Information processing system, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technical improvement for solving or mitigating at least some of the problems of conventional techniques. [Solution] The invention of the present disclosure is based on an unprecedented novel idea of actively changing a charging current, thereby causing the charging current not only to transfer energy, but also to play a role of information transmission. The present disclosure is characterized by comprising an identifying unit that identifies, using second input information or second output information acquired by a second acquisition unit, the identification information of one electric vehicle indicating the second input information having a specific relationship with first output information acquired by a first acquisition unit or the identification information of one charging device indicating the second output information having a specific relationship with first input information. The first output information of a specific charging device or the first input information of a specific electric vehicle varies on the basis of control information for controlling the charging current. The control information causes the charging current to be modulated with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period.

Description

Information processing system, information processing method, and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art With the recent widespread use of electric vehicles, the development of charging devices for charging electric vehicles has progressed.

[0003] Strict standards are established for the connector of the charging device and the charging port of the electric vehicle, and there are limitations on the information that can be directly transmitted and received between the charging device and the electric vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, for example, in order to identify an electric vehicle connected to a charging device, measures such as providing additional imaging equipment have been taken (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0005] JP 2016-131432 A

[0006] As such, there are still issues to be addressed regarding information sharing between charging devices and electric vehicles.

[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide technical improvements that solve or alleviate at least some of the problems of the prior art mentioned above.

[0008] A more specific object of the present disclosure is to enhance the information sharing function between a charging device and an electric vehicle using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0009] For example, one object of the present disclosure is to identify which charging device an electric vehicle is connected to, or which electric vehicle a charging device is connected to, using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0010] For example, one object of the present disclosure is to enable information specific to a charging device and an electric vehicle to be transmitted and received between them using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0011] The information processing system of the present disclosure is an information processing system configured with one or more information processing devices having one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors include a first acquisition unit that acquires first output information of charging current from a specific charging device or first input information of charging current from a specific electric vehicle, a second acquisition unit that acquires second input information of charging current from one or more electric vehicles or second output information of charging current from one or more charging devices, and an identification unit that uses the second input information or second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit, or identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device, the first input information of the specific electric vehicle, the second input information of one or more electric vehicles, or the second output information of the one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0012] The first acquisition unit acquires first input information of charging current from a specific electric vehicle, the second acquisition unit acquires second output information of charging current from one or more charging devices, the identification unit uses the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of one charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, and the second output information of the one or more charging devices can vary based on control information for controlling the charging current.

[0013] The first acquisition unit acquires first input information of charging current from an electric vehicle that satisfies specific conditions as a specific electric vehicle, and the one or more computer processors further include a candidate determination unit that determines a specific charging device that is a candidate for the specific charging device by comparing the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit with a database that associates identification information of one or more charging devices with model waveform patterns of the charging current output from the charging devices, and the second acquisition unit acquires second output information of the charging current from the specific charging device determined by the candidate determination unit, and the identification unit can use the second output information of the charging current from the specific charging device acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify the identification information of one charging device that shows second output information that has a specific relationship with the first input information.

[0014] In the above configuration, the electric vehicle can be interpreted as a charging device, the charging device can be interpreted as an electric vehicle, the first output information can be interpreted as first input information, and the second input information can be interpreted as second output information.

[0015] In this case, the first acquisition unit acquires first output information of the charging current from a specific charging device, the second acquisition unit acquires second input information of the charging current from one or more electric vehicles, and the identification unit uses the second input information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of one electric vehicle that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the second input information of the one or more electric vehicles can vary based on control information for controlling the charging current.

[0016] The one or more computer processors may further include a generation unit that generates control information, and a transmission unit that transmits the control information generated by the generation unit to a specific charging device or a specific electric vehicle.

[0017] The generator can generate, as the control information, information for modulating the charging current with a waveform pattern that differs for each charging device or each electric vehicle.

[0018] The specific relationship may be a relationship in which the correlation coefficient between the first output information and the second input information exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0019] The one or more computer processors may further include a memory unit that associates the identification information of an electric vehicle identified by the identification unit with the identification information of a specific charging device, or associates the identification information of a charging device identified by the identification unit with the identification information of a specific electric vehicle, and stores the associated information in a specified memory device.

[0020] The one or more computer processors can access a database that stores symbols that constitute the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from a specific charging device to an electric vehicle connected to the specific charging device, in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, and the one or more computer processors can further include an analysis unit that analyzes specific information included in the second output information based on the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit and the information stored in the database.

[0021] The information processing method of the present disclosure has one or more computer processors execute a first acquisition step of acquiring first output information of charging current from a specific charging device or first input information of charging current from a specific electric vehicle; a second acquisition step of acquiring second input information of charging current from one or more electric vehicles or second output information of charging current from one or more charging devices; and an identification step of using the second input information or second output information acquired in the second acquisition step to identify identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired in the first acquisition step, or identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device or the first input information of the specific electric vehicle varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a specific period of time.

[0022] The computer program of the present disclosure causes one or more computer processors to realize a first acquisition function that acquires first output information of charging current from a specific charging device or first input information of charging current from a specific electric vehicle; a second acquisition function that acquires second input information of charging current from one or more electric vehicles or second output information of charging current from one or more charging devices; and an identification function that uses the second input information or second output information acquired by the second acquisition function to identify identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition function, or identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device or the first input information of the specific electric vehicle varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a specific period of time.

[0023] The information processing system of the present disclosure is an information processing system configured by one or more information processing devices having one or more computer processors, and the one or more computer processors are capable of accessing a database that stores symbols that constitute the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from a charging device to an electric vehicle, each symbol being associated with a different sign, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires input information about the charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device, or output information about the charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle, and an analysis unit that analyzes specific information included in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the database, and is characterized in that the output information and input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a specific period of time.

[0024] The control information modulates the charging current with a plurality of predetermined waveform patterns for a plurality of predetermined periods, and the plurality of predetermined waveform patterns can include at least a first waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating a start position and a second waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating an end position.

[0025] When the input information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the output information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the output information based on the output information acquired by the acquisition unit and the information stored in the database, and the specific information can be information regarding the charging status of an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device.

[0026] The one or more computer processors may further include a creation unit that creates a schedule for supplying charging power to a specific electric vehicle from a charging device connected to the specific electric vehicle based on specific information and electricity price fluctuation information.

[0027] When the input information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the output information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the output information based on the output information acquired by the acquisition unit and the information stored in the database, and the specific information can be identification information of an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device.

[0028] When the output information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the input information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the input information based on the input information acquired by the acquisition unit and the information stored in the database, and the specific information can be identification information of a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle.

[0029] The information processing method of the present disclosure has one or more computer processors execute an acquisition step of acquiring input information on charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device or output information on charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle, and an analysis step of analyzing specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired in the acquisition step and information stored in a database, wherein the database stores symbols constituting the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device to the electric vehicle in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, the output information and input information fluctuating in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a specific period of time.

[0030] The computer program of the present disclosure causes one or more computer processors to realize an acquisition function for acquiring input information on charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device or output information on charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle, and an analysis function for analyzing specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition function and information stored in a database, wherein the database stores symbols constituting the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device to the electric vehicle in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, the output information and input information varying in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulating the charging current with a specific waveform pattern for a specific period of time.

[0031] The present disclosure provides technical improvements that solve or mitigate at least some of the problems of the prior art discussed above.

[0032] Specifically, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program that enhance the information linking function between a charging device and an electric vehicle using a simpler method than conventional methods.

