JP2021150917A - Charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a charging system for enabling a business operator such as a store to easily arrange a charger and also enabling a user to use an appropriate charger.SOLUTION: A charging system includes a server, a portable terminal device, and a charger. The portable terminal device transmits a use request to the server, that includes information related to a charger which is desired to use by a user. The server receives the use request, so as to transmit a use start request to the charger identified based on the information included in the use request. the charger receives the use request, so as to start power feeding to the portable terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a charging system.

In order to prevent the battery of mobile phones and the like from running out, there has been a long-standing need for charging while on the go. At this time, an invention is disclosed in which charging can be started after obtaining permission to use the server by using a telephone line in addition to the coin-type charger (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). reference).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-229647 JP-A-2002-3198993

In recent years, the use of mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and tablets has progressed, and there is an increasing need for charging to prevent the battery from running out more than before. As a result, troubles such as the user using the outlet without permission have occurred at a store or the like on the go.

Also, on the store side, there are cases where the outlet used for cleaning etc. is uselessly vacant. However, if the user is simply allowed to use the outlet, the store will bear the electricity bill and a new problem will arise in which the user will stay for a long time.

In addition, although some stores allow the use of outlets, users did not know which stores can use outlets when they are out. Even if the store can use the outlet, there is a problem that the outlet cannot be used if another user is using it.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a charging system in which a charger can be easily installed for a business operator such as a store and an appropriate charger can be used for a user. be.

A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charging system including a server, a mobile terminal device, and a charger, and the mobile terminal device is a charger that the user desires to use for the server. When the server receives the usage request, it sends a usage start request to a charger identified based on the information contained in the usage request, and the charger sends the usage request including information about the usage. Upon receiving the request, the power supply to the mobile terminal device is started.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible for a business operator such as a store to easily install a charger, and for a user to provide a charging system capable of using an appropriate charger. ..

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole system in this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the appearance of the charger in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the charger in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the server in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the charger information in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the mobile terminal apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the PC in this embodiment. It is a flow diagram for demonstrating the process of the service registration process in this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing of the charge service in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[1. System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a system 1 that provides a charging service. The system 1 is a system having one or a plurality of chargers 10. The charger 10 is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter, PC) 40, which is a terminal device, via, for example, a network (hereinafter, NW) 2. Further, the charger 10 can supply power to the mobile terminal device 30 (charged device) such as a smartphone or tablet that can be operated by each user.

Further, the charger 10 can be further connected to the server 20 which is a server managed via the NW1. The charging service is provided by the server 20. The charger 10 is generally connected to the NW1 via an access point that can be connected to the NW1.

FIG. 2 is an example for explaining the appearance of the charger 10. FIG. 2A is a front view of the charger 10. FIG. 2B is a right side view of the charger 10. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the charger 10.

The charger 10 includes a display unit 10A and a light emitting unit 10C as notification units for the user. On the display unit 10A, for example, the connection destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the charging service is displayed in a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may further include identification information of the charger 10 (ID of the charger 10).

Further, the light emitting unit 10C is an LED or the like. For example, when the connected device to be charged (for example, a mobile terminal device) is being charged, the light emitting unit 10C can be turned on to notify the user.

Further, the device to be charged (portable terminal device) such as a smartphone may be supplied with power via the wireless charging unit 10B or may be supplied with power via the USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 10D. Further, other terminals (for example, an outlet or the like) may be used. The charger 10 operates by plugging the power cable 10E into, for example, a 100V household outlet.

Further, various operation buttons are provided on the bottom surface of the charger 10. For example, when the reset button 10H is pressed, the setting of the charger 10 is initialized. Further, when the connection button 10G is pressed, the charger 10 connects to the wireless LAN. At this time, the light emitting unit 10F can indicate the connection state by the wireless LAN.

