Battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a flexible response by changing a lending condition for a user as needed in accordance with the actual situation, thereby increasing opportunities in which a battery device is smoothly lent even when a user drops by a battery station without a reservation and improving convenience for the user. [Solution] The present invention is provided with: a battery exchanger 3 that is installed at a battery station, that accommodates and charges a battery pack 2 returned from a user, and that lends a battery pack for exchange to the user; and a management server 4 that is connected to the battery exchanger via a network and that manages a battery pack exchange situation in the battery exchanger. When there is no battery pack that satisfies a lending condition (lending threshold) for the user, the management server displays a guide screen that proposes to change the lending condition on a touch panel display 36 of the battery exchanger, on the basis of the lending condition and charge state information of the battery pack accommodated in the battery exchanger.

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 the replacement of battery devices by users in a battery replacement service in which users of electric vehicles and the like replace battery devices at a battery station, as well as a terminal device owned by the user.

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles have been attracting attention as a way to solve problems such as air pollution caused by exhaust gases and fuel costs. While the range of such electric vehicles has been extended due to improvements in the performance of their battery devices, they have the inconvenience of being unable to run continuously for long periods of time due to the need to charge the battery devices. To solve this inconvenience, a battery exchange service has been put into practical use. This service allows electric vehicles to be equipped with detachable battery devices and allows users to exchange low-powered batteries for fully charged ones at battery stations, thereby enabling long-term continuous running.

[0003] However, battery stations cannot always have fully charged (fully charged) battery devices available. Therefore, if a fully charged battery device is not available, users have to wait until a fully charged battery device is available for rental, which causes inconvenience to users. Therefore, a technology has been known in the past that, when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, lends users a battery device that has reached a predetermined charge rate (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-259709

[0005] According to conventional technology, the station is normally operated in a rental mode that only allows the rental of fully charged battery devices. When there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, the station switches to a rental mode that allows the rental of battery devices even if charging is incomplete as long as a predetermined condition (e.g., a charging rate of 80%) is met. In this way, with conventional technology, when there is a shortage of fully charged battery devices, the range of permitted rentals is expanded and the rental of battery devices continues. This increases the opportunities for smooth battery device rental even when a user stops by a station without a reservation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0006] Meanwhile, the rental status (charging status) of battery devices at battery stations changes due to various factors. Furthermore, user needs (preferences, convenience, etc.) regarding battery replacement may also change. Therefore, a flexible response is desired, whereby rental conditions for users can be changed as needed to suit actual conditions in response to user needs and changes in the rental status of battery devices at battery stations.

[0007] For example, if a user frequently visits a battery station and there are many cases where there are no battery devices that meet the user's rental conditions when the user stops by the station without making a reservation, it would be more convenient for the user to relax the rental conditions. In such cases, it is desirable to prompt the user to change the rental conditions, and to change the rental conditions.

[0008] However, conventional technology does not take into consideration such changes to user rental conditions, and there is a problem in that when a user stops by a station without making a reservation, the opportunities for smooth rental of a battery device cannot be sufficiently increased, and convenience for the user cannot be improved.

[0009] Therefore, the main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system, a battery management method, and a terminal device that can increase the opportunities for smooth rental of battery devices and improve user convenience, even when a user stops by a battery station without making a reservation, by providing a flexible response that allows the user's rental conditions to be changed at any time to suit the actual situation.

[0010] The battery management system disclosed herein is a battery management system that manages the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, and includes: a plurality of battery replacement devices that are placed at the battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend replacement battery devices to users; a server device that is connected to the plurality of battery replacement devices via a network and manages the replacement status of the battery devices at the battery replacement devices; and a display device that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of battery devices at the battery replacement devices.The server device stores preset rental conditions for each user in a memory unit, acquires charging status information regarding the battery devices stored in the battery replacement devices, and determines whether there are any battery devices that satisfy the rental conditions based on the user's rental conditions and the charging status information.If there are no battery devices that satisfy the rental conditions, the guidance screen that suggests changing the rental conditions is displayed on the display device.

[0011] In addition, the battery management method disclosed herein is a battery management method in which a processor performs processing to manage the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, and is configured to obtain charging status information regarding battery devices contained in a battery replacement device, and determine whether there is a battery device that meets the user's rental conditions based on the charging status information, and if there is no battery device that meets the rental conditions, display a guidance screen on a display device that suggests changing the rental conditions.

[0012] 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, and is equipped with a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a battery replacement device, and a display unit that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of a battery device at the battery replacement device based on screen information transmitted from the battery replacement device, and is configured to display the guidance screen suggesting a change to the rental conditions on the display unit when the battery replacement device does not have a battery device that meets the user's rental conditions.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the flexible response that allows users' rental conditions to be changed at any time to suit actual circumstances increases the opportunities for smooth rental of battery devices even when users drop by a battery station without making a reservation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0014]

[0015] The first invention made to solve the above problem is a battery management system that manages the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, and includes a plurality of battery replacement devices that are placed at the battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend replacement battery devices to users; a server device that is connected to the plurality of battery replacement devices via a network and manages the replacement status of the battery devices at the battery replacement devices; and a display device that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of battery devices at the battery replacement devices, wherein the server device stores preset rental conditions for each user in a memory unit, acquires charging status information regarding the battery devices stored in the battery replacement device, and determines whether there is a battery device that satisfies the rental conditions based on the user's rental conditions and the charging status information, and if there is no battery device that satisfies the rental conditions, displays the guidance screen on the display device that suggests changing the rental conditions.

[0016] This allows for flexible responses in which the user's rental conditions can be changed as needed to suit the actual situation, increasing the opportunities for smooth rental of battery devices even when the user drops by the battery station without making a reservation, thereby improving user convenience. The display device may be provided in the battery exchange device, or may be a terminal device carried by the user.

[0017] In addition, in a second invention, the server device is configured to display a guidance screen proposing changes to relax the rental conditions if there is no battery device that meets the rental conditions, and to display a guidance screen proposing changes to tighten the rental conditions if there is a battery device that exceeds the rental conditions.

[0018] According to this, when there is a shortage of battery exchange services, by proposing changes to loosen the rental conditions, there will be more opportunities to rent battery devices to users, thereby improving user convenience.Also, when there is a shortage of battery exchange services, by proposing changes to tighten the rental conditions, there will be more opportunities to rent more appropriate battery devices to users, thereby improving user convenience.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present invention, when the rental conditions are changed, the server device rents out a battery device that corresponds to the changed rental conditions.

[0020] This allows a battery device that meets the rental conditions that the user has agreed to change to be rented to the user.

[0021] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, when the rental conditions are changed, the server device updates the rental conditions stored in the storage unit.

[0022] This allows the rental conditions to be updated when the battery is replaced, thereby saving the user the trouble of performing a separate operation and improving user convenience.

[0023] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the server device changes the display mode of the guidance screen in accordance with the rental status of the battery device in the battery exchange device.

[0024] This allows the rental status of the battery device in the battery exchange device to be notified to people nearby, thereby preventing dissatisfaction and trouble caused by misunderstandings by the user. In this case, for example, a part of the guidance screen may be used as a rental status notification section, and the rental status notification section may be displayed in green when a fully charged battery device is available for rental, in yellow when a battery device with a charge rate other than a predetermined charge rate or higher is available for rental, and in red when a battery device with a charge rate other than a predetermined charge rate or higher is not available for rental.

[0025] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the server device is configured to change the display mode of the guidance screen when a battery device other than a fully charged battery device is rented.

[0026] This allows nearby people to be notified that a battery device other than a fully charged one has been rented, thereby preventing dissatisfaction or trouble caused by misunderstandings by the user. In this case, for example, a part of the guidance screen may be used as a rental status notification section, and when a battery device other than a fully charged one has been rented, the rental status notification section may flash or be displayed in a predetermined color.

