Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device comprises a predicted charging fee calculation unit, a transmission unit, and a control processing execution unit. The predicted charging fee calculation unit acquires first information enabling determination of a charge amount of a secondary battery desired by a user, and calculates the predicted charging fee using the first information. The transmission unit transmits second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user. After the transmission of the second information, the control processing execution unit executes control processing for making a charger usable in response to the acquisition of notification information for notifying that the user starts charging the secondary battery using the charger.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Chargers that can be used by an unspecified number of users are sometimes provided to charge rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries). An example of a system for managing the use of such chargers is disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a system that enables users to reserve the use of a charging unit installed in a common area of ​​a building from their information terminals via an internal communication network.

[0003] JP 2016-214076 A

[0004] Because the unit price of electricity can fluctuate depending on various market factors, a user may be charged an unexpected fee when using a charger such as the one described above. This lack of transparency in pricing may cause users to forgo using the charger.

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises: a predicted charging fee calculation means for acquiring first information capable of identifying the amount of charging of the secondary battery desired by the user, and calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information; a transmission means for transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user; and a control processing execution means for executing a control processing to make the charger available in response to acquiring notification information notifying the user that the charger will be used to start charging the secondary battery after the second information is transmitted.

[0006] The information processing method of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring first information that can identify the amount of charge of a secondary battery desired by a user, calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information, transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user, and, after transmitting the second information, executing a control process that makes the charger available in response to receiving notification information that notifies the user that the charger will be used to start charging the secondary battery.

[0007] The recording medium in the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium that stores a specific program. When executed by a computer, the program stored in the recording medium causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first information that can identify a charging amount of a secondary battery desired by a user, calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information, transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user, and, after transmitting the second information, executing a control process to make the charger available in response to receiving notification information that notifies the user that charging of the secondary battery will be started using the charger.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is expected that the effect of increasing opportunities for use of chargers that can be used by an unspecified number of users can be achieved.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating a first functional configuration of an information processing device in the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the information processing device in the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by the information processing device in the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow for releasing a lock mechanism that restricts use of a charger; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a charge management system configured including an information processing device in the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operation in the charge management system in the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operation in the charge management system in the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of second information output to a communication device operated by a user; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second functional configuration of the information processing device in the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of second processing executed by the information processing device in the present disclosure.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration. Furthermore, when elements such as blocks in a diagram are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely intended to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication).

[0011] In the following description, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device going to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and a device inputting data or information output from another device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0012] First Embodiment <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a predicted charging fee calculation unit 110, a transmission unit 120, and a control process execution unit 130.

[0013] The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 acquires information (hereinafter also referred to as "first information") that can identify the amount of charging desired by the user. The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 uses the acquired first information to calculate the fee (hereinafter also referred to as "predicted charging fee") that will be predicted if charging of that amount is performed. The transmission unit 120 transmits information (hereinafter also referred to as "second information") that indicates the predicted charging fee calculated by the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 to a communication device operated by the user. After the second information is transmitted, the control process execution unit 130 executes control process to make the charger available in response to receiving notification information notifying the user that charging of the secondary battery will be started using the charger.

[0014] <Hardware Configuration Example> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0015] The computer 1000 illustrated in this figure includes a bus 1010 , a processor 1020 , a memory 1030 , a storage device 1040 , an input / output interface 1050 , and a network interface 1060 .

[0016] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0017] The processor 1020 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0018] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0019] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize the functions of the information processing device 10 described above (the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110, the transmission unit 120, and the control processing execution unit 130).

[0020] The processor 1020 loads a program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the transmission unit 120 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the transmission unit 120 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the control processing execution unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the control processing execution unit 130 described in the present disclosure. The operation of the processor 1020 is common to each embodiment included in the present disclosure.

[0021] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that is readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0022] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to various devices. The "various devices" referred to here are not particularly limited, but include, for example, input devices such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and a microphone, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0023] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to a network. This network includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 supports various wireless and wired communication standards and establishes communication between the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) and other devices (not shown) on the network.

[0024] Furthermore, the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) may be connected to the above-mentioned “various devices” via a network interface 1060.

