Server for providing information about charging zone, and operating method thereof

Abstract

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, a server may comprise: an acquisition unit for acquiring use reference information from chargers of a charging zone and at least some objects to be charged corresponding to the chargers; a determination unit for determining, on the basis of the use reference information, whether the objects to be charged use the charging zone; and a generation unit for generating charging zone state information on the basis of the result of determining whether the charging zone is used.

Description

Server for providing information about charging areas and its operating method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This invention claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0095553, filed July 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a server and its operating method for providing information about a charging area.

[0005] As environmental issues become more prominent, the proliferation of electric vehicles continues to increase, and consequently, the proliferation of charging devices for charging electric vehicles is also steadily increasing.

[0006] However, most charging stations require a significant amount of time to charge an electric vehicle, which often leads to electric vehicle users leaving the charging station to attend to other matters, leaving their vehicles unattended.

[0007] This causes a problem where even when the vehicle is fully charged, the vehicle is left occupying the charging device without being moved to another location, making it impossible for other vehicles to use the charging device.

[0008] Furthermore, while previously only providing electric vehicle users with information about whether a charging station was currently charging, if a fully charged vehicle were to leave the charging station occupied, other users would be notified that the charging station was uncharged. In such cases, other users mistakenly believe the charging station was available, only to discover it was still unavailable after visiting the charging station in person, resulting in inconvenience for many electric vehicle users.

[0009] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a server and its operating method for providing information on electric vehicle charging areas in real time.

[0010] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a server and its operating method for generating and providing information on electric vehicle charging areas using a small amount of resources.

[0011] The technical objectives of the embodiments disclosed in the document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, a server comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires usage reference information from at least some of a charger of a charging zone and a charging target corresponding to the charger; a judgment unit that determines whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on the usage reference information; and a generation unit that generates charging zone status information based on a result of determining whether the charging target uses the charging zone, wherein the usage reference information may include at least some of connection status information on whether the charging target is connected to the charger, charging status information, and charging target speed information.

[0013] In a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, the usage reference information may further include distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

[0014] In a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, the determination unit may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging area when the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is before the charging end time.

[0015] In a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, the determination unit may determine that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is after the charging end time.

[0016] A server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may further include a provision unit that provides, to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target, departure guidance information for causing the charging target to leave the charging target when it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone.

[0017] In a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, the determination unit may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging zone when (i) a connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information, and charging termination information is obtained as the charging status information, or (ii) a detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information, and the charging target speed information is less than threshold speed information.

[0018] In a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, the determination unit may determine that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information and the charging progress information is obtained as the charging status information.

[0019] A server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may further include a provision unit that provides, to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target, departure guidance information for causing the charging target to leave the charging target when it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone.

[0020] A method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises the steps of: obtaining usage reference information from at least some of a charger of a charging zone and a charging target corresponding to the charger; determining whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on the usage reference information; and generating charging zone status information based on a result of determining whether the charging target uses the charging zone, wherein the usage reference information may include at least some of connection status information on whether the charging target is connected to the charger, charging status information, and charging target speed information.

[0021] In the operating method of the server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the usage reference information may further include distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

[0022] In the operating method of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, in the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is before the charging end time, it can be determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone.

[0023] In the operating method of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, in the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is after the charging end time, it can be determined that the charging target is being charged in the charging zone.

[0024] In a method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, after the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, if it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone, a step of providing departure guidance information for causing the charging target to leave the charging zone to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target may be further included.

[0025] In the operating method of the server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, in the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, (i) when a connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information, and charging termination information is obtained as the charging status information, or (ii) when a detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information, and the charging target speed information is less than threshold speed information, it can be determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone.

[0026] In the operating method of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, in the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, if the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information and charging progress information is obtained as the charging status information, it can be determined that the charging target is being charged in the charging zone.

[0027] In a method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, after the step of determining whether the charging zone is used, if it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone in an uncharged state, a step of providing departure guidance information for causing the charging target to leave the charging zone to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target may be further included.

[0028] The server and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can provide information on electric vehicle charging areas in real time.

[0029] The server and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can generate and provide information on electric vehicle charging areas using a small amount of resources.