[0033] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing another example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing another example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an image diagram for explaining a terminal configuration of a normal charging connector. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a waveform pattern of a charging current according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing another example of a waveform pattern of a charging current according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of an information transmission mode according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of an information transmission mode according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of an information transmission mode according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of an information transmission mode according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating a correlation coefficient according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. It is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the information processing system in the present disclosure. It is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of the information processing method in the present disclosure. It is a circuit block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration for realizing a computer program in the present disclosure. It is an image diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the charging system.

[0034] First, an overview of a first embodiment of an information processing system disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] The information processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured with one or more information processing devices each having one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described later via a network.

[0036] 1 as an example, the information processing system 1000 can be configured to include, as an information processing device, one information processing device 400 that can be directly connected via a network to one or more charging devices 10 and one or more electric vehicles (EVs) 20. Note that, although only one information processing device 400 is shown in FIG. 1 as being included in the information processing system 1000, this does not exclude the inclusion of one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, the charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20 are each described as devices having an Internet connection function, but in the case of devices that do not have such an Internet connection function, the Internet connection function can be realized via another information processing device.

[0038] 2 as an example, the information processing system 1000 may be configured to include, as information processing devices, a first information processing device 100 to which one or more charging devices 10 can be connected, and a third information processing device 300 that can be directly connected via a network to a second information processing device 200 that can be connected to one or more electric vehicles 20. In this case, the information processing device 300 may be indirectly connectable to one or more charging devices 10 and one or more electric vehicles 20 via a network.

[0039] 2 illustrates the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the third information processing device 300 as being included in the information processing system 1000, but it is sufficient that at least one of the information processing devices capable of realizing the functions of the present invention described below is included. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the information processing system 1000 may include one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the one or more charging devices 10 may be connected to a plurality of first information processing devices 100 via a network, as shown in Fig. 3 as an example. In this case, the third information processing device 300 may be connectable to a plurality of first information processing devices 100 via the network.

[0041] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 can be connected via a network to a plurality of second information processing devices 200 that can be connected via a network to one or more electric vehicles 20, as shown as an example in FIG. 3 .

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure may include a plurality of information processing devices 300.

[0043] 3 illustrates the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the third information processing device 300 as being included in the information processing system 1000, but it is sufficient that at least one of the information processing devices capable of realizing the functions of the present invention described below is included. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the information processing system 1000 may include one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0044] As described above, the information processing system 1000 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be configured with one or more information processing devices. Furthermore, the number of each device is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0045] In this specification, electric vehicles (EVs) include battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0046] The method for charging an electric vehicle varies depending on the type of charging device, but basically, the connector of the charging device is connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle, and charging begins after some interaction such as confirming the reliability of the connection. Charging then ends when the vehicle is fully charged, the charging time has elapsed, or charging is stopped.

[0047] Generally, charging of electric vehicles is broadly divided into basic charging, route charging, and destination charging. Basic charging is, for example, normal charging at home (1φ AC 200V). Route charging is, for example, charging while traveling, and includes rapid charging (approximately 400V DC / CHAdeMO port) and normal charging (1φ AC 200V / normal charging port). Destination charging is, for example, charging at a destination, and includes rapid charging (approximately 400V DC / CHAdeMO port) and normal charging (1φ AC 200V / normal charging port). In addition to rapid charging, the CHAdeMO port is also used for charging at a power level similar to normal charging and for discharging electricity from the electric vehicle back to the home, a method known as V2H (Vehicle to Home). In this disclosure, these are collectively referred to as "rapid charging."

[0048] A typical domestically produced electric vehicle is equipped with a CHAdeMO port for rapid charging and a regular charging port for regular charging.

[0049] Although there are two types of charging devices for electric vehicles: rapid chargers and standard chargers, the charging device in this disclosure will be described as a standard charger, but this does not exclude the application of the technology of this disclosure to rapid chargers.

[0050] According to the standard, the connector of a standard charger is only provided with a terminal for transmitting and receiving information mainly related to the connection between the electric vehicle and the charging device. In addition, although the connector of a quick charger is provided with a terminal for obtaining the SoC (State of Charge) of the electric vehicle, its use is limited.

[0051] An outline of the terminal structure of a connector of a standard charger that complies with the J1772 standard will be described using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the connector is provided with terminals L1, L2, CS, CP, and PE.

[0052] Terminal L1 is for AC1, terminal L2 is for AC2, and terminal PE is for GND, and they are terminals through which charging current passes. Terminal CP is for CPLT, and terminal CS is for Preximity detection. CPLT (Control Pilot) is a communication signal that realizes functions such as confirming a reliable connection between the charging equipment and the vehicle and starting current flow based on confirmation from the vehicle. Preximity detection is a signal that detects the connection, mated state, or unmated state between the charging equipment and the vehicle.

[0053] The invention of the present disclosure achieves an enhanced information sharing function between a charging device and an electric vehicle using a method simpler than conventional methods, despite being subject to the restrictions imposed by the connector standards of the charging device.

[0054] <Hardware Configuration> Here, the hardware configuration of the third information processing apparatus 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The third information processing apparatus 300 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 104, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 105. The components are connected to each other via a bus B.

[0055] The third information processing device 300 can realize the functions and methods described in this embodiment through cooperation between the processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, input / output I / F 104, and communication I / F 105.

[0056] The processor 101 executes functions and / or methods implemented by codes or instructions included in a program stored in the storage 103. The processor 101 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and may implement each process disclosed in each embodiment using a logic circuit (hardware) or a dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit (an integrated circuit (IC) chip, a large-scale integration (LSI)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be implemented using one or more integrated circuits, and multiple processes described in each embodiment may be implemented using a single integrated circuit. Furthermore, LSIs may also be referred to as VLSIs, super LSIs, ultra LSIs, etc. depending on the degree of integration.

[0057] The memory 102 temporarily stores programs loaded from the storage 103 and provides a working area for the processor 101. The memory 102 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 101 is executing the programs. The memory 102 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM).

[0058] The storage 103 stores programs and includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and the like.

[0059] The communication I / F 105 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, communication software, or a combination thereof, and transmits and receives various data via a network. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication is possible. The communication I / F 105 communicates with other information processing devices via the network. The communication I / F 105 transmits various data to other information processing devices in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The communication I / F 105 also receives various data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits it to the processor 101.

[0060] The input / output I / F 104 includes an input device for inputting various operations to the third information processing device 300, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the third information processing device 300. The input / output I / F 104 may be an integrated input device and output device, or may be separate input device and output device.

[0061] The input device is realized by any one or combination of all types of devices that can accept input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the processor 101. Examples of the input device include hardware keys such as a touch panel, a touch display, and a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (for inputting operations via images), and a microphone (for inputting operations via voice).

[0062] The operation unit serving as an input device can be one that corresponds to the type of the third information processing device 300. Examples of the operation unit include a touch panel integrated with a display, operation buttons provided on the housing of the user terminal, a keyboard, a mouse, and a controller operated by the user's hands.

[0063] The output device outputs the processing results obtained by the processor 101. The output device includes, for example, a touch panel, a speaker, and the like.

[0064] It should be noted that the functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0065] In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0066] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0067] In addition, the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the information processing device 400 in the present disclosure, as well as the charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20, can be configured to include a hardware configuration similar to that shown in Figure 5, unless otherwise noted.

[0068] Next, a first embodiment of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6 as an example, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure include a first acquisition unit 110, a second acquisition unit 120, and an identification unit 130.

