Information management device, method for managing energy points, and energy point management program

Abstract

To provide a technique that motivates a user to cooperate in improving electric power usage efficiency when driving an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: An information management device includes a device information storage unit, a vehicle data collection unit, a charging device data collection unit, an information acquisition unit, a point calculation unit, a proposal unit, and a providing unit. The point calculation unit selects a first charging device based on (i) identification information and position information of each of a plurality of charging devices stored in the device information storage unit, (ii) collected vehicle data, (iii) the collected charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices, and (iv) acquired electric power data, and calculates a first point for the first charging device. The proposal unit proposes the first charging device along with the first point to an electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that manages information related to charging of electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] The energy transaction support apparatus described in Patent Document 1 creates transaction content including power points representing power value, transmits the transaction content to each of a power supplier and a power consumer, and outputs an actual transaction command to each of the supplier and the consumer when the transaction according to the transaction content is established. Furthermore, the apparatus collects increases and decreases in power points associated with power selling and power purchasing over a certain period, and grants power points according to the net transaction volume to an operator that can take the position of either a supplier or a recipient.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above apparatus enables an operator that can take the position of either a power supplier or a power recipient to simply carry out power transaction procedures. However, considering that power consumption is increasing year by year, it is desired not only to simplify power transaction procedures, but also to guide users to be aware of power utilization efficiency. In particular, as power consumption further increases with the spread of electric vehicles, it is desired that users become more aware of power utilization efficiency.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique that gives users of electric vehicles an incentive to cooperate with improving power utilization efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] An information management device (500) in one aspect of this disclosure comprises a device information storage unit (570), a vehicle data collection unit (510), a charging device data collection unit (520), an information acquisition unit (310), a point calculation unit (550), a suggestion unit (560), and an assignment unit (550). The device information storage unit stores identification information and location information for each of the multiple charging devices (100). Each of the multiple charging devices is configured to supply power to an electric vehicle (10). The vehicle data collection unit is configured to collect vehicle data, including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle and the current location of the electric vehicle. The charging device data collection unit is configured to collect charging device data, including congestion status related to charging for each of the multiple charging devices. The information acquisition unit is configured to acquire power data, including power supply and demand forecasts for the area including the multiple charging devices. The point calculation unit is configured to select a first charging device from among multiple charging devices that is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency, based on (i) the identification information and location information of each of the multiple charging devices stored in the device information storage unit, (ii) vehicle data collected by the vehicle data collection unit, (iii) the charging device data of each of the multiple charging devices collected by the charging device data collection unit, and (iv) power data acquired by the information acquisition unit, and to calculate a first point for the first charging device. The proposal unit is configured to propose the first charging device along with the first point to the electric vehicle. The awarding unit is configured to award the first point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle uses the first charging device.

[0007] One aspect of the information management device described herein calculates a first point for a first charging device that is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency, and proposes the first charging device to the electric vehicle along with the first point. Because the user of the electric vehicle receives the first point, they are likely to actively use the proposed first charging device. Therefore, the information management device can provide the user with an incentive to cooperate in improving power utilization efficiency.

[0008] A method for managing energy points in another aspect of this disclosure is performed by an information management device, which collects vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle, collects charging device data including congestion status for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle, obtains power data including power supply and demand forecasts for the area including the multiple charging devices, selects a first charging device which is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency from among the multiple charging devices based on (i) identification information and location information of each of the multiple charging devices stored in the storage unit (570), (ii) collected vehicle data, (iii) collected charging device data for each of the multiple charging devices, and (iv) obtained power data, calculates a first point for the first charging device, and proposes the first charging device to the electric vehicle along with the first point.

[0009] The method for managing the energy points described above will produce the same effect as the information management device described above.

[0010] An energy point management program in another aspect of the present disclosure causes a processing unit (511) to collect vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle; collect charging device data including congestion status for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle; acquire power data including a power supply and demand forecast for the area including the multiple charging devices; select a first charging device that is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency from among the multiple charging devices based on (i) identification information and location information of each of the multiple charging devices stored in the storage unit (570), (ii) collected vehicle data, (iii) collected charging device data for each of the multiple charging devices, and (iv) acquired power data; calculate a first point for the first charging device; and propose the first charging device along with the first point to the electric vehicle.

[0011] The processing unit executes the above-mentioned energy point management program, thereby achieving the same effect as the above-mentioned information management device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the energy point system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a block diagram showing a part of the energy point system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a block diagram showing another part of the energy point system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2C] Block diagram showing the remaining parts of the energy point system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the charging point calculation process according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the charging point granting process according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the calculation and awarding process of running points according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] <1. System Configuration> <1-1. System Overview> Referring to Figure 1, an overview of the energy point system 800 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0014] In the energy point system 800, in order to encourage users of electric vehicles 10 to cooperate in improving the efficiency of their electricity use, the servicer awards energy points to electric vehicles 10 or users of electric vehicles 10 who cooperate in improving the efficiency of their electricity use. For example, the servicer awards energy points to electric vehicles 10 or users of electric vehicles 10 who cooperate in maintaining the balance between electricity demand and supply, or who cooperate in saving electricity. Energy points can be used to pay for the use of the electric vehicle 10 charging equipment 100 or for paying home electricity bills. Energy points include charging points P1, driving points P2, and home electricity points P3, which will be described later.

[0015] The servicer selects the optimal charging device 100 for charging the electric vehicle 10 from among multiple electric vehicles, including the electric vehicle 10, multiple charging devices 100, power companies, and multiple homes 200, based on various information uploaded to the cloud via the internet. The servicer then proposes the use of the selected charging device 100 to the user.