The shape of the charger 10 in FIG. 2 is an example, and the charger 10 may have another shape. For example, the configuration may be such that it is directly connected to an outlet and has only a USB terminal 10D to which a device to be charged (portable terminal device) such as a smartphone can be connected.

[2. Functional configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of each device will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, common functional units in each device will be described. Although each figure is described as having each functional unit for convenience of explanation, it is not necessary to have all the functions, and it is sufficient to appropriately select and provide the necessary functions. First, a function unit common to each device will be described.

The control unit (control unit 100 in FIG. 3, control unit 200 in FIG. 4, control unit 300 in FIG. 6, and control unit 400 in FIG. 7) controls each device. The control unit realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit of each device, and is composed of one or a plurality of arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). ing.

The storage unit (storage unit 110 in FIG. 3, storage unit 210 in FIG. 4, storage unit 310 in FIG. 6, storage unit 410 in FIG. 7) stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of each device. It is a functional part. The storage unit is configured as needed by, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) which is a magnetic disk, or the like.

The communication unit (communication unit 120 in FIG. 3, communication unit 220 in FIG. 4, communication unit 320 in FIG. 6, communication unit 420 in FIG. 7) is connected to other devices (for example, a terminal device, a server, an external peripheral device, etc.). Communicate. For example, it connects to a wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network) by a network interface and communicates with other devices and the like. In addition to that, it may be realized by a wired LAN or LTE (Long Term Evolution) / 5G communication. Each device selects and adopts the most suitable communication means as necessary, and communicates with other devices.

The display unit (display unit 130 in FIG. 3, display unit 230 in FIG. 4, display unit 330 in FIG. 6, display unit 430 in FIG. 7) notifies the user by displaying various information and states in each device. It is one of the notification units. For example, the display unit is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display. Further, instead of the display unit, or in addition to the display unit, a notification unit that emits light such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be further provided, or a speaker that outputs various information and states by voice may be provided.

The operation units (operation unit 140 in FIG. 3, operation unit 240 in FIG. 4, operation unit 340 in FIG. 6, and operation unit 440 in FIG. 7) input operations to each device. For example, it is realized by a hardware switch, a hardware button, or a touch panel (software key). Further, a keyboard connected via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used as an operation unit.

[2.1 Charger]
Hereinafter, the functional configuration of each device will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the charger 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 110, a communication unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation unit 140, a power supply unit 150, and a power supply unit 160. Be prepared. The configuration of the charger 10 is not limited to FIG. 3, and the charger 10 may have what is necessary for operation (for example, a short-range wireless communication unit or the like), if necessary. It may not be provided (for example, the display unit 130 or the like).

The power supply unit 150 supplies electric power received from the outside to each unit. For example, the power supply unit 150 is connected to an external household outlet (100V). As a result, power is supplied to the power supply unit 150 from the household outlet.

The power supply unit 160 supplies power to other connected devices. The power supply unit 160 is composed of, for example, a USB terminal or a wireless power supply system (for example, a wireless power supply system corresponding to the Qi standard), and supplies power to other devices.

Further, the charger setting information 112 is stored in the storage unit 110. The charger setting information 112 stores information regarding the setting of the charger. For example, the charger address (IP address, etc.), connection information, and identification information for identifying the charger are stored.

Here, the connection information is information for connecting to the wireless LAN via the communication unit 120. For example, information such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) for connecting to a wireless LAN and a password.

Further, the charger setting information 112 may store information about the server. For example, information on the connection destination to the server 20 (URL, IP address, etc.), ID for logging in to the system, password, and the like may be stored as necessary.

It is sufficient to provide the display unit 130 and the operation unit 140 as needed. For example, the charger 10 can be set from the PC 40 instead of the operation unit 140. Further, the operation unit 140 may be a hardware key such as a power button or a connection button to a wireless LAN.

[2.2 Server]
As shown in FIG. 4, the server 20 includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, a display unit 230, and an operation unit 240. The configuration of the server 20 is not limited to FIG. 4, and the server 20 may have what is necessary for operation (for example, a power supply unit), but may not have it as needed (for example, a power supply unit). For example, the display unit 230, etc.) may be used.

