Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, program and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that allows a user, an owner, or an administrator of a portable energy accumulator to bring the portable energy accumulator into a location of a supplement device on the basis of suggestion information transmitted to a terminal device.SOLUTION: In an information processing system 10, a server 28 (an information processing device), in the first place, transmits suggestion information for suggesting charging to batteries 20 by a supplement device 37, from the server 28 to a plurality of user terminals 24. Next, the supplement device 37 and a plurality of batteries 20 are connected to charge the plurality of batteries 20 from the supplement device 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system. The information processing system includes an electric vehicle equipped with a battery, a server, and a communication device carried by a delivery person. When the electric vehicle determines that the battery needs to be replaced, it requests the server to deliver a replacement battery. The server instructs the delivery person's communication device to deliver the battery. The delivery person delivers the replacement battery to the electric vehicle based on the instruction content notified from the communication device. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 53802 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Meanwhile, batteries (portable energy storage devices) collected from electric vehicles are charged at a storage location. At the storage location, it is possible to charge the batteries even in the event of a disaster or the like. However, when the number of collected batteries is small, the power generation facility (replenishment device) charges each battery with a load that is extremely low relative to its rated capacity. As a result, the power generation facility cannot be fully utilized. Further, when operating the power generation facility under a low load condition, it is conceivable to operate the power generation facility for a long time in response to the load reduction. However, even if the operation time is extended, it is difficult to charge the battery with a desired amount of energy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that can communicate with a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device, wherein the portable energy storage device, when connected to a replenishment device, can be supplied with energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device, and the information processing device includes a transmitting unit that transmits solicitation information to the terminal device to recommend the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising a portable energy storage device, a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of the portable energy storage device, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein the portable energy storage device, when connected to a replenishment device, can be supplied with energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device, and the information processing device includes a transmitting unit that transmits solicitation information to the terminal device to recommend the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method when a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device is able to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing method comprising: a first step of transmitting solicitation information from the information processing device to the terminal device for recommending the replenishment of energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using a replenishment device; and a second step of connecting the replenishment device and the portable energy storage device based on the solicitation information and replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device from the replenishment device.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method of the third aspect.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium for storing the program of the fourth aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device brings the portable energy storage device to the location of the replenishment device based on solicitation information transmitted to the terminal device. This makes it possible to replenish energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device even in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, when multiple portable energy storage devices are gathered together, the maximum amount of energy is extracted from the replenishment device and replenished with energy or an energy source to each portable energy storage device. This makes it possible to make the most of the replenishment device.

[0012] Furthermore, once the energy or energy source has been replenished, the user, owner, or manager can take the portable energy storage unit back for use. Therefore, a power grid for the portable energy storage unit becomes unnecessary. In other words, by bringing in multiple portable energy storage units to replenish the energy or energy source, and then taking the replenished units back, a pseudo-power grid can be constructed.

[0013] Furthermore, by pre-filling portable energy storage units with energy or energy sources at the replenishment device location, the replenished portable energy storage units can be provided to users, owners, or administrators. This helps to avoid overcrowding at the replenishment device location. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the power supply unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the output power of the replenishment device and its operating time. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between output power and conversion efficiency of a replenishment device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a charging method in a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a charging method in an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial configuration diagram showing a first modification of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial configuration diagram showing a second modification of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a plurality of power devices 14 (replenishment units), a power supply source 16 (external supply source), an inverter 18, a plurality of batteries 20 (portable energy storages, portable power storages), an operator terminal 22 (another terminal device), a plurality of user terminals 24 (terminal devices), and a server 28 (information processing device, computer).

[0016] The power supply source 16, the inverter 18, and the plurality of power devices 14 are arranged at a charging location 34 (position of the replenishment device) for the batteries 20. The power supply source 16 is electrically connected to the plurality of power devices 14 via the inverter 18. The plurality of power devices 14 are connected in parallel to the inverter 18.

[0017] The power supply source 16 outputs power (energy). The power supply source 16 is, for example, a mobile body 36 such as a bus. The power supply source 16 outputs direct-current power (energy) by driving a driving source such as a generator or a fuel cell mounted on the mobile body 36. The inverter 18 converts direct-current power output from the power supply source 16 into alternating-current power.

[0018] The plurality of power devices 14 are charging devices (chargers). The plurality of power devices 14 are movable. A battery 20 is detachably attached to each of the plurality of power devices 14. Each of the plurality of power devices 14 converts AC power supplied from an inverter 18 into DC power, and charges the battery 20 with the converted DC power. Accordingly, the inverter 18 and the plurality of power devices 14 constitute a replenishing device 37 (charging device) for accumulating (replenishing) power (energy) in the plurality of batteries 20.