[0025] <Example of Operation of Information Processing Apparatus> An example of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0026] The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 acquires first information (step S102). Here, the first information is generated using a communication device, such as a smartphone used by a user who wishes to charge the secondary battery. As an example, the user launches a predetermined application on the communication device and inputs information specifying the charge amount via the application. In this case, the communication device generates the first information including information that can identify the charge amount specified by the user's input. As another example, the communication device communicates with an appliance or device that includes a secondary battery to be charged and acquires information indicating the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, such as the State of Charge (SOC). In this case, the communication device automatically determines the charge amount based on the remaining capacity of the secondary battery to be charged. For example, the communication device calculates the charge amount required to fully charge the secondary battery using the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, and generates the first information including information that can identify the calculated charge amount. The communication device then transmits the generated first information to the information processing device 10. The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 acquires the first information generated and transmitted by the communication device.

[0027] Then, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates the predicted charging fee using the first information acquired in the process of step S102 (step S104). For example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates the predicted charging fee by multiplying the charging amount specified by the first information by a predetermined electricity unit price (such as the electricity unit price in the electricity market or the electricity unit price specified in advance by the charger owner).

[0028] The transmitting unit 120 transmits the second information indicating the predicted charging fee calculated by the process of step S104 to the communication device used by the user (step S106). For example, the transmitting unit 120 transmits the second information to the source address of the first information.

[0029] After the second information is transmitted in step S106, the control process execution unit 130 monitors whether the above-mentioned notification information has been acquired (step S108). Here, the notification information is information indicating that the user is about to start charging the secondary battery using the charger. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the charger or a peripheral device of the charger, the notification information is generated and transmitted to the control process execution unit 130. Specific examples of the notification information will be described later.

[0030] If notification information has not been acquired (step S108: NO), the control process execution unit 130 continues to monitor whether notification information has been acquired. On the other hand, if notification information has been acquired (step S108: YES), the control process execution unit 130 executes control processing to make the corresponding charger available (step S110). In response to the execution of this control processing, the user can use the charger to charge the secondary battery. Specific examples of the control processing will be described later.

[0031] As described above, the operation of the information processing device according to the present disclosure allows the user to check the predicted charge (predicted charging charge) before charging the secondary battery.

[0032] As a result, users can eliminate concerns about being charged unexpected fees before using the charger. This is expected to have the effect of increasing users' motivation to use the charger. In other words, the information processing device according to the present disclosure solves the problem of increasing opportunities for chargers available to an unspecified number of users to be used. The present disclosure also provides an information processing method executed by the information processing device (computer), a program for realizing each function of the information processing device (computer), and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, after the information indicating the estimated charging fee is transmitted, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the charger or a peripheral device of the charger, notification information is transmitted to the information processing device. In response to this notification information, the information processing device of the present disclosure executes a control process to make the corresponding charger available for use.

[0034] This can prevent a malicious, unrelated user from using the charger without permission.

[0035] A detailed example of the information processing device according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0036] <Charging Fee Prediction Process> When charging power is provided by a power generation device that uses natural energy such as solar or wind power, the amount of power provided from the power generation device to the charger may vary depending on the season, time of day, and / or weather. As a specific example, in the case of a power generation device that generates power using solar power, the amount of power provided from the power generation device to the charger increases during the summer season when illumination is high, during the daytime, or in sunny weather with few clouds blocking the sunlight. In addition, in order to stabilize the power grid, general power distribution companies may issue commands (output suppression commands) to suppress the power output from power generation devices that use natural energy to the power grid.

[0037] Here, when the amount of power generated by the power generation device is large or when the power output from the power generation device to the power grid is restricted, a portion of the power generated by the power generation device may be wasted without being utilized. In order to increase the utilization efficiency of the power generated by the power generation device (to encourage more users to use the charger), the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 is preferably configured to calculate the predicted electricity fee by taking into account at least one of the situations exemplified here.

[0038] As one example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 is configured to calculate a predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is occurring. For example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 determines whether a general electricity transmission and distribution utility has issued an output suppression command for the area where the charger is installed. If an output suppression command has been issued, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates a charging fee that is lower than the normal charging fee as the predicted charging fee. As one example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates a predicted charging fee according to the charging amount specified by the first information after applying a predetermined discount to the current market electricity unit price. As another example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 may calculate the predicted charging fee using an electricity unit price or discount amount for output suppression that is specified in advance by the charger owner. With this configuration, a predicted fee that is attractive to the user is presented in a situation where unused electricity that would otherwise be discarded is generated. This can increase the user's motivation to use the charger. As a result, it is expected to reduce the amount of electricity that is unused and discarded due to output suppression.