[0030] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a computing system executing a method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0036] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0037] In this document, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding element from other corresponding elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) described in this document may include one or more entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0039] The term "module" or "part" used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0040] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program or an application) including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., memory). For example, a processor of the device may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the server (100) may include an acquisition unit (110), a judgment unit (120), and a generation unit (130). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some components may be omitted from the server (100), or other general-purpose components may be further included in the server (100).

[0043] An acquisition unit (110) according to an embodiment disclosed in this document can acquire use reference information for determining whether a charging zone is used from at least some of the chargers in the charging zone and the charging targets corresponding to the chargers.

[0044] In one embodiment, the charging target is a mobile vehicle that receives power from the charger, such as an electric vehicle. For reference, the charging target corresponding to a charger may be an electric vehicle that is currently connected to the charger, has been connected to the charger, or is located in a charging area corresponding to the charger.

[0045] To help understanding, with additional reference to FIG. 2, chargers (10, 20, 30, and 40), charging zones (11, 21, 31, and 41), and charging targets (e.g., electric vehicles) can be identified. Specifically, in the case of the charger (10), it can be confirmed that the charging target is not using the corresponding charging zone (11), whereas in the case of the chargers (20, 30, and 40), the charging target is using (charging in progress or occupying the charging zone) the corresponding charging zone (11). In addition, in the case of the charger (20), it can be confirmed that the charging target is charging, whereas in the case of the chargers (30 and 40), the charging target is occupying the charging zones (31 and 41) in an uncharged state. For reference, in FIG. 2, the charging cable of the charger (40) is illustrated as being detached from the charging target, indicating that the charging target is currently occupying the charging zone, but is not limited thereto. For example, even if the charging cable of the charger (40) is connected to the charging target, if the charging target is not currently being charged, the charging target is considered to be occupying the charging area.

[0046] Additionally, the usage reference information may include at least some of connection status information (e.g., information on whether the charging target is connected to the charger) or not, charging status information (e.g., information on whether charging is in progress) or not, and charging target speed information (e.g., information on the moving speed of the charging target).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the usage reference information may further include distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

[0048] According to one embodiment, when a distance sensor (e.g., an IR sensor) is mounted on a charger and the distance sensor senses the distance to an object (e.g., a charging target) approaching the charger, and thus distance information is generated, the charger may transmit the corresponding distance information to the acquisition unit (110). For reference, the distance information may be information about the distance between the charger and the charging target itself, but is not limited thereto. For example, the charger may determine whether a charging target is present in a charging area based on the distance between the charger and the charging target, and generate the determination result as distance information and transmit it to the acquisition unit (110). In addition, the charger may directly transmit the corresponding distance information to the acquisition unit (110), but is not limited thereto. For example, the charger may transmit the corresponding distance information to a server of a business operator managing the charger, and the acquisition unit (110) may obtain the corresponding distance information from the server of the charger business operator.

[0049] The judgment unit (120) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can determine whether the charging target uses the charging area based on the usage reference information.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the charging status information may include information about a charging start time, a charging end time, and information about a charging station ID.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the charging status information may further include information about the charger type.

[0052] According to one embodiment, if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is acquired in which the charging start time is before the charging end time, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target occupies the charging zone. For example, if the most recent charging start time acquired from the charger (e.g., 9:20 AM on June 2, 2024) is before the most recent charging end time (e.g., 11:20 AM on June 2, 2024), charging through the charger has already been completed. At this time, if the distance between the charger and the charging target (e.g., 2 m) is less than the threshold distance information (e.g., 3 m), the charging target (e.g., electric vehicle) is located in the charging zone in a completed charging state, and therefore, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target occupies the charging zone.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is being charged in the charging zone if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is after the charging end time. For example, if the most recent charging start time obtained from the charger (e.g., 1:00 PM on June 2, 2024) is after the most recent charging end time (e.g., 11:20 AM on June 2, 2024), charging through the charger is in progress. At this time, if the distance between the charger and the charging target (e.g., 2 m) is less than the threshold distance information (e.g., 3 m), the charging target (e.g., electric vehicle) is located in the charging zone while charging is in progress, and therefore the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is being charged in the charging zone.

[0054] According to one embodiment, if the distance information is greater than or equal to the threshold distance information, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is not using the charging zone. For example, if the distance between the charger and the charging target (e.g., 5 m) is greater than or equal to the threshold distance information (e.g., 3 m), the charging target (e.g., electric vehicle) is located outside the charging zone, and therefore the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging zone is not being used.

