Battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device

Abstract

[Problem] To enable increased user convenience by guiding the user to a battery station where the user can replace a battery and outputting an alert for prompting the user to replace the battery in a manner tailored to the user's preferences and situation. [Solution] A management server 4 acquires profile information (setting information) related to a user demand for battery replacement in response to a user operation performed on a user terminal 5, analyzes history information related to the conditions of past battery replacement at battery stations, acquires an indicator of the degree of an non-lendable state for each battery station, and, when an event related to battery replacement, specifically an event related to guiding the user to a battery station where the user can replace a battery or issuing an alert prompting the user to replace the battery occurs, refers to the profile information and the indicator to display, on the user terminal, a station guidance screen or an alert screen as a notification screen related to the event.

Description

Battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery management system and a battery management method for managing battery stations and battery devices in a battery exchange service in which users of electric vehicles and the like exchange battery devices at battery stations, as well as a terminal device carried by the user.

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles have been attracting attention from the perspective of solving problems such as air pollution caused by exhaust gases and fuel costs. Although the driving range of such electric vehicles has been extended due to improvements in the performance of their battery devices, there is the inconvenience that they cannot be driven continuously for long periods of time due to the difficulty of charging the battery device.

[0003] To solve this inconvenience, a battery exchange service has been known in the past in which an electric vehicle is equipped with a detachable battery device, and a battery device with low remaining power can be exchanged for a charged battery device at a battery station, thereby enabling long periods of continuous driving (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Patent No. 6564502 Patent No. 6766343

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 estimates the range in which a user will perform battery replacement based on real-time information such as the remaining capacity of the battery and the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and controls charging of the battery at a battery station. This technology also guides the user to battery stations near the user's current location.

[0006] On the other hand, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 informs the user whether there are any charged battery devices available for rental at a battery station, and if there are no charged battery devices available for rental, acquires the waiting time until a battery device is fully charged and available for rental. In particular, this technology acquires the waiting time based on past statistical information. This technology also guides the user to a battery station that is suitable for the user based on the travel time to the battery station and the waiting time at the battery station.

[0007] However, in conventional technology, the system unilaterally determines which battery stations are suitable for the user, which is insufficient for providing battery station guidance when user convenience is taken into consideration. For example, when providing guidance to a user about battery stations, the user may wish to be guided to a battery station that allows the user to replace the battery in accordance with their preferences and convenience. Furthermore, when an alert prompting the user to replace the battery is output on a user terminal, the user may wish to have the alert controlled in a way that reflects the user's preferences and convenience. However, conventional technology has not taken such requests into consideration at all.

[0008] Therefore, the main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system, a battery management method, and a terminal device that can increase user convenience by providing guidance to battery stations where users can replace their batteries and outputting alerts urging users to replace their batteries in a manner that suits the user's preferences and convenience.

[0009] The battery management system of the present disclosure is a battery management system having a plurality of battery exchange devices that are placed in a battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device that is connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and manages the exchange status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; and a terminal device that is carried by the user and connected to the server device via the network, wherein the server device analyzes historical information regarding the status of past battery exchanges at each battery station and obtains an indicator for each battery station that indicates the degree of unavailability for lending, and when a battery exchange event occurs, it refers to setting information regarding the user's desire for battery exchange and the indicator and displays a notification screen regarding the event on the terminal device.

[0010] In addition, the battery management method disclosed herein is a battery management method in which a server device manages battery stations where users replace battery devices and the battery devices, and analyzes historical information regarding past battery replacement status at each battery station, obtains an indicator for each battery station that indicates the degree of non-rental status, and when an event related to battery replacement occurs, references setting information regarding the user's request for battery replacement and the indicator, and displays a notification screen related to the event on the terminal device.

[0011] In addition, the terminal device of the present disclosure is a terminal device carried by a user and connected to a server device via a network, which displays a setting screen that allows the user to input information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement, and provides setting information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement to the server device in accordance with the user's operations on the setting screen.When a battery replacement event occurs in the server device, the server device is configured to display a notification screen regarding the event that is generated by referring to an indicator indicating the degree of non-rental status for each battery station, obtained by analyzing historical information regarding past battery replacement statuses at each battery station, and the setting information.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the user can be guided to a battery station where they can exchange their battery, and an alert prompting the user to exchange their battery can be output in a manner that suits the user's preferences and convenience, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, by referencing an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability of a battery at each battery station, a notification screen regarding an event can be displayed appropriately.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a battery sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a battery exchange machine 3, a management server 4, and a user terminal 5; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the management server 4; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of profile information for each user; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage status confirmation screen displayed on the management terminal 6; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a login screen and a start screen displayed on the user terminal 5; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a profile setting screen and a profile registration completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an advanced search screen displayed on the user terminal 5; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a station guide screen displayed on the user terminal 5; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation screen and a reservation completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5;

[0014] The first invention made to solve the above problem is a battery management system having a plurality of battery exchange devices that are placed at a battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device that is connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and manages the exchange status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; and a terminal device that is carried by the user and connected to the server device via the network, wherein the server device analyzes historical information regarding the status of past battery exchanges at each battery station and obtains an indicator for each battery station that indicates the degree of unavailability for lending, and when a battery exchange event occurs, it refers to setting information regarding the user's request for battery exchange and the indicator and displays a notification screen regarding the event on the terminal device.

[0015] This allows the user to receive information about battery stations where they can exchange their batteries and to receive alerts urging them to exchange their batteries in a way that suits their preferences and convenience, thereby enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, by referencing an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability at each battery station, it is possible to appropriately display a notification screen regarding an event.

[0016] In a second aspect of the present invention, the server device is configured to acquire, as the index, for each battery station, the duration of time during which a rental unavailable state occurs within a unit time.

[0017] This allows the administrator to easily grasp the extent to which a battery device is unavailable for rental at each battery station. The duration of the unavailable state per unit time can be treated as equivalent to the waiting time a user must wait at a battery station until charging is complete and a battery device available for rental is ready.

[0018] In addition, in a third invention, when the server device guides the user to a battery station as an event related to the battery replacement, the server device displays on the terminal device the notification screen in which battery stations that can perform battery replacement that meets the user's needs are superimposed on a map.

[0019] This allows the user to be easily guided to a battery station where a battery exchange that meets the user's needs can be performed.

[0020] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the server device acquires information relating to a reservation for battery replacement in response to a user's operation on the notification screen displayed on the terminal device.

[0021] This allows users to make reservations for battery replacement.

[0022] In addition, a fifth invention is configured such that the server device acquires and stores the setting information regarding at least one item of replacement timing, waiting time, whether or not to issue an alert, and display settings for the notification screen in response to user operations on the terminal device.

