Control device

Abstract

This control device includes: one or a plurality of processors; and one or a plurality of memories connected to the one or plurality of processors. Each processor executes a process including: acquiring identification information for identifying a vehicle entering a charging station; linking the identification information with a charger within the charging station; and permitting charging of a battery in the vehicle corresponding to the identification information, which is using the charger to which the identification information is linked.

Description

control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device.

[0002] Electric vehicles that can run on a motor using power stored in a battery are known. To charge the battery of the electric vehicle, charging stations equipped with chargers capable of supplying power to the battery are installed in various locations. Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) discloses a charging station in which a control device installed in the vehicle communicates with a control device installed in the charging station, and the charging completion time of the vehicle is predicted based on the information communicated.

[0003] JP 2011-114969 A

[0004] However, since vehicles in a charging station can freely use any unused, available charger within the station, a situation may arise in which, when a vehicle attempts to use an available charger, another vehicle cuts in between the vehicle and the available charger, causing the vehicle to charge without waiting for charging, unintentionally.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can prevent unintended charging waits from occurring.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the control device of the present invention has one or more processors and one or more memories connected to the processors, and the processor performs processing including: acquiring identification information for identifying a vehicle entering a charging station; linking the identification information to a charger in the charging station; and permitting charging of the battery of the vehicle corresponding to the identification information using the charger linked to the identification information.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unintended charging waits from occurring.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a first control device and a second control device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a first control device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a second control device according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the linking process by the determination unit. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the linking process by the determination unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of the control process in the control system according to this embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 100 includes an entrance gate 200, an exit gate 300, a plurality of chargers 400, a plurality of image capture devices 500, a first control device 600, a display device 700, and a second control device 800.

[0011] The entrance gate 200, the exit gate 300, the plurality of chargers 400, the plurality of imaging devices 500, the first control device 600, and the display device 700 are provided at the charging station S. In addition, the second control device 800 is provided at a vehicle 900 that can enter and exit the charging station S.

[0012] The entrance gate 200 is provided at the entrance of the charging station S and opens and closes the entrance of the charging station S. The exit gate 300 is provided at the exit of the charging station S and opens and closes the exit of the charging station S. When the entrance gate 200 is in an open state, the vehicle 900 can pass through the entrance of the charging station S and can enter the charging station S from outside the charging station S. On the other hand, when the entrance gate 200 is in a closed state, the vehicle 900 cannot pass through the entrance of the charging station S and cannot enter the charging station S from outside the charging station S.

[0013] When the exit gate 300 is in an open state, the vehicle 900 can pass through the exit of the charging station S and can exit from inside the charging station S to outside the charging station S. On the other hand, when the exit gate 300 is in a closed state, the vehicle 900 cannot pass through the exit of the charging station S and cannot exit from inside the charging station S to outside the charging station S.

[0014] Charger 400 has a cable and a connector. The cable of charger 400 connects a power source (not shown) to the connector. The cable has, for example, an expandable portion with a winding structure, and is configured to be expandable and contractible from charger 400 to the charging port of vehicle 900. The connector of charger 400 is configured to be electrically connectable to the charging port of vehicle 900. The connector can supply AC current or DC current from a power source (not shown) to the charging port of vehicle 900.

[0015] Charger 400 can supply a larger current when it supplies DC current than when it supplies AC current. When charger 400 supplies AC current, charger 400 can perform normal charging of the battery of vehicle 900. On the other hand, when charger 400 supplies DC current, charger 400 can perform rapid charging of the battery of vehicle 900.

[0016] The chargers 400 of this embodiment include a first charger 400A, a second charger 400B, a third charger 400C, a fourth charger 400D, a fifth charger 400E, and a sixth charger 400F. The first charger 400A and the second charger 400B are chargers that correspond to the first model information and the first version information of the battery mounted in the vehicle 900. Hereinafter, the version information refers to the version information of the software used for charging in the vehicle 900. Hereinafter, the version information of the software will also be simply referred to as the version information.

[0017] The third charger 400C and the fourth charger 400D are chargers that correspond to the second model information and the second version information of the battery mounted on the vehicle 900. The fifth charger 400E and the sixth charger 400F are chargers that correspond to the third model information and the third version information of the battery mounted on the vehicle 900.