Here, the control unit 200 functions as the billing management unit 202 and the UI display unit 204 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 210.

The billing management unit 202 manages billing when the user charges the mobile terminal device 30 using the charger 10. Here, the billing management unit 202 executes billing according to, for example, time.

For example, the business operator charges according to the time used by the user. Specifically, the charge is made by multiplying the charge amount per hour set by the business operator by the usage time. As a result, the user can charge the battery without worrying about the time. In addition, since the user is charged according to the time of use, the user does not use the charger more than necessary and immediately stops using the charger when he / she stops using the charger.

Here, the billing management unit 202 may manage the chargeable time according to the points used by the user. For example, it has information that 100 points are 30 minutes. When the user uses 100 points, the charger 10 can charge the mobile terminal device 30 for 30 minutes. At this time, the charge may be made based on the usage time of the system (between the start and operation of the user and the discontinuation of use and the operation), or the time when the mobile terminal device 30 is actually charged. You may charge based on.

The UI display unit 204 generates a UI (user interface) for each management screen or the like when the mobile terminal device 30 or the PC 40 accesses the server 20 via the network. For example, when the PC 40 accesses the server 20 using a browser, the UI of the management screen is displayed on the browser.

Further, the storage unit 210 stores the charger information 212, the business operator information 214, the user information 216, and the billing information 218.

The charger information 212 stores information about the charger 10. The charger information 212 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, an ID (for example, “DP0001”) as identification information for identifying the charger 10, and a location where the charger is installed (for example, latitude “X1”, longitude). "Y1"), a business ID for identifying the business that installs the charger (for example, "SHOP001"), and a user who has the authority to use the charger. User ID (for example, "US010") and usage information indicating information used by the user (for example, "2019/04/10 15:20:30") are stored.

Further, the installation location may be unique information, an address, a facility name, etc., as shown by latitude / longitude information. In addition, the business operator may store additional additional information (for example, installation floor, table number, etc.).

Further, as the charger, a plurality of chargers may be grouped as one place (spot) or one area. For example, a plurality of chargers installed in the same business operator (inside the store) may be stored as one spot. Further, if it is a large-scale commercial facility, it may be grouped as a spot for each place (for example, in front of the elevator on the 1st floor).

The business operator information 214 stores information about the business operator. For example, the business name, the location of the business, the account information of the business, the name of the person in charge, the contact information, etc. are stored in association with the identification information (ID) of the business. Further, the business information 214 may store information about the charger for each business. In addition, the spot where the charger is installed may be stored for each business operator.

User information 216 stores information about the user. For example, the user name, the user's address, the user's payment information, the contact information, etc. are stored in association with the user's identification information (ID).

For the business information 214 and the user information 216, the system administrator may select the information as necessary and select the items to be stored.

The billing information 218 stores information related to billing. In the present embodiment, the system in which the user pays uses an existing payment system. For example, a payment system by a card company may be used, or a prepaid payment system may be used to pay the usage fee of this system. Further, other payment systems such as electronic money, virtual currency, and electronic points may be used.

The billing information 218 is information that is referred to when the server 20 executes the billing process. Further, when the billing information 218 uses an external payment system, the control unit 200 may use the billing information managed by the payment system. Based on the billing information 218, the control unit 200 can execute the payment process. As a result, the amount charged is settled by the user to the business operator.

[2.3 Mobile terminal device]
The configuration of the mobile terminal device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a smartphone, and includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, a communication unit 320, a display unit 330, an operation unit 340, a rechargeable battery 350, a charging unit 360, and short-range wireless communication. It is configured to include a communication unit 370, an image acquisition unit 380, and a position information acquisition unit 390. The configuration of the mobile terminal device 30 is not limited to FIG. 6, and the mobile terminal device 30 may include what is necessary for operation (for example, an authentication unit that authenticates a user). It may not be provided as needed (for example, the image acquisition unit 380 or the like).