[0019] Each of the plurality of user terminals 24 is a terminal used by a user, an owner, or an administrator of the battery 20. In the following description, a user, an owner, or an administrator is also referred to as a user 39. The user 39 owns the user terminal 24 and the battery 20. The user 39 uses a load (not illustrated) by operating the load with power supplied from the battery 20 at a place of use 42 of the battery 20. The place of use 42 is a place (position) where the battery 20, the user terminal 24, and the load are located. The user 39 can also carry the battery 20 to a charging place 34. Alternatively, the user 39 can carry the battery 20 charged by any one of the plurality of power devices 14 to the place of use 42.

[0020] An operator terminal 22 is a terminal used by an operator of the information processing system 10. The operator manages the charging place 34 and the like.

[0021] A server 28 comprehensively controls the information processing system 10. The server 28 is wirelessly connected to the operator terminal 22, the plurality of user terminals 24, and the plurality of power devices 14 via a communication network 44. In the following description, a case where the server 28 is a single computer (physical server) will be described. The server 28 may also be a cloud server configured by a plurality of computers.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system 10. Multiple user terminals 24 have the same configuration. Figure 2 shows one of the multiple user terminals 24. Also, multiple power units 14 have the same configuration. Figure 2 shows one of the multiple power units 14.

[0023] The power unit 14 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 58, a detection unit 60, a control unit 62, a display unit 64, and a battery 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 58 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the server 28 via wireless communication. The detection unit 60 detects various information related to the power unit 14 and the battery 20. For example, the detection unit 60 detects the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 20, the input power from the inverter 18 to the power unit 14, and the position information of the power unit 14. Therefore, the detection unit 60 is a sensor provided in the power unit 14. The power unit 14 can periodically acquire its current position by being equipped with a positioning system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The control unit 62 is a processor and comprehensively controls the entire power unit 14. The display unit 64 displays various display contents based on the control from the control unit 62.

[0024] The operator terminal 22 and the multiple user terminals 24 are wireless communication terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. The operator terminal 22 has a transceiver 70, an input unit 72, a control unit 74, a display unit 76, and a memory 78. Each of the multiple user terminals 24 has a transceiver 80, an input unit 82, a control unit 84, a display unit 86, and a memory 88.

[0025] The transmitting and receiving units 70 and 80 transmit and receive signals or information wirelessly with the server 28. The input units 72 and 82 are input devices such as touch panels, keyboards, and mice operated by the operator or multiple users 39 (see Figure 1). The control units 74 and 84 are processors that realize various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memories 78 and 88. The control units 74 and 84 comprehensively control the operator terminal 22 or multiple user terminals 24. The display units 76 and 86 display various display contents based on the control from the control units 74 and 84.

[0026] Server 28 comprises a transmitting / receiving unit 100 (transmitting unit), a control unit 102, a display unit 104, and a memory 106 (storage medium). The transmitting / receiving unit 100 transmits and receives signals or information wirelessly with the operator terminal 22, multiple user terminals 24, and multiple power devices 14. The control unit 102 is a processor that reads and executes programs stored in the memory 106 to realize the functions of the acquisition unit 110 (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit), the determination unit 112, and the notification processing unit 113 (solicitation information generation unit, instruction information generation unit). Details of the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the notification processing unit 113 will be described later. The control unit 102 also comprehensively controls the entire server 28. The display unit 104 displays various display contents based on the control from the control unit 102.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the power device 14. The power device 14 is a power device that combines charging and power supply functions. In this embodiment, as described above, the power device 14 is used as a charging device.

[0028] The power unit 14 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped housing 122. Inside the housing 122 is a storage compartment 124. A battery 20 is housed in the storage compartment 124. The storage compartment 124 opens upward through an opening 126. The top of the housing 122 is provided with a cover 128 that covers the opening 126. The cover 128 is equipped with an open button 130. When the user (operator, user 39 (see Figure 1)) presses the open button 130, the cover 128 opens. When the cover 128 is open, the user can insert and remove the battery 20 from the storage compartment 124.