[0039] As another example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 may calculate the predicted charging fee by further using information indicating a time period during which charging will be performed (hereinafter also referred to as "time period information"). For example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 estimates a time period during which charging will be performed based on the time when first information is acquired from the user's communication device, and generates (acquires) information indicating the time period as time period information. Alternatively, when information specifying a time period during which charging is planned is acquired together with the first information, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 acquires information indicating the specified time period as time period information. Then, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 identifies an electricity unit price corresponding to the acquired time period information. For example, information indicating an electricity unit price for each time period is stored in a storage area such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Here, the electricity unit price applied to daytime periods is set lower than the electricity unit price applied to early morning and evening periods. The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates a predicted charging fee corresponding to the amount of charging identified by the first information using the electricity unit price identified according to the acquired time period information. This configuration allows users to be presented with an attractive predicted charge when power generation is high, thereby increasing users' motivation to use the charger. As a result, it is expected to reduce the possibility that electricity generated during times of high power generation will be wasted without being used.

[0040] As another example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 may calculate the predicted charging fee using information about weather (hereinafter also referred to as "weather information"). For example, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 can obtain weather information for an area corresponding to the user's location by using a service (not shown) that provides weather information for each area. An example of information indicating the user's location is location information (e.g., GPS information) of the user's communication device. The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 then identifies an electricity unit price corresponding to the acquired weather information. For example, information indicating electricity unit prices for each weather condition is stored in a storage area such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Here, the electricity unit price applied when the weather is sunny is set lower than the electricity unit price applied when the weather is cloudy, rainy, or snowy. The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 calculates the predicted charging fee using the electricity unit price identified according to the acquired weather information. With this configuration, a predicted fee that is attractive to the user is presented when the amount of power generation is high. This can increase the user's motivation to use the charger. As a result, it is expected that the possibility of electricity generated during times of high power generation being wasted without being utilized can be reduced.

[0041] The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 may be configured to calculate the predicted charging fee by combining at least two of the presence or absence of output suppression, time zone information, and weather information. In this case, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 can calculate the predicted charging fee using, for example, an average value of two or more electricity unit prices.

[0042] <Control Process for Charger> A specific example of the control process executed by the control process execution unit 130 will be described. As an example, the control process execution unit 130 executes a process to unlock a locking mechanism (e.g., FIG. 4 ) provided to restrict use of the charger. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of unlocking a locking mechanism that restricts use of the charger. In the example shown in this figure, a locking mechanism 30 is provided on the cable 22 of the charger 20. In response to receiving notification information notifying the user that charging using the charger 20 will begin, the control process execution unit 130 transmits a control signal to the locking mechanism 30 to execute an unlocking operation. The locking mechanism 30 unlocks the cable 22 in response to the control signal from the control process execution unit 130. This allows the user to connect the cable 22 of the charger 20 to a connector of a device or apparatus to be powered and start charging the secondary battery installed in the device or apparatus. In this way, using the locking mechanism 30 to restrict use of the charger 20 reduces the possibility that a malicious third party, not a legitimate user, will use the charger 20 without permission. Furthermore, as will be described in a specific example below, security can be improved by combining it with personal authentication processing.

[0043] <System Configuration Example> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a charging management system including an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The charging management system illustrated in this diagram includes the information processing device 10 and locking mechanism 30 described above, as well as a power meter 40 and a power sensor 42. These components are retrofitted to the existing components (charger 20 and distribution board 50) of a charging spot. For example, an owner of a personal charging spot can enjoy the services of the charging management system according to the present disclosure by retrofitting the locking mechanism 30, power meter 40, and power sensor 42. In this case, the owner can keep the service introduction cost low because the existing charger 20 and distribution board 50 can be used as is. A user who wishes to charge a secondary battery using a charger 20 incorporated in this system can use the charger 20 using a communication device 70 used by the user, for example, by following the procedure described below.

[0044] <Example of Operation in the System> FIGS. 6 to 8 are sequence diagrams illustrating an example of operation in the charge management system according to the present disclosure.