The storage unit 310 stores the charging service application 312, which is an application that uses the charging service. The charging service application 312 is, for example, downloaded and installed by the user from an external service, but may be stored in the storage unit 310 in advance. When the charging service application 312 is executed by the control unit 300, it becomes possible to use the charging service described later. The charging service application 312 may be provided by the server 20 on the WEB. In this case, the mobile terminal device 30 may access the site that provides the service with a browser.

The rechargeable battery 350 is, for example, a lithium ion battery or a NiCd battery. The mobile terminal device 30 operates by being supplied with electric power from the rechargeable battery 350. The rechargeable battery 350 is built-in and may be detachably configured.

The charging unit 360 has a function of charging the rechargeable battery 350. For example, when a charger is connected to the USB terminal of the mobile terminal device 30, the charging unit 360 charges the rechargeable battery. Further, the function of the charging unit 360 may be realized by wireless charging or the like. Further, it may be a dedicated charging terminal.

The short-range wireless communication unit 370 uses standards such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) to perform short-range wireless communication with other devices and the like. For example, it is possible to acquire information on the charger 10 by performing short-range wireless communication with the charger 10.

The image acquisition unit 380 can take an image and acquire an image, for example, a camera. For example, the image acquisition unit 380 photographs the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 130 of the charger 10. The control unit 300 can analyze the captured two-dimensional code and acquire the address of the server that provides the charging service.

The position information acquisition unit 390 acquires the position of the mobile terminal device 30. For example, the position is acquired by using GSNN (Global Navigation Satellite System) using GPS (Global Positioning System) or Michibiki, or position information that can be acquired from a base station.

[2.4 PC]
The configuration of the PC 40 is shown in FIG. The PC 40 is, for example, a computer used by a person who has installed the charger 10, and includes a control unit 400, a storage unit 410, a communication unit 420, a display unit 430, and an operation unit 440. The configuration of the PC 40 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7, and the PC 40 may have what is necessary for operation (for example, a power supply unit) or not as necessary (for example, a power supply unit or the like). Display unit 430 etc.) may be used.

The PC 40 may be a device such as a smartphone or a tablet. That is, any device that can access the server 20 that provides the charging service and the charger 10 may be used.

[3. Process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. The charging service of the present embodiment is executed and provided by the server 20. The other device can receive the charging service by accessing the server 20. That is, the charging service of the present embodiment is provided as SaaS (Software as a Service).

[3.1 Service registration process]
First, the process of registering the charger 10 in the charging service will be described. The service registration process of FIG. 8 is a process executed by the server 20. This service is usually provided by the PC 40 connecting to the server 20 by using a browser or an application. The PC 40 may appropriately transmit various information input from the user to the server 20. Further, the final information may be transmitted to the server 20 by executing the process on the PC 40.

First, in the server 20, the control unit 200 executes the business information registration process (step S100). In the business information registration process, the business information (for example, payment information such as the business name, address, account information, etc.) input by the user (business) is stored in the storage unit 210 as the business information 214. As a result, the operator in the charging service is registered. In the business information registration process, if the business information has already been registered, the registered business information may be used. In addition, processing such as correction / deletion of already registered business operator information may be performed.

Subsequently, the control unit 200 executes the billing information setting process (step S102). The billing information setting process is a process of setting information related to billing paid by a user (user) who charges the mobile terminal device 30 using the charging service. For example, the billing information setting process stores billing information (billing information) such as hourly unit price, upper limit of usage fee, discount information, and possible payment information in the storage unit 210 as billing information 218. Thereby, the charge when the user (user) receives the provision of the charging service by using the charger 10 is determined.

The billing information setting process may not be executed if the billing information has already been set, or the billing information 218 may be read out. Further, this billing information can be set for each charger 10 or can be set for each business operator. Further, one or a plurality of chargers 10 may be grouped and billing information may be set for each group (for each spot).