[0055] For reference, although the above description describes the critical distance information as having a single value (e.g., 3 m), this is merely an example to help understanding and is not limited thereto. For example, the critical distance information may be set to correspond to the shape of each charging zone where the charger is installed. For example, when the front is 0° based on the distance sensor mounted on the charger, the critical distance information may be set to 2 m for the direction section from -90° or more to less than 0°, and the critical distance information may be set to 2.5 m for the direction section from 0° or more to less than 90°. Alternatively, the critical distance information for each azimuth of the distance sensor may be set to correspond to the shapes of the charging zones (11, 21, 31, and 41) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the judgment unit (120) can determine whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on at least some of the connection status information, charging status information, and charging target speed information included in the usage reference information.

[0057] At this time, the usage reference information can be generated through the OBD (On Board Diagnostics) of the charging target (e.g., electric vehicle). For example, the electric vehicle can detect whether the charger is connected or disconnected through the OBD and generate connection status information. In addition, the electric vehicle can detect whether charging is currently in progress through the OBD and generate charging status information. In addition, the electric vehicle can generate charging target speed information regarding the moving speed of the electric vehicle through the OBD. According to one embodiment, the charging target (e.g., electric vehicle) may be equipped with a data collection device, and the data collection device may collect data of the charging target through a data port of the charging target. For example, the data port of the charging target may include an OBD port, and the data collection device may be connected to the OBD port of the charging target. The data collection device may collect data of the charging target (e.g., whether the charger is connected or disconnected, whether charging is in progress, moving speed of the charging target, etc.) as usage reference information from the OBD port through the CAN (controller area network) communication standard. And, the data collection device can transmit the usage reference information to the acquisition unit.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the judgment unit (120) may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging area when the connection signal (connection signal) between the charging target and the charger is acquired as connection status information and charging termination information is acquired as charging status information.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the judgment unit (120) may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging area if, in a state where a connection signal (connection signal) between the charging target and the charger is acquired as connection status information, charging start information is not acquired as charging status information within a preset time.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging zone if the charging target speed information is lower than the threshold speed information in a state where a detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as connection status information. For example, if the charging target speed information (e.g., 0 km / h) is lower than the threshold speed information (5 km / h) in a state where the charger is detached from the charging target, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is still occupying the charging zone without permission even after charging is completed.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the judgment unit (120) may determine that the charging target is being charged in a charging area when the charging progress information is acquired as charging status information while the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as connection status information.

[0062] The generation unit (130) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can generate charging zone status information, which is a result of determining whether or not a charging zone is being used.

[0063] Additionally, the provision unit according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can provide charging zone status information to a user terminal.

[0064] Table 1 below is an example of charging zone status information according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0065] Charging Station Wirye Charging Station Charger 1 Charger 2 Charger 3 Charger 4 Charger Type and Usage Rapid / Charging Slow / Occupied after charging completed Slow / Occupied while not charging Rapid / Charging Waiting for charging Occupied Time 1 hour 10 minutes 3 hours 45 minutes 21 hours 34 minutes -

[0066] Referring to Table 1, by referring to the charging zone status information, it is possible to check whether multiple charging zones for each charger at a specific charging station (e.g., Wirye Charging Station) are currently in use.

[0067] However, the charging zone status information described in Table 1 is only an example to help understanding, and other information (e.g., information on occupancy time, etc.) other than information on whether the charging zone is being used may be provided to the user terminal without being included in the charging zone status information.

[0068] According to one embodiment, if the provider determines that the charging target is occupying the charging area, it may additionally provide departure guidance information to a user terminal (occupied user terminal) corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging area.

[0069] For example, in the case of a rapid charger, if a penalty is imposed for occupying the charging area for more than 1 hour, and in the case of a slow charger, if a penalty is imposed for occupying the charging area for more than 14 hours, the provider can provide information (e.g., an alarm) to the occupied user terminal before the time period is exceeded to induce the occupied user to leave the charging area, thereby preventing the penalty from being imposed on the occupied user and supporting other electric vehicle users to use the charging station smoothly. In addition, the provider can provide information to induce the occupied user terminal to leave the charging area early after the time period is exceeded, thereby supporting other electric vehicle users to use the charging station smoothly.