[0070] The first acquisition unit 110, the second acquisition unit 120, and the identification unit 130 may be included in the third information processing device 300 shown in Fig. 3, for example. In this case, the information processing system 1000 includes at least the third information processing device 300.

[0071] Similarly, if the first information processing device 100 shown in Figure 3 is equipped with the first acquisition unit 110, second acquisition unit 120, and identification unit 130, the information processing system 1000 may include at least the first information processing device 100, and if the second information processing device 200 shown in Figure 3 is equipped with the first acquisition unit 110, second acquisition unit 120, and identification unit 130, the information processing system 1000 may include at least the second information processing device 200.

[0072] The first acquisition unit 110 acquires first output information on charging current from a specific charging device or first input information on charging current from a specific electric vehicle.

[0073] The first output information refers to the value of the charging current actually output from a specific charging device. Similarly, the first input information refers to the value of the charging current actually input to a specific electric vehicle.

[0074] The second acquisition unit 120 acquires second input information on charging current from one or more electric vehicles, or second output information on charging current from one or more charging devices.

[0075] The second input information refers to the value of the charging current actually input to one or more electric vehicles. Similarly, the second output information refers to the value of the charging current actually output from one or more charging devices.

[0076] Details will be described later, but when the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first output information, the second acquisition unit 120 acquires second input information.

[0077] Similarly, when the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first input information, the second acquisition unit 120 acquires second output information.

[0078] The identification unit 130 uses the second input information or second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110, or the identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first output information of a specific charging device, the first input information of a specific electric vehicle, the second input information of one or more electric vehicles, or the second output information of one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information is characterized in that it modulates the charging current with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0080] The waveform pattern can be configured by modulating the value of the charging current every predetermined time, as shown in Fig. 7. Note that the values ​​of the charging current and the time are merely examples and are not limited to the values ​​shown in the figure.

[0081] The charging current is modulated within a predetermined time from the start of charging and is continued for a predetermined period of time, after which the charging current is output at an appropriate value to properly charge the electric vehicle.

[0082] If the waveform pattern in the above-mentioned specified period is considered to be a unit symbol, in the example of Figure 7, it is possible to generate 252 types of symbols as unit symbols, excluding four types of unchanged patterns from the fourth power of four (one of the unchanged patterns is shown as an example in Figure 8).

[0083] Here, a case where the first output information of a specific charging device changes in response to the control information will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

[0084] At this time, as shown in Fig. 9, the control information is transmitted to the specific charging device 10. That is, as shown in Fig. 10, a command (control information) for modulating the charging current is input to the specific charging device 10, and the specific charging device 10 controls the output value of the charging current in response to the command.

[0085] As an example, the control information can be generated and transmitted by a third information processing device 300 and transmitted to a specific charging device 10 via the first information processing device 100, but is not limited to this and may be generated by another device, such as the first information processing device 100 or a specific charging device 10.

[0086] The control information can be generated based on a model waveform pattern, which will be described later. The model waveform pattern is stored in a database in association with a management number (management code), and by identifying the model waveform pattern, the associated management number can also be identified. The database can also store, in association with the identification number of the charging device or electric vehicle to which the control information generated based on the model waveform pattern associated with the management number is to be sent. The identification number includes the manufacturer, device model, serial number, etc. of the charging device or electric vehicle.

[0087] At this time, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first output information, which is the charging current actually output by the specific charging device 10 .

[0088] The second acquisition unit 120 also acquires second input information, which is the charging current actually input to one or more electric vehicles 20 .

[0089] The first acquisition unit 110 and the second acquisition unit 120 can acquire the first output information and the second input information via the first information processing device 100 and the second information processing device 200, respectively.

[0090] Then, the identification unit 130 uses the second input information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information that has a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110.

[0091] For example, the specific relationship may be a relationship in which the correlation coefficient between the first output information and the second input information exceeds a predetermined threshold. Details of the process of calculating the correlation coefficient will be described later.

[0092] For example, when a plurality of electric vehicles 20 connected to a second information processing device 200 are connected to each of any of the charging devices 10 connected to a first information processing device 100, if there is an electric vehicle 20 among the second input information obtained from the plurality of electric vehicles that shows second input information corresponding to the first output information of a specific charging device 10, the electric vehicle 20 can be identified as one electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10.

[0093] Next, a case where the first input information of a specific electric vehicle changes in response to control information will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

[0094] At this time, as shown in Fig. 11 , the control information is transmitted to the specific electric vehicle 20. That is, as shown in Fig. 12 , a command (control information) for modulating charging current is input to the specific electric vehicle 20, and the specific electric vehicle controls the input value of the charging current in response to the command.

[0095] As an example, the control information can be generated and transmitted by the second information processing device 200, but is not limited to this and may be generated by other devices such as the third information processing device 300 or a specific electric vehicle 20.

[0096] At this time, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first input information, which is the charging current actually input to the electric vehicle 20 .

[0097] In addition, the second acquisition unit 120 acquires second output information, which is the charging current actually output by the charging device 10 .

[0098] The first acquisition unit 110 and the second acquisition unit 120 can acquire the first input information and the second output information via the second information processing device 200 and the first information processing device 100, respectively.

[0099] Then, the identification unit 130 uses the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of one charging device 10 that indicates second output information that has a specific relationship with the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110.

[0100] For example, the specific relationship may be a relationship in which the correlation coefficient between the first output information and the second input information exceeds a predetermined threshold. Details of the process of calculating the correlation coefficient will be described later.

[0101] For example, when any of a plurality of electric vehicles 20 connected to a second information processing device 200 are connected to each of any of a plurality of charging devices 10 connected to a first information processing device 100, if there is a charging device 10 among the second output information obtained from any of the plurality of charging devices 10 that shows second output information corresponding to the first input information of a specific electric vehicle 20, that charging device 10 can be identified as the charging device 10 connected to the specific electric vehicle.

[0102] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0103] Specifically, with the above configuration, it is possible to strengthen the information sharing function between the charging device and the electric vehicle using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0104] For example, with the above configuration, it is possible to use the charging current itself to identify which electric vehicle a charging device is connected to and which charging device an electric vehicle is connected to, so no additional equipment or additional information transmission route is required.

[0105] Furthermore, compared to methods of identifying users using an authentication device, etc., or methods of identifying electric vehicles using location information or image recognition, it is possible to reliably identify the electric vehicle to be charged at low cost and with high accuracy without adding any new equipment.

[0106] The above configuration solves the problem of domestically produced electric vehicle chargers (particularly standard chargers (mode 3 chargers)) having poor information sharing capabilities with electric vehicles. Information about which electric vehicles are connected to which charging devices is useful information for aggregators when providing charging services to their customers' electric vehicles (customer EVs). For example, in cases where an aggregator contractually rents charging devices installed in the parking lots of facilities such as hospitals or shopping malls, the technology disclosed herein makes it easy to identify users, charge them, and settle electricity bills between providers, thereby overcoming bottlenecks in service provision.

[0107] In addition, since normal charging (approximately 1 to 6 kW) generally takes several hours, even if the above-mentioned modulated charging current is used for approximately 10 to 20 minutes at the start of charging, the impact on the amount of chargeable energy [kWh] can be ignored.

[0108] In the above example, the first output information or the first input information is acquired, but if the charging current indicated by the control information matches the charging current indicated by the first output information or the first input information, it is sufficient for the first acquisition unit 110 to acquire only the control information. Then, the first output information and the first input information can be used as input values ​​for the candidate designation unit.