[0027] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the server device is configured to output a voice message indicating that a battery device other than a fully charged battery device is rented.

[0028] This allows nearby people to be notified that a battery device that is not fully charged has been rented, thereby preventing dissatisfaction and trouble caused by misunderstandings by the user.

[0029] In addition, in an eighth invention, if there is no battery device that meets the rental conditions, the server device is configured to display the guidance screen that presents the waiting time until a battery device that meets the rental conditions can be rented and suggests that the user wait.

[0030] This allows the user to appropriately decide whether or not to wait since the waiting time is displayed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0031] In addition, in a ninth aspect of the present invention, if there is no battery device that meets the rental conditions, the server device is configured to display the guidance screen on which the user can specify either the charging rate or rental time of the battery device that the user desires.

[0032] This allows the user to rent out the battery device under conditions desired by the user.

[0033] In addition, the tenth invention is configured such that, if there is no battery device that meets the rental conditions, the server device displays the guidance screen that instructs the user to make a reservation for the rental of a battery device that meets the rental conditions or a battery device that meets conditions specified by the user.

[0034] This allows the user to make a reservation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0035] In addition, the 11th invention is configured such that the server device performs user authentication for a person who wishes to have a battery replaced at the battery replacement device, obtains the rental conditions for the user identified by this user authentication, and displays the guidance screen based on the rental conditions for that user.

[0036] This makes it possible to provide an appropriate battery exchange service that meets the user's needs. User authentication may be biometric authentication such as face authentication, or card authentication using an IC card.

[0037] In addition, the 12th invention is a battery management method in which a processor performs processing to manage the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, and is configured to obtain charging status information regarding battery devices contained in a battery replacement device, determine whether there is a battery device that satisfies the user's rental conditions based on the charging status information, and if there is no battery device that satisfies the rental conditions, display on a display device a guidance screen suggesting a change to the rental conditions.

[0038] According to this, as in the first invention, the user's rental conditions can be flexibly changed as needed to suit the actual situation, which increases the opportunities for smooth rental of a battery device even when the user stops by the battery station without a reservation, thereby improving user convenience. The display device may be provided in the battery exchange device, or may be a terminal device carried by the user. Furthermore, the guidance screen displayed on the display device may be controlled by the battery exchange device, or may be controlled by a device separate from the battery exchange device, such as a server device connected to the battery exchange device via a network.

[0039] In addition, the thirteenth invention is a terminal device carried by a user and connected to a server device via a network, comprising a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a battery replacement device, and a display unit that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of a battery device at the battery replacement device based on screen information transmitted from the battery replacement device, and is configured such that if the battery replacement device does not have a battery device that meets the user's rental conditions, the guidance screen suggesting a change to the rental conditions is displayed on the display unit.

[0040] As with the first invention, this allows for flexible responses in which the user's rental conditions are changed at any time to suit the actual situation, which increases the opportunities for smooth rental of battery devices even when the user stops by the battery station without making a reservation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery sharing system according to a first embodiment.

[0043] This battery sharing system (battery management 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), and a registration machine 5 (registration device).

[0044] The battery exchange machine 3, the management server 4, and the registration machine 5 are connected via a network such as the Internet. The battery exchange machine 3 may also be connected to the network via wireless communication such as a mobile communication network or a wireless LAN.

[0045] 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 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.

[0046] The battery exchange machine 3 receives and charges the battery pack 2 returned by the user, and also lends the user a replacement 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 are installed at one battery station. In this embodiment, even if the battery pack 2 is not fully charged, it is lent out as being charged if the charging rate has reached a specified value.

[0047] 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 charge status of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3. The management server 4 also performs face authentication (face matching) to identify users who come to exchange batteries.

[0048] The registration machine 5 is operated by the subject person or an attendant to perform operations related to user registration.

[0049] 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 an electric vehicle, and may be, for example, a portable power supply device installed in a free-address office or evacuation shelter where multiple people want to share a power source.

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, the management server 4 has two functions, face authentication and battery management, but the functions of the management server 4 may be separated into a face authentication server that performs processing related to face authentication and a battery management server that performs processing related to battery management. Furthermore, the functions of the face authentication server may be separated into a face management server that centrally manages user information (face images, specific information, etc.) and a face matching server that performs face matching processing.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, facial authentication is performed as user authentication to identify a user who has come to replace a battery, but the user authentication may be biometric authentication other than facial authentication, or card authentication using an IC card, etc.

[0052] Next, a description will be given of the general configuration of the registration device 5 according to the first embodiment. FIG.

[0053] The registration device 5 includes a camera 11 for photographing a face, a camera 12 for photographing a card, a touch panel display 13, a communication unit 14, a memory unit 15, and a processor 16.

[0054] The face photographing camera 11 photographs the face of the subject when registering the user.

[0055] The card photographing camera 12 photographs the face of a personal identification card presented by the subject, specifically, a driver's license, a battery exchange service membership card (member's card), etc. The form of the registration device 5 is not limited to that of this embodiment, and may be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) that the user normally uses. In this case, a camera mounted on the mobile terminal serves as the face photographing camera 11 and the card photographing camera 12.

[0056] The touch panel display 13 displays a screen related to user registration and detects operation inputs by the operator (the subject person or an attendant).

[0057] The communication unit 14 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0058] The storage unit 15 stores programs executed by the processor 16 and the like.

[0059] The processor 16 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the processor 16 performs face image acquisition process, card image acquisition process, profile acquisition process, registration request process, GUI control process, and the like.

[0060] In the face image acquisition process, the processor 16 cuts out a face area from the image captured by the face-capturing camera 11 (face cutout) and acquires a face image of the subject (a face image for registration).

[0061] In the card image acquisition process, the processor 16 cuts out the area of ​​the personal identification card from the image captured by the card photographing camera 12 and acquires the card image.

[0062] In the profile acquisition process, the processor 16 displays a profile setting screen (not shown) on the touch panel display 13 and acquires the subject's profile information in response to an operation input on the profile setting screen by an operator (the subject or an attendant). The profile information is information (rental threshold, waiting time, number of batteries) (see FIG. 6 ) about the user's requests for battery replacement (such as the user's preferences and circumstances).

[0063] In the registration request process, the processor 16 transmits a user registration request to the management server 4 via the communication unit 14. The user registration request includes a face image, a card image, and profile information of the target person.

[0064] In the GUI control process, the processor 16 displays a screen regarding user registration delivered from the management server 4 on the touch panel display 13, and also acquires input operation information corresponding to the input operation of the operator (the subject himself / herself or an attendant).

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the general configuration of the battery exchange machine 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG.

[0066] The battery exchange machine 3 includes a camera 31 , a sensor 32 , a drive unit 33 , a charging unit 34 , an input / output unit 35 , a touch panel display 36 , a communication unit 37 , a memory unit 38 , and a processor 39 .

[0067] Camera 31 photographs a person (visitor) who has come to exchange a battery, i.e., a person who wishes to exchange a battery at battery exchange machine 3. In order to reliably capture a facial image of a visitor, multiple cameras 11 may be installed vertically to capture facial images corresponding to the height of the visitor.

[0068] The sensor 32 is configured by, for example, a human presence sensor, and detects a person who has come to replace the battery.

[0069] In response to instructions from the processor 39, the drive unit 33 drives the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter 51 (opening / closing door) provided at the loading / unloading port of the battery pack 2 at the timing of returning or lending the battery pack 2, and also drives the storage / ejection mechanism that stores the returned battery pack 2 and ejects the battery pack 2 to be lent to the user.

[0070] The charging unit 34 charges the battery pack 2 via the slot 52 (tray).