[0029] A handle portion 132 is provided on the top surface of the battery 20. The user can carry the battery 20 by holding the handle portion 132. A connection terminal 134 is provided on the bottom surface of the battery 20. The connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 is, for example, a female terminal. A connection terminal 136 (connection portion) is provided on the bottom of the housing chamber 124. The connection terminal 136 of the housing chamber 124 is, for example, a male terminal. When the user inserts the battery 20 into the housing chamber 124, the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 and the connection terminal 136 of the housing chamber 124 engage. This electrically connects the battery 20 and the power device 14. When the user removes the battery 20 from the housing chamber 124, the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 separates from the connection terminal 136 of the housing chamber 124. This electrically disconnects the battery 20 and the power device 14.

[0030] The cover 128 is equipped with an indicator 138 that displays the remaining charge of the battery 20. The indicator 138 corresponds to the display unit 64 in Figure 2.

[0031] A handle portion 140 is provided on one side of the top surface of the housing 122. Handle portions 142 and 144 are provided on two opposite sides of the bottom surface of the housing 122. The upper handle portion 140 and the two lower handle portions 142 and 144 extend parallel to each other. The user can carry the power device 14 by gripping two of the three handle portions 140, 142, and 144.

[0032] On the upper surface of the housing 122, a recessed area 146 is formed in the portion between the cover 128 and the handle portion 140, which slopes downwards. The recessed area 146 is inclined more diagonally the further it is from the cover 128. Therefore, a gap is formed between the handle portion 140 and the recessed area 146. The recessed area 146 is equipped with a USB terminal 148 and an AC output terminal 150. The USB terminal 148 is a terminal for outputting DC power to the outside. The AC output terminal 150 is a terminal for outputting AC power to the outside.

[0033] On the side of the housing 122, near the handle portion 142, are provided an AC input terminal 152 and a DC input terminal 154. The AC input terminal 152 is a terminal for inputting AC power from an external source. That is, the AC input terminal 152 is electrically connected to the inverter 18 (see Figure 1) via a cable (not shown). The DC input terminal 154 is a terminal for inputting DC power from an external source.

[0034] The information processing system 10 (see Figure 1) is applied, for example, to the charging process of multiple batteries 20 used by multiple users 39 in a disaster-stricken area such as an earthquake. Specifically, a charging station 34 is set up in the disaster area, and the multiple users 39 are requested to bring their batteries 20 to the charging station 34. At the charging station 34, the multiple batteries 20 that have been brought in are charged. The multiple users 39 then take the charged batteries 20 back to the usage location 42.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 10 (see Figure 1) in this application example.

[0036] In step S1 of Figure 4, the operator sets up a charging station 34 (see Figure 1) in the disaster-stricken area. Specifically, the operator brings a power supply source 16, an inverter 18, and multiple power devices 14 to the disaster area. The operator electrically connects the inverter 18 to the power supply source 16. The operator electrically connects the multiple power devices 14 in parallel to the inverter 18. As a result, a charging station 34 is established in the disaster area, and a replenishment device 37 is configured.

[0037] Next, the operator operates the input unit 72 (see Figure 2) of the operator terminal 22 to input information about the power supply source 16 and replenishment device 37 installed at the charging location 34. Specifically, the operator inputs information related to the specifications of the power supply source 16, inverter 18, and multiple power devices 14. Each piece of input information is stored in the memory 78. The control unit 74 of the operator terminal 22 reads each piece of input information and calculates the characteristics (charging characteristics) of the power supply source 16 and replenishment device 37 as power generation equipment based on the read information. The calculated characteristics of the power generation equipment are stored in the memory 78.

[0038] Figures 5 and 6 show the characteristics of the power generation equipment. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the power output and operating time of the power generation equipment. Figure 6 shows the relationship between the power output and conversion efficiency of the power generation equipment.

[0039] In the characteristics shown in Figure 5, the operating time of the power generation equipment decreases as the output power of the power generation equipment (output power of the inverter 18) increases. Conversely, in the characteristics shown in Figure 5, the operating time of the power generation equipment increases as the output power of the power generation equipment decreases. Furthermore, the characteristics in Figure 5 change depending on the size of the load (multiple batteries 20) connected to the power generation equipment. Specifically, the dashed line characteristics shown in Figure 5 represent the characteristics of an ideal power generation equipment. In contrast, when the load connected to the power generation equipment decreases, the characteristics of the power generation equipment change from the dashed line characteristics to the solid line characteristics. That is, when comparing for the same operating time, the output power of the power generation equipment decreases as the load decreases. In other words, the losses of the power generation equipment increase as the load decreases.