[0018] The first model information and the first version information are older than the second model information and the second version information, and the second model information and the second version information are older than the third model information and the third version information.

[0019] Of these multiple types of chargers 400, the first charger 400A and the second charger 400B correspond to the oldest battery model information and the oldest software version information, while the fifth charger 400E and the sixth charger 400F correspond to the latest battery model information and the latest software version information.

[0020] If the battery of vehicle 900 is charged using a charger 400 that does not support the battery model information and software version information, charging efficiency may decrease or charging may not be possible. Therefore, it is preferable to charge the battery of vehicle 900 using a charger 400 that supports the battery model information and software version information.

[0021] The imaging device 500 captures an image of the vehicle 900. In this embodiment, the imaging device 500 captures an image of the front of the vehicle 900, including the license plate. However, without being limited to this, the imaging device 500 may capture an image of the rear of the vehicle 900, including the license plate. Furthermore, the imaging device 500 may capture an image of an exterior of the vehicle 900 other than the front and rear.

[0022] The imaging device 500 is provided at each of the entrance gate 200, the exit gate 300, the first charger 400A, the second charger 400B, the third charger 400C, the fourth charger 400D, the fifth charger 400E, and the sixth charger 400F. When the vehicle 900 approaches the entrance gate 200, the exit gate 300, the first charger 400A, the second charger 400B, the third charger 400C, the fourth charger 400D, the fifth charger 400E, or the sixth charger 400F, the imaging device 500 captures an image. The image data captured by the imaging device 500 is transmitted to the first control device 600.

[0023] The display device 700 displays the data transmitted from the first control device 600. The data transmitted from the first control device 600 includes image data captured by the imaging device 500, information related to the charger 400, and the like.

[0024] Here, the vehicle 900 will be described as an electric vehicle equipped with a motor and a battery (not shown). However, the vehicle 900 only needs to have at least a motor (not shown) for propelling the vehicle 900 and a battery for driving the motor, and may be, for example, a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor.

[0025] 2 is a schematic block diagram of the first control device 600 and the second control device 800 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the first control device 600 includes an I / F unit 610, a data storage unit 620, a system bus 630, one or more processors 640, and one or more memories 650. The I / F unit 610 is an interface for communicating with the second control device 800.

[0026] The data storage unit 620 is composed of RAM, flash memory, HDD, etc., and stores various information necessary for the processing of the processor 640, which will be described below. For example, the data storage unit 620 stores various data about the vehicle 900 acquired via the second control device 800. Specifically, the data storage unit 620 stores vehicle-related information acquired from the vehicle 900, which will be described in detail later, information about each charger 400, image data captured by the imaging device 500, and the like. The information about each charger 400 includes, for example, model information of the battery compatible with each charger 400 and software version information. The system bus 630 electrically connects the I / F unit 610, the data storage unit 620, the processor 640, and the memory 650, and is a transmission path for transmitting data among them.

[0027] The processor 640 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 650 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used in processing executed by the CPU.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first control device 600 according to this embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first control device 600 includes a first communication unit 600a, a determination unit 600b, a generation unit 600c, a notification unit 600d, and a permission unit 600e.

[0029] Note that various processes including the processes described below performed by first communication unit 600a, determination unit 600b, generation unit 600c, notification unit 600d, and permission unit 600e can be executed by processor 640 in cooperation with programs stored in memory 650. In detail, various processes are performed by processor 640 executing programs stored in memory 650.

[0030] The first communication unit 600a communicates with the second control device 800 mounted on the vehicle 900. The determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 to be linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on the identification information of the vehicle 900. The generation unit 600c generates a password to be entered when using the charger 400. The notification unit 600d notifies the second control device 800 of information such as the charger 400 and password linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900. The permission unit 600e permits charging of the battery using the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900. Details of the first communication unit 600a, the determination unit 600b, the generation unit 600c, the notification unit 600d, and the permission unit 600e will be described later.

[0031] 2 , the second control device 800 includes an I / F unit 810, a data storage unit 820, a system bus 830, one or more processors 840, and one or more memories 850. The I / F unit 810 is an interface for communicating with the first control device 600.