[0109] That is, by comparing the actual measurement value with the charging current specified by the control information (the model waveform pattern stored in the database), the model waveform pattern corresponding to the actual measurement value can be identified, thereby narrowing down the connection destination candidates. Note that the above-mentioned match includes not only a perfect match but also a match within a predetermined range. The process performed by the candidate determination unit to narrow down the connection destination candidates will be described in detail later.

[0110] Here, the details of the calculation process of the correlation coefficient will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the table shown as an example in Fig. 13, the command value indicates a value corresponding to the control information, the charger current indicates a value corresponding to the first output information, and the EV-side current indicates a value corresponding to the second input information.

[0111] The charger current is acquired from the charging device at predetermined intervals (for example, every two minutes). Similarly, the EV-side current is acquired from the electric vehicle at predetermined intervals (for example, every two minutes).

[0112] Here, the table shown in FIG. 13( a ) is an example in which there is no particular relationship between the charger current and the EV-side current, and the calculated value of the correlation coefficient is small, 0.19.

[0113] Here, since the sampling times of the charger current and the EV-side current are independent of each other, there is a possibility that there will be a time difference between the sampled values, as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0114] Therefore, the identifying unit 130 calculates the correlation coefficient while moving the value of either the charger current or the EV-side current on the time axis, and executes a process of searching for the point at which the correlation coefficient is maximum.

[0115] In the example shown in Figure 13(c), the maximum correlation coefficient of 0.99 is obtained by shifting (shifting) the EV-side current value shown in Figure 13(b) by a predetermined time (2 minutes) on the time axis.

[0116] Furthermore, the same processing can be applied to correlation processing when a value corresponding to the first input information is obtained as the EV-side current and a value corresponding to the second output information is obtained as the charger current.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 14 , one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure may further include a generating unit 140 and a transmitting unit 150 .

[0118] The generator 140 generates control information.

[0119] As described above, the control information generated by the generating section 140 can be generated based on a model waveform pattern, which will be described later.

[0120] Furthermore, the generating section 140 can change the association between the model waveform patterns and the management numbers in the database at a predetermined timing.

[0121] The transmitting unit 150 transmits the control information generated by the generating unit 140 to a specific charging device 10 or a specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0122] In the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, the generating unit 140 and the transmitting unit 150 can be included in the information processing device 400.

[0123] Alternatively, the generating unit 140 and the transmitting unit 150 may be included in a third information processing device 300 shown in FIG. 2-3.

[0124] Alternatively, the generating unit 140 may be included in the second information processing device 200 or the third information processing device 300 shown in Fig. 2C. In this case, the transmitting unit 150 does not need to be provided.

[0125] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 9 and 10, when the first output information of a specific charging device 10 changes in response to control information, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the first output information, the second acquisition unit 120 acquires the second input information, and the identification unit 130 can use the second input information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates the second input information that has a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110.

[0126] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 11 and 12, when the first input information of a specific electric vehicle 20 changes in response to control information, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the first input information, the second acquisition unit 120 acquires the second output information, and the identification unit 130 can use the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information that has a specific relationship with the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110.

[0127] In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the generating unit 140 can generate, as control information, information for modulating the charging current with a waveform pattern that differs for each charging device 10.

[0128] Depending on the size of the facility and the number of users, a single facility may have multiple charging devices 10. It is appropriate to prepare a different waveform pattern for each group of charging devices 10 installed in a single facility or for each individual charging device 10. In particular, when the charging current is modulated with a different waveform pattern for each individual charging device 10, it becomes possible to accurately determine the identification information of each electric vehicle 20.

[0129] In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the generator 140 can generate, as control information, information for modulating the charging current with a waveform pattern that differs for each electric vehicle 20.

[0130] It is appropriate to prepare different waveform patterns for each electric vehicle manufacturer and each electric vehicle 20, but in particular, when the charging current is modulated with a different waveform pattern for each electric vehicle 20, it becomes possible to accurately identify the identification information of one charging device 10.

[0131] The specific relationship may be a relationship in which the correlation coefficient between the first output information and the second input information exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0132] The predetermined threshold value can be set appropriately in consideration of the required accuracy. Details of the method for calculating the correlation coefficient are as described above.

[0133] Furthermore, as described using FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1000 in the present disclosure can include an information processing device 400 that can be connected to one or more charging devices 10 including a specific charging device and one or more electric vehicles 20 including a specific electric vehicle.

[0134] Alternatively, as described using Figures 2 and 3, the information processing system 1000 in the present disclosure can include a first information processing device 100 connectable to one or more charging devices 10 including a specific charging device, and a third information processing device 300 connectable to a second information processing device 200 connectable to one or more electric vehicles 20 including a specific electric vehicle.

[0135] As an example, the first information processing apparatus 100 can be a charger manufacturer cloud managed by a charger manufacturer.

[0136] As an example, the second information processing device 200 can be a completed vehicle manufacturer cloud managed by an electric vehicle manufacturer.

[0137] As an example, the third information processing device 300 can be an aggregator cloud managed by an aggregator or an association organized by aggregators.

[0138] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14 , one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure may further include a permission / rejection determining unit 160 .

[0139] The permission / denial determining unit 160 determines whether or not to permit transmission of control information to a specific charging device 10 from a plurality of third information processing devices 300 managed by different aggregators.

[0140] When a plurality of aggregators have contracted with one charging device, the permission / denial determining unit 160 determines from which aggregator the control information is to be transmitted.

[0141] For example, the permission / denial determining unit 160 can determine one third information processing device 300 that is permitted to transmit control information to a specific charging device 10 based on the position information of the electric vehicle 20 .

[0142] As an example, the first information processing device 100 can obtain location information of a specified electric vehicle 20 from, for example, the second information processing device 200, and based on the location information, narrow down to a certain extent the charging devices 10 to which the specified electric vehicle 20 is connected.

[0143] Then, among the third information processing devices 300 of the aggregator that have contracts with the narrowed-down charging devices 10, the third information processing device 300 that manages the specified electric vehicle 20 as a customer EV can be identified, and the transmission of control information can be permitted to that third information processing device 300.

[0144] However, in cases where multiple electric vehicles 20 indicate location information that is close to each other, and the users of the multiple electric vehicles 20 have contracts with different aggregators, the question arises as to which aggregator's third information processing device 300 should be allowed to transmit control information.

[0145] To address this problem, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which a priority order is set for the third information processing device 300, and transmission is permitted in the order according to the priority order.

[0146] This priority can be determined appropriately based on the contract status between the manager of the charging device 10 and the aggregator.

[0147] The permission / rejection determining unit 160 can be included in any one of the information processing devices 400 , the first information processing device 100 , the second information processing device 200 and the third information processing device 300 .

[0148] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14 , one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure may further include a determination unit 170 .

[0149] The determination unit 170 determines whether or not the identification unit 130 can identify the identification information of one electric vehicle or one charging device.

[0150] If the judgment unit 170 judges that the result is no, the permission / rejection decision unit 160 can change the third information processing device 300 that is permitted to send control information to a specific charging device 10 from a third information processing device 300 that has already been permitted to another third information processing device 300 that has not yet been permitted.

