Battery management system, battery management device, battery management program, and battery management method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a battery management system that uses a compact, inexpensive battery station capable of being introduced to and operated even in small stores. [Solution] A battery includes a location detection unit that detects the battery location using a location information detection function, and a remaining amount detection unit that detects the battery level of the battery. The battery transmits, to a server, remaining amount information representing the position information and battery level of the battery by means of a wireless communication function. A power source connector controls power supply for charging the battery on the basis of an instruction transmitted from the server, and transmits, to the server, power supply amount information representing power that has been supplied for charging the battery, and location information of the power source connector. The server associates and outputs battery location information and battery remaining amount information on the basis of the information transmitted from the battery.

Description

Battery management system, battery management device, battery management program, and battery management method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery management system, a battery management device, a battery management program, a battery management method, and a battery.

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric cars and electric motorcycles driven by batteries have attracted attention. When an electric vehicle travels a certain distance, the battery needs to be charged. If the user tries to charge the battery while on the move or at the destination, they need to wait until the charging is complete, which is inconvenient. It is also conceivable to install multiple batteries in an electric vehicle, but batteries are expensive and large in volume and weight, so there are many problems such as cost and mounting methods for implementation. In relation to the above problems, technologies for replacing the batteries used in a battery station with fully charged batteries have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-014007

[0004] However, in the prior art as described above, a highly functional, large, and expensive battery station for managing the inventory status, charging status, etc. of each battery is required, and it is difficult to secure the cost and installation space for installing the battery station.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery management system, a battery management device, a battery management program, a battery management method, and a battery using a small and inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in a small-scale store.

[0006] The above object is achieved by the following means.

[0007] The battery management system comprises a battery, a power connector unit, and a server. The battery has wireless communication and location information detection functions and is used to drive electric vehicles. The power connector unit has wireless communication functions and is used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery. The server is configured to be connectable from the battery, the power connector unit, a user terminal used by the user of the battery, and an installer terminal used by the installer who installs the power connector unit. The battery has a location detection unit that detects the location of the battery using a location information detection function, and a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery. The battery has a first transmitting unit that transmits the location information of the battery and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery to the server via wireless communication. The power connector unit has a charge control unit that controls the power supply for charging the battery based on instructions transmitted from the server, and a second transmitting unit that transmits the location information of the power connector unit and supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery to the server. The server has an output unit that outputs the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery in association with the information transmitted from the first transmitting unit of the battery.

[0008] The battery management device has wireless communication and location information detection functions and can be connected to a battery used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit with wireless communication functions that is connected to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by the user of the battery, and an installer terminal used by the installer who installs the power connector unit. The battery management device has an acquisition unit, an instruction unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires the location information and remaining charge information of the battery, which are transmitted from the battery via wireless communication. The instruction unit transmits instructions to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery. The output unit outputs the battery's location information and the battery's remaining charge information, associating them with the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0009] The battery management program is configured to make the computer function as the battery management device described above.

[0010] The battery management method is performed by an information processing device that can be connected to a battery used to drive an electric vehicle, which has wireless communication functionality and location information detection functionality; a power connector unit that has wireless communication functionality and is used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery; a user terminal used by a user of the battery; and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit. The battery management method includes an acquisition step, a transmission step, and an output step. The acquisition step acquires location information and remaining charge information indicating the remaining battery charge, which are transmitted from the battery via wireless communication functionality. The transmission step transmits an instruction to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery. The output step outputs the battery location information and the remaining charge information of the battery, associated with the information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0011] The battery is used in a battery management system which includes the battery, a power connector unit used for charging the battery by connecting it to a power source, and a server connectable from the battery and the power connector unit. The battery has wireless communication functionality and location information detection functionality. The battery has a location detection unit, a remaining charge detection unit, and a first transmission unit. The location detection unit detects the location of the battery using the location information detection function. The remaining charge detection unit detects the remaining charge of the battery. The first transmission unit transmits location information indicating the location of the battery and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery to the server using wireless communication functionality. The location information and remaining charge information of the battery transmitted by the first transmission unit are associated and output by the server.

[0012] According to the battery management system of the present invention, the battery transmits its location information and remaining charge information to a server via wireless communication. The power connector controls the power supply for charging the battery based on instructions sent from the server and transmits its location information and supplied power amount information to the server. Based on the information transmitted from the battery, the server outputs the battery's location information and the battery's remaining charge information in association.

[0013] In this way, each battery transmits its location information and remaining charge information to the server, and the server manages the location and remaining charge information of each battery. Therefore, the power connector unit used as a battery station only needs to transmit information about the amount of power supplied for charging the battery to the server. For this reason, a battery station can be realized with a power connector unit with a simple configuration. Thus, it is possible to provide a battery management system using a small and inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in small stores.

[0014] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing how the power connector is connected to the power supply (outlet) and the battery. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power connector. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an installer terminal. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server. This is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery charging process performed in the battery management system. This is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery replacement and usage process performed in the battery management system. This figure shows an example of the power connector management screen displayed on the installer terminal. This figure shows an example of the battery information display screen displayed on the user terminal.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0016] <Battery Management System Configuration> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the power connector is connected to the power supply (outlet) and the battery.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the battery management system consists of a user terminal 100, a battery 200, a power connector unit 300, an installer terminal 400, and a server 500. The battery management system is a system for managing the rechargeable and replaceable battery 200 used to power electric vehicles. The battery management system is provided by a service provider that offers battery management services, including battery management, charging, replacement, user billing, and installer payments. Each component is connected to communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or various wireless or wired communication methods. For example, the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, and installer terminal 400 are connected to the server 500 via the network using long-range wireless communication. In addition, the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, and installer terminal 400 can communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the power connector unit 300 can be connected to a power source via a household power outlet, and the battery 200 can be charged via a charger or charging cable. The power connector unit 300 can obtain power by connecting to a household power outlet via the plug 351. The power connector unit 300 can charge the battery 200 by connecting the battery 200 or a charger for the battery 200 to the outlet unit 352 and outputting the power obtained via the plug 351 via the outlet unit 352. The power connector unit 300 may also have a function as a charger. Each configuration will be described in detail below.