[0016] The servicer awards energy points to the electric vehicle 10 or its user when the electric vehicle 10 uses the proposed charging device 100. Furthermore, the servicer awards energy points to the electric vehicle 10 or its user when the user reduces the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle 10 and / or the amount of electricity used by the user's residence 200. In addition, the servicer stores (i.e., manages) the total value of the awarded energy points in association with the electric vehicle 10 or its user. The user can check their accumulated energy points via an information terminal 150, which may be a smartphone, tablet, or the like.

[0017] <1-2. System Details> The details of an energy point system 800 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. The energy point system 800 includes a plurality of electric vehicles including the electric vehicle 10, a plurality of charging devices 100, a plurality of houses 200, an external system, an information management device 500, and a plurality of information terminals 150. The plurality of electric vehicles including the electric vehicle 10, the plurality of charging devices 100, the plurality of houses 200, a point utilization service device 160 and the plurality of information terminals 150 are wirelessly connected to the information management device 500.

[0018] The electric vehicle 10 includes a wireless communication device 30, a battery 25, a motor 21, an air conditioner 22, an audio device 23, a battery sensor 11, an acceleration sensor 12, a steering angle sensor 13, an air temperature sensor 14, an in-vehicle power control system 15, a navigation system 16, a personal authentication device 17, a display device 18, and an input device 19.

[0019] The battery 25 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery 25 supplies electric power to electric devices mounted on the electric vehicle. The battery sensor 11 detects the remaining amount of the battery 25, and transmits the detected remaining amount of the battery 25 to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30.

[0020] The acceleration sensor 12 detects the acceleration of the electric vehicle 10, and transmits the detected acceleration to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The steering angle sensor 13 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel of the electric vehicle 10, and transmits the detected steering angle to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30.

[0021] The air temperature sensor 14 detects the outside air temperature around the electric vehicle 10, and transmits the detected outside air temperature to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The in-vehicle power control system 15 detects the power consumption of each electric device, and transmits the power consumption of each electric device mounted on the electric vehicle to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The electric devices include the motor 21, the air conditioner 22, the audio device 23, and the like. The motor 21 is a travel drive source of the electric vehicle 10.

[0022] The navigation system 16 transmits the set destination, the estimated time of arrival at the destination, and the location information of the electric vehicle 10 to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The location information includes the current position of the electric vehicle 10 calculated from the GPS signal.

[0023] The personal authentication device 17 reads user identification information (e.g., user ID) from a smart key, smartphone, card, etc., owned by the user, and compares it with pre-registered user registration information. Furthermore, if the personal authentication device 17 finds that the user identification information matches the user registration information, it transmits the read user identification information to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30.

[0024] Furthermore, if the energy point system 800 awards energy points to each electric vehicle rather than to each user, the electric vehicle 10 does not need to be equipped with a personal authentication device 17. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 only needs to transmit its identification information (e.g., vehicle ID) to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The user ID and vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 are registered in the information management device 500 in advance.

[0025] The display device 18 includes a display and displays information received from the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. Alternatively, the electric vehicle 10 may be equipped with a speaker instead of the display device 18 and output the information received from the information management device 500 as audio.

[0026] The input device 19 includes a touch panel, keyboard, etc., and the user manually inputs information via the input device 19. The information input via the input device 19 is transmitted to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 30. The input device 19 may also be a device that allows the user to input information by voice instead of manual operation. Alternatively, the input device 19 may be a device that allows the user to input information by either manual operation or voice.

[0027] In another embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 may omit at least one of the following: air conditioning 22, audio system 23, acceleration sensor 12, steering angle sensor 13, ambient temperature sensor 14, in-vehicle power control system 15, navigation system 16, personal authentication device 17, display device 18, and input device 19.

[0028] The charging device 100 is located in a charging station. One or more charging devices 100 are located in a single charging station. The charging device 100 is equipped with a wireless communication device 110. The charging device 100 transmits charging device data to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 110. The charging device data includes data indicating the congestion status of the charging device 100. The data indicating the congestion status includes at least one of the following: information on vehicles connected to the charging device 100 (e.g., the number of vehicles being charged at the charging device 100), charging speed (e.g., charging speed per vehicle), and charge amount (e.g., the amount of charge to all vehicles being charged per unit time). The information on vehicles connected to the charging device 100 indicates that the congestion level is higher the more connected vehicles there are. The charging speed indicates that the congestion level is higher the slower the charging speed. The charge amount indicates that the congestion level is higher the more charge amount there is. In another embodiment, the charging device data may exclude at least one of the following: information about the vehicle connected to the charging device 100, charging speed, and charging amount.

[0029] House 200 is equipped with home appliances 210, a storage battery 220, a solar power generation device 230, and a wireless communication device 240. Home appliances 210 are equipped with smart meters and transmit the amount of electricity used measured by the smart meters to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 240. The smart meters measure the amount of electricity digitally. Storage battery 220 is equipped with a smart meter and transmits the amount of stored energy measured by the smart meter to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 240. Solar power generation device 230 is equipped with a smart meter and transmits the amount of electricity generated measured by the smart meter to the information management device 500 via the wireless communication device 240.

[0030] In addition, the residence 200 is a residence located in the area under the jurisdiction of the information management device 500, and whose residents have agreed to provide residence data. The residents of residence 200 may or may not be electric vehicle users. The residence data includes electricity consumption, stored energy, and generated energy. In another embodiment, residence 200 may exclude at least one of the home appliances 210, storage batteries 220, and solar power generation equipment 230. In another embodiment, the residence data may exclude one or two of the electricity consumption, stored energy, and generated energy.