[0045] First, a user who wishes to charge a secondary battery applies for use of charger 20 using personal communication device 70, such as a smartphone (step S302). Communication device 70 transmits, as first information to information processing device 10, information that can identify the specified charge amount and user identification information, for example, assigned at the time of system registration (step S304).

[0046] The predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 of the information processing device 10 calculates a predicted charging fee according to the amount of charging desired by the user, using the first information transmitted from the communication device in the process of step S304 (step S306). Here, if the user inputs information specifying the desired area when applying for use, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 of the information processing device 10 may identify charging spots registered in the area specified by the information and calculate a predicted charging fee for each charging spot. For example, assume that there are two charging spots owned by different owners in the area specified by the user. In this case, the predicted charging fee calculation unit 110 of the information processing device 10 can calculate a predicted charging fee for each charging spot by referring to the electricity unit prices specified by the owners who have introduced the service of this system.

[0047] Then, the transmission unit 120 of the information processing device 10 transmits second information (e.g., FIG. 9 ) indicating the predicted charging fee calculated in the process of step S306 to the communication device 70 (step S308). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of second information output to a communication device operated by a user. The second information illustrated in FIG. 9 includes predicted charging fees for each of multiple charging spots. The second information illustrated in FIG. 9 allows the user to easily understand the predicted charging fee for each charging spot according to the user's desired time period and charging amount. Here, the transmission unit 120 of the information processing device 10 may include information for identity verification in the second information. For example, the transmission unit 120 of the information processing device 10 may generate a code symbol (a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, e.g., symbol C in FIG. 9 ) by encoding randomly generated information for identity verification, and may include information for displaying the code symbol on the screen of the communication device 70 in the second information.

[0048] The user checks the second information as illustrated in FIG. 9 and visits a charging spot of their choice. If the second information, including identity verification information, is transmitted to the communication device 70, the user executes an operation to transmit the identity verification information to the information processing device 10 (step S310). For example, the user displays the identity verification information on the communication device 70 and presents the information to a reading device (not shown) provided in the lock mechanism 30 or the charger 20 to have it read. The reading device transmits the read information to the information processing device 10 via the network 60. The identity verification information transmitted here is an example of the aforementioned "notification information." The control processing execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 compares the second information transmitted to the user's communication device 70 with the information at the time of generation, and authenticates whether the user attempting to use the charger 20 is a legitimate user (step S312).

[0049] If the user attempting to use the charger 20 cannot be authenticated as a valid user (step S312: NO), the control process execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 does not execute the control process to enable use of the charger 20. In this case, the control process execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 may be configured to display an error on a display device (not shown) provided in the charger 20 or the locking mechanism 30.

[0050] On the other hand, if the user attempting to use the charger 20 is authenticated as a valid user (step S312: YES), the control process execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 executes a control process to enable use of the charger 20 (step S314). For example, the control process execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 transmits a control signal to cause the lock mechanism 30 attached to the cable 22 of the charger 20 to execute an unlocking operation. This control signal unlocks the lock mechanism attached to the cable 22, allowing the user to use the charger 20.

[0051] The user connects cable 22 of charger 20 to the connector of the device or apparatus that is equipped with the secondary battery to be charged, and starts charging. When charging starts, power meter 40 starts measuring the amount of power used using power sensor 42 (step S318). When it is detected that the user has subsequently removed cable 22 of charger 20 from the connector and returned it to its designated position, power meter 40 stops measuring the amount of power used (step S320). Power meter 40 then transmits the measurement results of the amount of power used to information processing device 10 via network 60 (step S322).

[0052] In response to receiving the measurement result of the amount of power used, the control process execution unit 130 of the information processing device 10 transmits a control signal to the locking mechanism 30 to execute a locking operation (step S324). This control signal locks the locking mechanism attached to the cable 22.

[0053] The information processing device 10 then executes payment processing based on the measurement result of the amount of electricity used (step S326). For example, the information processing device 10 performs payment processing using credit card information or bank account information registered in advance by the user. After the payment processing is completed, the information processing device 10 may be configured to transmit an electronic receipt to the user's communication device 70 (e.g., steps S328 and S330).