[0071] The input / output unit 35 inputs and outputs information to and from the battery pack 2 , and receives, for example, the model number of the battery pack 2 , alerts, deterioration information, and the like from the battery pack 2 .

[0072] The touch panel display 36 displays a guide screen regarding replacement of the battery pack 2 and detects user operation inputs.

[0073] The communication unit 37 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

[0074] The storage unit 38 stores programs executed by the processor 39 and the like.

[0075] The processor 39 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 38. In this embodiment, the processor 39 performs battery monitoring process, return / lending control process, face image acquisition process, battery information acquisition process, verification request process, GUI control process, and the like.

[0076] In the battery monitoring process, the processor 39 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.

[0077] In the return / lending control process, the processor 39 controls the return and lending operations of the battery pack 2. Specifically, when the sensor 32 detects the approach of a person, the processor 39 controls the drive unit 33 to move an empty slot 52 to the loading / unloading opening and open the shutter 51, allowing the user to return the battery pack 2. Furthermore, when an exchange permission notification is received from the management server 4, the processor 39 controls the drive unit 33 to move the slot 52 in which the battery pack 2 to be lent to the user is installed to the loading / unloading opening and open the shutter 51, allowing the user to receive the battery pack 2 to be lent to the user.

[0078] In the facial image acquisition process, the processor 39 detects a person's face from the image captured by the camera 31 (face detection), cuts out the facial area from the captured image (face cutout), and acquires the subject's facial image (facial image for authentication).

[0079] In the battery information acquisition process, the processor 39 acquires the model number (model identification information) from the returned battery pack 2 via the input / output unit 35 .

[0080] In the matching request process, the processor 39 sends a face matching request from the communication unit 37 to the management server 4. The face matching request includes the visitor's face image and the like. The processor 39 also sends a battery matching request from the communication unit 37 to the management server 4. The battery matching request includes the model number of the battery pack 2.

[0081] In the GUI control process, the processor 39 displays a guide screen relating to battery replacement, which is delivered from the management server 4, on the touch panel display 36, and also acquires operation input information corresponding to the operation input by the user.

[0082] Next, a description will be given of the general configuration of the management server 4 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the management server 4.

[0083] The management server 4 includes a communication unit 61 , a storage unit 62 , and a processor 63 .

[0084] The communication unit 61 communicates with the battery exchange machine 3 and the registration machine 5 via the network.

[0085] The storage unit 62 stores programs and the like to be executed by the processor 63. The storage unit 62 also stores registration information (user management information) of a user management table.

[0086] The processor 63 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 62. In this embodiment, the processor 63 performs facial feature extraction processing, specific information reading processing, user management processing, station management processing, face matching processing, battery matching processing, battery exchange control processing, rental determination processing, screen control processing, rental condition management processing, and reservation management processing.

[0087] In the facial feature extraction process, the processor 63 extracts facial feature information from a facial image of a person to be registered as a user, acquired from the registration machine 5, during user registration. The processor 63 also extracts facial feature information from a facial image of a visitor acquired from the battery exchange machine 3 during battery exchange.

[0088] In the specific information reading process, the processor 63 performs OCR (optical character recognition) processing on the card image obtained from the registration machine 5 during user registration to read the characters and symbols written on the face of the personal identification card and obtain the target person's specific information (name (user name), address, etc.).

[0089] In the user management process, the processor 63 manages the user who uses the battery pack 2. Specifically, the processor 63 registers, together with the user ID, the facial feature information of the subject acquired in the facial feature extraction process, the specific information of the subject (such as name (user name) and address) acquired in the specific information reading process, and the profile information acquired in response to an operation input by the operator (the subject or an attendant) at the registration device 5 in the user management table.

[0090] In the station management process, the processor 63 collects information about the state (charge state, empty state, etc.) of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 from the battery exchange machine 3 and manages it.

[0091] In the face matching process, the processor 63 compares the visitor's facial feature information acquired in the facial feature extraction process with the facial feature information registered in the user management table when the battery is replaced to determine whether the visitor is a legitimate user. Note that, since a facial image of the user is acquired each time the battery is replaced, the facial feature information of the user registered in the user management table may be updated using the facial feature information extracted from this facial image.

[0092] In the battery verification process, the processor 63 determines whether the battery pack 2 returned by the user to the battery exchange machine 3 is an eligible product (compatible product) for the battery exchange service.

[0093] In the battery replacement control process, the processor 63 determines whether or not battery replacement is permitted, and notifies the battery replacement machine 3 of the determination result, i.e., whether or not battery replacement is permitted. Specifically, if the face matching process determines that the visitor is an authorized user, and if the battery matching process determines that the battery pack 2 returned by the user is an eligible item for the battery replacement service, an replacement permission notice permitting battery replacement is sent from the communication unit 61 to the battery replacement machine 3. Furthermore, if it is determined that the visitor is not an authorized user, or if it is determined that the battery pack 2 returned by the user is different from the battery pack 2 currently on loan to the user, an replacement denial notice prohibiting battery replacement is sent from the communication unit 61 to the battery replacement machine 3.

[0094] In the rental determination process, the processor 63 determines whether the battery exchange machine 3 has a battery pack 2 that meets the user's rental conditions based on the user's profile information identified by facial matching and charging status information, i.e., information regarding the charging status of the battery pack 2 contained in the battery exchange machine 3.

[0095] In the screen control process, the processor 63 controls the screen to be displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3. In this embodiment, based on the determination result of the rental determination process, screen information for a guidance screen regarding battery replacement is generated, and the guidance screen is displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3. In this embodiment, the control mode is determined based on the determination result of the rental determination process, and the guidance screen is generated based on the determined control mode.

[0096] In the rental condition management process, when the processor 63 displays an information screen on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3 based on the judgment result of the rental judgment process, suggesting to the user that the user change their rental threshold, and the user performs an operation to accept the change in the rental threshold, the rental threshold of the user registered in the user management table is updated with the changed rental threshold.

[0097] In the reservation management process, the processor 63 manages the user's reservation for battery exchange. Specifically, when the user performs a reservation operation on the battery exchange machine 3, the processor 63 accepts the reservation for battery exchange.

[0098] In this embodiment, the facial feature extraction process is performed by the management server 4, but the facial feature extraction process may also be performed by the registration machine 5, and facial feature information extracted from the facial image of the subject may be provided from the registration machine 5 to the management server 4. Also, the facial feature extraction process may be performed by the battery exchange machine 3, and facial feature information extracted from the facial image of the visitor may be provided from the battery exchange machine 3 to the management server 4. Also, in this embodiment, the specific information reading process is performed by the management server 4, but the specific information reading process may also be performed by the registration machine 5, and the specific information obtained by OCR processing of the card image may be provided from the registration machine 5 to the management server 4.

[0099] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed at the time of user registration in the registration device 5 and the management server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed at the time of user registration in the registration device 5 and the management server 4.

[0100] In this embodiment, when subscribing to the battery exchange service and starting to use the battery pack 2, the subject or an attendant performs a user registration operation in the registration machine 5. At this time, in the registration machine 5, the face photographing camera 31 photographs the subject's face, and then cuts out the facial image area from the photographed image to obtain the subject's facial image (face image acquisition process).

[0101] In addition, in the registration machine 5, a camera 12 for photographing cards photographs the subject's personal identification card, specifically, a driver's license or a battery replacement service membership card (member's card), and then cuts out the image area of ​​the personal identification card from the photographed image to obtain the card image (card image acquisition process).

[0102] Furthermore, the registration machine 5 displays a profile setting screen on the touch panel display 13 and acquires profile information in response to an operation input on the profile setting screen by an operator (the target person or an attendant) (profile acquisition process). The profile information is information (rental threshold, waiting time, number of batteries) regarding the user's requests for battery replacement (user preferences, convenience, etc.) (see FIG. 6).