[0032] The data storage unit 820 is composed of RAM, flash memory, HDD, etc., and stores various information necessary for the processing of the processor 840 described below. For example, the data storage unit 820 stores various data on the vehicle 900 as information related to the vehicle. Specifically, the data storage unit 820 stores identification information of the vehicle 900, which will be described in detail later, information acquired from the first control device 600, etc. The system bus 830 electrically connects the I / F unit 810, the data storage unit 820, the processor 840, and the memory 850, and is a transmission path for transmitting data between them.

[0033] The processor 840 includes, for example, a CPU. The memory 850 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used in processing executed by the CPU.

[0034] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the second control device 800 according to this embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second control device 800 includes a second communication unit 800a and a notification unit 800b.

[0035] Note that various processes including the processes described below performed by the second communication unit 800a and the notification unit 800b can be executed by the processor 840 in cooperation with a program stored in the memory 850. In detail, the various processes are executed by the processor 840 executing the program stored in the memory 850.

[0036] The second communication unit 800a communicates with the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600. The notification unit 800b notifies the driver of the vehicle 900 of various pieces of information acquired from the first control unit 600.

[0037] The operation of the control system 100 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1. First, when the vehicle 900 arrives at the entrance gate 200 of the charging station S, communication is established between the first control device 600 of the charging station S and the second control device 800 of the vehicle 900.

[0038] At this time, the first control device 600 acquires information about the vehicle from the second control device 800. The information about the vehicle includes identification information for identifying the vehicle 900 entering the charging station S. The identification information is, for example, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) information. The VIN information includes a serial number used to identify each individual vehicle 900. Note that the identification information is not limited to VIN information, and may also be vehicle number information.

[0039] Furthermore, the information about the vehicle may include, in addition to identification information such as VIN information and vehicle number information, information about the battery of the vehicle 900 and information about software used for charging in the vehicle 900. The information about the battery is, for example, battery model information and State of Charge (SOC) information, which is the state of charge of the battery. The information about the software used for charging in the vehicle 900 is, for example, version information of the software used when charging the battery.

[0040] Such information regarding the vehicle acquired by the first control device 600 is pre-stored in the data storage unit 820 of the second control device 800 and transmitted from the second communication unit 800a of the second control device 800 to the first communication unit 600a of the first control device 600.

[0041] When the first communication unit 600a acquires information related to the vehicle, the determination unit 600b of the first control device 600 performs a process of linking the identification information of the vehicle 900 included in the acquired information related to the vehicle with the charger 400 in the charging station S. If the first communication unit 600a is unable to acquire the identification information of the vehicle 900, the first control device 600 acquires image data captured by the imaging device 500 and analyzes the vehicle license plate information of the vehicle 900 based on the image data. The analyzed vehicle license plate information is then used as the identification information of the vehicle 900, and a process of linking the identification information of the vehicle 900 with the charger 400 is performed.

[0042] The following describes in detail the process of linking the identification information with the charger 400. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information related to the vehicle includes VIN information of the vehicle 900, information related to the battery, and information related to the software.

[0043] The determination unit 600b refers to the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900, and information about the charger 400 stored in the data storage unit 620, and determines the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900.

[0044] For example, if this model information and version information are the first model information and first version information, the determination unit 600b determines that the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900 correspond to the first charger 400A and the second charger 400B.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the linking process performed by the determination unit 600b. In the example of Fig. 5, the identification information of two vehicles 900 is linked in advance to a first charger 400A and a third charger 400C, respectively. As shown in Fig. 5, in a charging station S, a vehicle 900 is parked in front of the first charger 400A, and another vehicle 900 is parked in front of the third charger 400C, and these two vehicles 900 are using the first charger 400A and the third charger 400C.

[0046] At this time, when the vehicle 900 arrives at the entrance gate 200 of the charging station S, the first control device 600 acquires information about the vehicle 900 that has arrived at the entrance gate 200 and determines the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. Here, for example, the determination unit 600b determines that the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900 correspond to the first charger 400A and the second charger 400B. Note that in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the charger 400 that is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 is determined based on both the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. However, this is not limited thereto, and the determination unit 600b may determine the charger 400 that is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on either the model information or the version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. For example, the determination unit 600b may determine the charger 400 that is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 based only on the model information of the battery of the vehicle 900. Furthermore, determination unit 600b may determine charger 400 linked to the identification information of vehicle 900 based only on the version information of vehicle 900. The same applies hereinafter.