[0019] <User Terminal 100> The user terminal 100 is an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC used by the user who uses the battery 200. The user installs the rechargeable and replaceable battery 200 into the electric vehicle and uses it to power the electric vehicle.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a user terminal.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, storage 140, a communication interface 150, and an operation display unit 160. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 170 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0022] The CPU 110 controls each of the above configurations and performs various calculation processes according to the programs recorded in the ROM 120 and storage 140.

[0023] ROM120 stores various programs and data.

[0024] RAM 130 temporarily stores programs and data as a working area.

[0025] The storage 140 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. For example, the storage 140 has applications installed for sending and receiving various information to and from the server 500 via the network, and for displaying various information provided by the server 500.

[0026] The communication interface 150 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server 500, and for example, standards such as 3G, 4G, LTE-M for mobile phone communication, or standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used. The communication interface 150 may also use standards for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE), and may communicate with nearby battery 200, power connector 300, installer terminal 400, etc.

[0027] The operation display unit 160 is, for example, a touch panel display that displays various information and accepts various inputs from the user.

[0028] <Battery 200> Battery 200 is a rechargeable and replaceable battery used to power an electric vehicle. Battery 200 is connected to the power connector 300 and charged at the installer's store where the power connector 300 is installed. Battery 200 has long-range wireless communication capabilities such as 3G, 4G, and LTE-M for mobile phone communication and can connect to server 500 via a network such as the Internet. Battery 200 may also have short-range wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE), and may communicate with nearby user terminals 100, power connector 300, installer terminals 400, etc. Battery 200 also has a location information detection function to detect the location information of the vehicle. For example, the battery 200 may have a GPS location detection function that receives signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and acquires location information based on the received signals. Alternatively, the battery 200 may have a location detection function that uses short-range wireless communication such as beacons. The location detection function can be implemented by any method that can detect the location information of the battery 200.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the battery.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 200 includes a CPU 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, storage 240, communication interface 250, operation display unit 260, and power storage unit 270. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 280 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the CPU 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, storage 240, communication interface 250, and operation display unit 260 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0031] The power storage unit 270 receives power via the power connector unit 300 connected to the power source, stores (i.e., charges) power, and outputs the necessary power from the stored power when the electric vehicle is driven.

[0032] The CPU 210, acting as a position detection unit, uses a position information detection function to detect the location of the battery 200 and acquires position information. The battery 200 also has a detection unit, such as a sensor, that detects the power accumulation status in the power storage unit 270. The CPU 210, acting as a remaining charge detection unit, detects the remaining battery charge in the power storage unit 27 based on the output results from the detection unit and acquires remaining charge information. The CPU 210, acting as a first transmission unit, transmits the position information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 to the server 500 via the wireless communication function of the communication interface 250.

[0033] The battery 200 is assigned a first identifier, which encodes first identification information for identifying the battery. When a user uses the battery 200, the user terminal 100 obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server 500. When the installer charges the battery 200, the installer terminal 400 obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server 500. For example, if the first identifier is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the user terminal 100 or the installer terminal 400 can obtain the first identification information from an image obtained by photographing the code with a camera. The first identifier may be an IC tag or the like that can be read by the user terminal 100 or the installer terminal 400, or data recorded in the memory contained in the battery 200, and may be provided in any form that allows the user terminal 100 or the installer terminal 400 to obtain the first identification information.

[0034] When the battery 200 receives the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 via the communication interface 250, it transmits the second identification information to the server 500.

[0035] The battery 200 can switch between a charge management state, where it is rechargeable but cannot output power, and an available state, where it can output power. For example, the CPU 210 switches the charge status based on instructions from the server 500 and stores charge status information indicating the charge status in the RAM 230 or storage 240. The battery 200 transmits charge status information indicating the current charge status to the server 500. When the battery 200 is being charged at the installer's store, it enters a charge management state, and therefore cannot output power (discharge). This prevents unauthorized use of the battery 200 at the installer's store.

[0036] The battery 200 can switch its lending status between a lendable state, where it can be lent to a user, and an unlendable state, where it cannot be lent to a user. For example, the CPU 210 switches the lending status based on instructions from the server 500 and stores lending status information indicating the lending status in the RAM 230 or storage 240. The battery 200 sends lending status information indicating the current lending status to the server 500. The lending status information may also be stored in the server 500 instead of the RAM 230 or storage 240.

[0037] The user exchanges the battery 200 used to power the electric vehicle with a fully charged battery 200 at the installer's store, and then installs the fully charged battery 200 into the electric vehicle for use. The user pays a fee based on the amount of battery 200 used. The installer receives a fee based on the amount of electricity supplied for charging the battery 200. <Power connector section 300> The power connector section 300 is a device used by connecting it to a power source in order to charge the battery 200. The power connector section 300 has a wireless communication function and can connect to a server 500 via a network such as the Internet.

[0038] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the power connector section.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the power connector unit 300 includes a CPU 310, ROM 320, RAM 330, communication interface 340, and charging connection unit 350. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 360 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the CPU 310, ROM 320, RAM 330, and communication interface 340 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0040] The charging connection unit 350 has a plug 351 that connects to a household power outlet, etc., and an outlet (socket) 352 for connecting the plug of the battery 200 to be charged or the charger for the battery 200. The charging connection unit 350 outputs power obtained from the household power supply via the plug 351 to the outlet 352 for charging the battery 200, according to the control of the CPU 310. Therefore, the CPU 310, as a charging control unit, controls the charging connection unit 350 based on instructions transmitted from the server 500 to control the power supply for charging the battery 200.

[0041] The CPU 310 acquires power supply information indicating the amount of power supplied to charge the battery 200 from the charging connection unit 350. The CPU 310, acting as a second transmission unit, transmits the power supply information to the server 500.

[0042] The power connector unit 300 is assigned a second identifier, which encodes second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300. When the installer uses the power connector unit 300 in the installer's store, the installer terminal 400 obtains the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server 500. For example, if the second identifier is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the installer terminal 400 can obtain the second identification information from an image obtained by photographing the code with a camera. The second identifier may be an IC tag readable by the installer terminal 400, or data recorded in the memory included in the power connector unit 300, and may be provided in any form that allows the installer terminal 400 to obtain the second identification information.