[0151] For example, the third information processing device 300 of the aggregator with the above-mentioned high priority can transmit control information to a specific charging device 10 first, but if the third information processing device 300 cannot determine the identification information of a given electric vehicle 20, that is, if the connected electric vehicle 20 is not a customer EV, then the third information processing device 300 of the aggregator with the next highest priority can transmit control information to the specific charging device 10. This process continues until the third information processing device 300 of the aggregator for which the given electric vehicle 20 is a customer EV is permitted to transmit control information.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 14 , the information processing system 1000 according to the present disclosure may further include a storage unit 180 .

[0153] The memory unit 180 associates the identification information of an electric vehicle 20 identified by the identification unit 130 with the identification information of a specific charging device 10, or associates the identification information of a charging device 10 identified by the identification unit 130 with the identification information of a specific electric vehicle 20, and stores the associated information in a specified memory device.

[0154] The predetermined storage device may be one that is included in the information processing system 1000 in the present disclosure, or may be one that can be connected to the information processing system 1000 in the present disclosure.

[0155] The above-mentioned associated information is managed so that it can be shared by the aggregator and each manufacturer, and can be used for settling electricity bills, etc.

[0156] As described above, a specific charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 can be connected via a normal charging connector.

[0157] With this configuration, the effects of the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure can be more significantly exhibited.

[0158] In addition, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure can be capable of accessing a database that stores symbols that are constituted by the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from a specific charging device 10 to an electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10, in association with a different sign for each of the symbols.

[0159] The database of the present disclosure may include elements such as a model waveform pattern of the charging current, the manufacturer of the charging device or electric vehicle, the device model, the serial number, and other symbols.

[0160] In this case, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 may further include an analysis unit 190 .

[0161] As an example, the analysis unit 190 analyzes specific information contained in the second output information based on the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 and the information stored in the database.

[0162] At this time, if the specific information is the charging state of the electric vehicle 20, the charging device 10 connected to the electric vehicle can obtain the charging state of the connected electric vehicle.

[0163] The details of the configuration of the database that stores the symbols that constitute the waveform pattern and the different symbols associated with each of the symbols will be described later.

[0164] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0165] Specifically, the information sharing function between the charging device and the electric vehicle can be strengthened using a simpler method than before.

[0166] As electric vehicles become more widespread, the number of charging stations installed is expected to increase. In such cases, there will be a demand for technology that can more smoothly identify the combination of connected electric vehicles and charging stations.

[0167] Therefore, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 according to the present disclosure may further include a candidate determination unit 195, as shown as an example in FIG.

[0168] At this time, the first acquisition unit 110 can acquire first input information on the charging current from an electric vehicle that satisfies a specific condition as a specific electric vehicle.

[0169] In this case, it is assumed that the control information has been transmitted to the charging device.

[0170] The specific condition may be, for example, that a charging cable is connected.

[0171] The candidate determination unit 195 can then determine a specific charging device that is a candidate for a particular charging device by comparing the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110 with a database that associates the identification information of one or more charging devices with the model waveform pattern of the charging current output from the charging device, as described above.

[0172] The identification information of the charging device is included in the charger attributes, and the charger attributes may further include information such as the installation location and the power supplier.

[0173] The model waveform pattern of the charging current output from the charging device is used to generate the control information and is different from the first output information (actually measured value).

[0174] In this way, the database is used to identify one or more model waveform patterns that show a match rate of a predetermined value or higher with the charging current (actual measured value) indicated by the first input information, and one or more charging devices that output a charging current in a waveform pattern modulated by control information generated based on this model waveform pattern can be narrowed down as candidate charging devices to which a specific electric vehicle is likely to be connected.

[0175] In addition, when there is one model waveform pattern that shows a match rate of a predetermined value or more with the charging current (actual measured value) indicated by the first input information, it is possible to identify one charging device to which a specific electric vehicle is connected. This can be realized, for example, as described above, when the charging current indicated by the control information matches the charging current indicated by the first output information or the first input information (the match rate is high).

[0176] Then, the second acquisition unit 120 can acquire second output information of the charging current from the predetermined charging device determined by the candidate designation unit 195 .

[0177] The identification unit 130 can use the second output information of the charging current from a specified charging device acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information.

[0178] Here, we will specifically explain an application example in which the third information processing device 300 is a specific aggregator (charging service provider), the first information processing device 100 is a charger manufacturer cloud managed by a charger manufacturer, and the second information processing device 200 is a completed vehicle manufacturer cloud managed by an electric vehicle manufacturer.

[0179] First, the third information processing device 300 requests at least the second information processing device 200 to report when an electric vehicle is connected to a charging device, based on its own customer data.

[0180] Next, the second information processing device 200 acquires an input value of the charging current of the electric vehicle for which it is determined that charging has started for the electric vehicle of the company. As described above, this determination can be made based on whether the charging cable is connected, whether the electric vehicle is stopped and ready for charging, etc.

[0181] Similarly, the first information processing apparatus 100 starts outputting a charging current for a charging apparatus that is determined to have a charging cable connected thereto, among its own charging apparatuses, and acquires the output value.

[0182] At this time, it is assumed that the combination of the electric vehicle and the charging device has not yet been specified.

[0183] As an example, the candidate determination unit 195 provided in the second information processing device 200 determines a specific charging device that is a candidate for the charging device to be identified by comparing the model waveform pattern in the database with the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110.

[0184] Then, the second information processing device 200 requests the first information processing device 100 that manages the determined predetermined charging devices to send the output values ​​(actual measured values) of the charging currents from these predetermined charging devices.

[0185] In response to the request, the first information processing device 100 transmits to the second information processing device 200 the output value (actual measured value) of the charging current from the predetermined charging device.

[0186] The identification unit 130 provided in the second information processing device 200 uses the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110 and the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit 120 to identify the identification information (an ID, since linking is not possible without an SoC but an ID) of a charging device that indicates second output information that has a predetermined relationship with the first input information.

[0187] Then, the second information processing device 200 reports to the third information processing device 300 the identification information of the specific electric vehicle and the identification information of the identified one charging device.

[0188] When the first information processing device 100 receives the execution instruction from the third information processing device 300, it starts main charging.

[0189] After charging is completed, the third information processing device 300 collects a service fee from the user of the specific electric vehicle, and also settles accounts between the power supplier and the charger installer, etc.

[0190] Although the above description has been given assuming that the candidate designator 195 is provided in the second information processing apparatus 200, the candidate designator 195 may be provided in the first information processing apparatus 100.

[0191] At this time, the first acquisition unit 110 can acquire first output information of the charging current from a charging device that satisfies a specific condition as the specific charging device.

[0192] In this case, it is assumed that the control information is transmitted to the electric vehicle.

[0193] For example, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first output information of charging current from a charging device that satisfies specific conditions as a specific charging device, and the one or more computer processors further include a candidate determination unit that determines a specific electric vehicle that is a candidate for the specific electric vehicle by comparing a model waveform pattern in a database with the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit 110, the second acquisition unit acquires second input information of charging current from the specific electric vehicle determined by the candidate determination unit, and the identification unit can use the second input information of charging current from the specific charging device acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of an electric vehicle that indicates second input information that has a specific relationship with the first output information.

[0194] For details, the example in which the second information processing device 200 includes the candidate designator 195 may be appropriately reinterpreted from the perspective of the first information processing device 100 side.

[0195] Next, an example of an information processing method according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0196] The information processing method in the present disclosure is, as an example, an information processing method executed in an information processing system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The information processing system 1000 may be configured with one or more information processing devices each including one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described below via a network.

[0197] As shown as an example in FIG. 15, the information processing method in the present disclosure causes one or more computer processors to execute a first acquisition step S110, a second acquisition step S120, and a determination step S130.