[0023] This makes it possible to obtain setting information relating to the user's requests regarding replacement timing, waiting time, whether or not to issue an alert, and display settings for the notification screen.

[0024] A sixth invention is a battery management method in a server device that manages battery stations where users replace battery devices and the battery devices, analyzing historical information regarding past battery replacement status at each battery station and obtaining an indicator for each battery station that indicates the degree of non-rental status, and when an event related to battery replacement occurs, referring to setting information regarding the user's request for battery replacement and the indicator, and displaying a notification screen related to the event on a terminal device.

[0025] According to this, as in the first invention, the user is guided to the battery station where the battery can be replaced and an alert prompting the user to replace the battery can be output in a manner that suits the user's preferences and convenience, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, by referring to an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability of the battery at each battery station, a notification screen regarding the event can be displayed appropriately.

[0026] In addition, a seventh invention is a terminal device carried by a user and connected to a server device via a network, which displays a setting screen that allows the user to input information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement, and provides setting information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement to the server device in accordance with the user's operations on the setting screen, and when an event related to battery replacement occurs in the server device, it displays a notification screen related to the event that is generated by referring to an indicator indicating the degree of non-rental status for each battery station, obtained by analyzing historical information regarding past battery replacement status at each battery station, and the setting information.

[0027] According to this, as in the first invention, the user is guided to the battery station where the battery can be replaced and an alert prompting the user to replace the battery can be output in a manner that suits the user's preferences and convenience, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, by referring to an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability of the battery at each battery station, a notification screen regarding the event can be displayed appropriately.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery sharing system according to this embodiment.

[0030] This battery sharing system provides a service (battery exchange service) in which multiple users share a battery pack 2 (battery device) installed in an electric vehicle 1 such as an electric motorcycle, and is equipped with a battery exchange machine 3 (battery exchange device), a management server 4 (server device), a user terminal 5 (terminal device), a management terminal 6, and a maintenance terminal 7.

[0031] The battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, user terminal 5, management terminal 6, and maintenance terminal 7 are connected via a network such as the Internet. The battery exchange machine 3 and user terminal 5 are connected to the network via wireless communication such as a mobile communication network or a wireless LAN.

[0032] The electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery pack 2 and runs on the power of the battery pack 2. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the electric vehicle 1 is an electric motorcycle, but it may also be a four-wheeled automobile. It may also be an electric wheelchair, an electric cart, or a riding cart for theme parks, golf courses, etc., which are mobility devices that are not intended to be driven on roads.

[0033] The battery exchange machine 3 receives and charges the battery pack 2 returned by the user, and lends the charged battery pack 2 to the user in exchange for the returned battery pack 2. This battery exchange machine 3 is installed in a battery station attached to a facility (store) such as a convenience store or gas station. A plurality of battery exchange machines 3 may be installed at one battery station.

[0034] The management server 4 registers as users (members) people who subscribe to the battery exchange service and use battery packs 2, and manages the battery packs 2 by linking them with the users to whom they are rented. The management server 4 also manages the exchange status of the battery packs 2 in the battery exchange machine 3. The management server 4 also monitors the status of the battery exchange machine 3 (online or not) and the status of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 (charged or not), and distributes status information of the battery exchange machine 3 and the battery packs 2 to the management terminal 6 and the maintenance terminal 7. The management server 4 also distributes information on the operating status of the battery station to the user terminal 5.

[0035] The user terminal 5 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like, and is carried by the user of the electric vehicle 1. The user terminal 5 displays various screens based on information distributed from the management server 4, and these screens inform the user of the location and operating status of battery stations, and also enable the user to perform operations to reserve a battery exchange.

[0036] The management terminal 6 is installed in a facility or management center that serves users and is operated by an administrator. The administrator can use the management terminal 6 to perform user registration operations. The administrator can also view information distributed from the management server 4.

[0037] The maintenance terminal 7 is installed in a facility dedicated to maintenance work or a facility such as a store where a battery station is installed, and is operated by a maintenance person. The maintenance person can view information distributed from the management server 4 on the maintenance terminal 7.

[0038] In this embodiment, the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is used as an example for description, but the battery-mounted device on which the battery pack 2 is mounted is not limited to the electric vehicle 1 and may be, for example, a portable power supply device.

[0039] Next, we will explain the general configuration of the battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, and user terminal 5. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the battery exchange machine 3, management server 4, and user terminal 5. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the management server 4.

[0040] The battery exchange machine 3 includes a sensor 31 , a drive unit 32 , a charging unit 33 , a communication unit 34 , an input / output unit 35 , a display unit 36 ​​, a memory unit 37 , and a control unit 38 .

[0041] The sensor 31 can be configured, for example, as a human presence sensor, and detects a person who has come to replace the battery.

[0042] User authentication may be performed to identify a user who has come to exchange the battery. In this case, the user may be identified by facial recognition from an image captured by a camera. The user may also be identified by communication with a user terminal 5 equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag, a contactless IC card, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) function carried by the user. A two-dimensional code attached to the battery pack 2 may be read from the image captured by the camera to detect that the user is returning the battery pack 2.

[0043] In response to instructions from the control unit 38, the drive unit 32 drives the opening and closing mechanism of the door at the timing of returning and lending the battery pack 2, and also drives the storage and ejection mechanism that stores the returned battery pack 2 and ejects the battery pack 2 to be lent to the user.

[0044] The charging unit 33 charges the battery pack 2 via the slot 21 (tray).

[0045] The communication unit 34 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0046] The input / output unit 35 inputs and outputs information to and from the battery pack 2 , and receives, for example, the serial number of the battery pack 2 , alerts, deterioration information, and the like from the battery pack 2 .

[0047] The display unit 36 ​​displays a guidance screen that provides the user with guidance regarding the replacement of the battery pack 2 .

[0048] The storage unit 37 stores programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 38, etc.

[0049] The control unit 38 is composed of a processor and controls each unit of the battery exchange machine 3. For example, it controls the exchange of the battery pack 2, that is, it controls the drive unit 32 to store the battery pack 2 returned by the user and to lend the charged battery pack 2 to the user. In particular, when the sensor 31 detects the presence of a user, it starts the battery exchange operation, opens the door, and allows the user to return the battery pack 2.