[0031] The external systems include a power control system 310, a charging equipment management system 320, a weather forecasting system 330, and a traffic condition management system 340. The power control system 310 is provided by one or more power companies. The power control system 310 predicts future power supply and planned power outages in the areas under the jurisdiction of each of the one or more power companies, and transmits power supply forecast information, including planned power outages, to the information management device 500. Based on data such as past power supply, weather forecasts, date and time, and events, the power control system 310 predicts future power supply in areas including multiple charging devices 100, and plans power outages if future power supply is expected to be tight. The power supply and demand forecast in this disclosure includes predictions of future power supply and planned power outages in areas including multiple charging devices 100.

[0032] The charging equipment management system 320 collects reservation information for each of the multiple charging devices 100 set up in the area managed by the information management device 500, and transmits the collected charging equipment reservation information to the information management device 500. The reservation information includes, for example, a user ID or vehicle ID, a reservation date and time, and a charge amount.

[0033] The weather forecasting system 330 predicts future weather in the area under the jurisdiction of the information management device 500 and transmits the predicted weather information to the information management device 500. The traffic condition management system 340 acquires road congestion information in the area under the jurisdiction of the information management device 500 and transmits the acquired congestion information to the information management device 500.

[0034] The information management device 500 is a management server provided by the servicer. As shown in Figure 3, the information management device 500 comprises a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, and a storage unit 53. The control unit 51 includes a computer equipped with a CPU 511, ROM 512, RAM 513, and I / O. The information management device 500 realizes the functions of the vehicle data collection unit 510, the charging device data collection unit 520, the housing data collection unit 530, the external system information collection unit 540, the point calculation and awarding unit 550, and the proposal unit 560 by having the CPU 511 execute a program stored in a non-transitional physical recording medium.

[0035] The communication unit 52 includes a wireless communication device that wirelessly connects to multiple electric vehicles, including the electric vehicle 10, multiple charging devices 100, multiple houses 200, a power control system 310, a charging equipment management system 320, a weather forecasting system 330, a traffic condition management system 340, and multiple information terminals 150 via a wide-area communication network. Together with the control unit 51, the communication unit 52 realizes the functions of the vehicle data collection unit 510, the charging device data collection unit 520, the house data collection unit 530, and the external system information collection unit 540.

[0036] The storage unit 53 includes a charging device management database (hereinafter referred to as DB) 570, a point management DB 580, and a large-scale DB 590. The large-scale DB 590 provides a digital twin, which is a virtual space for providing data access that is independent of changes in the connection status of the electric vehicle, the charging device 100, and the house 200. In one embodiment, the information management device 500 may exclude the house data collection unit 530 and / or the external system information collection unit 540.

[0037] The vehicle data collection unit 510 collects vehicle data from multiple electric vehicles, including the electric vehicle 10, and stores the collected vehicle data in the large-scale DB 590. The vehicle data includes battery level, acceleration, steering angle, outside temperature, power consumption of the motor 21, power consumption of the air conditioning 22, power consumption of the audio 23, user ID, destination, estimated time of arrival, and location information. In another embodiment, at least one of the following may be excluded from the vehicle data: acceleration, steering angle, outside temperature, power consumption of the motor 21, power consumption of the air conditioning 22, power consumption of the audio 23, user ID, destination, estimated time of arrival, and location information.

[0038] The charging device data acquisition unit 520 collects the above-mentioned charging device data from multiple charging devices 100 and stores the collected charging device data in the large-scale DB 590. The housing data collection unit 530 collects the aforementioned housing data from multiple houses 200 and stores the collected housing data in the large-scale DB 590.

[0039] The external system information collection unit 540 collects external system information from external systems. This external system information includes power supply forecast information, charging equipment reservation information, weather information, and traffic congestion information. In this embodiment, the external system information collection unit 540 does not store the collected external system information in the large-scale DB 590, but in another embodiment, the external system information collection unit 540 may store the collected external system information in the large-scale DB 590 and use the external system information as an element of a digital twin.

[0040] The charging device management DB 570 manages the location information of multiple charging devices 100 installed in the area managed by the information management device 500. Specifically, the charging device management DB 570 stores the identification information (e.g., charging device ID) of each of the multiple charging devices 100, associating it with their respective location information.

[0041] The point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates charging points P1 for each of the multiple charging devices 100 based on location information stored in the charging device management DB 570 and external system information. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 awards charging points P1 corresponding to the charging device 100 to the user of the electric vehicle 10 or to the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 has used the charging device 100. If multiple users use the electric vehicle 10, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 may award charging points P1 to each user, distinguishing between the multiple users, or it may award them to the electric vehicle 10 without distinguishing between the multiple users.

[0042] The point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates the maximum charge point P1 for charging devices 100 where the power supply load in the area where the charging device 100 is located is relatively low and the congestion level of the charging device 100 is relatively low. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates a charge point P1 smaller than the maximum value for charging devices 100 where the power supply load in the area is relatively high (i.e., charging devices 100 in areas where power is congested). The point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates a charge point P1 smaller than the maximum value for charging devices 100 where the congestion level is relatively high. Details of the charge point calculation process will be described later.

[0043] Furthermore, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates driving points P2 for each of the multiple electric vehicles based on the vehicle data stored in the large-scale DB 590. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 awards driving points P2 to the electric vehicle user or electric vehicle according to the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 increases the driving points P2 if the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle is within a specified value, and decreases the driving points P2 if the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle exceeds a specified value. Details of the driving points calculation process will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates electricity points P3 for each of the multiple houses 200 based on the housing data stored in the large-scale DB 590. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 awards electricity points P3 to the electric vehicle or electric vehicle user associated with the house 200 according to the amount of electricity consumed by that house 200. The amount of electricity consumed by the house 200 is the amount of electricity consumed minus the amount of stored energy and the amount of electricity generated.