[0047] At this time, the determination unit 600b refers to the data storage unit 620 and determines whether or not there is identification information already linked to the first charger 400A and identification information already linked to the second charger 400B. Here, if it is determined that there is identification information already linked to the first charger 400A, the determination unit 600b determines that the first charger 400A is currently in use or that the first charger 400A is scheduled to be used in the near future. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no identification information linked to the second charger 400B, the determination unit 600b determines that the second charger 400B is not currently in use.

[0048] At this time, since the first charger 400A is in use out of the first charger 400A and the second charger 400B, the determination unit 600b performs a linking process to link the second charger 400B, which is not in use, with the identification information of the vehicle 900. The identification information and information on the charger 400 that have been linked are stored in the data holding unit 620 of the first control device 600.

[0049] In this way, the determination unit 600b determines, from among the multiple chargers 400, the chargers 400 excluding the charger 400 currently in use, the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. Then, the determination unit 600b performs a linking process to link the determined charger 400 with the identification information of the vehicle 900.

[0050] When the determination unit 600b performs the process of linking the identification information of the charger 400 with the identification information of the vehicle 900, the generation unit 600c generates a password corresponding to the identification information. The generated password is also linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 and the information of the charger 400, and is stored in the data storage unit 620 of the first control device 600.

[0051] The notification unit 600d transmits the generated password to the second communication unit 800a of the second control unit 800 via the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600. Furthermore, the notification unit 800b of the second control unit 800 notifies the driver of the vehicle 900 of the password received from the second communication unit 800a. For example, the notification unit 800b is a display device of a car navigation system mounted on the vehicle 900, and notifies the driver of the password by displaying the password on the display device. Note that the notification unit 800b may be a speaker mounted on the vehicle 900. In this case, the password is notified to the driver by sound emitted from the speaker. In this manner, the generated password is notified to the driver of the vehicle 900.

[0052] In this embodiment, an example in which the password is generated by the generation unit 600c will be described, but the generation of a password is not essential. Therefore, the determination unit 600b may only perform the process of linking the identification information of the vehicle 900 with the charger 400 without generating a password.

[0053] When the process of linking the identification information of the vehicle 900 with the charger 400 is performed, the entrance gate 200 is controlled from a closed state to an open state, allowing the vehicle 900 to enter the charging station S. At this time, the notification unit 600d transmits information about the charger 400 linked with the identification information of the vehicle 900 to the second communication unit 800a of the second control unit 800 via the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600. As a result, the information about the charger 400 linked with the identification information is notified to the driver of the vehicle 900. Here, information about the second charger 400B linked with the identification information is notified to the driver of the vehicle 900.

[0054] By being notified of the information about second charger 400B, the driver of vehicle 900 can drive vehicle 900 from entrance gate 200 to second charger 400B, as shown in Fig. 5. When vehicle 900 arrives in front of second charger 400B, first control device 600 communicates with second control device 800 of vehicle 900 located in front of second charger 400B, and reacquires information about the vehicle, including identification information of vehicle 900, from second control device 800.

[0055] The permission unit 600e refers to the data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the charger 400 linked to the reacquired identification information is the second charger 400B. In other words, the permission unit 600e verifies whether the identification information of the vehicle 900 located in front of the charger 400 matches the identification information linked to the charger 400.

[0056] The driver of vehicle 900 inputs the notified password into an input unit (not shown) of second charger 400B. Permission unit 600e refers to data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the input password is the password associated with the reacquired identification information.

[0057] If the verification is successful, the permission unit 600e permits charging of the battery of the vehicle 900 corresponding to the identification information of the vehicle 900 using the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900. As a result, the vehicle 900 entering the charging station S can use only the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900. Therefore, even if another vehicle cuts in front of the second charger 400B, the other vehicle cannot use the second charger 400B because the identification information of the other vehicle is not linked to the second charger 400B, and interruption charging can be prevented. As a result, unintended waiting for charging can be prevented within the charging station S.

[0058] Furthermore, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 to be linked with the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on information related to the battery of the vehicle 900. For example, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 to be linked with the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on model information of the battery of the vehicle 900. This allows the vehicle 900 to charge using the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information of the battery mounted on the vehicle 900. This allows the battery to be charged efficiently.