Subsequently, the control unit 200 executes the charger registration process (step S104). The charger registration process is a process for registering the charger 10 in the charging service. For example, in the charger registration process, the charger 10 is registered in association with the business operator. At this time, the charger identification number (ID) input by the business operator and the installation location of the charger are stored as the charger information 212 in association with the business operator's ID. When managing each spot, the ID of the charger is stored in association with the spot ID.

In the charger registration process, it is also possible to modify or delete the information regarding the charger 10 that has already been registered.

[3.2 Charging service sequence]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the charging service according to the present embodiment. When using the charging service, the information about the user (user) who charges using the charger 10 will be described as already registered.

As for the information about the user, for example, the user information such as the user's name, address, and payment information may be registered in the charging service by using the mobile terminal device 30 or a computer. The information about the user is stored in the server 20 as the user information 216 of the storage unit 210.

Further, the user information may be registered in advance in the charging service application 312. Then, the user can receive the provision of the charging service by executing the charging service application 312. In addition, you may connect directly to the server 20 with a browser, for example, without executing the charging service application 312.

First, the mobile terminal device 30 executes the position information acquisition process (S1002). As a result, the position information of the mobile terminal device 30 can be obtained. The location information acquisition process may be executed again, or the location information acquired in advance may be used.

The mobile terminal device 30 transmits the location information to the server 20 (S1004). When the server 20 receives the position information from the mobile terminal device 30, the server 20 executes a charger candidate determination process of determining a charger in the vicinity of the position information as a candidate for the charger to be used by the user (S1006).

Then, the server 20 transmits a candidate charger to be used by the user to the mobile terminal device 30 (S1008).

When the mobile terminal device 30 receives the candidate charger, for example, the mobile terminal device 30 displays a list of the candidate chargers. At this time, it may be displayed in a list format, or the position of the charger may be superimposed and displayed on the map.

Further, as the candidate charger, for example, one that is already used by another user may be excluded. Further, among the chargers already used by other users, the charger that will be charged soon (the service will be terminated) may be identified and displayed. In addition, the usage charges may be sorted and displayed in ascending order, or may be displayed in ascending order of distance.

Subsequently, the charger selection process is executed in the mobile terminal device 30 (S1010). In the charger selection process, the charger is selected by the user from the chargers displayed as candidates. Then, the mobile terminal device 30 transmits a request for using the selected charger (charger use request) to the server 20 (S1012). The charger usage request can include, for example, information such as a charger ID, a user ID, a usage start time, and a usage time.

Upon receiving the charger use request, the server 20 executes the use permission determination process (S1014). The use permission determination process transmits, for example, a response signal (use permission response) permitting the use of the charger included in the charger use request to the mobile terminal device 30 (S1016).

Here, in order to determine that the use of the charger is permitted in the usage permission determination process, for example, the following conditions can be considered.

-The charger 10 is not being used by another user-The charger 10 is not disabled by the operator-There is no problem with the payment information of the user In such a case, there is a request for use. Permission to use the charger. Otherwise, the charger will not be available and will not send a license response. At this time, the server 20 may return an error response.

When the user permits the use of the charger 10, the server 20 transmits a use permission response and also transmits a use start request to the charger 10 that has permitted the use (S1018).

When the charger 10 receives the use start request from the server 20, the charger 10 executes the power supply start process (S1020). That is, the charger 10 supplies electric power from the electric power supply unit 160 (S1022). As a result, power is supplied to the mobile terminal device 30 connected to the power supply unit 160, and it becomes possible to charge the mobile terminal device 30.

At this time, the charger 10 may receive the use start request and notify the server 20 that the power supply start process is executed. If the charger 10 does not notify that the power supply start process has started within a predetermined time, the server 20 may send the use start request again or cancel the process as a timeout.