[0050] The control unit 38 also monitors the charge state and empty state of the battery packs 2 installed in each slot and reports the information to the management server 4. This allows the management server 4 to manage the charge state and empty state of the battery packs 2 in the battery exchange machine 3. The management server 4 then generates a battery pack 2 lending order list or the like in accordance with lending rules based on the charge state of the battery packs 2 and transmits this to the battery exchange machine 3, thereby enabling the battery exchange machine 3 to perform efficient lending control when a user replaces or reserves a battery pack 2. Note that the battery exchange machine 3 may itself control the lending order of the battery packs 2 in accordance with lending rules based on the charge state of the battery packs 2, without relying on the management server 4.

[0051] Here, the electric vehicle 1 is equipped with one or more battery packs 2. The battery exchanger 3 accommodates a plurality of battery packs 2 (e.g., eight), and when the electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a plurality of battery packs 2, the user can simultaneously exchange the plurality of battery packs 2. Note that, although the example shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrates the electric vehicle 1 equipped with two battery packs 2, the number of battery packs 2 may be one or three or more.

[0052] The management server 4 includes a communication unit 41 , a storage unit 42 , and a control unit 43 .

[0053] The communication unit 41 communicates with the battery exchange machine 3, the user terminal 5, the management terminal 6, and the maintenance terminal 7 via the network.

[0054] The storage unit 42 stores a program executed by a processor constituting the control unit 43. The storage unit 42 also stores management information such as user registration information and linking information linking the battery pack 2 with the user to whom it is rented.

[0055] The control unit 43 includes a user management unit 51, a station management unit 52, a battery management unit 53, a station information presentation unit 54, a system management unit 55, a notification management unit 56, a reservation management unit 57, a history analysis unit 58, and a guidance suitability determination unit 59. The control unit 43 is configured with a processor, and each unit of the control unit 43 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the storage unit 42.

[0056] The user management unit 51 manages users who use the battery pack 2. For example, an administrator accepts a new registration application from a user and operates the management terminal 6 to obtain and manage user information (user ID, name, address, model of electric vehicle 1 to be used, etc.) (user registration).

[0057] In addition, the user management unit 51 displays a profile setting screen (see Figure 7 (A)) on the user terminal 5, which allows the user to input information regarding the user's requests for battery replacement (such as the user's preferences and convenience), and acquires and manages profile information (setting information) regarding the user's requests for battery replacement in accordance with the user's operations on the profile setting screen.

[0058] The station management unit 52 manages each battery station and the battery exchange machine 3 installed in each battery station. Specifically, the station management unit 52 collects and manages information about the status (operating status, etc.) of the battery exchange machine 3 installed in each battery station from the battery exchange machine 3. The station management unit 52 also collects and manages information about the status (charged status, empty status, etc.) of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 from the battery exchange machine 3. Information about the status of the battery packs 2, such as the deterioration state, usage period, and number of exchanges, may also be collected and managed.

[0059] The battery management unit 53 manages the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 and the battery packs 2 currently on loan to users.

[0060] The station information presentation unit 54 presents information about the battery station to the user. In this embodiment, information about a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) that guides the user to the battery station is generated and distributed to the user terminal 5, and the station guide screen is displayed on the user terminal 5. This station guide screen provides information about the location of the battery station and the number of battery packs 2 that can be replaced at the battery station.

[0061] Furthermore, the station information presentation unit 54 searches for a map of the target area from the overall map of the battery exchange service (map search). At this time, if the user specifies a location in the detailed search, the target area is set with the specified location as the reference position. Furthermore, in the case of the automatic search or if the user does not specify a location in the detailed search, the target area is set with the current position of the electric vehicle 1 as the reference position.

[0062] In addition, the station information presentation unit 54 acquires information about the battery station to be notified, i.e., the battery station that the guidance suitability determination unit 59 has determined is capable of battery replacement that meets the user's needs and that the user should be notified about battery replacement (battery station information acquisition).

[0063] Specifically, the location information of the battery station to be introduced is acquired. Also, in the case of the automatic search or when the user does not specify a date and time in the detailed search, the current date and time is used as the reference time, and information on the current charging status of the battery packs 2 at the battery station to be introduced, specifically information such as the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rental, is acquired.

[0064] The system management unit 55 monitors the system status and presents the system status to an administrator or maintenance person. For example, it generates a management screen that displays the system status, distributes it to the management terminal 6 or maintenance terminal 7, and displays the management screen on the management terminal 6 or maintenance terminal 7. This allows the administrator or maintenance person to view the system status.

[0065] The notification management unit 56 manages notifications for users. Specifically, it distributes to the user terminal 5 information such as information about the establishment or closure of a battery station, information about maintenance work to be performed at a battery station, and information that a reservation for battery replacement at a battery station cannot be made due to a network failure or the like.

[0066] The notification management unit 56 also determines whether or not a predetermined alert condition is met (alert determination), and if the predetermined alert condition is met, issues an alert (notification of battery replacement guidance). This alert is issued when specified by the user. In this embodiment, an alert screen (see FIG. 12) is displayed on the user terminal 5 to notify the alert.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the alert is issued when it is predicted that there will be no more battery stations to be notified about, i.e., battery stations that have been determined by the guidance suitability determination unit 59 to be capable of battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs and for which the user should be notified about battery replacement, within a predetermined time frame. At this time, the guidance suitability determination unit 59 determines whether or not to provide guidance based on the current time point, and also determines whether or not to provide guidance based on a future time point after the predetermined time frame, and determines whether or not there will be any battery stations to be notified about after the predetermined time frame.

[0068] The reservation management unit 57 manages the user's battery replacement reservations. Specifically, the reservation management unit 57 accepts a battery replacement reservation when the user performs a reservation operation on the user terminal 5. The reservation management unit 57 also cancels a battery replacement reservation when the user performs a reservation cancellation operation on the user terminal 5. If the battery replacement is not performed within a predetermined time after the battery replacement reservation is accepted, the reservation management unit 57 forcibly cancels the battery replacement reservation.

[0069] The history analysis unit 58 analyzes history information relating to the past charging and replacement status of the battery pack 2 at each battery station, and obtains a sell-out index as the analysis result. This sell-out index evaluates the degree of opportunity loss caused by not being able to provide the battery replacement service to users at each battery station, i.e., the degree to which a state occurs in which there are no charged battery packs 2 available for rental (a state in which rental is not possible).

[0070] In this embodiment, the duration of the unavailable-for-rental state per unit time (e.g., one hour) is acquired as the sold-out indicator. The duration of the unavailable-for-rental state per unit time corresponds to the average value of the waiting time a user must wait at a battery station until charging is complete and a rentable battery pack 2 is available. Therefore, in this embodiment, the duration of the unavailable-for-rental state per time period is processed as the estimated waiting time per time period. Note that the analysis of the history information is performed for a period specified by the user (e.g., one week, one month, or one year).