[0043] In addition, the power connector unit 300 transmits the second identification information to the surroundings by short-range wireless communication such as BLE. When the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 is received by the adjacent battery 200, the battery 200 transmits the received second identification information to the server 500. Thereby, in the server 500, it can be grasped that the battery 200 is located close to the power connector unit 300.

[0044] Note that the power connector unit 300 may have a position information detection function for detecting its own position information. For example, the power connector unit 300 may have a GPS position information detection function as a position information detection function, which receives signals from GPS satellites and acquires position information based on the received signals. Alternatively, the power connector unit 300 may have a position information detection function using short-range wireless communication such as a beacon as a position information detection function. The position information detection function may be realized by any method as long as it can detect the position information of the power connector unit 300. In this case, the CPU 310 transmits the position information of the power connector unit 300 to the server 500 via the wireless communication function of the communication interface 340. When the power connector unit 300 does not have a position information detection function, the server 500 may recognize the position of the installer terminal 400 of the installer using the power connector unit 300 as the position of the power connector unit 300. Alternatively, the server 500 may receive information regarding the position of the power connector unit 300 from the installer or the like and register it in the database of the storage 540.

[0045] <Installer Terminal 400> The installer terminal 400 is an information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC used by an installer who installs the power connector unit 300.

[0046] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the installer terminal.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the installer terminal 400 includes a CPU 410, a ROM 420, a RAM 430, a storage 440, a communication interface 450, and an operation display unit 460. Each component is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus 470. Since the CPU 410, ROM 420, RAM 430, storage 440, communication interface 450, and operation display unit 460 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0048] When the installer uses the power connector unit 300 in his or her store, the installer terminal 400 acquires the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 and transmits it to the server 500. Also, the installer terminal 400 may transmit the position information of itself acquired by the position information detection function to the server 500. In this case, the position information can also be used as the position information of the power connector unit 300 used by the installer using the installer terminal 400.

[0049] When the installer charges the battery 200 using the power connector unit 300 used in his or her store, the installer terminal 400 acquires the first identification information of the battery 200 and transmits it to the server 500.

[0050] <Server 500> The server 500 is a computer such as a server. The server is a device provided by an operator (service provider) who provides a battery management system or service including management, charging, replacement, charging to users, payment to installers, etc. of the battery 200. In the present embodiment, the server 500 functions as a battery management device.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the server 500 includes a CPU 510, ROM 520, RAM 530, storage 540, communication interface 550, and operation display unit 560. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 570 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the CPU 510, ROM 520, RAM 530, storage 540, communication interface 550, and operation display unit 560 have the same functions as the corresponding components of the user terminal 100, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0053] In this embodiment, the CPU 510 functions as an acquisition unit, output unit, calculation unit, management unit, and instruction unit. The storage 540 stores various programs and data necessary for the CPU 510 to function as each of the above units.

[0054] The server 500, acting as an acquisition unit, acquires location information and remaining battery charge information of the battery 200 transmitted from the battery 200 via wireless communication. The server 500, acting as an instruction unit, also transmits instructions to the power connector unit 300 to control the power supply for charging the battery 200. The server 500, acting as an output unit, outputs the location information and remaining battery charge information of the battery 200, associated with the information acquired from the battery 200 by the acquisition unit.

[0055] <Functional Configuration of Server 500> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the server 500 functions as an acquisition unit 511, an output unit 512, a calculation unit 513, a management unit 514, and an instruction unit 515, by having the CPU 510 read programs stored in the storage 540 and execute processing.

[0057] The acquisition unit 511 acquires location information of the battery 200 and remaining charge information indicating the remaining battery charge, which are transmitted from the battery 200. The acquisition unit 511 may further acquire supplied power amount information indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery 200, which are transmitted from the power connector unit 300.

[0058] The output unit 512 outputs the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery in association with the information acquired by the acquisition unit 511. The output unit 512 may also output the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery 200 in association with a map. If the output unit 512 receives second identification information from the battery 200, it will output the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 in association with the battery 200, but if it does not receive second identification information, it does not need to output the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200. Furthermore, when the output unit 512 outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200, it may output information for batteries 200 whose charging status is in a charging management state, but does not need to output information for batteries 200 whose charging status is in an available state. Furthermore, when the output unit 512 outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200, it may output information for batteries 200 whose rental status is available for rental, but may not output information for batteries 200 whose rental status is unavailable for rental. In addition, the output unit 512 may further map and output the location information of the power connector unit 300 transmitted from the power connector unit 300 to the map.

[0059] The calculation unit 513 calculates the amount to be paid to the installer as payment for charging using the power connector unit 300, based on the power supply amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 511.

[0060] The management unit 514 stores and manages mileage that a user can use as payment for using the battery 200, associating it with information about the user. The management unit 514 may deduct the user's mileage according to the amount of battery 200 used by the user. When a user replaces the first battery 200 they are using with a second battery 200 that has been charged at the installer's store, the management unit 514 may calculate the amount of battery 200 used by the user based on the difference in battery charge levels between the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. The management unit 514 may also check the status of any subscription contracts (such as contract status and payment status) for users to purchase mileage regularly. If a subscription contract is not valid, or if the mileage is less than a predetermined amount, the management unit 514 may send an instruction to the battery 200 to prevent it from being charged. Furthermore, the management unit 514 may control the system so that the user cannot replace the first battery currently in use with a second battery charged at the installer's store if the user's subscription contract is not valid or if the mileage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0061] The instruction unit 515 transmits an instruction to the power connector unit 300 to control the power supply for charging the battery 200.

[0062] <Processing Overview> Next, we will explain the processing flow in the battery management system.

[0063] Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery charging process performed in the battery management system. Figure 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the battery usage and replacement process performed in the battery management system. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the power connector management screen displayed on the installer's terminal. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the battery information display screen displayed on the user's terminal. The processing of each device shown in the sequence charts of Figures 9 and 10 is stored as a program in the storage of each device and executed by the CPU of each device controlling each part.