[0040] In the characteristics shown in Figure 6, the conversion efficiency of the power generation equipment (the conversion efficiency of the inverter 18) changes according to the output power of the power generation equipment. Specifically, the higher the output power of the power generation equipment, the higher the conversion efficiency. In other words, the higher the output voltage of the power generation equipment, the lower the losses of the power generation equipment.

[0041] Therefore, in step S1, the operator terminal 22 (see Figure 2) transmits the characteristics and information of the power generation equipment stored in the memory 78 to the server 28 via the communication network 44.

[0042] Furthermore, in each of the multiple power devices 14, the detection unit 60 periodically detects (acquires) location information of the power device 14. The transmitting / receiving unit 58 transmits the location information detected by the detection unit 60 to the server 28 via the communication network 44.

[0043] In step S2, the transceiver unit 100 of the server 28 receives information from the operator terminal 22 and the multiple power devices 14. The received information is stored in the memory 106.

[0044] In step S3 (the first step), the notification processing unit 113 of the server 28 generates invitation information to recommend charging the battery 20 at the replenishment device 37. In this case, the notification processing unit 113 may include the location information of the charging location 34 in the invitation information. Since multiple power devices 14 are located at the charging location 34, the location information of the multiple power devices 14 may be considered as the location information of the charging location 34. The transmitting and receiving unit 100 transmits the generated invitation information to multiple user terminals 24 via the communication network 44.

[0045] In step S4, when the transmitting / receiving unit 80 receives solicitation information in each of the multiple user terminals 24, the display unit 86 displays the solicitation information. By checking the solicitation information displayed on the display unit 86, the user 39 can recognize that the battery 20 can be charged at the charging location 34.

[0046] In step S5, each of the multiple users 39 takes the battery 20 from the usage location 42 to the charging location 34.

[0047] In step S6 (second step), multiple users 39 arrive at the charging location 34 with their batteries 20. The operator or users 39 install the batteries 20 into the power device 14.

[0048] When the battery 20 is installed in the power supply unit 14, the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 and the connection terminal 136 of the housing chamber 124 are mated. The detection unit 52 periodically detects (acquires) connection information between the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 and the connection terminal 136 of the housing chamber 124, the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 20, etc.

[0049] In step S7, the transmitting / receiving unit 50 periodically transmits the connection information and SOC, etc., detected by the detection unit 52 to the server 28 via the communication network 44. The server 28 receives information from the multiple power devices 14 and stores it in the memory 106.

[0050] In step S8, the acquisition unit 110 reads the information of the multiple power devices 14 and the characteristics of the power generation equipment stored in the memory 106. Based on the information read, the determination unit 112 determines whether to start charging the multiple batteries 20 with the replenishment device 37.

[0051] Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 identifies the rated output (rated value of output power) of the inverter 18 based on the characteristics of the power generation equipment. The acquisition unit 110 also calculates the total capacity of the multiple batteries 20 based on the information of the multiple power devices 14. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 110 calculates the total amount of charge (rechargeable amount) for the multiple batteries 20.

[0052] The determination unit 112 determines whether to start charging the multiple batteries 20 based on the rated output of the inverter 18, the total capacity of the multiple batteries 20, and the total amount of charge added to the multiple batteries 20. More specifically, the determination unit 112 determines whether the output power of the inverter 18, corresponding to the total amount of charge added, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, when the output power of the power generation equipment is P1, the conversion efficiency is η1. Therefore, when multiple batteries 20 are charged with output power P1, the replenishment device 37 charges the multiple batteries 20 at a low conversion efficiency, resulting in significant losses.

[0054] In contrast, when the output power of the power generation equipment is P2, the conversion efficiency is η2 (η1 < η2). When multiple batteries 20 are charged with output power P2, the replenishment device 37 charges the multiple batteries 20 at a high conversion efficiency. This reduces the losses of the replenishment device 37.

[0055] The threshold value mentioned above is the output power value corresponding to the conversion efficiency that reduces the losses of the replenishment device 37. Therefore, the more batteries 20 connected in parallel to the inverter 18 there are, the greater the load connected to the inverter 18. This increases the output power of the power generation equipment (inverter 18) and reduces the losses of the replenishment device 37. In other words, in this embodiment, the losses of the power generation equipment are reduced by adjusting the load on the power generation equipment by controlling the number of batteries 20 and the output power of the power generation equipment.

[0056] Therefore, in step S8, the determination unit 112 determines whether charging of the batteries 20 is permitted if the output power of the power generation equipment corresponding to the total charge amount of the batteries 20 is less than the threshold (step S8: NO). Alternatively, the determination unit 112 determines whether charging of the batteries 20 is permitted if the output power of the power generation equipment is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S8: YES).