[0045] The point calculation and awarding unit 550 compares the current electricity consumption of each house 200 with the electricity consumption of the same house 200 in the past during the same season and time. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 then increases the electricity points P3 for that house 200 if the current electricity consumption is lower than the past electricity consumption.

[0046] The suggestion unit 560 proposes a charging device 100 and a charging point to each of the multiple electric vehicles. Specifically, if point priority is selected via the input device 19, the suggestion unit 560 proposes a first predetermined number of charging devices 100 to the electric vehicle 10 from among the charging devices 100 located within a predetermined range from the electric vehicle 10's current location, in descending order of the calculated charging point P1. If distance priority is selected via the input device 19, the suggestion unit 560 proposes a second predetermined number of charging devices 100 to the electric vehicle 10, in descending order of proximity to the electric vehicle 10's current location. The suggestion unit 560 displays the first or second predetermined number of charging devices 100, their respective charging points P1, and their respective locations or addresses on the map on the display device 18. The second predetermined number may be the same as or different from the first predetermined number.

[0047] The point management DB 580 stores charging points P1 and driving points P2 in association with the user ID or vehicle ID. The point management DB 580 also stores home electricity points P3 in association with the house ID. If a resident of house 200 is registered with the information management device 500 as a user of an electric vehicle, the user ID and home electricity points P3 are stored in association with the house ID. Furthermore, if an electric vehicle owned by a resident of house 200 is registered with the information management device 500, the vehicle ID and home electricity points P3 are stored in association with the house ID.

[0048] The information terminal 150, in response to user operations, accesses the point management DB 580 and notifies the user of the charging points P1 and running points P2 associated with the user ID or the vehicle ID entered by the user. The information terminal 150 also notifies the user of the home electricity points P3 associated with the house ID or user ID entered by the user.

[0049] The point utilization service device 160 provides users with services using energy points managed in the point management DB 580, in response to user requests. For example, the point utilization service device 160 allows users to use energy points associated with their user ID or vehicle ID or home ID to pay for the use of their charging device 100 or to pay for the electricity bill for their home 200.

[0050] <2. Processing> <2-1. Calculation process for charging points> Referring to Figure 4, the calculation process for charging points P1 performed by the point calculation and awarding unit 550 of the information management device 500 will be explained. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 performs this calculation process for each of the multiple charging devices 100 under the jurisdiction of the information management device 500. That is, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 repeatedly performs this calculation process for the number of charging devices 100.

[0051] In S10, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 collects information on the charging devices 100. The information collected by the point calculation and awarding unit 550 here includes the location information of each charging device 100, weather information, power supply and demand status, planned power outage information, and the degree of congestion of the charging devices 100.

[0052] Next, in S20, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates the maximum charging point P1 for the charging device 100. In this embodiment, as an example, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates "100" as the maximum charging point P1, but the maximum value of the charging point P1 may be any other value.

[0053] Next, in S30, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the power supply and demand in the area where the charging device 100 is installed is under heavy load. Specifically, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the power supply and demand is under heavy load if the power supply and demand is tight or is expected to be tight, based on weather information, power supply and demand conditions, etc., in the area in question. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 also determines that the power supply and demand is under heavy load if a planned power outage is in effect or is scheduled to be implemented in the area in question. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the power supply and demand is under heavy load, it proceeds to the process in S40; if it determines that the power supply and demand is not under heavy load, it proceeds to the process in S50.

[0054] In S40, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 reduces the charge points P1 by subtracting a first predetermined value from the charge points P1. In this embodiment, as an example, the first predetermined value is "40", and in S40, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates charge points P1 = 60 by subtracting "40" from the charge points P1 = 100 calculated in S20.

[0055] In S50, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the charging device 100 is congested based on the charging device data of the charging device 100. For example, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the charging device 100 is congested if the number of connected vehicles is greater than a predetermined number of connections. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 also determines that the charging device 100 is congested if the charging speed of the charging device 100 is slower than a predetermined speed. Furthermore, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the charging device 100 is congested if the amount of charge of the charging device 100 is greater than a predetermined amount. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the charging device 100 is congested, it proceeds to the process in S60; if it determines that the charging device 100 is not congested, it proceeds to the process in S70.

[0056] In S60, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 reduces the charge points P1 by subtracting a second predetermined value from the charge points P1. In this embodiment, as an example, the second predetermined value is "50". In S60, if the current charge points P1 is 100, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 calculates charge points P1 = 50, and if the current charge points P1 is 60, it calculates charge points P1 = 10.

[0057] In S70, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines the current charging point P1 as the charging point P1 of the charging device 100. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 repeatedly executes the processes from S10 to S70 to determine the charging points P1 of all charging devices 100 under the jurisdiction of the information management device 500.

[0058] <2-2. Point Granting Process> Referring to Figure 5, the charging point granting process performed by the proposal unit 560 and the point calculation / granting unit 550 of the information management device 500 will be described. Here, the process by which the proposal unit 560 grants charging points P1 to the electric vehicle 10 or the user of the electric vehicle 10 will be described.

[0059] In S100, the suggestion unit 560 searches for a charging device 100 located within a range that the electric vehicle 10 can move to with minimal effort for charging, based on the electric vehicle 10's current location. The range of movement is, for example, within a radius of 20 km centered on the electric vehicle 10, or within a radius of 10 km centered on the electric vehicle 10.