[0064] <Charging Process> First, please refer to Figure 9 to explain the flow of the battery charging process.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the installer terminal 400 receives a request (instruction) to use the power connector unit 300 based on the installer's operation (step S401). For example, the installer terminal 400 has an application for installers provided by the service provider installed. The installer terminal 400 receives the above request by, for example, receiving input from the installer on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 460 by the application.

[0066] The installer terminal 400 obtains second identification information from the power connector unit 300 to identify the power connector unit 300 (step S402). For example, the installer terminal 400 activates a camera using an application for installers and obtains the second identification information by photographing and reading a two-dimensional barcode, which is a second identifier, attached to the power connector unit 300. The installer terminal 400 may also obtain the second identification information of the power connector unit 300 to be used by another method, such as short-range wireless communication.

[0067] The installer terminal 400 sends a request to the server 500 to use the power connector unit 300, along with the second identification information of the power connector unit 300.

[0068] Based on the information transmitted from the installer terminal 400, the server 500 registers information about the installer terminal 400 and the installer, as well as information about the power connector unit 300 used by the installer, in the storage 540 database (step S501). The server 500 already stores various information about the installer and information about the installer terminal 400 used by the installer, based on prior registration by the installer. The information about the installer includes account information and bank account information necessary for sending payment to the installer. The server 500 transmits information indicating the registration result to the installer terminal 400. The operation display unit 460 of the installer terminal 400 displays information about the power connector unit 300 being used, for example, using a screen like the one shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11, two power connector units 300, labeled "OUTLET A" and "OUTLET B," are being used. It also shows that the amount of power supplied for charging by each power connector unit 300 within a predetermined period is 285 points and 137 points, respectively. The installer will be paid a fee calculated according to the amount of electricity used. The installer may use the points (fees) earned for the amount of electricity supplied for charging to use battery 200 as a user of the battery management system, or they may transfer them to another user (for a fee or free of charge). This will create a point scheme and system that allows points to be exchanged for electricity, i.e., energy, and to circulate those points.

[0069] The installer terminal 400 receives instructions to charge the battery via the power connector unit 300 based on the installer's operations (step S403). For example, the installer terminal 400 receives the above instructions by receiving input from the installer on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 460 by an application for the installer.

[0070] The installer terminal 400 obtains first identification information from the battery 200 to be charged to identify the battery 200 (step S404). For example, the installer terminal 400 activates a camera using an application for installers and obtains the first identification information by photographing and reading a two-dimensional barcode, which is a first identifier, attached to the battery 200. The installer terminal 400 may also obtain the first identification information of the battery 200 by another method, such as short-range wireless communication.

[0071] The installer terminal 400 sends an instruction to charge the battery 200, along with the first identification information of the battery 200, to the server 500. If the installer is using multiple power connector units 300, the installer terminal 400 may receive a designation from the installer of which power connector unit 300 to be used for charging, and also send the second identification information of the designated power connector unit 300 to the server 500.

[0072] Based on the information transmitted from the installer terminal 400, the server 500 registers information about the installer, the power connector unit 300 used, and the battery 200 to be charged in the storage 540 database (step S502). The server 500 sends an instruction to the power connector unit 300 used for charging to perform charging. The server 500 also sends an instruction to the battery 200 to be charged to change its status.

[0073] The battery 200 changes its charging status based on a status change instruction from the server 500 (step S201). Specifically, the battery 200 switches its charging status from an available state where power output is possible to a charge management state where it can be charged but power output is not possible. As a status change completion notification, the battery 200 sends charging status information indicating the charging status after the switch to the server 500.

[0074] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch its lending status between a lendable state, where it can be lent to a user, and an unlendable state, where it cannot be lent to a user. For example, the installer terminal 400 receives instructions regarding the switching of the lending status based on the installer's operations, etc., and transmits said instructions to the server 500. The server 500 transmits a lending status change instruction to the battery 200. The battery 200 switches its lending status based on the instruction from the server 500. As a status change completion notification, the battery 200 transmits lending status information indicating the lending status after the switch to the server 500. Note that the change of each status is not limited to the form in which the installer terminal 400 transmits a status change instruction to the battery 200 via the server 500 as described above. For example, the installer terminal 400 may transmit a status change instruction to the battery 200 via short-range wireless communication, etc. Alternatively, the battery 200 may receive a status change instruction via the operation display unit 260.

[0075] The server 500 registers the information transmitted from the battery 200 in the storage 540 and updates the charge status information of the battery 200 that is stored and managed in the server 500 (step S503).

[0076] When the battery 200 is connected to the power connector unit 300 by the installer, the power connector unit 300 begins charging the battery 200. The power connector unit 300 continues charging the battery 200 until charging is complete or until an instruction to stop charging is received. The battery 200 may be connected to the power connector unit 300 via a dedicated charger or the like. Alternatively, the power connector unit 300 may also function as a charger and perform wired or wireless charging of the battery 200.

[0077] The power connector unit 300 acquires power supply amount information indicating the amount of power supplied from the charging connection unit 350 for charging the battery 200 (step S301). The power connector unit 300 transmits the acquired power supply amount information to the server 500.

[0078] The server 500 calculates the amount to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit 300, based on the power supply amount information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 (step S504). The server 500 transmits information indicating the calculated compensation to the installer terminal 400.

[0079] The installer terminal 400 outputs information indicating the price transmitted from the server 500, as well as information on the amount of electricity supplied that forms the basis of the calculation, to the operation display unit 460, etc. (step S405). The installer is paid the calculated price by methods such as bank transfer or value redemption such as points or mileage on the installer's application.