[0057] In step S9, the notification processing unit 113, upon receiving the positive determination result in step S8, generates instruction information to instruct the charging of the multiple batteries 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 100 transmits the instruction information to the power device 14 via the communication network 44.

[0058] In step S10 (second step), each of the multiple power devices 14 starts charging the battery 20 based on instruction information from the server 28.

[0059] In step S11, in each of the multiple power devices 14, the control unit 62 determines whether charging of the battery 20 is complete based on the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 20 detected by the detection unit 60.

[0060] When the battery 20 is fully charged, the control unit 62 determines that charging of the battery 20 is complete (step S11: YES). The control unit 62 displays on the indicator 138 (display unit 64) that the battery 20 is fully charged. The operator or user 39 can recognize that charging of the battery 20 is complete by checking the display on the indicator 138.

[0061] In step S12, the operator or user 39 removes the charged battery 20 from the power supply 14. The user 39 takes the removed battery 20 back to the usage location 42.

[0062] The charging of multiple batteries 20 at the charging location 34 (see Figure 1), including step S10 in Figure 4, will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0063] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating the charging method in a comparative example. Figure 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating the charging method in this embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the case where the mobile body 36 as the power supply source 16 is a bus.

[0064] The inverter 18 has an interface 155, a plurality of DC / DC converters 157, and a plurality of DC / AC converters 159. The interface 155 is electrically connected to the power supply source 16 via a cable (not shown). The plurality of DC / DC converters 157 are electrically connected in parallel to the interface 155. The plurality of DC / AC converters 159 are electrically connected in parallel to any one of the DC / DC converters 157. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the case where a plurality of DC / AC converters 159 are connected to a single DC / DC converter 157.

[0065] Interface 155 outputs DC power supplied from power source 16 to multiple DC / DC converters 157. Each of the multiple DC / DC converters 157 converts the DC voltage from interface 155 into a DC voltage of a different voltage value. Each of the multiple DC / AC converters 159 converts the DC power input from DC / DC converters 157 into AC power.

[0066] In the comparative example shown in Figure 7, a power supply unit 161 is electrically connected to the output side of a single DC / AC converter 159. The power supply unit 161 is a power device that does not have a battery 20. In other words, in the comparative example, only one load is connected to the inverter 18 that constitutes the replenishment device 37. The replenishment device 37 supplies power to the power supply unit 161 at a low conversion efficiency. As a result, the losses of the replenishment device 37 become large.

[0067] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, three power supply units 161 are electrically connected in parallel to one of the three DC / AC converters 159. Furthermore, three power devices 14 are electrically connected in parallel to each of the remaining DC / AC converters 159. Therefore, in this embodiment, the load connected to the replenishment device 37 is larger than in the comparative example. As a result, the replenishment device 37 can supply power to multiple power devices 14 and multiple power supply units 161 while maintaining high conversion efficiency. Consequently, the losses of the replenishment device 37 can be reduced.

[0068] Figure 9 is a partial configuration diagram of a first modified example of this embodiment. In the first modified example, the power device 164 (replenishment unit) is shown as having only the function related to charging. In this case, the replenishment device 37 is composed of the inverter 18 and the power device 164. In the first modified example, a recess 170 is formed on the upper surface of the power device 164. The battery 20 is attached to the power device 164 by inserting its bottom into the recess 170. A male connector terminal 136 is provided at the bottom of the recess 170. When the battery 20 is inserted into the recess 170, the connector terminal 134 of the battery 20 and the connector terminal 136 of the recess 170 engage. This electrically connects the battery 20 and the power device 164. In the first modified example as well, it is possible to charge multiple batteries 20 from the power supply source 16 using multiple power devices 164. The power device 164 may also have the transmitting / receiving unit 58, detection unit 60, control unit 62, and display unit 64 of the power device 14 (see Figure 2) described above.

[0069] Figure 10 is a partial configuration diagram of a second modified example of this embodiment. In the second modified example, the power device 172 (replenishment unit) can accommodate a large number of batteries 20. In this case, the replenishment device 37 is composed of the inverter 18 and the power device 172. Specifically, a plurality of storage compartments 174 are formed on the side (front) of the power device 172. The plurality of storage compartments 174 are recesses capable of accommodating batteries 20. In Figure 10, a total of nine storage compartments 174 are formed on the side of the power device 172. At the bottom of each of the plurality of storage compartments 174, a male connector (not shown) is provided that can be connected to the connection terminals 134 (see Figure 3) of the battery 20. The plurality of connectors can be a plurality of connectors 136. In the second modified example, a single power device 172 can be used to charge a large number of batteries 20 from the power supply source 16. Furthermore, the power device 172 may have the transmitting / receiving unit 58, detection unit 60, control unit 62, and display unit 64 of the power device 14 (see Figure 2) described above.