[0103] The face image, card image, and profile information of the subject thus obtained are transmitted from the registration machine 5 to the management server 4 .

[0104] The management server 4 extracts facial feature information of the subject from the facial image of the subject (facial feature extraction process). The management server 4 also extracts the subject's identifying information (user information such as name (user name), address, driver's license number, etc.) from the card image using OCR process (identifying information reading process). The facial feature information, identifying information, and profile information of the subject are then registered in a user management table together with the user ID (user management process).

[0105] Next, the profile information managed by the management server 4 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the profile information.

[0106] The management server 4 manages profile information for each user (user management process). The profile information relates to the user's requests (preferences, convenience, etc.) regarding battery replacement. The profile information is acquired from the registration device 5 in response to the user's operation on the registration device 5, and is stored in the storage unit 42 of the management server 4.

[0107] The profile information includes setting information regarding the user ID, rental threshold, waiting time, number of batteries, etc. Note that, assuming the setting of the fee grade for the battery exchange service, the profile information can also include the age of the battery (deterioration level), favorite areas, favorite battery stations, membership type, etc.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In the item of the lending threshold, the lending threshold, i.e., the lower limit of the charge rate of the battery pack 2 that the user wishes to lend, is registered. In this embodiment, if there is a battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached the user's lending threshold, that battery pack 2 is lent out, but even if there is no battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached the user's lending threshold, the battery pack 2 is offered for lending to the user.

[0110] 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 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.

[0111] In the item of the number of batteries, the number of battery packs 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 used by the user, that is, the number of battery packs 2 required by the user when replacing the battery, is registered.

[0112] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed at the time of battery replacement in the battery exchange machine 3 and the management server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed at the time of battery replacement in the battery exchange machine 3 and the management server 4.

[0113] The battery exchange machine 3 photographs the face of a person (visitor) who visits the battery station with the camera 11 to acquire a facial image of the visitor (facial image acquisition process). Next, the battery exchange machine 3 transmits the facial image of the visitor to the management server 4.

[0114] The management server 4 extracts facial feature information from the visitor's facial image received from the battery exchange machine 3 (facial feature extraction process). Next, the management server 4 compares the visitor's facial feature information with the facial feature information registered in the user management table to determine whether the visitor is a legitimate user (facial matching process).

[0115] The battery exchanger 3 also monitors the charge state of each battery pack 2 housed therein (battery monitoring process).The battery exchanger 3 then transmits information (charge state information) relating to the current charge state of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchanger 3 to the management server 4, specifically, the charge rate of each battery pack 2 housed in the battery exchanger 3.

[0116] The management server 4 determines whether or not there are battery packs 2 in the battery exchange machine 3 that meet the user's rental conditions based on the user's profile information identified by face matching and the charge state information, i.e., information regarding the charge state of the battery packs 2 housed in the battery exchange machine 3 (rental determination process). At this time, the management server 4 determines whether or not there are any battery packs 2 whose charging rate has reached the user's rental threshold. The management server 4 also determines whether or not there are any battery packs 2 whose charging rate has reached a specified value (lower limit for rental). At this time, the management server 4 calculates the number of fully charged battery packs 2, the number of battery packs 2 whose charging rate has reached the user's rental threshold, and the number of battery packs 2 whose charging rate has reached a specified value (e.g., 80%).

[0117] Next, the management server 4 generates screen information for a guide screen regarding battery replacement based on the determination result of the rental determination process and transmits it to the battery exchange machine 3 (screen control process). At this time, the control mode is determined based on the determination result of the rental determination process, and the guide screen is generated based on the determined control mode. Meanwhile, the battery exchange machine 3 displays the guide screen on the touch panel display 36 based on the screen information received from the management server 4, and accepts user operation inputs made on the guide screen. The battery exchange machine 3 then transmits the user operation input information to the management server 4. The management server 4 performs screen control process based on the operation input information received from the battery exchange machine 3. These processes are repeated as the guide screen transitions.

[0118] At this time, based on the judgment result of the loan judgment process, the management server 4 displays an information screen on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3 suggesting to the user that the user change their loan threshold, and when the user performs an operation to agree to the change in the loan threshold, the user's loan threshold registered in the user management table is updated with the changed loan threshold (loan condition management process).

[0119] Next, the battery exchange operation performed by the battery exchange machine 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0120] In the battery exchange machine 3, a guide screen (FIGS. 8 to 13) relating to the replacement of the battery pack 2 is displayed on the touch panel display 36. The guide screen is provided with a first display area 101 and a second display area 102.

[0121] The battery exchange machine 3 first displays a standby screen (initial screen) shown in Fig. 8(A). When a person standing in front of the battery exchange machine 3 is photographed by the camera 31 of the battery exchange machine 3, the management server 4 starts a process (face matching) to determine whether the visitor is a legitimate user. At this time, the battery exchange machine 3 transitions from the standby screen (see Fig. 8(A)) to an authentication in progress screen shown in Fig. 8(B).

[0122] On the authentication in progress screen (see FIG. 8(B)), a facial image of the user is displayed in the first display area 101. Furthermore, characters and figures indicating that facial authentication (face matching) of the user is in progress are displayed in the second display area 102. When the facial authentication performed by the management server 4 is completed (successful), the battery exchange machine 3 transitions to an authentication completion screen shown in FIG. 8(C).

[0123] On the authentication completion screen (see FIG. 8(C)), text and graphics indicating that the user's face authentication has been completed (successful) are displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to an authentication result confirmation screen shown in FIG. 8(D).

[0124] On the authentication result confirmation screen (see FIG. 8(D)), the first display area 101 displays the authentication result, i.e., the name of the user identified by facial authentication, and the user's profile information, i.e., the rental threshold and the number of batteries. The rental threshold is the lower limit of the charge rate of the battery pack 2 desired to be rented. The number of batteries is 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 a battery. Furthermore, the second display area 102 displays text prompting the user to confirm that the authentication result, i.e., the name of the user identified by facial authentication, is correct, and text prompting the user to confirm the number of battery packs 2 installed in the electric vehicle 1 used by the user.

[0125] Next, the control mode is switched to one of the first to fifth control modes, and a guide screen corresponding to the selected control mode is displayed. In this embodiment, an appropriate control pattern is selected based on the user's profile information and the charge state of the battery pack 2 in the battery exchange machine 3. Specifically, the user's profile information is compared with the charge state of the battery pack 2 in the battery station, and an appropriate control pattern is selected based on the matching state between the two.

[0126] In the first control mode, the rental is performed according to the settings based on the profile information. In the second control mode, the rental is performed according to the settings based on the profile information, and a setting change suggestion is made. In the third control mode, the rental is performed outside the settings based on the profile information, and a setting change suggestion is made. In the fourth control mode, a waiting notice is given, and the rental is performed according to the settings based on the profile information. In the fifth control mode, a waiting notice is given, the rental is performed outside the settings based on the profile information, and a setting change suggestion is made.

[0127] Next, a case where the first control mode is selected will be described. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen in the first control mode displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0128] This example is a case where there is a battery device that satisfies the user's rental conditions set in the profile information, i.e., a case where there is a battery pack 2 with a charge rate equal to or higher than the user's rental threshold, and further where there is no battery pack 2 with a charge rate higher than the user's rental threshold. Specifically, this is a case where the user's rental threshold is 100%, but the battery exchange machine 3 can rent a fully charged battery pack 2 (with a charge rate of 100%). In this case, the first control mode is selected.

[0129] When authentication is successful in the battery exchange machine 3 and the authentication result confirmation screen (see Figure 8 (D)) is displayed, if the first control mode is selected, the rental setting confirmation screen shown in Figure 9 (A) will then be displayed.