[0080] The user terminal 100 receives instructions regarding user registration and service contracts based on user operations, and accepts input of user information necessary for registration and contracts (step S101). User information includes attribute information such as the user's name, address, and age, as well as account information such as the user ID. User information also includes payment information for the user to purchase mileage that can be used as payment for using the battery. The user terminal 100 transmits the instructions regarding user registration and service contracts and the necessary user information to the server 500. The user's contract and mileage purchase are carried out, for example, through a subscription contract. By entering into a subscription contract, the user pays a fixed contract fee at predetermined intervals, such as monthly, and is granted a predetermined amount of mileage at predetermined intervals. If the predetermined amount of mileage granted by the subscription contract becomes insufficient, the user can purchase additional mileage. The server 500 checks the status of the user's subscription contract and mileage balance. For example, if a subscription contract is invalid due to non-payment or cancellation resulting from a payment error, the server 500 will prohibit the user from replacing the battery 200 or charging the battery 200 themselves. Furthermore, if the user's mileage balance falls below a predetermined amount, the server 500 may also prohibit the user from replacing the battery 200 or charging the battery 200 themselves.

[0081] Based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 100, the server 500 registers various information about the user and information about the user terminal 100 used by the user in the database of the storage 540 (step S505). If the user purchases mileage using payment information, the server 500 stores and manages the user's mileage balance in the database of the storage 540, associating it with the user's information. The server 500 transmits information indicating the user registration result and mileage balance to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 displays the information transmitted from the server 500.

[0082] <Replacement and Usage Procedure> Next, with reference to Figure 10, the flow of the battery replacement and usage procedure will be explained.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10, the usable power connector unit 300 transmits second identification information of the power connector unit 300 to the surroundings via short-range wireless communication (step S311). The transmitted information is not limited to the second identification information, and may be any information as long as it is clear that the information was transmitted from the power connector unit 300.

[0084] When the battery 200 detects the second identification information transmitted from the power connector 300 via short-range wireless communication, it acquires the second identification information (step S211).

[0085] The battery 200 transmits its first identification information, location information, battery level information, and second identification information obtained from the power connector 300 to the server 500 (step S212). If the battery 200 has not obtained the second identification information from the power connector 300, it may transmit the first identification information, location information, and battery level information to the server 500. The battery 200 may also transmit information indicating the charging status and loan status to the server 500. In addition, the battery 200 may transmit its serial number, which can also be used as the first identification information, and information indicating the health status of the battery 200 to the server 500.

[0086] The server 500 acquires various information transmitted from the battery 200 and registers it in the storage 540 database as information for each battery (step S511).

[0087] The user terminal 100 receives a request (instruction) to search for a replaceable battery 200 based on user operations, etc. (step S111). For example, the user terminal 100 has a user application provided by the service provider installed. The user terminal 100 receives the above request by, for example, receiving input from the user on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 160 by the application. The user terminal 100 sends a request to search for a battery 200 to the server 500.

[0088] Based on a battery search request sent from the user terminal 100, the server 500 outputs information about a battery 200 that can be used to replace the battery 200 currently being used by the user (step S512). Specifically, based on the information received from each battery 200 in the processing of step S511, the server 500 outputs the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200 in association with each battery. The server 500 also outputs the above-mentioned location information and remaining charge information of the batteries 200 in association with a map. Furthermore, if the server 500 has received second identification information from each battery 200, it outputs the location information and remaining charge information of that battery 200, but if it has not received second identification information, it does not need to output the location information and remaining charge information of that battery 200. In addition, the server 500 outputs information about batteries 200 whose charge status is in a charge management state, but does not need to output information about batteries 200 whose charge status is in an available state. Furthermore, the server 500 may output information on batteries 200 whose lending status is "available for lending," but may not output information on batteries 200 whose lending status is "unavailable for lending." The server 500 then transmits the outputted information to the user terminal 100. Specifically, the server 500 transmits to the user terminal 100 the first identification information, location information, and remaining charge information for each battery 200 whose information is to be output.

[0089] The user terminal 100 displays information about the replaceable and usable batteries 200 based on the information transmitted from the server 500 (step S112). For example, the user terminal 100 displays a screen on the operation display unit 160 as shown in Figure 12 using a user application. The screen in Figure 12 shows that there are three replaceable and usable batteries 200, and the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200 are displayed on the map in association with each other. The screen in Figure 12 also shows that the user has a mileage balance of 137 points. The user goes to the location of the battery 200 they want to use, that is, the store of the installer that is charging the battery 200, and exchanges the battery 200 they are currently using for the battery 200 they want to use. For example, the user hands over the battery 200 they are currently using to the installer and receives a fully charged battery 200 in exchange.

[0090] The user terminal 100 receives instructions to replace and use the battery 200 based on user operations, etc. (step S113). For example, the user terminal 100 receives the above instructions by receiving input from the user on a screen displayed on the operation display unit 160 by a user application.

[0091] The user terminal 100 obtains first identification information from the battery 200 it wishes to use to identify the battery 200 (step S114). For example, the user terminal 100 obtains the first identification information by activating the camera using a user application and photographing and reading the two-dimensional barcode, which is a first identifier, attached to the battery 200. The user terminal 100 may also obtain the first identification information of the battery 200 by another method, such as short-range wireless communication.

[0092] The user terminal 100 sends an instruction to the server 500 to replace the battery 200, along with the first identification information of the battery 200. The user terminal 100 may also send the first identification information of the battery 200 that was previously in use to the server 500.

[0093] Based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 100, the server 500 registers information in the storage 540 database indicating that the user has replaced the battery 200 (step S513). The server 500 then sends an instruction to the newly used battery 200 to change its status. The above example shows the user replacing the battery 200 by obtaining first identification information of the battery 200 before and after replacement using the user terminal 100 and transmitting it to the server 500, but it is not limited to this. For example, the installer may replace the battery 200 used by the user by obtaining first identification information of the battery 200 before and after replacement using the installer terminal 400 and transmitting it to the server 500. This enables a service scheme in which the service provider grants the installer the authority to replace batteries, and the user's battery 200 is replaced based on the installer's permission. In the above case, the user may further obtain first identification information of the replaced battery 200 using the user terminal 100 and transmit it to the server 500. This ensures that the battery 200 is replaced more reliably. Server 500 stores information (such as first identification information) about the battery 200 used by each user in a database in storage 540. For example, when the installer terminal 400 transmits the first identification information of the battery 200 before replacement to server 500, server 500 can identify the user using that battery 200 based on the information stored in storage 540. Then, when the installer terminal 400 transmits the first identification information of the battery 200 after replacement to server 500, server 500 updates the information about the battery 200 used by that user. This enables the replacement of the battery used by the user.