[0070] In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, each of the multiple user terminals 24 (see Figure 1) may transmit its own location information to the server 28. The location information received by the server 28 is stored in memory 106 (see Figure 2). The acquisition unit 110 can easily create route information from the usage location 42 to the charging location 34 based on the location information of the multiple user terminals 24 and the location information of the multiple power devices 14 (location information of the charging location 34) stored in memory 106. The notification processing unit 113 generates notification information including the route information created by the acquisition unit 110. As a result, the user 39 can easily move from the usage location 42 to the charging location 34 by checking the route information included in the notification information.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, the server 28 (see Figure 1) may transmit solicitation information to the operator terminal 22. This allows the operator to easily recognize, by checking the solicitation information, that the user 39 may bring the battery 20 to the charging location 34 when the solicitation information is displayed on the display unit 76 (see Figure 2) of the operator terminal 22.

[0072] Furthermore, as described above, the server 28, the operator terminal 22, and the multiple power devices 14 are wirelessly connected via the communication network 44. Therefore, instead of the server 28, either the operator terminal 22 or the multiple power devices 14 may generate the solicitation information and transmit the generated solicitation information to the multiple user terminals 24.

[0073] When the operator terminal 22 functions in place of the server 28, the control unit 74 functions as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the notification processing unit 113. When multiple power devices 14 function in place of the server 28, the control unit 62 functions as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the notification processing unit 113.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device that implements the functions of the acquisition unit 110, the device that implements the functions of the determination unit 112, and the device that implements the functions of the notification processing unit 113 can be separate devices. Alternatively, the functions of two of the components of the acquisition unit 110, determination unit 112, and notification processing unit 113 can be implemented in one device, and the function of the remaining component can be implemented in another device. For example, each control unit 62 of a plurality of power devices 14 may function as the acquisition unit 110, and the control unit 102 of the server 28 may function as the determination unit 112 and the notification processing unit 113. Alternatively, each control unit 62 of a plurality of power devices 14 may function as the acquisition unit 110 and the determination unit 112, and the control unit 102 of the server 28 may function as the notification processing unit 113. Even in this case, solicitation information can be transmitted to a plurality of user terminals 24.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply source 16 can be any power source capable of charging multiple batteries 20 from an external source. Therefore, the power supply source 16 may be a power system other than the mobile unit 36. Alternatively, the power supply source 16 may be an engine generator that generates electricity by burning fuel.

[0076] Furthermore, the above description described the case where the battery 20 is charged. In this embodiment, a portable energy storer that stores other energy or energy sources may be replenished with other energy or energy sources. For example, the portable energy storer may be a hydrogen cartridge that contains hydrogen as an energy source. In this case, the power device 14 becomes a power device that can be fitted with a hydrogen cartridge.

[0077] Specifically, the power unit 14 includes a hydrogen cartridge and a fuel cell. The hydrogen cartridge is installed in the power unit 14. The hydrogen cartridge is filled with hydrogen supplied from an external source. In this case, at the charging location 34, the power unit 14 can be any replenishment unit capable of installing a hydrogen cartridge, such as the power unit 164 shown in Figure 9. This allows the hydrogen cartridge to be filled with hydrogen from an external source while installed in the replenishment unit. The fuel cell generates electricity using the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge. The power unit 14 can supply the electricity generated by the fuel cell to the outside.

[0078] The inventions that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below.

[0079] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device (28) that can communicate with a terminal device (24) used by a user, owner, or manager (39) of a portable energy storage device (20), wherein the portable energy storage device is capable of receiving energy or an energy source from a replenishment device (37) when connected to the replenishment device, and the information processing device includes a transmitting unit that transmits solicitation information to the terminal device to encourage the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0080] According to the present invention, the user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device brings the portable energy storage device to the location of the replenishment device based on solicitation information transmitted to the terminal device. This makes it possible to replenish energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device even in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, when multiple portable energy storage devices are gathered together, the maximum amount of energy is extracted from the replenishment device and replenished with energy or an energy source to each portable energy storage device. This makes it possible to make the most of the replenishment device.