[0060] In S110, the suggestion unit 560 determines whether the user of the electric vehicle 10 has selected point priority. The suggestion unit 560 has two methods for suggesting the charging device 100: a point priority suggestion method and a distance priority suggestion method. The user of the electric vehicle 10 selects either point priority or distance priority in advance via the input device 19. If the suggestion unit 560 determines that point priority has been selected, it proceeds to the process in S120; if it determines that point priority has not been selected, it proceeds to the process in S130.

[0061] In S120, the suggestion unit 560 selects a first predetermined number of charging devices 100 from among the multiple charging devices 100 found by searching in S100, in descending order of the confirmed charging point P1. The suggestion unit 560 proposes the selected first predetermined number of charging devices 100 along with their respective charging points P1. For example, the suggestion unit 560 shows the locations of the first predetermined number of charging devices 100 and their respective charging points P1 on a map displayed on the display device 18. The user selects the charging device 100 to use from the first predetermined number of charging devices 100 via the input device 19. The user can also search for and select charging devices 100 other than those proposed by the suggestion unit 560.

[0062] In S130, the suggestion unit 560 determines whether the user of the electric vehicle 10 has selected distance priority. If the suggestion unit 560 determines that distance priority has been selected, it proceeds to the process in S140; otherwise, it returns to the process in S110.

[0063] In S140, the suggestion unit 560 selects a second predetermined number of charging devices 100 from among the multiple charging devices 100 found in the search in S100, in order of proximity to the electric vehicle 10. The suggestion unit 560 proposes the selected second predetermined number of charging devices 100 along with their respective charging points P1. For example, the suggestion unit 560 shows the locations of the second predetermined number of charging devices 100 and their respective charging points P1 on a map displayed on the display device 18. The user selects a charging device 100 to use from the second predetermined number of charging devices 100 via the input device 19. The user can also search for and select a charging device 100 other than those proposed by the suggestion unit 560.

[0064] In S150, the suggestion unit 560 receives the charging device 100 selected by the user via the input device 19. In S160, the suggestion unit 560 performs route guidance processing to the selected charging device 100 received in S150. Specifically, the suggestion unit 560 sets the selected charging device 100 as the destination and transmits the set destination to the navigation system 16 of the electric vehicle 10. The navigation system 16 starts route guidance to the received destination.

[0065] In S170, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 is the charging device 100 proposed by the proposal unit 560. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 manages which charging device 100 the electric vehicle 10 has used. When the electric vehicle 10 uses any of the charging devices 100, the electric vehicle 10 sends its vehicle ID to that charging device 100, and that charging device 100 performs vehicle authentication of the electric vehicle 10. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 receives the vehicle authentication result from the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 and recognizes the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10. That is, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 associates the vehicle ID with the ID of the charging device 100. Based on the ID of the charging device 100 associated with the vehicle ID, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 is the charging device 100 proposed by the proposal unit 560. The point calculation and awarding unit 550 proceeds to the S180 process if the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 is the proposed charging device 100, and terminates this process if the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 is not the proposed charging device 100.

[0066] In S180, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 awards the charging points P1 that have been determined for the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10, based on the ID of the charging device 100 associated with the vehicle ID, to the user of the electric vehicle 10 or the electric vehicle 10, and then terminates this process. Specifically, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 adds the charging points P1 to the charging points stored in the point management DB 580 that are associated with the electric vehicle 10 or the user of the electric vehicle 10, and updates them. If the charging device 100 used by the electric vehicle 10 is different from the charging device 100 proposed by the electric vehicle 10, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 does not award charging points to the user of the electric vehicle 10 or the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the information management device 500 guides the user to use the charging device 100 proposed by the electric vehicle 10.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the suggestion unit 560 suggested a first predetermined number of charging devices 100 to the user when point priority was selected. In another embodiment, the suggestion unit 560 may suggest only the charging device 100 with the maximum charging point P1 to the user, along with the charging point P1. In this case, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 should award charging points P1 to the suggested charging device 100 if the electric vehicle 10 uses one of the suggested charging devices 100, and award charging points P1 to the charging device 100 actually used by the electric vehicle 10 if the electric vehicle 10 uses a charging device 100 other than the suggested charging device 100.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the suggestion unit 560 suggested a second predetermined number of charging devices 100 to the user when distance priority was selected. In another embodiment, the suggestion unit 560 may suggest only the charging device 100 closest to the electric vehicle 10, along with the charging point P1, to the user. In this case, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 should award the charging point P1 for the suggested charging device 100 if the electric vehicle 10 uses the suggested charging device 100, and award the charging point P1 for the charging device 100 actually used by the electric vehicle 10 if the electric vehicle 10 uses a charging device 100 other than the suggested charging device 100.

[0069] <2-3. Calculation and awarding of running points> Referring to Figure 6, the calculation process for driving points P2 performed by the vehicle data collection unit 510 and the point calculation / granting unit 550 of the information management device 500 will be explained. Here, the process by which the vehicle data collection unit 510 and the point calculation / granting unit 550 calculate driving points P2 to be granted to the electric vehicle 10 or the user of the electric vehicle 10 will be explained.

[0070] In S300, the vehicle data acquisition unit 510 receives a drive-on signal from the electric vehicle 10. The drive-on signal is a signal that starts the motor 21 of the electric vehicle 10. In S310, the vehicle data acquisition unit 510 acquires vehicle data from the electric vehicle 10 and stores the collected vehicle data in the large-scale DB 590. As described above, the vehicle data includes the amount of power consumed by the motor 21, the amount of power consumed by the air conditioning 22, and the amount of power consumed by the audio system 23.