[0094] The newly installed battery 200 changes its charging status based on a status change instruction from the server 500 (step S213). Specifically, the battery 200 switches its charging status from a charging management state, where it can be charged but cannot output power, to an available state, where it can output power. As a status change completion notification, the battery 200 sends charging status information indicating the charging status after the switch to the server 500. For the battery 200 that was previously used before replacement, the installer who accepted the replacement performs the process from step S403 in Figure 9, and charging is performed at the installer's store.

[0095] The server 500 calculates the mileage consumed by the user based on the amount of battery 200 used by the user, and deducts the calculated mileage from the mileage balance accumulated in the user's account (step S514). For example, when a user replaces the first battery 200 with a second battery 200, the server 500 calculates the amount of battery 200 used based on the difference in battery levels between the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. For example, if the remaining charge of the first battery 200 is 40 points and the remaining charge of the second battery 200 is 80 points, the user's usage is calculated as 40 points, and mileage corresponding to 40 points is deducted from the user's account. Also, if a battery 200 with a remaining charge of 80 points is replaced with a battery 200 with a remaining charge of 100 points, the user's usage is calculated as 20 points, and mileage corresponding to 20 points is deducted from the user's account. Note that the unit of battery level can be any unit corresponding to power or percentage, etc. The server 500 transmits information about the battery 200 before and after replacement, as well as information about the mileage consumed, to the user terminal 100.

[0096] The user terminal 100 displays information about the battery 200 and mileage information transmitted from the server 500 on the operation display unit 160 (step S115).

[0097] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0098] For example, in the above embodiment, the server 500 was described as outputting location information and remaining charge information for each battery 200, and the outputted information being displayed on the user terminal 100, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the server 500 may output location information for the power connector unit 300, location information for the installer terminal 400, etc., and the outputted information being displayed on the user terminal 100 or the terminal of the battery management service administrator. This makes it easier to understand and manage the location of the power connector unit 300 and the installer terminal 400.

[0099] Furthermore, the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, and server 500 included in the battery management system may each include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above.

[0100] Furthermore, the functions of each configuration may be implemented by other configurations. For example, some of the functions described as being provided by the server 500 may be performed by other configurations such as the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, or an external server. In this case, the CPU of the other configuration functions as an acquisition unit, output unit, calculation unit, and management unit.

[0101] Furthermore, the transmission paths for information exchanged between each configuration are not limited to the examples shown in the sequence chart above, and can be transmitted via any path through the communication interface provided by each configuration. Also, the content of the information exchanged between each configuration is not limited to the examples above, and may include other information, or may not include some of the above information.

[0102] Furthermore, the user terminal 100, battery 200, power connector unit 300, installer terminal 400, and server 500 may each be composed of multiple devices or a single device.

[0103] Furthermore, the processing in the battery management system according to the above embodiment may include steps other than those in the sequence chart above, or may not include some of the steps described above. Also, the order of the steps is not limited to the embodiment described above. Moreover, each step may be executed as a single step in combination with other steps, may be executed as part of other steps, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0104] Furthermore, the means and methods for performing various processing in the battery management system according to the above embodiment can be implemented by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated into the software of the device as a function of the battery management system.

[0105] As described above, the battery management system of this embodiment includes a battery 200 used to drive an electric vehicle, which has a wireless communication function and a location information detection function; a power connector unit 300 used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery 200, which has a wireless communication function; and a server 500. The server 500 can be connected to the battery 200, the power connector unit 300, a user terminal 100 used by a user of the battery 200, and an installer terminal 400 used by an installer who installs the power connector unit 300. The battery 200 has a location detection unit that detects the location of the battery using a location information detection function, and a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery. The battery 200 transmits location information and remaining charge information to the server 500 via wireless communication. The power connector unit 300 controls the power supply for charging the battery 200 based on instructions transmitted from the server 500, and also transmits supplied power amount information to the server 500 indicating the amount of power supplied for charging the battery 200 from the power connector unit 300. The server 500 outputs the location information of the battery 200 and the remaining charge information of the battery 200, based on the information transmitted from the battery 200. In this way, the battery 200 itself transmits location information and battery charge information to the server 500, and the server 500 can output information to the user. Therefore, the power connector unit 300 used to charge the battery 200 in the store only needs to control the power supply based on instructions from the server 500 and transmit the amount of power supplied to the server 500, enabling the realization of a battery station with a simple configuration. As a result, it is possible to provide a battery management system using a small and inexpensive battery station that can be introduced and operated even in small stores, without requiring the high-function, large and expensive battery stations of the past.

[0106] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the power connector unit 300 is realized with a simple configuration consisting of a control unit such as a CPU 310, a communication interface 340, and a charging connection unit 350 (plug 351 and outlet unit 352). Therefore, unlike conventional battery stations, there is no need for a housing unit to accommodate each battery, or a complex configuration for managing the inventory status and charging status of each battery, thus eliminating the need for high introduction costs and installation space. As a result, even small shops such as food stalls and coffee stands can provide battery station services on their premises simply by connecting the power connector unit 300, as long as they have a household power supply.

[0107] Furthermore, the server 500 acquires the power supply amount information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 and calculates the amount to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit 300 based on the acquired power supply amount information. As a result, installers can easily participate in the battery management system by simply installing the power connector unit 300, connecting it to a power source, and charging the battery 200, and receiving payment according to the amount of power supplied for charging. Therefore, even small stores can be provided with a battery management system that makes it easy for installers to participate and continue using it.

[0108] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 obtains the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 from the server 500 and outputs them on the map in association with each other. As a result, the user can check the location information and remaining charge information of each battery 200 on the map, making it easy to identify which batteries 200 are available.

[0109] Furthermore, each battery 200 is assigned a first identifier, which is encoded with first identification information for identifying the battery 200. When a user uses the battery 200, the user terminal 100 obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server 500. When the installer charges the battery 200, the installer terminal 400 obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server 500. As a result, when each battery 200 is used by a user or charged by the installer, the first identification information of that battery 200 is transmitted to the server 500, allowing the server 500 to easily understand and manage the status of the batteries 200.