[0130] On the rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 9(A)), text informing the user of the user's rental threshold set in the profile information and the number of battery packs 2 whose charge rates have reached the user's rental threshold is displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to the battery rental screen shown in FIG.

[0131] On the battery rental screen (see FIG. 9B), text prompting the user to perform the battery replacement is displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to a battery replacement completion screen shown in FIG. 9C.

[0132] At this time, as the battery replacement work, the user removes the battery pack 2 from the electric vehicle 1 and returns it to the battery exchange machine 3, and then attaches the battery pack 2 rented from the battery exchange machine 3 to the electric vehicle 1. Meanwhile, the battery exchange machine 3 performs the battery replacement operation, specifically, the operation of storing the battery pack 2 returned by the user, the operation of requesting the management server 4 to perform battery verification to determine whether the returned battery pack 2 is an eligible product (compatible product) for the battery replacement service, and the operation of renting a replacement battery pack 2 to the user in response to a notification from the management server 4 instructing the user to rent a battery.

[0133] Next, a case where the second control mode is selected will be described. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen in the second control mode displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0134] This example shows a case where there is a battery device that satisfies the user's rental conditions set in the profile information, i.e., a case where there is a battery pack 2 with a charge rate equal to or higher than the user's rental threshold, and further, a case where there is a battery pack 2 with a charge rate higher than the user's rental threshold. Specifically, the user's rental threshold is 80%, but the battery exchange machine 3 can rent a fully charged battery pack 2 (charge rate 100%). In this case, it is possible to suggest to the user that the user's rental conditions be made stricter, i.e., that the user's rental threshold be made higher. Therefore, the second control mode is selected.

[0135] When authentication is successful in the battery exchange machine 3 and the authentication result confirmation screen (see Figure 8 (D)) is displayed, if the second control mode is selected, the rental setting confirmation screen shown in Figure 10 (A) will then be displayed.

[0136] On the rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 10(A)), text is displayed in the second display area 102 informing the user of the rental threshold value of the user set in the profile information, the number of battery packs 2 whose charge rate has reached the rental threshold value of the user, and the number of battery packs 2 that are fully charged (charge rate 100%). Next, the screen transitions to the rental information screen shown in FIG. 10(B).

[0137] On the rental information screen (see FIG. 10(B)), text is displayed in the second display area 102 instructing the user to rent a fully charged (100% charged) battery pack 2. Also provided in the second display area 102 are a "Rent" button 111 and a "Don't Borrow" button 112. When the user operates the "Rent" button 111, the screen transitions to the setting change proposal screen shown in FIG. 10(C). On the other hand, when the user operates the "Don't Borrow" button 112, the screen transitions to the battery rental screen shown in FIG. 10(D).

[0138] On the setting change proposal screen (see FIG. 10(C)), text suggesting to the user that the user change the user's lending threshold is displayed in the second display area 102. Also provided in the second display area 102 are a "Change" button 113 and a "Do Not Change" button 114. When the user operates either the "Change" button 113 or the "Do Not Change" button 114, the screen transitions to the battery lending screen shown in FIG. 10(D). At this time, when the user operates the "Change" button 113, a process to change the user's lending threshold is performed in the management server 4. In this example, the initial lending threshold of 80% is changed to 100%.

[0139] The battery rental screen (see FIG. 10(D)) and the battery exchange completion screen (see FIG. 10(E)) are the same as the screens displayed in the first control mode (see FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C)). In this case, if the user operates the "Rent" button 111 on the rental guide screen (see FIG. 10(B)), a fully charged battery pack 2 (charged at 100%) is rented out, and if the user operates the "Do not borrow" button 112, a battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached 80% of the rental threshold is rented out.

[0140] Although this example shows a case where a fully charged battery pack 2 (charged at 100%) is available for lending, similar screen control is also possible when a battery pack 2 with a charge rate higher than the user's lending threshold is available for lending even if it is not fully charged. For example, if the user's lending threshold is 80% and a battery pack 2 with a charge rate of 90% is available for lending, it is possible to suggest lending the battery pack 2 with a charge rate of 90% to the user.

[0141] Next, a case where the third control mode is selected will be described. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen in the third control mode displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0142] This example illustrates a case where there are battery packs 2 whose charge rate has reached a specified value (e.g., 80%), but there are no battery packs 2 that satisfy the user's rental conditions set in the profile information, i.e., there are no battery packs 2 whose charge rate is equal to or greater than the user's rental threshold. Specifically, the user's rental threshold is 100%, but the battery exchange machine 3 does not have any fully charged battery packs 2 (100% charge rate) that have reached the user's rental threshold, and only battery packs 2 with a charge rate of 80% can be rented. In this case, it is possible to suggest to the user that the user's rental conditions be relaxed, specifically, that the user's rental threshold be lowered. Therefore, the third control mode is selected.

[0143] When authentication is successful in the battery exchange machine 3 and the authentication result confirmation screen (see Figure 8 (D)) is displayed, if the third control mode is selected, the rental setting confirmation screen shown in Figure 11 (A) will then be displayed.

[0144] On the rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 11(A)), text informing the user of the user's rental threshold set in the profile information and the number of battery packs 2 whose charge rates have reached the user's rental threshold is displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to the rental information screen shown in FIG. 11(B).

[0145] On the rental guidance screen (see FIG. 11(B)), text is displayed in the second display area 102 instructing the user to rent a battery pack 2 whose charge rate is lower than the user's rental threshold. Also provided in the second display area 102 are a "Rent" button 111 and a "Do not borrow" button 112. When the user operates the "Rent" button 111, the screen transitions to a setting change proposal screen shown in FIG. 11(C). On the other hand, when the user operates the "Do not borrow" button 112, the screen transitions to a battery replacement cancellation screen (not shown), and the battery replacement is canceled.

[0146] On the setting change proposal screen (see FIG. 11(C)), text suggesting to the user that the user change the user's lending threshold is displayed in the second display area 102. Also provided in the second display area 102 are a "Change" button 113 and a "Do Not Change" button 114. When the user operates either the "Change" button 113 or the "Do Not Change" button 114, the screen transitions to the battery lending screen shown in FIG. 11(D). At this time, when the user operates the "Change" button 113, a process to change the user's lending threshold is performed in the management server 4. In this example, the initial lending threshold of 100% is changed to 80%.

[0147] The battery rental screen (see FIG. 11(D)) and the battery exchange completion screen (see FIG. 11(E)) are the same as the screens displayed in the first control mode (see FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C)). At this time, the user operates the "Rent" button 111 on the rental guide screen (see FIG. 11(B)), so the battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached 80% of the rental threshold is rented out.

[0148] Next, a case where the fourth control mode is selected will be described. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen in the fourth control mode displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0149] This example, like the example shown in FIG. 11 (third control mode), is a case where there are battery packs 2 whose charge rate has reached a specified value (e.g., 80%), but there are no battery packs 2 that satisfy the user's rental conditions set in the profile information, i.e., there are no battery packs 2 whose charge rate is equal to or greater than the user's rental threshold. Specifically, the user's rental threshold is 100%, but the battery exchange machine 3 does not have a fully charged battery pack 2 (100% charge rate) that has reached the user's rental threshold, and only battery packs 2 with a charge rate of 80% can be rented. In this case, if the time required for the charge rate to reach the user's rental threshold (waiting time) is shorter than the user's allowable waiting time, the user can be suggested to wait. For this reason, the fourth control mode is selected. In this example, the waiting time is presented, and a battery pack 2 is reserved. Note that if the waiting time exceeds the user's allowable waiting time, the user is not suggested to wait.