[0071] In S320, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 obtains the power consumption of the motor 21 from the large-scale DB 590. In S330, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the amount of power consumed by the motor 21, acquired in S320, is within a first specified value. If the user performs standard operation of the electric vehicle 10, the amount of power consumed by the motor 21 will be within the first specified value. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power consumed by the motor 21 is within the first specified value, it increases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S340. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power consumed by the motor 21 exceeds the first specified value, it decreases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S340. The variable N is an integer, and its initial value is any positive value.

[0072] In S340, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 obtains the amount of electricity used by the air conditioner 22 from the large-scale DB 590. In S350, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the amount of power used by the air conditioner 22, which was obtained in S340, is within the second specified value. When the temperature inside the vehicle is maintained within an appropriate range, the amount of power used by the air conditioner 22 will be within the second specified value. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power used by the air conditioner 22 is within the second specified value, it increases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S360. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power used by the air conditioner 22 exceeds the second specified value, it decreases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S360.

[0073] In S360, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 obtains the power consumption of the audio 23 from the large-scale DB 590. In S370, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the amount of power consumed by the audio 23, acquired in S360, is within the third specified value. When the audio 23 is used at an appropriate volume, the amount of power consumed by the audio 23 will be within the third specified value. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power consumed by the audio 23 is within the third specified value, it increases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S380. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the amount of power consumed by the audio 23 exceeds the third specified value, it decreases the variable N by "1" and proceeds to the process in S380.

[0074] In S380, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether or not it has received a drive-off signal from the electric vehicle 10. The drive-off signal is a signal that stops the motor 21 of the electric vehicle 10. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that it has received a drive-off signal, it proceeds to the process in S390; if it determines that it has not received a drive-off signal, it returns to the process in S320.

[0075] In S390, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than a distance threshold. The distance traveled is the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 10 between the reception of the drive-on signal and the reception of the drive-off signal. The distance threshold is, for example, 3 km.

[0076] Here, in order to prevent the user of the electric vehicle 10 or the electric vehicle 10 from being awarded driving points P2 when the electric vehicle 10 uses the air conditioning 22 and / or audio system 23 while parked, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the electric vehicle 10 has traveled a distance threshold or more. In other words, to prevent the user of the electric vehicle 10 or the electric vehicle 10 from receiving driving points fraudulently, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines whether the electric vehicle 10 has traveled a distance threshold or more. If the point calculation and awarding unit 550 determines that the distance traveled is equal to or greater than the distance threshold, it proceeds to process S400; if it determines that the distance traveled is less than the distance threshold, it terminates this process.

[0077] In S400, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 updates the electric vehicle points P2, which are stored in the point management DB 580 and associated with the user of the electric vehicle 10, to P2+N. After that, this process is terminated.

[0078] Furthermore, the point calculation and awarding unit 550 only needs to execute at least one of the three sets of processes (i) to (iii): (i) the processes in S320 and S330, (ii) the processes in S340 and S350, and (iii) the processes in S360 and S370. It does not need to execute all of (i) to (iii).

[0079] <3. Effects> According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects are achieved. (1) The information management device 500 calculates the maximum charging point P1 for the charging device 100 that is optimal for power utilization efficiency, and proposes the optimal charging device 100 to the electric vehicle 10 along with the maximum charging point P1. Since the user of the electric vehicle 10 will receive the maximum charging point P1, there is a possibility that they will actively use the proposed optimal charging device 100. Therefore, the information management device 500 can provide the user with an incentive to cooperate in improving power utilization efficiency.

[0080] (2) For charging devices 100 located in areas with relatively high power supply and demand loads, a charging point P1 lower than the maximum charging point P1 is calculated. Therefore, users can be guided to charging devices 100 located in areas with relatively low power supply and demand loads and corresponding to higher charging points. In turn, the efficiency of power utilization can be improved.

[0081] (3) For charging devices 100 with a relatively high degree of congestion, a charging point P1 lower than the maximum charging point P1 is calculated. Therefore, the information management device 500 can guide the user to a charging device 100 with a lower degree of congestion and a higher charging point P1. In turn, the efficiency of power utilization can be improved.

[0082] (4) While the electric vehicle 10 is in operation, driving points P2 corresponding to the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle 10 are awarded to the electric vehicle 10 or the user of the electric vehicle 10. Therefore, the information management device 500 can give the user an incentive to reduce the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle 10.

[0083] (5) If the amount of power consumed by the motor 21, air conditioner 22, or audio system 23 is within an appropriate range, the driving point P2 is increased, and if the amount of power consumed by the motor 21, air conditioner 22, or audio system 23 exceeds an appropriate range, the driving point P2 is decreased. Therefore, the information management device 500 can motivate the user to suppress excessive output from the motor 21, air conditioner 22, and audio system 23 and to use the motor 21, air conditioner 22, and audio system 23 within an appropriate range. Consequently, the information management device 500 can motivate the user to suppress the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 10.

[0084] (6) The information management device 500 does not need to store the power supply forecast information in the large-scale DB 590, as it obtains power supply forecast information from the power company's database. (7) The information management device 500 is equipped with a point management DB 580 that stores the total values ​​of charging points P1, driving points P2, and home electricity points P3 for each electric vehicle 10 or user of the electric vehicle 10. Therefore, users can easily check charging points P1, driving points P2, and home electricity points P3 via the information terminal 150.