[0059] Furthermore, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 that is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on information related to the software used for charging in the vehicle 900. This allows the vehicle 900 to charge using the charger 400 that corresponds to the version information of the software used for charging. This allows the battery to be charged efficiently.

[0060] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the linking process performed by the determination unit 600b. In the example of FIG. 6, the identification information of six vehicles 900 is linked in advance to a first charger 400A, a second charger 400B, a third charger 400C, a fourth charger 400D, a fifth charger 400E, and a sixth charger 400F, respectively. Furthermore, within a charging station S, vehicles 900 are parked in front of the first charger 400A, the second charger 400B, the third charger 400C, the fourth charger 400D, the fifth charger 400E, and the sixth charger 400F. These six vehicles 900 are using all of the chargers 400 within the charging station S.

[0061] At this time, when the vehicle 900 arrives at the entrance gate 200 of the charging station S, the first control device 600 acquires information about the vehicle 900 that has arrived at the entrance gate 200 and determines the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900.

[0062] For example, the determination unit 600b determines that the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900 correspond to the fifth charger 400E and the sixth charger 400F. At this time, the determination unit 600b refers to the data storage unit 620 and determines whether or not there is identification information already linked to the fifth charger 400E and identification information already linked to the sixth charger 400F.

[0063] Here, it is determined that there is identification information linked to the fifth charger 400E, and the determination unit 600b determines that the fifth charger 400E is currently in use or is scheduled to be used in the near future. Similarly, it is determined that there is identification information linked to the sixth charger 400F, and the determination unit 600b determines that the sixth charger 400F is currently in use or is scheduled to be used in the near future.

[0064] Then, the determination unit 600b acquires battery model information, SOC information, and version information included in the vehicle-related information about the vehicle 900 whose identification information is linked to the currently used fifth charger 400E. Based on the acquired information, the determination unit 600b predicts the charging end timing at which charging of the battery using the fifth charger 400E will end. Similarly, the determination unit 600b acquires battery model information, SOC information, and version information included in the vehicle-related information about the vehicle 900 whose identification information is linked to the currently used sixth charger 400F. Based on the acquired information, the determination unit 600b predicts the charging end timing at which charging of the battery using the sixth charger 400F will end. Furthermore, the determination unit 600b predicts the earlier charging end timing of the fifth charger 400E or the sixth charger 400F.

[0065] The determination unit 600b sets the available charge timing so that charging of the battery mounted on the next vehicle 900 can be performed after the predicted earlier charging completion timing. The available charge timing includes information indicating the scheduled charging start time when charging is scheduled to start, the scheduled charging completion time when charging is scheduled to end, and the order of the vehicles 900 waiting to be charged. For example, the available charge timing includes information such as the scheduled charging start time of XX:XX minutes to the scheduled charging completion time of △△:△△ minutes, and the second order.

[0066] The estimated charging start time is, for example, a time that occurs a predetermined time after the predicted charging end timing. Here, the predetermined time is the time when vehicle 900, having finished charging, can leave the space in front of charger 400. However, the predetermined time is not limited to this, and may be zero, for example. The estimated charging end time is the time when charging of the battery of vehicle 900 using charger 400 ends, and is derived based on the estimated charging start time, battery model information, SOC information, and version information. Specifically, determination unit 600b derives the charging time for the battery mounted on vehicle 900 based on the SOC information. At this time, determination unit 600b may derive the charging time by taking into account model information of the battery corresponding to charger 400 and model information of the battery mounted on vehicle 900. Furthermore, determination unit 600b may derive the charging time by taking into account version information of software used when charging the battery of charger 400 and version information of software used when charging the battery of vehicle 900. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the expected charging end time is determined based on both the model information and version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. However, this is not limited thereto, and the determination unit 600b may determine the expected charging end time based on either the model information or the version information of the battery of the vehicle 900. For example, the determination unit 600b may determine the expected charging end time based only on the model information of the battery of the vehicle 900. Furthermore, the determination unit 600b may determine the expected charging end time based only on the version information of the vehicle 900. The same applies hereinafter. The order of the vehicles 900 waiting for charging is derived based on the number of identification information linked to one charger 400.

[0067] Here, it is assumed that the scheduled charging end time of the fifth charger 400E is earlier than the scheduled charging end time of the sixth charger 400F. The determination unit 600b performs a linking process that links the identification information of the vehicle 900 with the chargeable timing set for the fifth charger 400E. The identification information, charger 400, and chargeable timing information that have been linked are stored in the data storage unit 620 of the first control device 600.