[0198] In the first acquisition step S110 , first output information on the charging current is acquired from a specific charging device 10 or first input information on the charging current is acquired from a specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0199] The first acquisition step S110 can be performed by the above-described first acquisition unit 110. Details of the first acquisition unit 110 are as described above.

[0200] The second obtaining step S120 obtains second input information of the charging current from one or more electric vehicles 20 or second output information of the charging current from one or more charging devices 10 .

[0201] The second acquisition step S120 can be performed by the above-described second acquisition unit 120. Details of the second acquisition unit 120 are as described above.

[0202] The identification step S130 uses the second input information or second output information acquired in the second acquisition step S120 to identify the identification information of an electric vehicle 20 that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired in the first acquisition step S110, or the identification information of a charging device 10 that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information.

[0203] The determination step S130 can be executed by the above-described determination unit 130. Details of the determination unit 130 are as described above.

[0204] In the information processing method disclosed herein, the first output information of a specific charging device 10 or the first input information of a specific electric vehicle 20 varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information is characterized in that the charging current is modulated with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0205] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0206] Next, a computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0207] The computer program in the present disclosure is, as an example, a computer program executed in the information processing system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The information processing system 1000 may be configured with one or more information processing devices each having one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described below via a network.

[0208] The computer program in the present disclosure is characterized by causing one or more computer processors to implement a first acquisition function, a second acquisition function, and a specific function.

[0209] The first acquisition function acquires first output information of the charging current from a specific charging device 10 or first input information of the charging current from a specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0210] The second acquisition function acquires second input information of charging current from one or more electric vehicles 20 or second output information of charging current from one or more charging devices 10 .

[0211] The identification function uses the second input information or second output information acquired by the second acquisition function to identify the identification information of an electric vehicle 20 that indicates second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition function, or the identification information of a charging device 10 that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information.

[0212] In the computer program of the present disclosure, the first output information of a specific charging device 10 or the first input information of a specific electric vehicle 20 varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0213] The above functions can be realized by a first acquisition circuit 1110, a second acquisition circuit 1120, and an identification circuit 1130 shown in Fig. 16. The first acquisition circuit 1110, the second acquisition circuit 1120, and the identification circuit 1130 are realized by the above-mentioned first acquisition unit 110, the second acquisition unit 120, and the identification unit 130, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0214] The above configuration provides a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art discussed above.

[0215] Next, a second embodiment of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0216] The information processing system 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured with one or more information processing devices each having one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described later via a network.

[0217] 1 as an example, the information processing system 1000 can be configured to include, as an information processing device, one information processing device 400 that can be directly connected via a network to one or more charging devices 10 and one or more electric vehicles (EVs) 20. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates only one information processing device 400 as being included in the information processing system 1000, this does not exclude the inclusion of one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0218] Furthermore, in this specification, the charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20 are each described as devices having an Internet connection function, but in the case of devices that do not have such an Internet connection function, the Internet connection function can be realized via another information processing device.

[0219] 2 as an example, the information processing system 1000 may be configured to include, as information processing devices, a first information processing device 100 to which one or more charging devices 10 can be connected, and a third information processing device 300 that can be directly connected via a network to a second information processing device 200 that can be connected to one or more electric vehicles 20. In this case, the information processing device 300 may be indirectly connectable to one or more charging devices 10 and one or more electric vehicles 20 via a network.

[0220] 2 illustrates the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the third information processing device 300 as being included in the information processing system 1000, but it is sufficient that at least one of the information processing devices capable of realizing the functions of the present invention described below is included. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the information processing system 1000 may include one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0221] Furthermore, each of the one or more charging devices 10 may be connected to a plurality of first information processing devices 100 via a network, as shown in Fig. 3 as an example. In this case, the third information processing device 300 may be connectable to a plurality of first information processing devices 100 via the network.

[0222] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 can be connected via a network to a plurality of second information processing devices 200 that can be connected via a network to one or more electric vehicles 20, as shown as an example in FIG. 3 .

[0223] As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure may include a plurality of information processing devices 300.

[0224] 3 illustrates the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the third information processing device 300 as being included in the information processing system 1000, but it is sufficient that at least one of the information processing devices capable of realizing the functions of the present invention described below is included. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the information processing system 1000 may include one or more charging devices 10, electric vehicles 20, and other devices.

[0225] As described above, the information processing system 1000 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be configured with one or more information processing devices. Furthermore, the number of each device is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0226] In this specification, electric vehicles (EVs) include battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0227] The invention of the present disclosure achieves an enhanced information sharing function between a charging device and an electric vehicle using a method simpler than conventional methods, despite being subject to the restrictions imposed by the connector standards of the charging device.

[0228] Furthermore, the first information processing device 100, the second information processing device 200, and the information processing device 400, as well as the charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20 in the present disclosure, can be configured to include the same hardware configuration as that shown in Fig. 5, unless otherwise noted. The details are as described above.

[0229] As shown as an example in FIG. 17, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure include an acquisition unit 115 and an analysis unit 125.

[0230] At this time, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure are capable of accessing a database that associates symbols constituted by the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device 10 to the electric vehicle 20 with different symbols for each of the symbols.

[0231] Such a database may be stored in a storage device provided in the information processing system 1000, or may be stored in an external storage device to which the information processing system 1000 can be connected.

[0232] The symbols that make up the waveform pattern of the charging current can be formed by modulating the value of the charging current every predetermined time, as shown as an example in Fig. 7. Note that the values ​​of the charging current and time are merely examples and are not limited to the values ​​shown in the figure.

[0233] The charging current is modulated within a predetermined time from the start of charging and is continued for a predetermined period of time, after which the charging current is output at an appropriate value to properly charge the electric vehicle.

[0234] If the waveform pattern in the above-mentioned specified period is considered to be a unit symbol, in the example of Figure 7, 252 types of symbols can be generated as unit symbols by excluding four types of unchanged patterns (one of which is shown as an example in Figure 8) from the fourth power of four.

[0235] The symbols associated with each symbol may be, for example, numbers (0-9, etc.) or may include characters other than numbers (A-Z, etc.).

[0236] The information configured by the combination of the above symbols is not itself used as the identification information of the device, but rather it is sufficient that the information configured by the combination of the above symbols (for example, a control number (control symbol)) and the identification information of the device are linked. Furthermore, the identification information of the device may be further linked with information necessary for linking, such as the installation location of the charger and the chassis number.

[0237] Portions of this database that need to be shared among stakeholders such as aggregators, complete vehicle manufacturers, and charger manufacturers can be managed jointly.

[0238] The acquisition unit 115 acquires input information about the charging current from the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 , or acquires output information about the charging current from the charging device 10 connected to the specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0239] The analysis unit 125 analyzes specific information included in the input information or output information, based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition unit 115 and the information stored in the database.

[0240] In the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure, the output information and input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0241] For example, the control information may modulate the charging current with a plurality of predetermined waveform patterns for a plurality of predetermined periods, and the plurality of predetermined waveform patterns may include a first waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating a start position, a second waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating an end position, and a specific symbol constituting a pattern associated with the above symbol. Note that the first waveform pattern constituting the symbol indicating the start position and the second waveform pattern constituting the symbol indicating the end position may not be essential.

[0242] FIG. 18 shows an image of a charging current exhibiting a plurality of predetermined waveform patterns, and shows an example in which a start position symbol, specific symbol 1, specific symbol 2, and end position symbol are transmitted in this order.