[0054] As described above, the information processing device according to the present disclosure predicts a charging fee using first information that can identify the amount of charging desired by a user, and transmits second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user. This configuration is expected to clarify the fee for using a charger and increase the user's motivation to use the charger. Furthermore, after transmitting the second information, the information processing device according to the present disclosure executes a control process to make the charger available in response to receiving notification information indicating that the user will start charging using the charger. This is expected to prevent unauthorized use of the charger by unrelated users.

[0055] Second Embodiment <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 illustrated in this diagram further includes a charging time estimation unit 112.

[0056] The charging time estimation unit 112 calculates an estimated charging time using the charge amount indicated by the first information. The charging time estimation unit 112 can estimate the charging time using the specified charge amount and the basic charging performance of the charger. For example, assume that the charge amount indicated by the first information is "20 kWh" and the average charging performance per unit time of the charger is "40 kW." In this case, the charging time estimation unit 112 can calculate the estimated charging time to be "0.5 hours."

[0057] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second process executed by an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The process shown in this figure is executed in addition to the processes shown in other flowcharts and sequence diagrams.

[0058] First, the charging time estimation unit 112 identifies the charge amount specified by the user by referring to the first information (step S402). Then, the charging time estimation unit 112 calculates an estimated charging time based on the identified charge amount and the basic charging performance of the charger (step S404). Here, if the first information includes information specifying a charging location and information on the charging performance of multiple chargers located in the area corresponding to the charging location is prepared in advance, the charging time estimation unit 112 can calculate an estimated charging time for each of the multiple chargers. Then, the transmission unit 120 generates second information further including information indicating the estimated charging time calculated by the charging time estimation unit 112 in the process of step S404, and transmits the second information to the user's communication device (step S406).

[0059] In this embodiment, when a user specifies the amount of charge for the secondary battery, the user is notified of second information including not only information indicating the predicted charging cost but also information indicating the estimated charging time. Furthermore, if the charging capabilities of multiple target chargers are known, the estimated charging time for each of the multiple chargers can be provided to the user. This makes it easier for the user to find a charging spot that is more convenient for them.

[0060] <Modification> The charging time estimation unit 112 may be configured to acquire information about a device equipped with the secondary battery to be charged. An example of such a device is a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, that can use the secondary battery as a power source for driving. In this case, the charging time estimation unit 112 acquires vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle equipped with the secondary battery to be charged in order to improve the accuracy of estimating the charging time. The vehicle model information is, for example, any information for identifying the charging performance of the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle model information may be information indicating the vehicle model type of each manufacturer. The charging time estimation unit 112 then estimates the time required for charging the amount of charge specified in the first information using the charging performance identified by the acquired vehicle model information. For example, assume that the specified amount of charge is "25 kWh" and the charging performance identified by the vehicle model information is "50 kW." In this case, the charging time estimation unit 112 calculates the estimated charging time to be "0.5 h" based on the various pieces of information.

[0061] According to this modification, when the device equipped with the secondary battery to be charged is a vehicle, the charging performance can be identified from information about the vehicle, and more accurate second information can be generated, thereby providing more accurate information to the user.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that would be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the above-described embodiments illustrate a case in which the user specifies the "charging amount," the user may instead specify the "charging fee." In this case, for example, the power meter 40 may control the distribution board 50 to terminate charging immediately before the charging fee specified by the user is exceeded based on the measurement results of the amount of power used using the power sensor 42.