[0150] When authentication is successful in the battery exchange machine 3 and the authentication result confirmation screen (see Figure 8 (D)) is displayed, if the fourth control mode is selected, the rental setting confirmation screen shown in Figure 12 (A) will then be displayed.

[0151] On the rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 12(A)), text informing the user of the user's rental threshold set in the profile information and the number of battery packs 2 whose charge rates have reached the user's rental threshold is displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to the rental information screen shown in FIG. 12(B).

[0152] On the rental guidance screen (see FIG. 12(B)), text is displayed in the second display area 102 suggesting to the user that they wait at a battery station for the rental of a battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached the user's rental threshold, and informing the user of the waiting time until the battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached the user's rental threshold is ready. Also, text is displayed in the second display area 102 suggesting to the user that they rent a battery pack 2 whose charge rate is lower than the user's rental threshold, and informing the user of the charge rates and number of battery packs 2 that are currently available for rental.

[0153] Also, the second display area 102 is provided with a "Rent" button 111 and a "Wait" button 115. In this example, the user wishes to borrow a battery pack 2 with a high charge rate (100%) even if it means waiting, and the user operates the "Wait" button 115. In this case, the screen transitions to a reservation confirmation screen shown in FIG. 12(C).

[0154] On the reservation confirmation screen (see FIG. 12(C)), the reservation details, specifically, text informing the user of the waiting time until the reserved battery pack 2 is ready and the charging rate, are displayed in the second display area 102. Also, a "Reserve" button 116 is provided in the second display area 102. When the user operates the "Reserve" button 116, a reservation is made based on the reservation details, and the screen transitions to a reservation completion screen shown in FIG. 12(D).

[0155] Next, a case where the fifth control mode is selected will be described. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen in the fifth control mode that is displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0156] In this example, as in the case of the fourth control mode (see FIG. 12), the user's rental threshold set in the profile information is 100%, but the battery exchange machine 3 does not have a fully charged battery pack 2 (charge rate 100%) that has reached the user's rental threshold, and can only rent a battery pack 2 with a charge rate of 80%. On the other hand, this example is a case where the user wants to borrow a battery pack 2 with a low charge rate (80%) without waiting, and screen control different from that in the fourth control mode is performed partway through.

[0157] The rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 13(A)) and the rental information screen (see FIG. 13(B)) are the same as those in the fourth control mode (see FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B)), but here, the user operates the "Rent" button 111 on the rental information screen (see FIG. 13(B)). In this case, the screen transitions to the setting change proposal screen shown in FIG. 13(C). The setting change proposal screen (see FIG. 13(C)) is the same as that in the third control mode (see FIG. 11(C)). The battery rental screen (see FIG. 13(D)) and the battery exchange completion screen (see FIG. 13(E)) are the same as those in the first control mode (see FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C)).

[0158] Next, an operation procedure of the battery exchange machine 3 and the management server 4 according to the first embodiment when exchanging a battery will be described. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the battery exchange machine 3 and the management server 4 when exchanging a battery.

[0159] The battery exchange machine 3 first displays a standby screen (see FIG. 8A). Next, when the battery exchange machine 3 detects the approach of a person, it photographs the person's (visitor's) face and acquires a facial image of the visitor (facial image acquisition process). Next, the battery exchange machine 3 transmits the facial image of the visitor to the management server 4 and displays an authentication in progress screen (see FIG. 8B).

[0160] Next, when the management server 4 receives the visitor's facial image from the battery exchange machine 3, it extracts facial feature information from the visitor's facial image (facial feature extraction process), compares the visitor's facial feature information with the facial feature information registered in the user management table, and determines whether the visitor is a legitimate user (facial matching process). Next, the management server 4 transmits the facial matching result to the battery exchange machine 3.

[0161] Next, when the battery exchange machine 3 receives the face matching result from the management server 4, it displays an authentication completion screen (see FIG. 8(C)) and an authentication result confirmation screen (see FIG. 8(D)).

[0162] Next, the battery exchange machine 3 displays various guide screens according to the control mode and accepts user operation inputs on the guide screens. The guide screens displayed here include a rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 9(A) , etc.), a battery rental screen (see FIG. 9(B) , etc.), a battery exchange completion screen (see FIG. 9(C) , etc.), a rental guide screen (see FIG. 10(B) , etc.), a setting change proposal screen (see FIG. 10(C) , etc.), a reservation confirmation screen (see FIG. 12(C)), and a reservation completion screen (see FIG. 12(D) , etc.). At this time, the management server 4 transmits screen information according to the user's operation input to the battery exchange machine 3, and the battery exchange machine 3 transmits the user's operation input information to the management server 4.

[0163] Next, the battery exchange machine 3 performs a battery collection operation, i.e., opens the shutter 51 to collect the battery pack 2 brought in by the visitor. At this time, the user removes the battery pack 2 from the electric vehicle 1 and returns it to the battery exchange machine 3. Next, the battery exchange machine 3 transmits a battery return notification to the management server 4. The battery return notification includes the model number (model identification information) acquired from the collected battery pack 2.

[0164] Next, when the management server 4 receives a battery return notification from the battery exchange machine 3, it determines whether the returned battery pack 2 is an eligible product (a compatible product) for the battery exchange service based on the model number of the battery pack 2 included in the battery return notification (battery verification process). Next, the management server 4 selects a battery pack 2 to be loaned to a user from among the battery packs 2 stored in the battery exchange machine 3 (replacement battery selection). Next, the management server 4 transmits a battery loan notification to the battery exchange machine 3.

[0165] Next, when the battery exchange machine 3 receives the battery rental notification from the management server 4, it performs a battery rental operation, i.e., opens the shutter 51 to allow the user to receive the replacement battery pack 2. At this time, the user receives the replacement battery pack 2 rented from the battery exchange machine 3 and installs it in the electric vehicle 1.

[0166] (First Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the points not specifically mentioned here are the same as those of the above-described embodiment. Figures 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams showing guide screens displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3 according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0167] In this modification, when authentication is successful and the authentication result confirmation screen (see FIG. 8(D)) is displayed in the battery exchange machine 3, the rental setting confirmation screen shown in FIG. 15(A) is then displayed, and then the rental guide screen shown in FIG. 15(B) is displayed. The rental setting confirmation screen and the rental guide screen are similar to the rental setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 12(A)) and the rental guide screen (see FIG. 12(B)) in the fourth control mode in the first embodiment.

[0168] When the user operates the "Wait" button 115 on the rental information screen (see FIG. 15(B)), the screen transitions to a reservation information screen shown in FIG. 15(C).

[0169] On the reservation information screen (see FIG. 15(C)), text informing the user that a rental reservation is to be made and prompting the user to enter reservation conditions is displayed in the second display area 102. Next, the screen transitions to a condition input screen shown in FIG. 15(D).

[0170] The condition input screen (see FIG. 15(D)) is provided with a current charging rate display section 121, a current time display section 122, a rental charging rate input section 123, and a rental time input section 124. The current charging rate display section 121 displays the charging rate of the battery pack 2 that is currently available for rental. The current time display section 122 displays the current time. The rental charging rate input section 123 allows the user to input the charging rate of the battery pack 2 that the user wishes to rent. The rental time input section 124 allows the user to input the time at which the user wishes to rent the battery. When the user operates either the rental charging rate input section 123 or the rental time input section 124, a numeric keypad screen is displayed on which the user can input numbers representing the rental charging rate or rental time, or a menu screen is displayed on which the user can select the rental charging rate or rental time.

[0171] In this way, on the condition input screen, the user can set the rental charging rate and rental time in detail to meet their needs. Once the rental charging rate and rental time are set, the screen transitions to the reservation confirmation screen shown in Figure 15(E).