[0071] On the other hand, the user's waiting time at each battery station can be estimated based on real-time information about the current battery charging status at each battery station. Specifically, the remaining time until charging of the battery pack 2 being charged at the battery station is completed (charging completion time) can be acquired as the user's waiting time. Therefore, the estimated waiting time may be acquired based on both the waiting time (charging completion time) acquired from such real-time information and the waiting time (sold-out indicator) acquired from the history information.

[0072] Specifically, the waiting time obtained from the real-time information and the waiting time obtained from the history information may be compared, and the larger value may be used as the estimated waiting time. For example, if the waiting time obtained from the real-time information is 3 minutes and the waiting time obtained from the history information is 7 minutes, the estimated waiting time may be set to 7 minutes.

[0073] The guidance suitability determining unit 59 determines, based on the user's profile information and the like, whether the battery station to be guided is one in which battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs is possible and to which the user should be guided for battery replacement.

[0074] Specifically, it is determined whether the battery configuration of the user is compatible, i.e., whether there are charged battery packs 2 available for rent in the number of battery packs 2 required for the electric vehicle 1 used by the user (battery configuration determination). If the battery configuration of the user is not compatible, i.e., if the required number of battery packs 2 cannot be rented, it is determined that the battery station is not the target of the introduction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the battery pack 2 operated in the battery exchange service is of one type, and the battery configuration of the electric vehicle 1 is defined as the number of batteries installed. However, multiple types of battery packs 2 (for example, large and small battery capacities) may be operated in the battery exchange service, and in this case, the battery configuration includes not only the number of batteries installed but also the types of battery packs 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the battery station is located within an area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel (drivable area) (area determination). At this time, the drivable distance of the electric vehicle 1 is obtained based on the allowable remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 (the lower limit of the remaining capacity that the user can tolerate) based on the replacement timing specified by the user, the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, and the electricity consumption of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user (drivable distance per unit capacity of the battery pack 2). A circular area with a radius equal to this drivable distance becomes the drivable area.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether a charged, rentable battery pack 2 can be prepared within the range of the waiting time desired by the user (allowable waiting time) based on the estimated waiting time for each battery station acquired by the history analysis unit 58 (waiting time determination). Specifically, if the estimated waiting time of a battery station is shorter than the allowable waiting time of the user, it is determined to be a battery station to be introduced. On the other hand, if the estimated waiting time of a battery station is longer than the allowable waiting time of the user, it is determined not to be a battery station to be introduced.

[0078] The determination of whether a battery station is a target for guidance made by this guidance suitability determination unit 59 may use the current time as the reference time, or may use a future time as the reference time. Specifically, in the case of a random search, if the user's tolerable waiting time is 0 minutes, the current time becomes the reference time. On the other hand, in the case of a random search, if the user's tolerable waiting time is not 0 minutes, or if a future time is used as the reference time for a detailed search, the future time becomes the reference time.

[0079] The user terminal 5 includes a display unit 61 , an operation unit 62 , a communication unit 63 , a storage unit 64 , and a control unit 65 .

[0080] The display unit 61 displays various screens, such as a screen that guides users to battery stations and a screen for making reservations for battery replacement. The operation unit 62 performs various screen operations on the screens displayed on the display unit 61. Note that the display unit 61 may be configured as a touch panel display in which a display panel and a touch panel are integrated as the operation unit 62.

[0081] The communication unit 63 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0082] The storage unit 64 stores programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 65 .

[0083] The control unit 65 is made up of a processor and performs various processes related to providing information about battery stations and reserving battery replacement. That is, in response to a user's screen operation using the operation unit 62, the control unit 65 controls the display of a screen that provides information about the location of battery stations, a screen for reserving battery replacement, and the like on the display unit 61 based on information delivered from the management server 4.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of the profile information managed by the user management unit 51 of the management server 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the profile information for each user.

[0085] The user management unit 51 of the management server 4 manages profile information for each user. The profile information relates to the user's requests (preferences, convenience, etc.) regarding battery replacement. The profile information is acquired from the user terminal 5 in response to the user's operation on the user terminal 5, and is stored in the storage unit 42 of the management server 4.

[0086] The profile information includes the user ID and setting information regarding replacement timing, waiting time, vehicle model, alert settings, and screen display settings. Note that, assuming the setting of the fee grade for the battery replacement service, the profile information can also include the battery's age (deterioration level), favorite area, favorite battery station, membership type, etc.

[0087] In the user ID field, a user ID (user number) that identifies the user is registered. This user ID can be used to obtain membership information and billing method (e.g., payment each time a battery is replaced, flat-rate payment, etc.) related to the user who will be replacing the battery. Depending on the user's billing method, it is possible to determine the user's behavioral characteristics regarding battery replacement, such as the frequency of battery replacement.

[0088] In the item for battery replacement timing, either "replace frequently" (setting value: 0) or "ride for a long time" (setting value: 1) is registered as the user's preference (preference, convenience, etc.) regarding the timing of battery replacement. "Replace frequently" refers to a case where the user wishes to replace the battery when there is sufficient remaining capacity in the battery pack 2. "Ride for a long time" refers to a case where the user wishes to replace the battery when the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 is close to its limit. In this embodiment, the user's allowable remaining capacity (the lower limit of the remaining capacity that the user can tolerate) is determined based on the replacement timing. For example, in the case of "replace frequently," the timing for battery replacement is set to the point when the allowable remaining capacity reaches 50% and the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 reaches 50%. On the other hand, in the case of "ride for a long time," the timing for battery replacement is set to the point when the allowable remaining capacity reaches, for example, 30% and the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 reaches 30%. Note that this replacement timing for each user can also be estimated from the remaining capacity of battery packs 2 that have been returned in the past.

[0089] In the waiting time field, the length of the acceptable waiting time is registered as the user's request (preference, convenience, etc.) regarding waiting time. The acceptable waiting time is the maximum waiting time that the user can tolerate when waiting at the battery station until the required number of charged, rentable battery packs 2 become available at the battery station. In this embodiment, the user is allowed to select, for example, 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes as the acceptable waiting time.

[0090] The vehicle type field registers information about the vehicle type of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user. The vehicle type may be, for example, a compact vehicle equipped with one battery pack 2 (set value: 1), a medium-sized vehicle equipped with two battery packs 2 (set value: 2), or a large vehicle equipped with four battery packs 2 (set value: 3). This vehicle type information can be used to obtain the number of battery packs 2 installed in the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, i.e., the number of battery packs 2 the user needs when replacing the batteries. In addition, the vehicle type can be used to obtain a simple electricity consumption (mileage per unit capacity of the battery pack 2).