[0085] (8) When a user of the electric vehicle 10 reduces the amount of electricity used in the residence 200, the information management device 500 awards the electric vehicle 10 or the user of the electric vehicle 10 with electricity points P3 corresponding to the amount of reduction. The owner or user of the electric vehicle 10 can use the electricity points P3 together with the charging points P1 and driving points P2 as energy points. Therefore, the owner or user of the electric vehicle 10 can use the awarded electricity points P3 to pay for the charging device 100, and can use the awarded charging points P1 and driving points P2 to pay for the electricity bill for the residence 200. Therefore, the information management device 500 can further motivate the user of the electric vehicle 10 to cooperate in improving the efficiency of electricity use.

[0086] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0087] (a) In the above embodiment, the information management device 500 calculated three types of points: charging point P1, driving point P2, and home power point P3. However, the information management device 500 does not need to calculate the driving point P2 and / or home power point P3. The information management device 500 only needs to calculate at least the charging point P1 as an energy point.

[0088] (b) The information management device 500 and its method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the information management device 500 and its method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the information management device 500 and its method described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium. The method for implementing the functions of each part included in the information management device 500 does not necessarily have to include software, and all of its functions may be implemented using one or more hardware components.

[0089] (c) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, at least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments.

[0090] [Technical Concept Disclosed in This Specified Specification] [Item 1] A device information storage unit (570) that stores identification information and location information for each of the multiple charging devices (100), wherein each of the multiple charging devices is configured to supply power to an electric vehicle (10), and the device information storage unit A vehicle data collection unit (510) is configured to collect vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle and the current location of the electric vehicle, A charging device data acquisition unit (520) is configured to collect charging device data, including the congestion status related to charging for each of the aforementioned plurality of charging devices, An information acquisition unit (310) configured to acquire power data including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the multiple charging devices, A point calculation unit (550) is configured to select a first charging device from among the multiple charging devices which is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency, based on (i) the identification information and position information of each of the multiple charging devices stored in the device information storage unit, (ii) the vehicle data collected by the vehicle data collection unit, (iii) the charging device data of each of the multiple charging devices collected by the charging device data collection unit, and (iv) the power data acquired by the information acquisition unit, and to calculate a first point for the first charging device. A proposal unit (560) configured to propose the first charging device together with the first point to the electric vehicle, The electric vehicle utilizes the first charging device, and the granting unit (550) is configured to grant the first point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle, An information management device equipped with the following features. [Item 2] The first charging device (100) is located in the first region, The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a second point lower than the first point for a second charging device (100) located in a second region where the power supply and demand load is higher than that of the first region, among the plurality of charging devices (100). The granting unit (550) is configured to grant the second point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle (10) uses the second charging device. The information management device described in item 1. [Item 3] The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a third point lower than the first point for the third charging device (100), which is more crowded than the first charging device (100) among the plurality of charging devices (100). The granting unit (550) is configured to grant the third point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle (10) uses the third charging device. An information management device as described in item 1 or 2. [Item 4] The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a fourth point corresponding to the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle (10) while the electric vehicle (10) is in motion. The granting unit (550) is configured to grant the fourth point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle. An information management device described in any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] The electric vehicle (10) is equipped with a motor (21), an air conditioner (22), and an audio system (23). The aforementioned point calculation unit (550) If the power consumption of the motor is within the first specified amount, or the power consumption of the air conditioner is within the second specified amount, or the power consumption of the audio is within the third specified amount, the fourth point is increased. The system is configured to reduce the fourth point when the power consumption of the motor exceeds the first specified amount, or the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds the second specified amount, or the power consumption of the audio exceeds the third specified amount. The information management device described in item 4. [Item 6] The information acquisition unit (310) is configured to acquire the power data from a database owned by the power company. An information management device described in any one of items 1 to 5. [Item 7] The system further includes a point storage unit (580) configured to store points assigned to the electric vehicle (10) or the user, linked to the electric vehicle (10) or the user. An information management device as described in item 1 or 6. [Item 8] The system further includes a residential data collection unit (530) configured to collect data on the amount of electricity used in each of the multiple residences (200), The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a fifth point corresponding to the amount of decrease when the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle (10) or the user in the residence decreases compared to the amount of electricity used in the past. The awarding unit (550) is configured to award the fifth point to the electric vehicle or the user. An information management device described in any one of items 1 through 7. [Item 9] A method by which an information management device (500) manages energy points, The system collects vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle. The system collects charging device data, including congestion status, for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle. The power data, including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, is acquired. (i) based on the identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the memory unit (570), (ii) the collected vehicle data, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices collected, and (iv) the acquired power data, a first charging device is selected from among the plurality of charging devices which is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency. For the first charging device, calculate the first point, The first charging device, along with the first point, is proposed for the electric vehicle. How to manage energy points. [Item 10] In the processing unit (511), The collection of vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle, The collection of charging device data, including congestion status for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle, To acquire power data including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, (i) based on the identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the memory unit (570), (ii) the collected vehicle data, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices collected, and (iv) the acquired power data, a first charging device which is advantageous in terms of power utilization efficiency is selected from among the plurality of charging devices. To calculate the first point for the first charging device, To propose the first charging device along with the first point to the electric vehicle, and to perform the following: Energy point management program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10...Electric vehicles, 100...Charging devices, 150...Information terminals, 200...Housing, 500...Information management devices, 510...Vehicle data collection unit, 520...Charging device data collection unit, 530...Housing data collection unit, 550...Point calculation and awarding unit, 560...Proposal unit.