[0063] Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0064] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0065] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An information processing device comprising: a predicted charging fee calculation means for acquiring first information capable of identifying a charging amount of a secondary battery desired by a user, and calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information; a transmission means for transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user; and a control process execution means for executing a control process to make the charger available in response to acquiring notification information notifying the user that they will start charging the secondary battery using a charger after transmitting the second information. 2. The information processing device described in 1., wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is occurring. 3. The information processing device described in 1. or 2., wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee further using time zone information indicating a time zone during which charging will occur. 4. The information processing device described in any one of 1. to 3., wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee further using weather information related to the weather. 5. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 4., further comprising a charging time estimation means for calculating an estimated charging time using the charge amount. 6. The information processing device according to 5., wherein the charging time estimation means acquires vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted, and further uses the vehicle model information to calculate the estimated time. 7. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 6., wherein the control process includes a process for unlocking a lock mechanism that restricts use of a charger. 8. An information processing method including a computer acquiring first information capable of identifying a charge amount of the secondary battery desired by a user, calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information, transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user, and, after transmitting the second information, executing a control process to make the charger available in response to receiving notification information notifying the user that they will start charging the secondary battery using a charger. 9. The information processing method according to 8., wherein the computer calculates the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is to be performed.10. The information processing method according to 8. or 9., wherein the computer calculates the predicted charging fee by further using time period information indicating a time period during which charging will be performed. 11. The information processing method according to any one of 8. to 10., including the computer calculating the predicted charging fee by further using weather information related to weather. 12. The information processing method according to any one of 8. to 11., including the computer calculating an estimated charging time using the charged amount. 13. The information processing method according to 12., including the computer acquiring vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted, and calculating the estimated time by further using the vehicle model information. 14. The information processing method according to any one of 8. to 13., wherein the control processing includes processing to unlock a lock mechanism that restricts use of a charger. 15. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first information capable of identifying a charge amount of a secondary battery desired by a user, calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information, transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user, and, after the second information is transmitted, executing a control process to make the charger available in response to acquiring notification information notifying the user that they will start charging the secondary battery using a charger. 16. The recording medium described in 15., wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is to be performed. 17. The recording medium described in 15. or 16., wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee further using time zone information indicating a time zone during which charging will be performed. 18. The recording medium described in any one of 15. to 17., wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee further using weather information related to weather. 19. The recording medium described in any one of 15. to 18., wherein the operation includes calculating an estimated charging time using the charge amount.20. The recording medium described in 19., wherein the operation includes acquiring vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle in which the secondary battery is mounted, and calculating the estimated time using the vehicle model information. 21. The recording medium described in any one of 15. to 20., wherein the control process includes a process of unlocking a lock mechanism that restricts use of a charger.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage device 1050 Input / output interface 1060 Network interface 110 Predicted charging fee calculation unit 112 Charging time estimation unit 120 Transmission unit 130 Control processing execution unit 20 Charger 22 Cable 30 Locking mechanism 40 Power meter 42 Power sensor 50 Distribution board 60 Network 70 Communication device

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a predicted charging fee calculation means for acquiring first information that can identify the amount of charging of a secondary battery desired by a user, and calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information; a transmission means for transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user; and a control processing execution means for executing a control process to make the charger available in response to acquiring notification information notifying the user that the charger will be used to start charging the secondary battery after the second information has been transmitted.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is to occur.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee by further using time period information indicating a time period during which charging will be performed.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predicted charging fee calculation means calculates the predicted charging fee by further using weather information related to weather.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a charging time estimation means for calculating an estimated charging time using the charged amount.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the charging time estimation means acquires vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle in which the secondary battery is mounted, and further uses the vehicle model information to calculate the estimated time.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control process includes a process of unlocking a lock mechanism that restricts use of the charger.

8. An information processing method including: a computer acquiring first information that can identify the amount of charge of a secondary battery desired by a user; calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information; transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user; and, after transmitting the second information, executing a control process to make the charger available in response to receiving notification information notifying the user that they will start charging the secondary battery using the charger.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: calculating the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output suppression is to occur.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the computer calculates the predicted charging fee by further using time period information indicating a time period during which charging will be performed.

11. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: the computer calculating the predicted charging fee by further using weather information relating to weather.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising the step of: calculating an estimated charging time using the charged amount by the computer.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of: said computer acquiring vehicle model information indicating the type of vehicle in which said secondary battery is mounted; and further using said vehicle model information to calculate said estimated time.

14. An information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the control process includes a process for unlocking a lock mechanism that restricts use of the charger.

15. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first information that can identify the amount of charge of a secondary battery desired by a user; calculating a predicted charging fee using the first information; transmitting second information indicating the predicted charging fee to a communication device operated by the user; and, after transmitting the second information, executing a control process that makes the charger available in response to receiving notification information that notifies the user that they will use the charger to start charging the secondary battery.

16. The recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee based on whether or not output curtailment is performed.

17. The recording medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee by further using time period information indicating a time period during which charging will be performed.

18. The recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the operation includes calculating the predicted charging fee by further using weather information related to weather.

19. A recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the operation includes calculating an estimated charging time using the charged amount.

20. A recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the control process includes a process for unlocking a locking mechanism that restricts use of the charger.

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