[0068] In this way, when linking multiple pieces of identification information to one charger 400, the determination unit 600b sets different chargeable timings for each of multiple vehicles 900 corresponding to the multiple pieces of identification information. When the determination unit 600b performs the process of linking the charger 400 with the identification information of the vehicle 900, the generation unit 600c generates a password corresponding to the identification information. The generated password is also linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 and the information of the charger 400, and is stored in the data holding unit 620 of the first control device 600.

[0069] The notification unit 600d transmits the generated password to the second communication unit 800a of the second control unit 800 via the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600. Furthermore, the notification unit 800b of the second control unit 800 notifies the driver of the vehicle 900 of the password received from the second communication unit 800a. In this way, the driver of the vehicle 900 is notified of the generated password.

[0070] Furthermore, the notification unit 600d transmits information about the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 and information about the timing when charge is available to the charger 400 to the second communication unit 800a of the second control unit 800 via the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600. Furthermore, the notification unit 800b of the second control unit 800 notifies the driver of the vehicle 900 of the information about the charger 400 and the information about the timing when charge is available to the charger 400 received from the second communication unit 800a. Here, the driver of the vehicle 900 is notified of information about the fifth charger 400E linked to the identification information, the planned charging start time XX:XX minutes to the planned charging end time △△:△△ minutes, and the information that the fifth charger 400E is second, which is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900.

[0071] 6 , the vehicle 900 that has been notified of the information about the charger 400 and the information about the timing at which charging is possible is guided to wait in a waiting vehicle space until the scheduled charging start time arrives at XX:XX. This guidance may be provided by the notification unit 800b of the second control device 800 of the vehicle 900, or by the display device 700 in the charging station S.

[0072] When charging by the fifth charger 400E is completed and the scheduled charging start time reaches XX:XX, the notification unit 600d transmits a message to the vehicle 900 whose identification information is linked to the fifth charger 400E, indicating that the fifth charger 400E is available for use. The notification unit 800b of the second control device 800 receives the message and notifies the driver, thereby allowing the driver to drive the vehicle 900 from the waiting vehicle space to the fifth charger 400E.

[0073] If the second control device 800 does not receive a message indicating that the fifth charger 400E is available for use, the display device 700 displays the message as well as vehicle number information analyzed based on image data captured by the imaging device 500. This allows the driver of the vehicle 900 corresponding to the vehicle number information to be notified of the message described above, and the driver can drive the vehicle 900 from the waiting vehicle space to the fifth charger 400E.

[0074] When the vehicle 900 arrives in front of the fifth charger 400E, the first control device 600 communicates with the second control device 800 of the vehicle 900 located in front of the fifth charger 400E and reacquires information about the vehicle 900 from the second control device 800.

[0075] The permission unit 600e refers to the data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the charger 400 linked to the identification information included in the reacquired vehicle-related information is the fifth charger 400E. The driver of the vehicle 900 inputs the notified password into an input unit (not shown) of the fifth charger 400E. The permission unit 600e refers to the data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the input password is the password linked to the reacquired identification information.

[0076] Furthermore, permission unit 600e refers to data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the current time corresponds to the chargeable timing linked to the reacquired identification information. In other words, permission unit 600e verifies whether the identification information of vehicle 900 located in front of charger 400 matches the identification information linked to charger 400, and whether the current time corresponds to the chargeable timing linked to the identification information.

[0077] If the verification is successful, the permission unit 600e permits charging of the battery of the vehicle 900 corresponding to the identification information of the vehicle 900 using the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900, only during the set chargeable timing. As a result, the vehicle 900 entering the charging station S can use only the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900. Therefore, even if another vehicle cuts in front of the fifth charger 400E, the other vehicle cannot use the fifth charger 400E because the identification information of the other vehicle is not linked to the fifth charger 400E, and cutting in for charging can be prevented. As a result, unintended waiting for charging can be prevented within the charging station S.

[0078] Furthermore, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 to be linked with the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on information related to the battery of the vehicle 900. For example, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 to be linked with the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on model information of the battery of the vehicle 900. This allows the vehicle 900 to charge using the charger 400 that corresponds to the model information of the battery mounted on the vehicle 900. This allows the battery to be charged efficiently.