Claims

1. A device information storage unit (570) that stores identification information and location information for each of the multiple charging devices (100), wherein each of the multiple charging devices is configured to supply power to an electric vehicle (10), and the device information storage unit A vehicle data collection unit (510) is configured to collect vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle and the current location of the electric vehicle, A charging device data acquisition unit (520) is configured to collect charging device data, including the congestion status related to charging for each of the aforementioned plurality of charging devices, An information acquisition unit (310) configured to acquire power data including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, (i) the identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the device information storage unit, (ii) the vehicle data collected by the vehicle data collection unit, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices collected by the charging device data collection unit, and (iv) the power data acquired by the information acquisition unit, are used to calculate a first point for each of the plurality of charging devices, where the load of power supply and demand indicated by the power data of the area where the corresponding charging device is located and / or the degree of congestion indicated by the charging device data of the corresponding charging device is lower, and the larger the first point is for each of the plurality of charging devices, An input unit (19) that receives input of the selection result of point priority or distance priority by the user of the electric vehicle, A proposal unit (560) is configured to propose a first predetermined number of charging devices to the electric vehicle along with the first point, in descending order of the first point, if the selection result input to the input unit indicates point priority, and to propose a second predetermined number of charging devices to the electric vehicle along with the first point, in descending order of proximity to the current position, if the selection result indicates distance priority. When the electric vehicle uses the charging device proposed by the proposal unit, the granting unit (550) is configured to grant the first point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle, An information management device equipped with the following features.

2. The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a second point corresponding to the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle (10) while the electric vehicle (10) is in motion. The granting unit (550) is configured to grant the second point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle. The information management device according to claim 1.

3. A device information storage unit (570) that stores identification information and location information for each of the multiple charging devices (100), wherein each of the multiple charging devices is configured to supply power to an electric vehicle (10), and the device information storage unit A vehicle data collection unit (510) is configured to collect vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle and the current location of the electric vehicle, A charging device data acquisition unit (520) is configured to collect charging device data, including the congestion status related to charging for each of the aforementioned plurality of charging devices, An information acquisition unit (310) configured to acquire power data including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, (i) the identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the device information storage unit, (ii) the vehicle data collected by the vehicle data collection unit, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices collected by the charging device data collection unit, and (iv) the power data acquired by the information acquisition unit, a point calculation unit (550) is configured to select a first charging device from among the plurality of charging devices in which the power supply and demand load indicated by the power data of the area in which the corresponding charging device is located, and / or the congestion level indicated by the charging device data of the corresponding charging device is lower than a predetermined value, and to calculate a first point for the first charging device, A proposal unit (560) configured to propose the first charging device together with the first point to the electric vehicle, The electric vehicle utilizes the first charging device, and the granting unit (550) is configured to grant the first point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle, Equipped with, The point calculation unit operates while the electric vehicle is in motion. If the amount of power consumed by the motor (21) of the electric vehicle is within the first specified amount, or the amount of power consumed by the air conditioning (22) of the electric vehicle is within the second specified amount, or the amount of power consumed by the audio system (23) of the electric vehicle is within the third specified amount, the second point is increased. The system is configured to reduce the second point when the power consumption of the motor exceeds the first specified amount, or the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds the second specified amount, or the power consumption of the audio system exceeds the third specified amount. The granting unit is configured to grant the second point to the electric vehicle or the user of the electric vehicle. Information management device.

4. The information acquisition unit (310) is configured to acquire the power data from a database owned by the power company. The information management device according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes a point storage unit (580) configured to store points assigned to the electric vehicle (10) or the user, linked to the electric vehicle (10) or the user. The information management device according to claim 1 or 4.

6. The system further includes a residential data collection unit (530) configured to collect data on the amount of electricity used in each of the multiple residences (200), The point calculation unit (550) is configured to calculate a third point corresponding to the amount of decrease when the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle (10) or the user in the residence decreases compared to the amount of electricity used in the past. The awarding unit (550) is configured to award the third point to the electric vehicle or the user. The information management device according to claim 1.

7. A method by which an information management device (500) manages energy points, The system collects vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle. The system collects charging device data, including congestion status, for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle. The power data, including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, is acquired. (i) Identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the storage unit (570), (ii) the collected vehicle data, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices collected, and (iv) the acquired power data, for each of the plurality of charging devices, a first point is calculated that is larger the lower the power supply and demand load indicated by the power data of the area where the corresponding charging device is located, and / or the congestion level indicated by the charging device data of the corresponding charging device. The user of the aforementioned electric vehicle inputs the result of their selection of either point priority or distance priority. If the selection result indicates priority of the points, then a first predetermined number of charging devices are proposed to the electric vehicle in order of the largest first points, along with the first points. If the selection result indicates distance priority, a second predetermined number of charging devices are proposed to the electric vehicle, in order of proximity to the current location, along with the first point. How to manage energy points.

8. In the processing unit (511), The collection of vehicle data including the remaining charge of the battery (25) of the electric vehicle (10) and the current location of the electric vehicle, The collection of charging device data, including congestion status for each of the multiple charging devices (100) configured to supply power to the electric vehicle, To acquire power data including a regional power supply and demand forecast that includes the aforementioned multiple charging devices, (i) Based on the identification information and location information of each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the storage unit (570), (ii) the collected vehicle data, (iii) the charging device data of each of the plurality of charging devices that have been collected, and (iv) the acquired power data, a first point is calculated for each of the plurality of charging devices, the lower the degree of congestion of the power supply and demand load indicated by the power data of the area where the corresponding charging device is located, and / or the lower the degree of congestion indicated by the charging device data of the corresponding charging device, The system receives input from the user of the aforementioned electric vehicle regarding their choice between prioritizing points or distance, If the selection result indicates priority of the points, then the first predetermined number of charging devices will be proposed to the electric vehicle in order of the largest first points, along with the first points. If the selection result indicates distance priority, the system will propose a second predetermined number of charging devices to the electric vehicle, along with the first point, in order of proximity to the current location. Energy point management program.

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