Further, in the power supply (S1022), the state in which the power is actually supplied may be transmitted to the server 20. For example, the charger 10 and / or the mobile terminal device 30 transmits to the server 20 whether power is actually supplied from the charger 10 to the mobile terminal device 30. In this case, the server 20 may calculate only the time when the power is actually supplied as the usage time.

Subsequently, when a request to stop using the charging service (use stop request) is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 30 to the server 20 (S1024), the server 20 executes the use stop process (S1026).

The use discontinuation process may be executed at the timing when the use discontinuation request is received from the mobile terminal device 30, or may be discontinued when a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, as the timing for transmitting the usage stop request from the mobile terminal device 30, the user may perform a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal device 30, or may be transmitted when the power supply is stopped. The power supply is stopped means that the power supply has not been performed for a predetermined time or longer. This refers to a case where the connection between the charger 10 and the mobile terminal device 30 is simply released. For example, a state in which charging of the mobile terminal device 30 is completed and charging is stopped by the control of the control unit 100. It may be included. Further, these plurality of processes may be one or a plurality of combinations depending on the setting.

Subsequently, the server 20 transmits a discontinuation request to the charger 10 (S1028). At the same time, the server 20 transmits a discontinuation response to the charger 10 (S1030).

Upon receiving the discontinuation response, the mobile terminal device 30 executes the termination process (S1032). For example, the mobile terminal device 30 may display a message that charging has been completed on the display unit 330, or may display the result of billing on the display unit 330.

Further, when the charger 10 receives the use stop request, the charger 10 executes the power supply stop processing (S1034). As a result, the power supply from the power supply unit 160 of the charger 10 is stopped. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal device 30 is connected, charging is not performed.

At this time, the charger 10 may receive the use stop request and notify the server 20 that the power supply stop process is executed. If the charger 10 does not notify that the power supply stop processing has started within a predetermined time, the server 20 may send a use stop request again or forcibly stop the processing as a timeout.

[4. Operation example]
An operation example of the charging service in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10A is an example showing a display screen W100 displaying a candidate charger in the mobile terminal device 30. The display screen W100 is a display screen generated by the UI display unit 204 when the charger candidate processing determination process (S1006) is executed on the server 20.

Here, the process of generating the display screen W100 will be described. First, based on the location information of the mobile terminal device 30, a business operator (store, facility, etc.) in which a nearby charger is installed is specified. For example, businesses included in a predetermined distance (for example, 100 m) centered on the position indicated by the position information are extracted. At this time, the charger 10 installed by the business operator is managed as a spot at each predetermined location.

Then, the spot (company name or facility name) where the charger is installed and the distance to the spot are displayed. Further, the server 20 acquires and displays the number of chargers 10 installed at the spot and the number of chargers that can be used in the chargers 10.

Further, the positions of these spots may be superimposed and displayed on a map as shown in FIG. 10 (a). At this time, the number of chargers that can be used may be displayed on the mark on the map.

The business operator can register the charger 10 for each spot. That is, the charger 10 is registered in association with the spot ID. In this way, when registered for each spot, the availability / usage status of the charger 10 is managed in spot units (group units). Further, when each of the chargers 10 is simply registered, the availability / usage status is managed for each charger 10.

FIG. 10B is an example of the display screen W110 in the case where one spot is displayed from the spots displayed in the list in FIG. 10A.

At this time, the number of currently available chargers is displayed together with the number of chargers at the selected spot. On this display screen W110, there are a "use application" button for using the charger, a "history display" button for displaying the usage history up to now, and a "charge" button for charging the charge. It is displayed.

Further, the information about the charger 10 may be transmitted again at the timing of transmitting the usage application button. For example, the ID of the charger 10 is transmitted to the server 20 by reading and transmitting the two-dimensional code displayed on the charger 10. As a result, the server 20 can specify the charger 10 to be used by the user.

FIG. 11 is an example of the display screen W120 when the electric power can be actually supplied from the charger 10. The display screen W120 displayed on the mobile terminal device 30 displays the elapsed time (billing time) and the charged amount.