[0081] Furthermore, once the energy or energy source has been replenished, the user, owner, or manager can take the portable energy storage unit back for use. Therefore, a power grid for the portable energy storage unit becomes unnecessary. In other words, by bringing in multiple portable energy storage units to replenish the energy or energy source, and then taking the replenished units back, a pseudo-power grid can be constructed.

[0082] Furthermore, by pre-filling portable energy storage units with energy or energy sources at the replenishment device location, the replenished portable energy storage units can be provided to users, owners, or administrators. This helps to avoid overcrowding at the replenishment device location.

[0083] In a first aspect of the present invention, the information processing device further comprises a first acquisition unit (110) that acquires the filling characteristics of the energy or energy source in the replenishment device, and a solicitation information generation unit (113) that generates solicitation information based on the filling characteristics.

[0084] This enables the generation of highly accurate solicitation information. Furthermore, in times of disaster, it becomes possible to collect the necessary amount of portable energy storage devices according to their charging characteristics.

[0085] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of portable energy storage devices can be connected in parallel to the replenishment device, and the information processing device further comprises: a second acquisition unit (110) that acquires the amount of energy or energy source that can be replenished to the plurality of portable energy storage devices connected to the replenishment device; a determination unit (112) that determines whether to permit the replenishment of energy or energy source from the replenishment device to the plurality of portable energy storage devices based on the filling characteristics and the amount of replenishment; and an instruction information generation unit (113) that generates instruction information to instruct the replenishment of energy or energy source when the determination unit permits the replenishment of energy or energy source to the plurality of portable energy storage devices, and the transmission unit transmits the instruction information to the replenishment device.

[0086] This allows for efficient replenishment of energy or energy sources to multiple portable energy storage devices.

[0087] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit permits the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to the plurality of portable energy storage devices when the replenishable amount is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0088] This ensures that energy or energy sources are not replenished in a way that results in significant losses.

[0089] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the replenishment device is connected to an external supply source (16), which replenishes the energy or energy source to a plurality of portable energy storage devices.

[0090] This allows for efficient replenishment of energy or energy sources to portable energy storage devices.

[0091] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the external supply source is a mobile body (36).

[0092] This makes it possible to move an external power source to a disaster area and then supply energy or an energy source from the external power source to a portable energy storage device at the destination.

[0093] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the solicitation information includes location information of the replenishment device.

[0094] This allows users, owners, or managers of portable energy storage devices to easily and reliably bring the portable energy storage device to the replenishment equipment.

[0095] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the solicitation information includes route information from the location of the terminal device to the location of the replenishment device.

[0096] This ensures that users, owners, or managers of portable energy storage devices are reliably guided to the location of the replenishment device.

[0097] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the replenishment device includes a connection portion (136) to which the portable energy storage device is connected, and replenishment portions (14, 164, 172) for replenishing the portable energy storage device with energy or the energy source via the connection portion.

[0098] This allows for reliable and efficient replenishment of energy or electricity from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0099] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting unit transmits the solicitation information to another terminal device (22) used by the user, owner, or administrator of the replenishment device.

[0100] This allows the user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device to be notified when the user, owner, or manager of the portable energy storage device brings the portable energy storage device to the replenishment device.

[0101] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the portable energy storage device is a portable power storage device that stores electricity, and the replenishment device is a charging device capable of replenishing the electricity to the portable power storage device.

[0102] This makes it possible to replenish power from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0103] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing system (10) comprising a portable energy storage device, a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of the portable energy storage device, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein the portable energy storage device, when connected to a replenishment device, can be supplied with energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device, and the information processing device includes a transmitting unit that transmits solicitation information to the terminal device to recommend the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

[0104] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0105] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method when a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device is able to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing method comprising: a first step of transmitting solicitation information from the information processing device to the terminal device for recommending the replenishment of energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using a replenishment device; and a second step of connecting the replenishment device and the portable energy storage device based on the solicitation information and replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device from the replenishment device.

[0106] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0107] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer (28) to execute the information processing method of the third aspect.

[0108] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0109] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium (106) for storing the program of the fourth aspect.