[0091] In the alert setting item, whether or not an alert is required to prompt the user to replace the battery (battery replacement notification) is registered. In this embodiment, the alert is issued by displaying an alert screen (see FIG. 12 ) on the user terminal 5 to notify the user that a battery replacement will soon become unavailable at a battery station that meets the user's needs.

[0092] The item of screen display setting is registered as to whether or not the area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel (drivable area) is to be displayed on the screen. In this embodiment, the drivable area can be displayed on an area map 151 (road map) that shows the surrounding road conditions on the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ).

[0093] Next, a description will be given of the usage status confirmation screen displayed on the management terminal 6. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the usage status confirmation screen.

[0094] In this embodiment, by accessing the management server 4 from the management terminal 6 and logging in, a usage status confirmation screen is displayed on the management terminal 6 as a management screen.

[0095] The usage status confirmation screen is provided with a menu selection section 71, a target period setting section 72, and an analysis result display section 73.

[0096] A plurality of tabs 76 representing the respective menus are provided in the menu selection section 71. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the tabs 76 are provided for Battery Station, Battery Pack, User, Notice, Error / Alert, and Usage Status Check.

[0097] The usage status confirmation screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed by operating the usage status confirmation tab 76 .

[0098] Operating the battery station tab 76 displays a station information list screen (not shown). This station information list screen displays a list of information related to the battery stations. Specifically, the information displayed includes the battery station number, the battery station name, the number of installed battery exchange machines 3, the operating status, the network status, the number of charged packs (the number of charged battery packs 2), any abnormalities in the battery exchange machine 3, and any abnormalities in the battery packs 2.

[0099] Operating the battery pack tab 76 transitions to a battery pack list screen (not shown), which displays information about the battery packs 2 in use, specifically, the serial number of the battery pack 2, information about the location of the battery pack 2 (the user currently using it, the battery exchange machine 3 in which it is stored), and the like.

[0100] Operating the user tab 76 transitions to a user list screen (not shown). This user list screen displays information about the registered user, specifically, the user ID, name, age, gender, the ID of the electric vehicle 1 in use, information about the battery pack 2 in use (such as the battery pack ID), and the registration date.

[0101] Operating the notification tab 76 transitions to a notification list screen (not shown). This notification list screen displays history information about notifications sent in the past, specifically the notification date and time and notification content. Furthermore, transition from the notification list screen to a notification registration screen is possible. On this notification registration screen, a new notification can be registered. Specifically, the title, display period, and notification content are entered to perform the registration operation.

[0102] Operating the error / alert tab 76 transitions to an error / alert list screen (not shown). This error / alert list screen displays history information about errors and alerts that have been output in the past regarding the battery exchange machine 3, specifically, the output date and time, output content, and the like.

[0103] In addition, it may be possible to provide a tab (history search) that transitions to a screen for searching user usage history and system operation history, and a tab (maintenance settings) that transitions to a screen where the administrator can set up maintenance work such as part replacement.

[0104] The target period setting section 72 allows the administrator to specify the target period. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the target period can be selected from one week, one month, one year, and a specified period using a pull-down menu. When the administrator specifies the target period and operates the execute button 77, an analysis is performed for the specified target period, and the analysis results are displayed in the analysis result display section 73.

[0105] The analysis result display section 73 is provided with a number display column 81 , a name display column 82 , a number of exchanges display column 83 , and a sold-out indicator display column 84 .

[0106] The number assigned to each battery station is displayed in the number display field 81. The name display field 82 displays the name of the battery station. The number of battery exchangers 3 installed in each battery station is displayed in the number display field 83.

[0107] The sold-out indicator display field 84 displays a sold-out indicator for each time period for each battery station. In this embodiment, the sold-out indicator for each time period displays the duration of the unavailable-for-rental status for each time period. The duration of the unavailable-for-rental status corresponds to the average value of the waiting time that a user must wait at a battery station until charging is complete and a rentable battery pack 2 is available.

[0108] The sold-out indicator display field 84 is provided with a vertical scroll bar 85 and a horizontal scroll bar 86. When the user operates the vertical scroll bar 85, sold-out indicators for battery stations outside the field can be displayed in the sold-out indicator display field 84. When the user operates the horizontal scroll bar 86, sold-out indicators for time periods outside the field can be displayed in the sold-out indicator display field 84.

[0109] In this embodiment, the time period is set to one hour and the sold-out indicators are displayed for each hour, but the time period is not limited to this, and sold-out indicators for periods shorter than one hour or longer than one hour may be displayed.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the occurrence time of the non-rental state for each time period is displayed as an indicator (sold-out indicator) representing the degree of non-rental state at each battery station, but it is also possible to display the occurrence rate of the non-rental state for each time period.

[0111] Next, a description will be given of the login screen and start screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the login screen and start screen.

[0112] 6A is displayed on the user terminal 5 when the user terminal 5 accesses the management server 4. This login screen and subsequent screens are displayed by a station guide application (e.g., a mobile terminal OS-compatible application, a web browser) installed on the user terminal 5.

[0113] The login screen is provided with a user ID input section 101, a password input section 102, and a login button 103. When a user inputs a user ID and password and operates the login button 103, the management server 4 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password.

[0114] If the user authentication is successful, the user terminal 5 transitions to the start screen (see FIG. 6B).

[0115] The start screen (menu screen) shown in FIG. 6B has buttons 111, 112, and 113 for "automatic search," "detailed search," and "profile settings."

[0116] When the "Automatic Search" button 111 is operated on the start screen, a search for battery stations is performed based on default search conditions based on the profile information for each user previously acquired by the management server 4, and the screen transitions to a station guide screen (see Figures 9 and 10) that guides the user to the battery stations that are the search results.

[0117] When the "Detailed Search" button 112 is operated, the display transitions to a detailed search screen (see FIG. 8) on which the user can input their own search conditions and have the management server 4 search for battery stations.

[0118] When the "profile setting" button 113 is operated, the screen transitions to a profile setting screen (see FIG. 7A) where the user can set his / her preferences and circumstances as a profile.

[0119] Next, a description will be given of the profile setting screen and the profile registration completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the profile setting screen and the profile registration completion screen.

[0120] The profile setting screen shown in FIG. 7A is displayed by selecting "profile setting" on the start screen (see FIG. 6B).

[0121] The profile setting screen has a user ID display section 121, a replacement timing selection section 122, a waiting time selection section 123, a vehicle model selection section 124, an alert necessity selection section 125, an area display necessity selection section 126, a decision button 127, and a cancel button 128.