[0243] In the example shown in FIG. 18, two specific symbols are collated with the database, and a two-digit code is analyzed as specific information.

[0244] If such specific information is, for example, the identification information of the electric vehicle 20, the charging device 10 connected to the electric vehicle 20 can obtain the identification information of the connected electric vehicle 20.

[0245] Furthermore, if such specific information is, for example, the identification information of the charging device 10, the electric vehicle 20 connected to the charging device 10 can obtain the identification information of the charging device 10 to which it is connected.

[0246] Furthermore, if the specific information is, for example, the SoC of the electric vehicle 20 , the charging device 10 connected to the electric vehicle 20 can obtain the SoC of the connected electric vehicle 20 .

[0247] The above configuration provides a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0248] Specifically, with the above configuration, it is possible to strengthen the information sharing function between the charging device and the electric vehicle using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0249] Specifically, with the above configuration, it becomes possible to transmit and receive information specific to the charging device and the electric vehicle with a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0250] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 18, the control information modulates the charging current with a plurality of predetermined waveform patterns for a plurality of predetermined periods, and the plurality of predetermined waveform patterns can include at least a first waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating a start position, a second waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating an end position, and a specific symbol constituting a pattern to which the above symbol is associated.

[0251] It should be noted that the number of symbols shown in FIG. 18 is an example, and by increasing the number of symbols, it is possible to include more information.

[0252] Furthermore, when the input information varies in response to the control information, i.e., when a command (control information) to modulate the charging current is applied to the current input on the electric vehicle 20 side, the acquisition unit 115 acquires the output information, and the analysis unit 125 analyzes specific information contained in the output information based on the output information acquired by the acquisition unit 115 and the information stored in the database.

[0253] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to transmit, as the specific information, information about the charging state of the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 to the specific charging device 10 .

[0254] The information relating to the charging state may be, for example, the SoC.

[0255] Alternatively, with the above configuration, it is possible to directly or indirectly transmit, as the specific information, the identification information of the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 to the specific charging device 10 .

[0256] Furthermore, when the output information varies in response to the control information, i.e., when a command (control information) to modulate the charging current is applied to the current output on the charging device 10 side, the acquisition unit 115 acquires the input information, and the analysis unit 125 analyzes specific information contained in the input information based on the input information acquired by the acquisition unit 115 and the information stored in the database.

[0257] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to directly or indirectly transmit, as the specific information, the identification information of the charging device 10 connected to the specific electric vehicle 20 to the specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0258] The processing by the analysis unit 125 can be said to be the processing by the candidate specification unit described above. That is, according to the processing described above, the connection destinations can be narrowed down by comparing the actual measurement values ​​with the database.

[0259] Furthermore, one or more computer processors in the information processing system 1000 may further include a creation unit 135, as shown as an example in FIG.

[0260] The creation unit 135 creates a schedule for supplying charging power from the charging device 10 connected to the specific electric vehicle 20 to the specific electric vehicle 20 based on the specific information and information on fluctuations in electricity prices.

[0261] According to this configuration, for example, if the specific information is the SoC of an electric vehicle, the charging schedule for the electric vehicle 20 with a high SoC can be given some leeway, and the schedule can be set up so that charging begins at a time when electricity prices are lower.

[0262] As described above, a specific charging device 10 and the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 can be connected via a normal charging connector.

[0263] With this configuration, the effects of the information processing system 1000 of the present disclosure can be more significantly exhibited.

[0264] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0265] Specifically, with the above configuration, it is possible to strengthen the information sharing function between the charging device and the electric vehicle using a method that is simpler than conventional methods.

[0266] Next, an example of an information processing method according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0267] The information processing method in the present disclosure is, as an example, an information processing method executed in an information processing system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The information processing system 1000 may be configured with one or more information processing devices each including one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described below via a network.

[0268] The information processing method in the present disclosure causes one or more computer processors to execute an acquisition step S115 and an analysis step S125, as shown as an example in FIG.

[0269] In the acquisition step S115 , input information on the charging current is acquired from the electric vehicle 20 connected to the specific charging device 10 , or output information on the charging current is acquired from the charging device 10 connected to the specific electric vehicle 20 .

[0270] The acquisition step S115 can be performed by the above-described acquisition unit 115. Details of the acquisition unit 115 are as described above.

[0271] In the analysis step S125, specific information included in the input information or output information acquired in the acquisition step S115 is analyzed based on the input information or output information and the information stored in the database.

[0272] The analyzing step S125 can be performed by the above-described analyzing unit 125. Details of the analyzing unit 125 are as described above.

[0273] In the information processing method disclosed herein, the database stores symbols constituting the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device 10 to the electric vehicle 20, and for each symbol, different symbols such as the manufacturer of the charging device or electric vehicle, the equipment model, the serial number, and other symbols, in association with each other, and the output information and input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0274] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0275] Next, a computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0276] The computer program in the present disclosure is, as an example, a computer program executed in the information processing system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The information processing system 1000 may be configured with one or more information processing devices each having one or more computer processors. Such information processing devices may be real or virtual server devices on the cloud that can be connected to various devices described below via a network.

[0277] The computer program of the present disclosure is characterized in that it causes one or more computer processors to implement the acquisition and analysis functions.

[0278] The acquisition function acquires charging current input information from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device, or charging current output information from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle.

[0279] The analysis function analyzes specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition function and the information stored in the database.

[0280] The database stores symbols that constitute the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device to the electric vehicle, each of which is associated with a different sign, and the output information and input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a predetermined waveform pattern for a predetermined period of time.

[0281] The above functions can be realized by an acquisition circuit 1115 and an analysis circuit 1125 shown in Fig. 21. The acquisition circuit 1115 and the analysis circuit 1125 are realized by the above-mentioned acquisition unit 115 and analysis unit 125, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0282] The above configuration provides a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the prior art discussed above.

[0283] In the present disclosure, the first and second embodiments of the information processing system 1000 have been described above.

[0284] The functions of the present disclosure may be freely arranged using the devices and clouds shown in FIG. 22 and can be realized without adding equipment or using a new cloud. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to eliminate the missing link between the charging device and the electric vehicle shown in FIG. 22 and strengthen the information sharing function between the charging device and the electric vehicle. The functions described in the present disclosure may be implemented anywhere in the devices shown in FIG. 22. While FIG. 22 shows an example in which each operator uses the cloud, some operators may use a connection topology that does not use the cloud.

[0285] In particular, the idea of ​​utilizing the normal charging action using the standard charging cable provided with existing charging devices, and actively changing (modulating) the charging current for transferring energy, thereby giving it the role of information, is a novel idea that has not been seen before.

[0286] It should be noted that "modulation" in this disclosure is a different technique from "superposition," which superimposes multiple signals.

[0287] In the configuration of the first embodiment of the information processing system 1000, it is possible to extract changes in charging current for each device, such as a charging device or an electric vehicle, and identify their connections by taking correlations.

[0288] Furthermore, the configuration of the information processing system 1000 according to the second embodiment can be utilized for transmitting numerical values ​​and the like by assigning numbers and the like to the change patterns of the charging current.

[0289] Furthermore, as described in the second embodiment, the present technology can also be applied to a charging service based on arbitrage trading that utilizes fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices.

[0290] Just like refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle, there is leeway for when users want to charge their electric vehicles.

[0291] Therefore, if an aggregator uses the technology disclosed herein to identify charging devices and electric vehicles and confirm them by transmitting SoC, it is possible to provide a service that starts charging at a time when wholesale prices are low.