That is, in this charging system, since charging is performed on an hourly basis, the charger 10 is in a state where power can be supplied during this period. During this time, the user can connect and charge the mobile terminal device 30.

Note that, in FIG. 11, the time during which charging is actually performed may be displayed. That is, only the time when the user is actually charging may be charged.

[5. Another embodiment]
[5.1 First processing]
In the usage start sequence of FIG. 9, after the charger usage request (S1012) is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 30, the usage permission determination process (S1014) is executed on the server 20, and then the charger 10 becomes usable. There is.

During this time, the reservation process may be performed. For example, it is assumed that the usage permission determination process (S1014) is executed on the server 20 and the charger 10 can be used. At this time, the server 20 puts the charger 10 in the "reserved state" once.

Then, the mobile terminal device 30 transmits the charger use request again, so that the use start request is transmitted to the charger 10 (S1018).

In this way, by setting the charger in the reserved state once on the server side, the user can reserve the charger until he / she searches for a store and actually goes in front of the charger. This makes it possible to prevent charges from being charged more than necessary. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from selecting a charger from the candidates and being used by another person while moving to the location of the charger.

[5.2 Second process]
An embodiment in which the charger 10 is purchased at the store and installed freely by the business operator will be described. As described in the above-described embodiment, the business information and the like will be described as being registered in advance. Then, the description will be made assuming that the business operator is logged in to the charging service with his / her own ID.

The server 20 receives the charger ID from the PC 40 (or the charger 10) (step S202). At this time, if the charger 10 of the charger ID is a charger that has not been registered in the charging system (step S204; Yes), the installation position of the charger 10 is acquired (step S206). The installation position of the charger may be input by the business operator, or if the charger 10 has the position information acquisition, the position information may be used.

Subsequently, the server 20 acquires the business operator information stored in association with the charger ID (step S210). Here, as the business operator information, the business operator information currently logged in may be acquired, or the user (business operator) may be made to input the business information.

Then, the server 20 stores the charger information (step S212). That is, the new charger 10 can be registered in the charging system by a simple operation of the business operator. If the charger is not an unregistered charger 10, a process of updating the charger information may be performed (step S204; No → step S206: Yes).

[6. Modification example]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the design and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention are also within the scope of claims. include.

Further, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Then, the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) at the time of processing, then stored in various ROM, HDD, and SSD storage devices, and read by the CPU as needed. , Correction / writing is performed.

Further, in the case of distribution to the market, the program can be stored and distributed in a portable recording medium, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

1 System 10 Charger 100: Control unit 110: Storage unit 120: Communication unit 130: Display unit 140: Operation unit 150: Power supply unit 160: Power supply unit 20 Server 200: Control unit 210: Storage unit 220: Communication unit 230: Display unit 240: Operation unit 30 Mobile terminal device 300: Control unit 310: Storage unit 320: Communication unit 330: Display unit 340: Operation unit 350: Rechargeable battery 360: Charging unit 370: Short-range wireless communication unit 380: Image acquisition unit 390: Location information acquisition unit 40 PC
400: Control unit 410: Storage unit 420: Communication unit 430: Display unit 440: Operation unit

Claims (3)

A charging system that includes a server, a mobile terminal device, and a charger.
The mobile terminal device transmits a usage request including information about the charger that the user wants to use to the server.
Upon receiving the usage request, the server sends a usage start request to the charger identified based on the information contained in the usage request.
Upon receiving the usage request, the charger starts supplying power to the mobile terminal device.
A charging system that features that. When the server receives the position information from the mobile terminal device, the server transmits a candidate charger that can be used based on the position information to the mobile terminal device.
The mobile terminal device transmits a usage request including information on one of the charger candidates.
The charging system according to claim 1. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charger candidate is a charger candidate grouped in any one of one commercial facility, one floor, and one area.

Images