[0122] The user ID display section 121 displays the user ID (user number) of the logged-in user.

[0123] The replacement timing selection unit 122 allows the user to select either "replace frequently" (setting value: 0) or "ride longer" (setting value: 1) using a pull-down menu regarding the timing of battery replacement, depending on the user's desire (preference, convenience, etc.). For example, if the user does not want to worry about running out of power (a state in which the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 has run out and the vehicle is no longer capable of running), the user should select "replace frequently." Furthermore, if the user's billing method is to pay each time the battery is replaced, the cost of battery replacement can be reduced by using the battery to the limit, so in this case the user should select "ride longer."

[0124] In the waiting time selection unit 123, the user can select the length of the allowable waiting time (for example, 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes) using a pull-down menu according to the user's needs (preferences, convenience, etc.).

[0125] The vehicle type selection unit 124 allows the user to select the vehicle type of the electric vehicle 1 to be used by the user using a pull-down menu. The vehicle types include, for example, a compact vehicle equipped with one battery pack 2 (setting value: 1), a medium-sized vehicle equipped with two battery packs 2 (setting value: 2), and a large vehicle equipped with four battery packs 2 (setting value: 3).

[0126] The alert necessity selection unit 125 allows the user to select, via a pull-down menu, whether or not to issue an alert (ON or OFF) to prompt the user to replace the battery.

[0127] The area display necessity selection unit 126 allows the user to select (ON or OFF) whether or not to display the travelable area on the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) using a pull-down menu. In cases where the membership type can be identified based on the user ID or the like, the profile setting screen may display pre-selected recommended settings (popular settings) and allow the user to change them according to their preferences. The profile setting screen may also allow the user to select an allowable charging rate for a battery pack 2 that has been charged to a predetermined value other than full charge (e.g., 80% charged).

[0128] Here, when the user makes a selection in each section of the profile setting screen and operates the decision button 127, the management server 4 performs a process of registering the information input by the user as profile information. In response, the user terminal 5 transitions to a profile registration completion screen (see FIG. 7(B)). On the other hand, when the cancel button 128 is operated, the screen returns to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0129] The profile registration completion screen shown in FIG. 7B has a character 131 indicating that the profile registration has been completed, and a button 132 for instructing the user to return to the start screen.

[0130] Next, a description will be given of the detailed search screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed search screen.

[0131] The advanced search screen is displayed by selecting "advanced search" on the start screen (see FIG. 6B).

[0132] The detailed search screen is provided with a date input section 141 , a time input section 142 , a location input section 143 , a search button 144 , and a cancel button 145 .

[0133] The date input unit 141 allows the user to input a date (year, month, and day) as a search criterion. It is also possible to allow the user to select a date using a calendar screen or the like. The time input unit 142 allows the user to input a time as a search criterion. It is also possible to initially display the current date and time (date and time), and if the user does not specify a date and time, a battery station search is performed using the current date and time. The location input unit 143 allows the user to input a location as a search criterion. It is also possible to select each district within the service area using a pull-down menu or the like, or to specify a location from an overall map of the service area.

[0134] Here, when the user inputs search conditions (date, time, location) and operates the search button 144, the management server 4 performs a battery station search based on the input search conditions, and the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that guides users to the battery stations that are the search results is displayed on the user terminal 5. On the other hand, when the cancel button 145 is operated, the screen returns to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0135] Next, a description will be given of the station guide screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Figures 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the station guide screen.

[0136] The station guide screen is displayed by selecting the "automatic search" on the start screen (see FIG. 6B), or by entering search conditions (date, time, location) on the detailed search screen (see FIG. 8) and operating the search button 144.

[0137] The station guide screen displays a guide map in which battery station icons 152 are superimposed on an area map 151 (road map). Each battery station icon 152 displays the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rental at the corresponding battery station.

[0138] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, an electric vehicle icon 153 indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 1 is superimposed on the area map 151. Note that the management server 4 acquires location information from the user terminal 5 and displays the electric vehicle icon 153 based on the location information.

[0139] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, the user can perform an operation to select a battery station icon 152. At this time, when the battery station icon 152 is operated (for example, tapped), detailed information (such as the location and contact information) about the corresponding battery station is displayed. Furthermore, when the battery station icon 152 is operated (for example, pressed and held) on the station guide screen, the screen transitions to a reservation screen (see FIG. 11(A)).

[0140] Furthermore, on the station guide screen, a drivable area 154 is displayed on an area map 151 (road map). This drivable area 154 is an area in which the electric vehicle 1 used by the user can travel without changing the battery. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the drivable area is displayed as a circular region with a radius based on the current location of the electric vehicle 1 used by the user and the drivable distance based on the remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1. Furthermore, on the station guide screen, areas outside the drivable area are displayed in gray. Furthermore, the drivable area 154 is not displayed if the user disables the screen display on the profile setting screen (see FIG. 7(A)).

[0141] The drivable distance is the distance that the electric vehicle 1 can travel before the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user reaches the user's allowable remaining capacity based on the replacement timing specified by the user. Therefore, the size of the drivable area varies depending on the setting of the replacement timing. That is, in the case of "frequent battery replacement," the drivable distance becomes shorter and the drivable area becomes smaller, and in the case of "long rides," the drivable distance becomes longer and the drivable area becomes larger.

[0142] Furthermore, on the station guidance screen, the state of the battery station icon 152 changes depending on the result of a determination as to whether the battery station to be guided, i.e., whether it is a battery station that is capable of battery replacement that meets the user's needs and to which the user should be guided about battery replacement (guide suitability determination).

[0143] Specifically, if the battery station is the target of the guidance, the icon 152 is enabled and displayed in a color (e.g., blue) that indicates the enabled state. On the other hand, if the battery station is unable to perform a battery replacement that satisfies the user's needs and should not guide the user to a battery replacement, the icon 152 is disabled and displayed in a color (e.g., gray) that indicates the disabled state.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the battery station icon 152 is in an enabled state, it is possible to select the icon 152, and it is possible to display detailed information about the battery station or transition to a reservation screen (see FIG. 11A) for making a reservation for battery replacement at the battery station. On the other hand, when the icon 152 is in an disabled state, it is not possible to select the icon 152.

[0145] 9(A) shows an example in which the user's allowable waiting time is 0 minutes and the user requires two battery packs 2. In this case, the appropriateness of guidance is determined based on the number of currently charged battery packs 2 available for rental. Specifically, of battery stations BS2, BS3, and BS4 within the travelable area, only battery station BS3 currently has two currently charged battery packs 2 available for rental, and therefore battery station BS3 is displayed in a color that indicates an active state.