[0110] Furthermore, the power connector unit 300 is assigned a second identifier, which is encoded with second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300. When the installer uses the power connector unit 300, the installer terminal 400 obtains the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server 500. As a result, when each power connector unit 300 is used by the installer, the second identification information of that power connector unit 300 is transmitted to the server 500, allowing the server 500 to easily grasp and manage the status of the power connector units 300.

[0111] Furthermore, the power connector unit 300 transmits second identification information for identifying the power connector unit 300 via short-range wireless communication. When the battery 200 receives the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300, it transmits the received second identification information to the server 500. When the server 500 receives the second identification information from the battery 200, it outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200 in association with each other. On the other hand, if the server 500 does not receive the second identification information from the battery 200, it does not output the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200. As a result, the server 500 can output location information and remaining charge information only for batteries 200 that have received the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit 300 via short-range wireless communication, that is, batteries 200 located near the power connector unit 300. Therefore, the server 500 can output only information about batteries 200 that are in the installer's store and are replaceable and usable by the user, and allow the user to view this information via the user terminal 100. Users can easily find a replaceable and usable battery 200 because they can only see information about batteries 200 that are replaceable and usable.

[0112] Furthermore, the power connector unit 300 is equipped with a location information detection function and transmits the location information of the power connector unit 300 detected using this function to the server 500. The server 500 outputs the location information of the power connector unit 300 transmitted from the power connector unit 300. The user terminal 100 further outputs the location information output from the server 500, mapping it onto a map. This allows users and service administrators to accurately understand the location of the power connector unit 300. For example, even if the store of the installer that installs the power connector unit 300 moves, or if the power connector unit 300 is simply moved, the location information of the power connector unit 300 detected using the location information detection function can be obtained, eliminating the need to manually change the registration information of the power connector unit 300 on the server 500, and making it easier to manage the power connector unit 300. This makes it easy for installers to relocate the power connector unit 300, and they can flexibly change the installation location according to user needs, for example, by installing the power connector unit 300 in an urban area during the day and in the suburbs in the afternoon.

[0113] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch between a charge management state, where it is rechargeable but cannot output power, and a usable state, where it can output power. The battery 200 transmits charge status information indicating the charge status to the server 500. This allows the server 500 to reliably and easily understand the charge status of the battery 200. Also, when the battery 200 is being charged at the installer's store, it enters a charge management state, and therefore cannot output power (discharge). This deters the unauthorized use of the battery 200 at the installer's store. More specifically, since the installer receives payment by charging the battery 200 using the power connector 300, it is conceivable that the installer might use the charged battery 200 themselves to discharge it, then recharge the battery 200 to receive payment again. With the battery 200 of this embodiment, power output is not possible when it is in a charge management state while being charged at the store, and power output becomes possible when it enters a usable state where it can be used by a user, thus preventing the aforementioned unauthorized use. Furthermore, even when the battery 200 is in a charge management state, it can be discharged if instructed by the battery management service provider or administrator during a disaster or emergency. This allows the battery 200, which is being charged at the store, to be used as a power source in emergencies or disasters.

[0114] Furthermore, when the server 500 outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200, it outputs information for batteries 200 whose charging status is in a charging management state, and does not output information for batteries 200 whose charging status is in a usable state. As a result, the server 500 outputs only the location information and remaining charge information of batteries 200 that are being charged at the installer's store and are available for replacement and use by the user, and allows the user to view this information via the user terminal 100. Therefore, since the user can only check information on batteries 200 that are available for replacement and use, they can reliably and easily find batteries 200 that are available for replacement and use.

[0115] Furthermore, the battery 200 can switch its lending status between a "available" state, where it can be lent to a user, and a "not available" state, where it cannot be lent to a user. The battery 200 transmits lending status information, indicating its lending status, to the server 500. This allows the server 500 to reliably and easily ascertain the lending status of the battery 200.

[0116] Furthermore, when the server 500 outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery 200, it outputs information only for batteries 200 whose rental status is "available for rental" and does not output information for batteries 200 whose rental status is "unavailable for rental". As a result, the server 500 outputs only the location information and remaining charge information of batteries 200 that are available for rental at the installer's store and can be replaced and used by the user, and allows the user to view this information via the user terminal 100. Therefore, since the user can only check information on batteries 200 that are available for replacement and use, they can reliably and easily find batteries 200 that are available for replacement and use, while at the same time being able to see batteries 200 that are being used by other users, thus respecting user privacy.

[0117] Furthermore, the server 500 stores and manages mileage points that users can use as payment for using the battery 200, associating them with information about the user. This makes it easy to settle payments with users regarding the use of the battery 200.

[0118] Furthermore, the server 500 checks the status of the user's subscription contract for regularly purchasing mileage points, and if the subscription contract is not valid or the mileage balance is below a predetermined amount, it controls the battery 200 so that it cannot be charged. This prevents fraud, for example, a user entering into a subscription contract to obtain an expensive battery 200 provided on the premise of the subscription contract, and then canceling the subscription contract or continuing to use the battery 200 by charging it themselves without paying the subscription fee.

[0119] Furthermore, the server 500 deducts the user's mileage points according to the amount of battery 200 used by the user. This means that the user only has to pay for the amount of battery 200 they used, resulting in a reasonable price. In addition, by deducting the mileage points that the user has purchased in advance, billing and payment can be carried out reliably and easily.

[0120] Furthermore, when the server 500 replaces the first battery 200 used by the user with a second battery 200 that has been charged by the installer, it calculates the amount of battery usage by the user based on the difference in the remaining charge of the second battery 200 and the first battery 200. This means that the user only needs to pay a fee corresponding to the difference in the remaining charge of the battery 200 before and after the replacement, which can be a reasonable fee. Also, since the fee to be paid changes depending on the remaining charge of the second battery 200 used after the replacement, the user can choose whether to use the second battery 200 with a higher remaining charge or the second battery 200 with a lower remaining charge, depending on the situation.

