding to the vehicle type, capacity, charging station ID, ambient temperature range, and temperature range of the energy storage device 20 included in the charging forecast information. Each time charging is performed at one of the multiple charging stations 300 managed by the management server 100, various information is sent to the management server 100 and the SOC recovery amount is updated.

[0073] <Search for charging stations> For example, consider a scenario where a user operates terminal 200 to search for nearby charging stations. When terminal 200 receives a user operation and determines that a search request has been made (YES in S150), vehicle information and location information of the target location (for example, the location information of the user's vehicle) are sent to the management server 100 (S152).

[0074] When the management server 100 receives vehicle information and location information (YES in S250), an extraction process is performed (S252) to extract charging stations 300 around the target location. Subsequently, various temperatures are acquired (S254), and the SOC recovery amount for each extracted charging station 300 is calculated using the charging prediction information (S256). Then, the charging station information, including the calculated SOC recovery amount, is transmitted to the terminal 200 (S258).

[0075] When charging station information is received by terminal 200 (YES in S154), display processing is executed (S156). As a result, an image showing the location of charging stations 300 within a predetermined distance from the target location, and text information showing the SOC recovery amount of the displayed charging station 300 are displayed on the map. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the location of the surrounding charging stations 300 and the SOC recovery amount at each charging station 300 via the display device of terminal 200.

[0076] As described above, according to the information management system 1 of this embodiment, the terminal 200 displays the amount of charge (SOC recovery amount) available at the charging stations 300 around the target location for a predetermined period, so that the user can select a charging station where the user intends to charge their device. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information management system that can provide information about charging stations where the user intends to charge their device.

[0077] Furthermore, when charging is performed at each charging station 300, the charging capacity for each vehicle model is updated using the charging history, allowing users to obtain highly accurate information about charging stations that can perform the charging they intended.

[0078] The following describes variations.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the charging stations 300 around the target location were searched using the terminal 200. However, for example, instead of the terminal 200, a terminal mounted on the vehicle 2 may be used to search for charging stations 300 around the vehicle 2. The terminal on the vehicle 2 is composed of, for example, an ECU 10, a communication device 30, and a navigation device 60.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, update information was set using various information from the charging station 300. However, the various information may include, for example, the upper limit of the charging power of the charging station 300.

[0081] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained as setting charging prediction information for each charging station 300 at each location, common charging prediction information may be set for charging stations 300 of the same model.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case in which various information is transmitted from the charging station 300 to the management server 100 was explained as an example, but it is also possible that predetermined information is transmitted from the charging station 300 to the vehicle 2, and then various information is transmitted from the vehicle 2 to the management server 100.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the location information of the charging stations 300 around the target location and the amount of SOC recovery were displayed. However, instead of or in addition to the amount of SOC recovery, the increase in the cruising range may also be displayed.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the location of the vehicle 2 and the location of the terminal 200 were used as target points to search for nearby charging stations 300. However, for example, when a destination for the vehicle 2 is set in the navigation device 60, a point shorter than the remaining driving distance may be set as the target point. In this case, charging stations 300 around the target point can be displayed as waypoints, so that an appropriate charging station can be selected as a waypoint if charging is needed along the way to the destination.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-mentioned modifications may be implemented by combining all or part of them as appropriate.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 Information management system, 2 Vehicle, 6 Communication network, 7 Base station, 10 ECU, 10a,11a Processor, 10b,11b Memory, 11,200a Control device, 13,30,200b Communication device, 14 Communication bus, 15 Storage device, 20 Energy storage device, 40 Inlet, 60 Navigation device, 100 Management server, 200 Terminal, 200c UI, 200d Location detection device, 300 Charging station, 302 Cable, 304 Connector.

Claims

1. Multiple charging facilities that allow external charging of the battery storage device installed in the vehicle, A server that manages the amount of charge that can be charged to the energy storage device within a predetermined period at each of the plurality of charging facilities, The system includes a display device and a terminal capable of requesting the server to search for the charging facilities, When the server receives the search request, it displays information regarding the charging facilities in the vicinity of the target location and the amount of charge available at the charging facilities on the display device of the terminal. An information management system in which the amount of charge that can be charged is derived from the vehicle type information of the vehicle, information about the energy storage device, and information about the charging history including the amount of charge during the predetermined period, the history of ambient temperature during charging, and the history of temperature of the energy storage device.

2. When the charging facility completes charging the energy storage device, it transmits the charging history along with the vehicle type information and information about the energy storage device to the server. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the server updates the chargeable amount for each vehicle model using the charging history.

3. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal sets the current location of the vehicle as the target location.

4. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal sets a target point that is between the vehicle's current location and the vehicle's destination and is shorter than the vehicle's drivable distance, and displays the charging facility obtained by the search request as an option for a waypoint on the display device.

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