[0146] 9(B) shows an example in which the user's allowable waiting time is five minutes and the user requires two battery packs 2. In this case, the appropriateness of guidance is determined based on the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rent five minutes from now. Specifically, of battery stations BS2, BS3, and BS4 within the travelable area, battery stations BS3 and BS4 will have two charged battery packs 2 available for rent five minutes from now, and therefore battery stations BS3 and BS4 are displayed in a color that indicates an active state.

[0147] 10(A) shows an example in which the user's allowable waiting time is 10 minutes and the user requires two battery packs 2. In this case, the appropriateness of the guidance is determined based on the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rent 10 minutes from now. Specifically, all of battery stations BS2, BS3, and BS4 within the travelable area will have two charged battery packs 2 available for rent 10 minutes from now, so battery stations BS2, BS3, and BS4 are displayed in a color that indicates an active state.

[0148] 10(B) shows an example in which the user's allowable waiting time is 0 minutes and the user requires four battery packs 2. In this case, the appropriateness of guidance is determined based on the number of currently charged battery packs 2 available for rent. Specifically, of battery stations BS4 and BS5 within the travelable area, only battery station BS5 currently has four currently charged battery packs 2 available for rent, and therefore battery station BS4 is displayed in a color indicating an active state.

[0149] In this embodiment, if the user's allowable waiting time is 0 minutes, only battery stations that have the required number of batteries immediately available for rental are introduced. Even if a battery station does not currently have any batteries available for rental, the user may be able to be introduced to that battery station if the user's allowable waiting time is not 0 minutes. Furthermore, as the user's allowable waiting time increases, the number of battery stations that can be introduced may increase.

[0150] The station guide screen displays the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rental at each battery station, and this information is obtained from real-time information about the charging status of the battery packs 2 at each battery station. That is, in the case of an automatic search or when no date and time is specified on the detailed search screen, if the station guide screen is displayed with the current date and time as the reference point, the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rental at each battery station is displayed.

[0151] On the other hand, when a future date and time is specified on the detailed search screen, it is difficult to predict the number of charged battery packs 2 that will be available for rent at that future date and time, so the number of charged battery packs 2 that will be available for rent is not displayed. However, since an estimated waiting time at each battery station at each time can be obtained by analyzing history information related to the past battery exchange status at each battery station, the estimated waiting time may be displayed on the station guide screen.

[0152] Next, a description will be given of the reservation screen and reservation completion screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the reservation screen and reservation completion screen.

[0153] The reservation screen shown in Figure 11 (A) is displayed by selecting a battery station on the station guide screen (see Figures 9 and 10), specifically by operating (tapping) the battery station icon 152.

[0154] The reservation screen has a station information display section 161, a reservation button 162, and a cancel button 163. The station information display section 161 displays information about the battery station, specifically, the name of the battery station and the number of charged battery packs 2 available for rent (number of remaining batteries).

[0155] When the user checks the information about the battery station and operates the reservation button 162, the management server 4 performs a process to accept the reservation for battery replacement. When the reservation is completed on the management server 4, the user terminal 5 transitions to a reservation completion screen (see FIG. 11(B)). Furthermore, when the cancel button 163 is operated, the screen returns to the station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0156] The reservation completion screen shown in FIG. 11(B) has a reservation completion notification section 171, a battery station information display section 172, and a button 173 for instructing the user to return to the start screen. The reservation completion notification section 171 displays text notifying the user that the reservation has been completed. The battery station information display section 172 displays information about the battery station, specifically the name of the battery station. When the user confirms that the reservation has been completed and operates button 173, the screen returns to the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)).

[0157] Next, a description will be given of the alert screen displayed on the user terminal 5. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the alert screen.

[0158] When a predetermined condition for issuing an alert is met, an alert (battery replacement notification) is issued in the management server 4. In this embodiment, an alert screen shown in FIG.

[0159] The alert screen displays a notification box 181. The notification box 181 is displayed, for example, as a pop-up superimposed on the standby screen. The notification box 181 displays text indicating that a battery exchange will soon become unavailable at a battery station that meets the user's needs, and text urging the user to make a reservation for a battery exchange.

[0160] This makes it possible to avoid the inconvenience of running out of power before arriving at a battery station where battery replacement is possible.

[0161] The allowable remaining capacity based on the replacement timing specified by the user may be compared with the actual remaining capacity of the battery pack 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, and an alert may be issued if the actual remaining capacity falls below the allowable remaining capacity. In this case, the alert screen may be configured to display text urging the user to immediately replace the battery.

[0162] Next, the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 will be described. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 at the time of login and profile setting. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 at the time of selecting automatic search and advanced search. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedures of the user terminal 5 and the management server 4 at the time of reservation.

[0163] First, the process of logging in will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13(A), when the station guide application is started on the user terminal 5, a login screen (see Fig. 6(A)) is displayed. When the user performs a login operation on this login screen, a login request is sent to the management server 4.

[0164] When the management server 4 receives a login request from the user terminal 5 , it performs user authentication based on the user ID and password included in the request, and sends a login response to the user terminal 5 .

[0165] When the user terminal 5 receives a login response from the management server 4, if the user authentication is successful and the login is approved, the start screen (see FIG. 6(B)) is displayed. If the user authentication fails, an error screen (not shown) is displayed.

[0166] Next, the process of setting a profile will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 13(B), when the user selects profile setting on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)) of the user terminal 5, a profile setting request is sent to the management server 4.

[0167] When the management server 4 receives a profile setting request from the user terminal 5, if the corresponding user has already set a profile, it acquires the profile information. Then, the management server 4 sends a profile setting response to the user terminal 5. This response includes the profile information of the corresponding user. Note that when setting a profile for the first time, a response that does not include profile information is sent.

[0168] When the user terminal 5 receives the profile setting response from the management server 4, it displays a profile setting screen (see FIG. 7A) based on the information included in the response. Next, when the user performs a selection operation on the profile setting screen and performs an operation to instruct profile registration, the user terminal 5 sends a profile registration request to the management server 4. This request includes screen operation information (input information) of the user on the profile setting screen.

[0169] When the management server 4 receives a profile registration request from the user terminal 5, it updates the profile information of the corresponding user based on the information included in the request. Note that when a profile is set for the first time, new profile information is registered. The management server 4 then sends a profile registration response to the user terminal 5.

[0170] The user terminal 5 displays a profile registration completion screen (see FIG. 7B) when it receives a profile registration response from the management server 4. Then, when the user performs an operation to transition to the start screen (see FIG. 6B), the user terminal 5 returns to the start screen.