[0172] On the reservation confirmation screen (see FIG. 15(E)), text confirming the content entered on the condition input screen (see FIG. 15) is displayed in the second display area 102. Also provided in the second display area 102 are a "Reset" button 117 and a "Reserve" button 116. When the user operates the "Reset" button 117, the screen returns to the condition input screen (see FIG. 15). When the user operates the "Reserve" button 116, a reservation is made using the content entered on the condition input screen (see FIG. 15), and the screen transitions to a reservation completion screen shown in FIG. 15(F).

[0173] Here, the user only needs to input either the rental charging rate or the rental time. That is, when the user inputs the rental charging rate, the time required for the battery pack 2 to reach that rental charging rate is calculated, and the rental time corresponding to the input rental charging rate is displayed. Also, when the user inputs the rental time, the charging rate that the battery pack 2 will reach by that rental time is calculated, and the rental charging rate corresponding to the input rental time is displayed.

[0174] 15 shows an example in which a rental charging rate is input. Specifically, when the rental charging rate of "100%" is input, the rental time corresponding to the input rental charging rate of "11:00" is displayed.

[0175] 16 shows an example in which a rental time is input. Specifically, when the rental time of "10:55" is input, the rental charging rate corresponding to the input rental time of "90%" is displayed.

[0176] (Second Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. Note that points not specifically mentioned here are the same as those in the previous embodiment. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the battery exchange machine 3 and management server 4 during battery exchange according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0177] In the first embodiment (see Figure 7), the management server 4 performs a rental determination process to determine whether the battery exchange machine 3 has a battery pack 2 that meets the user's rental conditions, and a screen control process to generate screen information for a guidance screen to be displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3 based on the determination result of the rental determination process.However, in this modified example, the rental determination process and screen control process are performed in the battery exchange machine 3.

[0178] The management server 4 performs a rental condition notification process that notifies the battery exchange machine 3 of the rental threshold of the user identified by the face matching process. The battery exchange machine 3 performs a rental determination process based on the user's rental threshold acquired from the management server 4, and performs a screen control process based on the determination result of the rental determination process.

[0179] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Points not specifically mentioned here are the same as those in the previous embodiment. Figures 18 to 21 are explanatory diagrams showing guide screens displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3.

[0180] There may be users waiting around the battery exchange machine 3 for a battery pack 2 that can be rented. Also, there may be users waiting in line behind a user currently being served at the battery exchange machine 3 who wish to rent a battery pack. In this case, because the rental threshold differs for each user, even if one user is unable to rent a battery pack 2, another user may be able to rent a battery pack 2 immediately before or after that. In this case, if a user is unaware that a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged can be rented, this may lead to a misunderstanding by the user, causing dissatisfaction or trouble.

[0181] 18 to 21, in this embodiment, a frame-shaped rental status notification section 201 is provided on the outer periphery of the screen of the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3, and the screen is controlled so that the color of the rental status notification section 201 changes as the rental status of the battery pack 2 changes. This makes it possible to notify people nearby of the current rental status of the battery pack 2. This makes it possible to prevent dissatisfaction and trouble caused by misunderstandings by users who are unable to rent a battery pack 2.

[0182] The example shown in Fig. 18 is the same as the screen transition status before the first to fifth control modes are selected (see Fig. 8) in the first embodiment. In this case, the fully charged battery pack 2 (charge rate 100%) remains available for lending on each of the screens shown in Fig. 18(A) to Fig. 18(D), so the lending status notification section 201 is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., green).

[0183] The example shown in Fig. 19 is the same as the screen transition situation when the first control mode in the first embodiment is selected (see Fig. 9). In this case, in each of the screens shown in Fig. 19(A) to Fig. 19(C), the fully charged battery pack 2 (charge rate 100%) remains available for rental, and therefore the rental status notification section 201 is displayed in green, for example.

[0184] The example shown in Fig. 20 is the same as the screen transition situation when the second control mode in the first embodiment is selected (see Fig. 10). In this case, at the screen stages shown in Fig. 20(A) and Fig. 20(B), the fully charged battery pack 2 (charge rate 100%) remains available for lending, so the lending status notification unit 201 is displayed in, for example, green. On the other hand, at the screen stages shown in Fig. 20(C) to Fig. 20(E), although there is no fully charged battery pack 2, the state has changed to one in which there is a battery pack 2 whose charge rate has reached a specified value, so the lending status notification unit 201 is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, yellow).

[0185] Specifically, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 20(A), there is one battery pack 2 with a 100% charge rate, so the rental status notification section 201 is displayed in green, for example. Next, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 20(B), one battery pack 2 with a 100% charge rate is rented out. Therefore, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 20(C), there are no more battery packs 2 with a 100% charge rate, and only four battery packs 2 with a charge rate of 80%, the specified value, remain, so the rental status notification section 201 changes to yellow, for example.

[0186] The example shown in Fig. 21 is the same as the screen transition situation when the third control mode in the first embodiment is selected (see Fig. 11). In this case, at the stage of each screen shown in Fig. 21(A) and Fig. 21(B), there are no fully charged battery packs 2, but there are battery packs 2 whose charging rates have reached a specified value, so the rental status notification unit 201 is displayed in, for example, yellow. On the other hand, at the stage of each screen shown in Fig. 21(C) to Fig. 21(E), there is no battery pack 2 whose charging rate has reached a specified value, so the rental status notification unit 201 is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, red).

[0187] Specifically, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 21(A), there are no battery packs 2 with a charge rate of 100%, but there is one battery pack 2 with a charge rate of 80%, which is the specified value, so the rental status notification section 201 is displayed in yellow, for example. Next, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 21(B), one battery pack 2 with a charge rate of 80% is rented out. Therefore, at the screen stage shown in Fig. 21(C), there are no battery packs 2 with a charge rate of 80%, which is the specified value, so the rental status notification section 201 changes to red, for example.

[0188] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. Note that points not specifically mentioned here are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a guide screen displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the battery exchange machine 3 according to the modification of the second embodiment.

[0189] In the second embodiment, the rental status notification section 201 is provided on the outer periphery of the screen of the touch panel display 36, and the color of the rental status notification section 201 changes as the rental status of the battery pack 2 changes, but in this modification, as shown in Fig. 22(D) , the rental status notification section 202 flashes when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged is rented out. This makes it possible to notify people nearby that a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged has been rented out.

[0190] In this modification, the battery exchange machine 3 is equipped with a speaker, and when the battery rental screen shown in Fig. 22(D) is displayed, i.e., when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged is rented, a voice message to that effect, such as "A battery with a charge rate of 80% has been rented out," is output from the speaker. This makes it possible to easily notify people nearby that a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged has been rented out.

[0191] 22A to 22C, the screen transition state is the same as that when the third control mode in the first embodiment is selected (see FIG. 11). Also, unlike the second embodiment, the rental status notification unit 201 appears only when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged has been rented out, and is not displayed in a state before the battery pack 2 that is not fully charged has been rented out, as shown in FIGS.

[0192] In this modification, when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged is rented, the rental status notification section 201 on the screen of the touch panel display 36 flashes, but a highlighting display other than flashing may also be used. For example, the rental status notification section 201 may be displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., red).

[0193] In addition, in this modified example, when a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged is loaned out, the loan status notification section 201 on the screen of the touch panel display 36 flashes and a voice message is output from the speaker indicating that a battery pack 2 that is not fully charged has been loaned out, but it is also possible to configure the system so that only one of the notification by screen display or by voice message is given.

[0194] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the points not specifically mentioned here are the same as those of the above-described embodiments. Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a battery exchange machine 3 and a user terminal 6 according to the third embodiment.