[0110] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 10… Information Processing Systems 20… Battery (portable energy storage device) 24...User terminal (terminal device) 28…Server (information processing device, computer) 37…Replenishment device 39…User (user, owner, or administrator) 100...Transmitting / receiving unit (transmitter) 106...Memory (storage medium)

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device used by the user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device, When the portable energy storage device is connected to a replenishment device, it is possible to replenish energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device. The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition unit for acquiring the filling characteristics of the energy or energy source in the replenishment device, A solicitation information generation unit generates solicitation information to recommend replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using the replenishment device, based on the filling characteristics. A transmitting unit that transmits the aforementioned solicitation information to the terminal device, Equipped with, An information processing device wherein the filling characteristics are the characteristics of replenishing the energy or energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

2. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, Multiple portable energy storage devices can be connected in parallel to the replenishment device. The aforementioned information processing device is A second acquisition unit that acquires the amount of energy or energy source that can be replenished to a plurality of portable energy storage devices connected to the replenishment device, A determination unit that determines whether to permit the replenishment of energy or energy source from the replenishment device to a plurality of portable energy storage devices based on the filling characteristics and the amount that can be replenished, When the determination unit permits the replenishment of energy or energy sources to the plurality of portable energy storage units, an instruction information generation unit generates instruction information for instructing the replenishment of energy or energy sources, Furthermore, The transmitting unit is an information processing device that transmits the instruction information to the replenishment device.

3. An information processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device, When the portable energy storage device is connected to a replenishment device, it is possible to replenish energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device. Multiple portable energy storage devices can be connected in parallel to the replenishment device. The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition unit for acquiring the filling characteristics of the energy or energy source in the replenishment device, A solicitation information generation unit generates solicitation information to recommend replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using the replenishment device, based on the filling characteristics. A transmitting unit that transmits the aforementioned solicitation information to the terminal device, A second acquisition unit that acquires the amount of energy or energy source that can be replenished to a plurality of portable energy storage devices connected to the replenishment device, A determination unit that determines whether to permit the replenishment of energy or energy source from the replenishment device to a plurality of portable energy storage devices based on the filling characteristics and the amount that can be replenished, When the determination unit permits the replenishment of energy or energy sources to the plurality of portable energy storage units, an instruction information generation unit generates instruction information for instructing the replenishment of energy or energy sources, Furthermore, The transmitting unit is an information processing device that transmits the instruction information to the replenishment device.

4. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, The determination unit is an information processing device that permits the replenishment of energy or the energy source from the replenishment device to a plurality of portable energy storage devices when the replenishable amount is equal to or greater than a threshold.

5. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, The replenishment device is connected to an external supply source, The external supply source is an information processing device that replenishes the energy or energy source to a plurality of portable energy storage devices.

6. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, The aforementioned external power source is a mobile information processing device.

7. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The solicitation information includes location information of the replenishment device, and is an information processing device.

8. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, The solicitation information includes route information from the location of the terminal device to the location of the replenishment device, and is an information processing device.

9. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The replenishment device is an information processing device having a connection section to which the portable energy storage device is connected, and a replenishment section for replenishing the portable energy storage device with the energy or energy source via the connection section.

10. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The transmitting unit is an information processing device that transmits the solicitation information to other terminal devices used by the user, owner, or administrator of the replenishment device.

11. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned portable energy storage device is a portable power storage device that stores electricity, The replenishment device is a charging device capable of replenishing the power to the portable power storage device, and is an information processing device.

12. An information processing system comprising a portable energy storage device, a terminal device used by the user, owner, or manager of the portable energy storage device, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, When the portable energy storage device is connected to a replenishment device, it is possible to replenish energy or an energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device. The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit for acquiring the filling characteristics of the energy or energy source in the replenishment device, A solicitation information generation unit generates solicitation information to recommend replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using the replenishment device, based on the filling characteristics. A transmitting unit that transmits the aforementioned solicitation information to the terminal device, Equipped with, An information processing system in which the filling characteristics are the characteristics of replenishing the energy or energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

13. An information processing method when a terminal device used by a user, owner, or manager of a portable energy storage device is able to communicate with an information processing device, A first step is to acquire the filling characteristics of the energy or energy source of the portable energy storage device in the replenishment device, A second step is to generate solicitation information to recommend replenishing the energy or energy source to the portable energy storage device using the refilling device, based on the filling characteristics. A third step involves transmitting the solicitation information from the information processing device to the terminal device, A fourth step involves connecting the replenishment device and the portable energy storage device based on the aforementioned solicitation information, and replenishing the energy or energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device. It has, An information processing method wherein the filling characteristics are the characteristics of replenishing the energy or energy source from the replenishment device to the portable energy storage device.

14. A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 13.

15. A storage medium for storing the program described in claim 14.

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