[0171] Next, the operation when the automatic search is selected will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14(A), when the user selects the automatic search on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B)) of the user terminal 5, a request for the automatic search is sent to the management server 4.

[0172] When the management server 4 receives a request for an automatic search from the user terminal 5, it sets a target area using the current position of the electric vehicle 1 as a reference position and searches a map of the target area (map search). Next, the management server 4 acquires position information of battery stations located within the target area and acquires information about the current charging status of the battery packs 2 at those battery stations (battery station information acquisition). The management server 4 then transmits a response to the automatic search to the user terminal 5. This response includes a map of the target area and information about the battery stations located within the target area.

[0173] When the user terminal 5 receives the response to the automatic search from the management server 4, it displays a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) based on the information contained in the response.

[0174] Next, the operation when selecting the advanced search will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14(B) , when the user selects the advanced search on the start screen (see Fig. 6(B) ) of the user terminal 5, a request for the advanced search is sent to the management server 4.

[0175] When the management server 4 receives a request for an advanced search from the user terminal 5, if the corresponding user has already performed an advanced search, it acquires the advanced search information from that time. Then, the management server 4 sends a response to the advanced search to the user terminal 5. This response includes the advanced search information of the corresponding user.

[0176] When the user terminal 5 receives a response to the detailed search from the management server 4, it displays a detailed search screen (see FIG. 8) based on the information included in the response. When the user inputs search conditions (date and time of use, location of use) on this detailed search screen and issues a search instruction, a request for registering detailed search information is sent to the management server 4. This request includes information about the user's screen operation on the detailed search screen (input information).

[0177] When the management server 4 receives a request for detailed search information registration from the user terminal 5, it updates the detailed search information for the corresponding user based on the information included in the request. The management server 4 also sets a target area using a location specified by the user as a reference position and searches a map of the target area (map search). Next, the management server 4 acquires information (such as location information) about battery stations located within the target area (battery station information acquisition). The management server 4 then transmits a response to the detailed search information registration to the user terminal 5. This response includes a map of the target area and information about the battery stations located within the target area.

[0178] When the user terminal 5 receives the response to the detailed information registration from the management server 4, it displays a station guide screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) based on the information contained in the response.

[0179] Next, the process of making a reservation will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 15, when the user selects a battery station on the station guide screen (see Figs. 9 and 10) of the user terminal 5, a reservation guide request is sent to the management server 4. This request includes information about the battery station selected by the user.

[0180] When the management server 4 receives a reservation information request from the user terminal 5, it acquires reservation information (information related to the reservation for battery replacement) for the battery station selected by the user based on the information included in the request. The management server 4 then sends a reservation information response to the user terminal 5. This response includes the reservation information for the corresponding battery station, specifically, the name of the battery station and the number of charged batteries available for rental (number of remaining batteries).

[0181] When the user terminal 5 receives the reservation information response from the management server 4, it displays a reservation screen (see FIG. 11A) based on the information included in the response. Next, when the user performs an operation on the reservation screen to instruct a reservation, the user terminal 5 sends a reservation request to the management server 4.

[0182] When the management server 4 receives a reservation request from the user terminal 5, it updates (confirms) the reservation information for the corresponding battery station. Then, the management server 4 sends a reservation response to the user terminal 5. When the reservation information is updated (confirmed), the management server 4 also updates the lending order list of the battery packs 2 and sends it to the battery exchange machine 3, thereby controlling the lending of the battery packs 2 to the user.

[0183] The user terminal 5 displays a reservation completion screen (see FIG. 11B) when it receives a reservation response from the management server 4. Then, when the user performs an operation to transition to the start screen (see FIG. 6B), the user terminal 5 returns to the start screen.

[0184] In this embodiment, when an event related to battery replacement occurs, specifically an event of providing information about a battery station where the user can replace the battery or an event of issuing an alert urging the user to replace the battery, the management server 4 refers to the setting information (profile information) regarding the user's desire for battery replacement and the sold-out indicator, and displays a station information screen or an alert screen on the user terminal 5 as a notification screen related to the event.

[0185] This allows the user to receive information about the battery station where the battery can be replaced and to receive an alert prompting the user to replace the battery in a manner that meets the user's needs (preferences, convenience, etc.), thereby enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, by referencing an indicator that indicates the degree of unavailability of the battery at each battery station, it is possible to appropriately display a notification screen regarding the event.

[0186] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0187] The battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device disclosed herein have the effect of increasing user convenience by providing guidance to battery stations where users can replace their batteries and outputting alerts urging users to replace their batteries in a manner that suits the user's preferences and convenience, and are useful as a battery management system and battery management method that manage battery stations and battery devices, as well as a terminal device carried by the user, in a battery replacement service where users of electric vehicles and the like replace battery devices at battery stations.

[0188] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electric vehicle 2 Battery pack (battery device) 3 Battery exchanger (battery exchange device) 4 Management server (server device) 5 User terminal (terminal device) 51 User management unit 54 Station information presentation unit 56 Notification management unit 58 History analysis unit 59 Guidance suitability determination unit

Claims

1. a plurality of battery exchange devices that are arranged in a battery station, and that receive and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices; a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the exchange status of the battery devices at the battery exchange devices; a terminal device owned by a user and connected to the server device via a network; A battery management system comprising: The server device includes: analyzing historical information regarding the past battery exchange status at each battery station to obtain an index representing the degree of the non-rentable state for each battery station; A battery management system characterized in that, when an event related to battery replacement occurs, a notification screen related to the event is displayed on the terminal device by referring to setting information related to a user's desire for battery replacement and the indicator.

2. The server device includes: The battery management system according to claim 1 , wherein the index is obtained for each battery station by calculating a time during which a rental unavailable state occurs per unit time.

3. The server device includes: The battery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that when guiding a user to a battery station as an event related to the battery replacement, the notification screen is displayed on the terminal device, superimposing on a map battery stations where battery replacement that meets the user's needs can be performed.

4. The server device includes:

4. The battery management system according to claim 3, wherein information regarding a reservation for battery exchange is acquired in response to a user's operation on the notification screen displayed on the terminal device.

5. The server device includes: The battery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting information regarding at least one item of replacement timing, waiting time, whether or not to issue an alert, and display settings of the notification screen is acquired and stored in response to user operation on the terminal device.

6. A battery management method for managing a battery station in which a user replaces a battery device and the battery devices in a server device, comprising: analyzing historical information regarding the past battery exchange status at each battery station to obtain an index representing the degree of the non-rentable state for each battery station; A battery management method, characterized in that when an event related to battery replacement occurs, a notification screen related to the event is displayed on a terminal device by referring to setting information related to a user's desire for battery replacement and the indicator.