[0292] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and can be applied to new services that will be created in the future.

[0293] Furthermore, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used to function as the server device or terminal device according to the above-described embodiments. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the server device or terminal device according to the embodiments in a storage unit of the information processing device, and having the CPU of the information processing device read and execute the program.

[0294] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0295] Furthermore, the methods described in the embodiments can be stored as a program executable by a computer on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD, an MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory (e.g., a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc.), and can also be distributed by transmitting it via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium also includes a configuration program that configures software means (including not only executable programs but also tables and data structures) within the computer for execution. The computer implementing this device loads the program stored on the recording medium and, in some cases, configures the software means using the configuration program, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of this software means. Note that the term "recording medium" as used herein is not limited to a storage medium for distribution, but also includes storage media such as a magnetic disk or semiconductor memory installed within the computer or in a device connected via a network. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory.

[0296] 1000 Information processing system 100 First information processing device 10 Charging device 200 Second information processing device 20 Electric vehicle 300 Third information processing device 400 Information processing device

Claims

1. An information processing system composed of one or more information processing devices having one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires first output information of a charging current from a specific charging device, or first input information of a charging current from a specific electric vehicle; a second acquisition unit that acquires second input information of a charging current from one or more electric vehicles, or second output information of a charging current from one or more charging devices; and an identification unit that uses the second input information or the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of an electric vehicle indicating second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit, or identification information of a charging device indicating second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device, the first input information of the specific electric vehicle, the second input information of the one or more electric vehicles, or the second output information of the one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

2. The information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first acquisition unit acquires first input information of charging current from the specific electric vehicle, the second acquisition unit acquires second output information of charging current from the one or more charging devices, the identification unit uses the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of one charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, and the second output information of the one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling the charging current.

3. The information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that the first acquisition unit acquires first input information of charging current from an electric vehicle that satisfies specific conditions as the specific electric vehicle, and the one or more computer processors further include a candidate determination unit that determines a specific charging device that is a candidate for the specific charging device by comparing a database that associates identification information of the one or more charging devices with model waveform patterns of the charging current output from the charging devices and the first input information acquired by the first acquisition unit, the second acquisition unit acquires second output information of the charging current from the specific charging device determined by the candidate determination unit, and the identification unit uses the second output information of the charging current from the specific charging device acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of a charging device that indicates second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information.

4. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires first output information of charging current from a specific charging device, the second acquisition unit acquires second input information of charging current from the one or more electric vehicles, the identification unit uses the second input information acquired by the second acquisition unit to identify identification information of an electric vehicle indicating second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the second input information of the one or more electric vehicles varies based on control information for controlling the charging current.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more computer processors further include: a generation unit that generates the control information; and a transmission unit that transmits the control information generated by the generation unit to the specific charging device or the specific electric vehicle, the one or more electric vehicles, or the one or more charging devices.

6. An information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the generation unit generates, as the control information, information for modulating the charging current with a different waveform pattern for each of the charging devices or each of the electric vehicles.

7. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the specific relationship is a relationship in which a correlation coefficient between the first output information and the second input information exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more computer processors further include a memory unit that associates the identification information of the electric vehicle identified by the identification unit with the identification information of the specific charging device, or associates the identification information of the charging device identified by the identification unit with the identification information of the specific electric vehicle, and stores the associated identification information in a specified memory device.

9. The information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the one or more computer processors are capable of accessing a database in which symbols constituting the waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the specific charging device to an electric vehicle connected to the specific charging device are stored in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, and the one or more computer processors further include an analysis unit that analyzes specific information contained in the second output information based on the second output information acquired by the second acquisition unit and information stored in the database.

10. An information processing method comprising: causing one or more computer processors to execute a first acquisition step of acquiring first output information of a charging current from a specific charging device or first input information of a charging current from a specific electric vehicle; a second acquisition step of acquiring second input information of a charging current from one or more electric vehicles or second output information of a charging current from one or more charging devices; and a specification step of using the second input information or the second output information acquired in the second acquisition step to specify identification information of an electric vehicle indicating second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired in the first acquisition step, or identification information of a charging device indicating second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device, the first input information of the specific electric vehicle, the second input information of the one or more electric vehicles, or the second output information of the one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling a charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

11. A computer program causing one or more computer processors to implement: a first acquisition function for acquiring first output information of a charging current from a specific charging device, or first input information of a charging current from a specific electric vehicle; a second acquisition function for acquiring second input information of a charging current from one or more electric vehicles, or second output information of a charging current from one or more charging devices; and a specification function for using the second input information or the second output information acquired by the second acquisition function to specify identification information of an electric vehicle indicating second input information having a specific relationship with the first output information acquired by the first acquisition function, or identification information of a charging device indicating second output information having a specific relationship with the first input information, wherein the first output information of the specific charging device, the first input information of the specific electric vehicle, the second input information of the one or more electric vehicles, or the second output information of the one or more charging devices varies based on control information for controlling a charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

12. An information processing system composed of one or more information processing devices having one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors are capable of accessing a database in which symbols constituting a waveform pattern of a charging current supplied from a charging device to an electric vehicle are stored in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, and the information processing system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires input information of a charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device, or output information of a charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle; and an analysis unit that analyzes specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the database, wherein the output information and the input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

13. The information processing system described in claim 12, characterized in that the control information modulates the charging current with a plurality of predetermined waveform patterns for a plurality of predetermined periods, and the plurality of predetermined waveform patterns include at least a first waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating a start position, and a second waveform pattern constituting a symbol indicating an end position.

14. The information processing system described in claim 12, characterized in that when the input information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the output information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the output information based on the output information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the database, the specific information being information relating to the charging state of an electric vehicle connected to the specific charging device.

15. The information processing system according to claim 14, characterized in that the one or more computer processors further include a creation unit that creates a schedule for the supply of charging power to the specific electric vehicle from a charging device connected to the specific electric vehicle based on the specific information and electricity price fluctuation information.

16. The information processing system described in claim 12, characterized in that when the input information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the output information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the output information based on the output information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the database, the specific information being identification information of an electric vehicle connected to the specific charging device.

17. The information processing system described in claim 12, characterized in that when the output information varies in response to the control information, the acquisition unit acquires the input information, and the analysis unit analyzes specific information contained in the input information based on the input information acquired by the acquisition unit and information stored in the database, the specific information being identification information of a charging device connected to the specific electric vehicle.

18. An information processing method comprising: causing one or more computer processors to execute an acquisition step of acquiring input information of a charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device, or output information of a charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle; and an analysis step of analyzing specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired in the acquisition step and information stored in a database, wherein the database stores symbols constituting a waveform pattern of a charging current supplied from a charging device to an electric vehicle in association with a different sign for each symbol, the output information and the input information vary in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

19. A computer program that causes one or more computer processors to implement: an acquisition function for acquiring input information of a charging current from an electric vehicle connected to a specific charging device, or output information of a charging current from a charging device connected to a specific electric vehicle; and an analysis function for analyzing specific information contained in the input information or output information based on the input information or output information acquired by the acquisition function and information stored in a database, wherein the database stores symbols that constitute a waveform pattern of the charging current supplied from the charging device to the electric vehicle in association with a different sign for each of the symbols, the output information and the input information fluctuate in response to control information for controlling the charging current, and the control information modulates the charging current with a specified waveform pattern for a specified period of time.

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