[0195] In the first embodiment, the guide screen regarding the replacement of the battery pack 2 is displayed on the battery exchange machine 3, but in this embodiment, the guide screen is displayed on the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is carried by the user of the electric vehicle 1. A battery replacement application is installed on the user terminal 6. The battery replacement application displays the guide screen regarding the replacement of the battery pack 2 in accordance with the control of the battery exchange machine 3, and the user can perform the necessary screen operations on the guide screen.

[0196] The user terminal 6 includes a touch panel display 81 , a communication unit 82 , a storage unit 83 , and a processor 84 .

[0197] The touch panel display 81 displays a guide screen relating to the replacement of the battery pack 2 and detects operation inputs by the user. The guide screen is the same as in the other embodiments.

[0198] The communication unit 82 communicates with the battery exchange machine 3 via wireless communication. The wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, pairing is performed between the user terminal 6 and the battery exchange machine 3. The wireless communication may also be NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0199] The storage unit 83 stores programs executed by the processor 84 and the like.

[0200] The processor 84 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 83. In this embodiment, the processor 84 performs GUI control processing and the like.

[0201] In the GUI control process, the processor 84 displays on the touch panel display 81 a guide screen regarding battery replacement transmitted from the management server 4 via the battery exchange machine 3, and also acquires user input operation information in response to user input operations performed on the touch panel display 81. The user input operation information is transmitted to the management server 4 via the battery exchange machine 3.

[0202] In this embodiment, the guide screen for replacing the battery pack 2 is displayed on the user terminal 6 carried by the user, and the touch panel display 36 provided in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 ) is omitted from the battery exchange machine 3. This allows the cost of the battery exchange machine 3 to be reduced.

[0203] In this embodiment, the screen control processing for the guidance screen displayed on the user terminal 6 may be configured to be performed by the management server 4, as in the first embodiment, but the screen control processing may also be performed by the battery exchange machine 3, as in the second variant of the first embodiment.

[0204] In addition, on the user terminal 6, the battery replacement application may display a profile setting screen in addition to a guidance screen regarding the replacement of the battery pack 2, and profile information regarding the user's requests regarding the battery replacement, etc., may be registered in accordance with the user's input operations on the user terminal 6.

[0205] Furthermore, the user terminal 6 may inform the user of the location and operating status of the battery station on a screen transmitted from the management server 4, and may also perform an operation to reserve a battery exchange. In this case, the user terminal 6 may communicate with the management server 4 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), as well as wireless communication such as a mobile communication network or a wireless LAN, or via a wide area network such as the Internet.

[0206] 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.

[0207] The battery management system, battery management method, and terminal device disclosed herein have the advantage of increasing the opportunities for smooth battery device rental even when a user drops by a battery station without making a reservation, by providing a flexible response that allows the user's rental conditions to be changed at any time to suit actual conditions, and thus improving user convenience.They are useful as a battery management system and battery management method that manage the replacement of battery devices by users, as well as a terminal device owned by the user, in a battery replacement service where users of electric vehicles and the like replace their battery devices at a battery station.

[0208] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electric vehicle 2 Battery pack (battery device) 3 Battery exchanger (battery exchange device) 4 Management server (server device) 5 Registration device (registration device) 6 User terminal (terminal device) 36 Touch panel display 39 Processor 63 Processor 82 Communication unit 81 Touch panel display (display unit)

Claims

1. A battery management system for managing the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, Multiple battery exchange devices are located at the battery station to house and charge battery devices returned by users, and to lend replacement battery devices to users. A server device is connected to these multiple battery replacement devices via a network to manage the battery replacement status of the battery devices in the battery replacement devices, The battery replacement device includes a display device that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of the battery device, The server device is The storage unit holds pre-configured lending conditions for each user. The charge status information of the battery device housed in the aforementioned battery replacement device is acquired, Based on the user's loan conditions and the charging status information, it is determined whether or not there is a battery device that satisfies the loan conditions. If there is no battery device that meets the aforementioned loan conditions, the display device will show the guidance screen proposing a change to the aforementioned loan conditions. The aforementioned guidance screen includes the revised lending conditions related to the proposal, and the charge status information of the available battery devices that meet the revised lending conditions. A battery management system characterized by the following features.

2. The server device is If no battery device that meets the aforementioned lending conditions is available, a guidance screen will be displayed suggesting a change to relax the lending conditions. If there are battery devices that exceed the aforementioned lending conditions, a guidance screen will be displayed suggesting changes to tighten the lending conditions. The battery management system according to feature 1.

3. The server device is If the aforementioned loan conditions are changed, a battery device corresponding to the changed loan conditions will be loaned out. The battery management system according to feature 1.

4. The server device is If the aforementioned loan conditions are changed, the loan conditions stored in the storage unit are updated. The battery management system according to feature 1.

5. The server device is The display mode of the guidance screen is changed according to the loan status of the battery device in the aforementioned battery exchange device. The battery management system according to feature 1.

6. The server device is If a battery device other than a fully charged one is lent out, the display of the aforementioned guidance screen will be changed. The battery management system according to feature 1.

7. The server device is If a battery device that is not fully charged is lent out, an audio message to that effect will be played. The battery management system according to feature 1.

8. The server device is If no battery device that meets the aforementioned lending conditions is available, the system displays the aforementioned guidance screen, which shows the waiting time until a battery device that meets the lending conditions becomes available and suggests that the user wait. The battery management system according to feature 1.

9. The server device is If no battery device that meets the aforementioned lending conditions is available, the guidance screen will be displayed, allowing the user to specify either the charge level of the battery device they wish to borrow or the lending time. The battery management system according to feature 1.

10. The server device is If no battery device that meets the aforementioned rental conditions is available, the system will display the guidance screen instructing the user to reserve a battery device that meets the aforementioned rental conditions or conditions specified by the user. The battery management system according to feature 1.

11. A battery management system for managing the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, Multiple battery exchange devices are located at the battery station to house and charge battery devices returned by users, and to lend replacement battery devices to users. A server device is connected to these multiple battery replacement devices via a network to manage the battery replacement status of the battery devices in the battery replacement devices, The battery replacement device includes a display device that displays a guidance screen regarding the replacement of the battery device, The server device is The storage unit holds pre-configured lending conditions for each user. The aforementioned battery replacement device performs user authentication for a person who wishes to have their battery replaced. The loan conditions relating to the user identified through this user authentication are obtained, The charge status information of the battery device housed in the aforementioned battery replacement device is acquired, Based on the loan conditions and charging status information of the identified user, it is determined whether or not there is a battery device that satisfies the loan conditions of the identified user. If there is no battery device that meets the loan conditions for the identified user, the display device will show the guidance screen suggesting a change to the loan conditions for the identified user. A battery management system characterized by the following features.

12. A battery management method in which a processor performs the process of managing the replacement of battery devices by users at a battery station, The battery device housed in the battery replacement device acquires charge status information. Based on the user's loan conditions and the charging status information, it is determined whether or not there is a battery device that satisfies the loan conditions. If no battery device that meets the aforementioned loan conditions is available, a guidance screen suggesting a change to the aforementioned loan conditions will be displayed on the display device. The aforementioned guidance screen includes the revised lending conditions related to the proposal, and the charge status information of the available battery devices that meet the revised lending conditions. A battery management method characterized by the following.

13. A terminal device owned by a user and connected to a server device via a network, A communication unit that performs wireless communication with the battery replacement device, The system includes a display unit that displays a guidance screen regarding battery replacement in the battery replacement device based on screen information transmitted from the battery replacement device, If the battery replacement device does not have a battery device that meets the user's rental conditions, the guidance screen proposing a change to the rental conditions will be displayed on the display unit. The aforementioned guidance screen includes the revised lending conditions related to the proposal, and the charge status information of the available battery devices that meet the revised lending conditions. A terminal device characterized by the following features.