[0079] Furthermore, the determination unit 600b determines the charger 400 that is linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900 based on information related to the software used for charging in the vehicle 900. This allows the vehicle 900 to charge using the charger 400 that corresponds to the version information of the software used for charging. This allows the battery to be charged efficiently.

[0080] Furthermore, the notification unit 600d can notify the vehicle 900 of the timing when charging is possible, so that the driver can know the approximate time when charging of the battery will be possible.

[0081] Furthermore, the determination unit 600b sets the chargeable timing based on information about the battery. Furthermore, the determination unit 600b sets the chargeable timing based on information about the software used for charging in the vehicle 900. This makes it possible to accurately derive the charging time for charging the battery of the vehicle 900 and to accurately derive the estimated charging completion time.

[0082] Furthermore, the permission unit 600e permits charging only when the driver inputs a password. This more reliably prevents interrupt charging, which occurs when another vehicle cuts in between the host vehicle and the charger 400. For example, even if the charger 400 and the host vehicle can be verified and another vehicle cuts in, charging by the other vehicle cannot be performed unless the driver of the other vehicle inputs the correct password. This more reliably prevents interrupt charging.

[0083] In addition, when charging is completed and the vehicle 900 exits the charging station S, the first control device 600 communicates with the second control device 800 of the vehicle 900 located in front of the exit gate 300, and reacquires information about the vehicle, including the identification information of the vehicle 900, from the second control device 800.

[0084] The permission unit 600e performs a process of deleting the reacquired identification information and the information on the charger 400 linked to the identification information from the data storage unit 620. When the process of deleting from the data storage unit 620 is performed, the exit gate 300 is controlled to change from a closed state to an open state, and the vehicle 900 becomes able to exit from the charging station S. At this time, the permission unit 600e performs a process of setting and changing the chargeable timing based on the exit status of the vehicle 900 from the charging station S.

[0085] For example, when the vehicle 900 that has completed charging by the fifth charger 400E leaves the charging station S, the identification information linked to the fifth charger 400E is deleted from the data storage unit 620. In this case, for example, a process is performed to move up the order of the vehicle 900 waiting for charging that is linked to the fifth charger 400E stored in the data storage unit 620. When the process of moving up the order is performed, the notification unit 600d transmits information about the moved-up order to the second communication unit 800a of the second control device 800 via the first communication unit 600a. This allows the driver of the vehicle 900 waiting in the waiting vehicle space to know the waiting order until the charger 400 becomes available.

[0086] In this way, the permission unit 600e sets the timing at which charging is possible based on the exit status of the vehicle 900 from the charging station S. This makes it possible to reflect the standby order of the chargers 400 in real time at the time when the vehicle 900 that has completed charging exits the charging station S.

[0087] 7 is a flowchart of the control process in the control system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, first, the first communication unit 600a communicates with the second control device 800 mounted on the vehicle 900 located at the entrance gate 200, and acquires information about the vehicle, including identification information for identifying the vehicle 900 entering the charging station S (step S100).

[0088] The determination unit 600b executes a linking process to link the acquired identification information with the charger 400 in the charging station S (step S102). The generation unit 600c also generates a password corresponding to the acquired identification information (step S104).

[0089] The determination unit 600b determines whether the charger 400 associated with the identification information is currently in use (step S106). If the charger 400 is currently in use (YES in step S106), the determination unit 600b associates the charger 400 with the identification information and sets the chargeable timing (step S108).

[0090] On the other hand, if the charger 400 is not currently in use (NO in step S106), the notification unit 600d transmits information about the charger 400 linked to the identification information and the password to the second control device 800, and notifies the driver (step S110). Furthermore, if the chargeable timing is set in step S108, the notification unit 600d transmits information about the charger 400 linked to the identification information, the password, and the chargeable timing to the second control device 800, and notifies the driver. Furthermore, when the scheduled charging start time arrives, the notification unit 600d notifies a message to the driver of the waiting vehicle 900, guiding the driver to an available charger 400.