[0070] For example, if the owner of a specific electric vehicle with a data collection device connected to the OBD port subscribes to a charging-related information provision service, and then inputs his or her vehicle information into the server through the charging-related information provision service application installed on his or her terminal, and the owner leaves his or her electric vehicle in a charging zone corresponding to a rapid charger for more than one hour, the distance information between the electric vehicle and the rapid charger (e.g., the first usage reference information) may be less than the threshold distance information, and the speed information of the electric vehicle (e.g., the second usage reference information) may be less than the threshold speed information. In the above situation, the determination unit may determine that the electric vehicle is occupying the charging zone based on at least a portion of the first usage reference information and the second usage reference information. In addition, the provision unit may provide departure guidance information to the terminal of the owner of the electric vehicle (i.e., the occupied user terminal) to support other electric vehicle users to smoothly use the charger.

[0071] For reference, the above has described an embodiment of providing charging zone status information based on usage reference information obtained from a charger and an embodiment of providing charging zone status information based on usage reference information obtained from a charging target, but the operation of the server (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document is not limited to any of the above embodiments.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the determination unit (120) may obtain usage reference information from both the charger and the charging target, and determine whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on the usage reference information. For example, even if the distance information (3.1 m) from the charger is greater than or equal to the threshold distance information (3 m), if a connection signal (connection signal) between the charging target and the charger is obtained as connection status information, and charging termination information is obtained as charging status information, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging zone. As another example, if the connection signal (connection signal) between the charging target and the charger is obtained as connection status information, and the distance information (2.5 m) from the charger is less than the threshold distance information, if charging termination information is not obtained from the charging target for a period exceeding a preset time, the determination unit (120) may determine that the charging target is occupying the charging zone.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of a server (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, the operating method of the server (100) may include a step (205) of obtaining usage reference information for determining whether a charging zone is used from at least some of the chargers of the charging zone and the charging targets corresponding to the chargers, a step (210) of determining whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on the usage reference information, and a step (215) of generating charging zone status information which is a result of determining whether the charging zone is used.

[0075] At this time, the usage reference information may include at least some of connection status information regarding whether the charging target is connected to the charger, charging status information, and charging target speed information. In an embodiment, the usage reference information may further include distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

[0076] In step 210, the server (100) may determine whether the charging target uses the charging zone based on the distance information. In an embodiment, if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is before the charging end time, it may be determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone. In an embodiment, if the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is after the charging end time, it may be determined that the charging target is charging in the charging zone. In an embodiment, if (i) the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information and the charging end information is obtained as the charging status information or (ii) the detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information and the charging target speed information is less than the threshold speed information, it may be determined that the charging target is occupying the charging zone. In an embodiment, if the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is obtained as the connection status information and the charging progress information is obtained as the charging status information, it may be determined that the charging target is charging in the charging zone.

[0077] After step 210, if the server (100) determines that the charging target is occupying the charging zone, it may provide departure guidance information to the occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging zone. In an embodiment, if the server (100) determines that the charging target is occupying the charging zone while not being charged, it may provide departure guidance information to the occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging zone.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of a server (100) according to another embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0079] In step 305, the server (100) can obtain usage reference information from the charger. At this time, the charger can generate distance information corresponding to the distance to the charging target using a distance sensor and transmit the information to the server (100).

[0080] In step 310, the server (100) can check whether there is a vehicle in the charging zone based on the usage reference information. If there is no vehicle in the charging zone, the server (100) can determine that the charging zone is available.

[0081] If there is a vehicle in the charging area, in step 315, the server (100) can check the last charging start time and the last charging end time.

[0082] In step 320, the server (100) can determine whether the charging zone is available based on the charging start time and charging end time. If the charging start time is after the charging end time, the server (100) can determine that the charging target is currently charging in the charging zone. If the charging start time is before the charging end time, the server (100) can determine that the charging target is currently occupying the charging zone without permission.

[0083] And, in step 325, the server (100) can generate charging zone status information based on the result of determining whether the charging zone is used.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a computing system (2000) executing a method of operating a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, a computing system (2000) according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document may include an MCU (2100), a memory (2200), a communication I / F (2300), and an input / output I / F (2400).

[0086] The MCU (2100) may be a processor that executes various programs stored in the memory (2200) and performs the functions of the server (100) described with reference to the aforementioned FIG. 1, or a processor that executes the operating method of the server (100) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0087] The memory (2200) can store various programs for determining whether to use the charging area.