[0121] Furthermore, the server 500 checks the status of the user's subscription contract for regularly purchasing mileage, and controls the power output of the second battery if the subscription contract is not valid or if the mileage balance is below a predetermined amount. This encourages users to maintain their subscription contracts and pay their fees by preventing them from using a new battery 200, for example, if the user has canceled their subscription contract, has not paid the subscription fee, or has an insufficient mileage balance.

[0122] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-140102, filed on 26 August 2025, and its disclosures are referenced and incorporated as a whole.

[0123] 100 User terminal, 110 CPU, 120 ROM, 130 RAM, 140 Storage, 150 Communication interface, 160 Operation display unit, 170 Bus, 200 Battery, 210 CPU, 220 ROM, 230 RAM, 240 Storage, 250 Communication interface, 260 Operation display unit, 270 Power storage unit, 280 Bus, 300 Power connector unit, 310 CPU, 320 ROM, 330 RAM, 340 Communication interface, 350 Charging connection unit, 351 Plug, 352 Outlet unit, 360 Bus, 400 Installer terminal, 410 CPU, 420 ROM, 430 RAM, 440 Storage, 450 Communication interface, 460 Operation display unit, 470 Bus, 500 Server, 510 CPU, 511 Acquisition unit, 512 Output unit, 513 Calculation unit, 514 Management unit, 515 Instruction unit, 520 ROM, 530 RAM, 540 Storage, 550 Communication interface, 560 Operation display unit, 570 Bus.

Claims

1. A battery management system comprising: a battery having wireless communication functionality and location information detection functionality, used to drive an electric vehicle; a power connector unit having wireless communication functionality, used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery; and a server connectable from the battery, the power connector unit, a user terminal used by a user of the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, wherein the battery has: a location detection unit that detects the location of the battery using the location information detection functionality; a remaining charge detection unit that detects the remaining charge of the battery; and a first transmission unit that transmits the location information and remaining charge information of the battery to the server via wireless communication functionality; the power connector unit has: a charge control unit that controls the power supply for charging the battery based on instructions transmitted from the server; and a second transmission unit that transmits supplied power amount information to the server indicating the amount of power supplied from the power connector unit for charging the battery; and the server has: an acquisition unit that acquires information transmitted from the first transmission unit of the battery; A battery management system comprising: an output unit that outputs the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery in association with the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit of the server further acquires the supplied power amount information transmitted from the second transmission unit of the power connector unit, and the server further has a calculation unit that calculates the amount to be paid to the installer as compensation for charging using the power connector unit, based on the supplied power amount information acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user terminal obtains the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery from the output unit of the server and outputs them in association with a map.

4. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is assigned a first identifier on which first identification information for identifying the battery is encoded, and when the user uses the battery, the user terminal obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server, and when the installer charges the battery, the installer terminal obtains the first identification information from the first identifier and transmits it to the server.

5. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power connector is assigned a second identifier on which second identification information for identifying the power connector is encoded, and when the installer uses the power connector, the installer's terminal obtains the second identification information from the second identifier and transmits it to the server.

6. The battery management system according to claim 4, wherein the power connector unit transmits second identification information for identifying the power connector unit by short-range wireless communication function, the battery, upon receiving the second identification information transmitted from the power connector unit, further transmits the second identification information to the server by the first transmitting unit, and the output unit of the server, upon receiving the second identification information from the battery, outputs the location information and remaining charge information of the battery in association with each other, and does not output the location information and remaining charge information of the battery if it does not receive the second identification information from the battery.

7. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power connector unit further comprises a location information detection function, transmits the location information of the power connector unit detected using the location information detection function to the server, the output unit of the server outputs the location information of the power connector unit transmitted from the power connector unit, and the user terminal outputs the location information output from the output unit of the server on a map in correspondence with it.

8. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is capable of switching between a charge management state in which it is rechargeable but cannot output power, and a usable state in which it can output power, and the first transmission unit further transmits charge status information indicating the charge status to the server.

9. The battery management system according to claim 8, wherein the output unit of the server outputs the battery location information and the remaining charge information of the battery, outputs information of the battery whose charge status is in a charge management state, and does not output information of the battery whose charge status is in a usable state.

10. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is capable of switching between a lendable state in which it can be lent to the user and a lendable state in which it cannot be lent to the user, and the first transmission unit further transmits lending status information indicating the lending status to the server.

11. The battery management system according to claim 10, wherein the output unit of the server outputs the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery, outputs information of the battery whose rental status is available for rental, and does not output information of the battery whose rental status is unavailable for rental.

12. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server further comprises a management unit that stores and manages mileage that can be used by the user as payment for using the battery, in association with information about the user.

13. The battery management system according to claim 12, wherein the management unit checks the status of the subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase the mileage, and controls the battery so as not to charge if the subscription contract is not valid or if the mileage balance is less than a predetermined amount.

14. The battery management system according to claim 12, wherein the management unit deducts the user's mileage according to the amount of battery usage by the user.

15. The battery management system according to claim 14, wherein the management unit, when replacing the first battery used by the user with a second battery charged by the installer, calculates the amount of battery used by the user based on the difference in remaining charge between the second battery and the first battery.

16. The battery management system according to claim 15, wherein the management unit checks the status of a subscription contract for the user to periodically purchase the mileage, and controls the output of power from the second battery to disable it if the subscription contract is not valid or if the mileage balance is less than a predetermined amount.

17. A battery management device that can be connected to a battery having wireless communication capabilities and used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having wireless communication capabilities and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user of the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, the battery management device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery transmitted from the battery via wireless communication; an instruction unit that transmits instructions to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery; and an output unit that outputs the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery in association with the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

18. A battery management program for causing a computer to function as the battery management device described in claim 17.

19. A battery management method performed by an information processing device that can be connected to a battery having a wireless communication function and used to drive an electric vehicle, a power connector unit having a wireless communication function and used by connecting to a power source to charge the battery, a user terminal used by a user of the battery, and an installer terminal used by an installer who installs the power connector unit, the method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring location information and remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery transmitted from the battery by the wireless communication function; a transmission step of transmitting an instruction to the power connector unit to control the power supply for charging the battery; and an output step of outputting the location information of the battery and the remaining charge information of the battery in association with the information acquired in the acquisition step.

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