[0091] When the vehicle 900 arrives in front of the charger 400, the first communication unit 600a of the first control unit 600 communicates with the second control unit 800 of the vehicle 900 located in front of the charger 400 and reacquires the identification information of the vehicle 900 from the second control unit 800. The permission unit 600e then references the data storage unit 620 and verifies the reacquired identification information with the identification information linked to the charger 400 (step S112). The driver of the vehicle 900 then inputs the notified password into an input unit (not shown) of the charger 400. The permission unit 600e then references the data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the input password is the password linked to the reacquired identification information. The permission unit 600e then references the data storage unit 620 and verifies whether the current time corresponds to the chargeable timing linked to the reacquired identification information.

[0092] If the matching is successful (YES in step S112), the permission unit 600e permits charging of the battery of the vehicle 900 corresponding to the identification information of the vehicle 900 using the charger 400 linked to the identification information of the vehicle 900, only during the set chargeable timing (step S114). On the other hand, if the matching is unsuccessful (NO in step S112), the permission unit 600e does not permit charging of the battery of the vehicle 900 using the charger 400 (step S116).

[0093] The permission unit 600e determines whether or not there is a vehicle 900 exiting through the exit gate 300 (step S118). For example, if the identification information of the vehicle 900 located at the exit gate 300 is reacquired, it is determined that there is a vehicle 900 exiting through the exit gate 300. On the other hand, if the identification information of the vehicle 900 located at the exit gate 300 is not reacquired, it is determined that there is no vehicle 900 exiting through the exit gate 300.

[0094] If it is determined that a vehicle 900 is exiting through the exit gate 300 (YES in step S118), the permission unit 600e deletes the identification information of the exiting vehicle 900 and changes and resets the chargeable timing (step S120).

[0095] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0096] The series of processes performed by each of the first control device 600 and the second control device 800 according to the present embodiment may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a non-transitory storage medium provided inside or outside each device. The programs are then read from, for example, a non-transitory storage medium (for example, a ROM) to a transitory storage medium (for example, a RAM) and executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0097] A program for realizing each function of each of the above devices can be created and installed on the computer of each of the above devices. The processor executes the program stored in memory, thereby performing the processing of each of the above functions. At this time, the program may be shared and executed by multiple processors, or the program may be executed by a single processor. Furthermore, the functions of each of the above devices may be realized by cloud computing using multiple computers interconnected by a communication network.

[0098] The program may be provided to the computer of each device by distribution from an external device via a communication network and installed therein. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and provided to the computer of each device via the storage medium and installed therein.

[0099] According to this embodiment, a program for executing the processing of each function of each of the above devices can be provided. Furthermore, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the program can also be provided. The non-transitory storage medium may be, for example, a disk-type storage medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a magneto-optical disk, or may be a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a USB memory.

[0100] S Charging station 100 Control system 400 Charger 600 First control device 600a First communication unit 600b Decision unit 600c Generation unit 600d Notification unit 600e Permission unit 800 Second control device 800a Second communication unit 800b Notification unit 900 Vehicle

Claims

1. One or more processors, One or more memories connected to the processor, It has, The aforementioned processor, To obtain identification information for identifying vehicles entering the charging station, The aforementioned identification information is linked to one of the multiple chargers in the charging station, To permit charging of the battery of the vehicle corresponding to the identification information using the charger to which the identification information is linked, Execute the process that includes Control device.

2. The processor performs a process that includes determining the charger associated with the identification information based on information about the battery. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The processor performs a process that includes determining the charger associated with the identification information based on information about the software used for charging in the vehicle. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned processor, When multiple identification pieces of information are associated with one charger, different charging timings are set for each of the multiple identification pieces of information and the multiple vehicles that correspond to them. Allowing the charging of the batteries of the multiple vehicles using the charger only during the set charging timing, Execute the process that includes The control device according to claim 1.

5. The processor performs a process that includes notifying the charging timing. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The processor performs a process that includes setting a charging timing based on the exit status of one of the multiple vehicles from the charging station. The control device according to claim 4.

7. The processor performs a process that includes setting the charging timing based on information about the batteries of the plurality of vehicles. The control device according to claim 4.

8. The processor performs a process that includes setting the charging timing based on information about the software used for charging in the plurality of vehicles. The control device according to claim 4.

9. The aforementioned processor, To generate a password corresponding to the aforementioned identification information, The aforementioned password is to be notified to the driver of the vehicle corresponding to the aforementioned identification information, The charging shall be permitted only if the password is entered by the driver, Execute the process that includes The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.