[0088] Such memories (2200) may be provided in multiple numbers as needed. The memories (2200) may be volatile memories or non-volatile memories. As volatile memories (2200), RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc. may be used. As non-volatile memories (2200), ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memories, etc. may be used. The examples of memories (2200) listed above are merely examples and are not limited to these examples.

[0089] The input / output I / F (2400) can provide an interface that enables data transmission and reception between an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and an output device (not shown) such as a display and the MCU (2100).

[0090] The communication I / F (2300) is a component capable of transmitting and receiving various data with the server. It can be any device capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication I / F (2300) can transmit and receive information such as the results of a judgment regarding the status of a charging area from a separately provided external server.

[0091] In this way, the operating method of the server (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can be recorded in the memory (2200) and executed by the MCU (2100).

[0092] According to the operating method of the server (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, there is an effect of enabling a quick judgment using much fewer resources than the conventional method of analyzing an image taken of a charging area to determine whether the charging area is occupied.

[0093] Although all components constituting the embodiments disclosed in this document have been described as being combined or operating in combination as one, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document, all of the components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times.

[0094] In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the corresponding component can be included, and therefore should be interpreted to include other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted to be consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0095] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea disclosed in this document, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the embodiments disclosed in this document, but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical idea disclosed in this document should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires usage reference information from at least some of the chargers in the charging area and the charging targets corresponding to the chargers; A judgment unit that determines whether the charging target uses the charging area based on the above-mentioned usage reference information; and Including a generation unit that generates charging zone status information based on the result of determining whether the above charging zone is being used, The above-mentioned usage reference information is a server including at least some of connection status information regarding whether the charging target is connected to the charger, charging status information, and charging target speed information.

2. In claim 1, The server, wherein the above-mentioned usage reference information further includes distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

3. In claim 2, The above judgment is, A server that determines that the charging target is occupying the charging area when the above distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is before the charging end time.

4. In claim 3, The above judgment is, A server that determines that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is obtained in which the charging start time is after the charging end time.

5. In claim 3, A server further comprising a provision unit that provides departure guidance information to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging target when the charging target is determined to be occupying the charging area.

6. In claim 1, The above judgment is, (i) When a connection signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information, and charging termination information is acquired as the charging status information, or (ii) When a detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information, and the charging target speed information is less than the threshold speed information, a server that determines that the charging target is occupying the charging area.

7. In claim 6, The above judgment is, A server that determines that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information and charging progress information is acquired as the charging status information.

8. In claim 6, A server further comprising a provision unit that provides departure guidance information to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging target when the charging target is determined to be occupying the charging area.

9. A step of obtaining usage reference information from at least some of the chargers in the charging area and the charging targets corresponding to the chargers; A step of determining whether the charging target uses the charging area based on the above-mentioned usage reference information; and Including a step of generating charging zone status information based on the result of determining whether the above charging zone is being used, A method wherein the above-mentioned usage reference information includes at least some of connection status information regarding whether the charging target is connected to the charger, charging status information, and charging target speed information.

10. In claim 9, A method wherein the above-mentioned usage reference information further includes distance information corresponding to the distance between the charger and the charging target.

11. In claim 10, In the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, A method for determining that the charging target is occupying the charging area when the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is acquired in which the charging start time is before the charging end time.

12. In claim 11, In the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, A method for determining that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the distance information is less than the threshold distance information and the charging status information is acquired in which the charging start time is after the charging end time.

13. In claim 11, After the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, A method further comprising the step of providing, to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target, departure guidance information for causing the charging target to leave the charging target if it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging area.

14. In claim 9, In the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, (i) When a connection signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information, and charging termination information is acquired as the charging status information, or (ii) When a detachment signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information, and the charging target speed information is less than the threshold speed information, a method for determining that the charging target is occupying the charging area.

15. In claim 14, In the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, A method for determining that the charging target is being charged in the charging area when the connection signal between the charging target and the charger is acquired as the connection status information and charging progress information is acquired as the charging status information.

16. In claim 14, After the step of determining whether to use the above charging area, A method further comprising the step of providing departure guidance information to an occupied user terminal corresponding to the charging target to cause the charging target to leave the charging target area when it is determined that the charging target is occupying the charging area in an uncharged state.

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