JP4848182B2 - Power supply system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply system that supplies power to a device that uses power from the power system.

For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose systems that supply power to devices that use power, such as personal computers and mobile phones, and charge a power fee according to the amount of power supplied.
In general, the amount of power supplied to such power-using devices accounts for a small percentage of the amount of power used in businesses, homes, etc., and the power charge is very low.
For such a system that supplies a small amount of power, a billing method for a power charge according to the amount of power is not necessarily optimal.
JP 2004-219181 A JP 2004-234117 A

  The present invention has been made from the background as described above, and provides an improved power supply system that can supply power to a power-using device and charge the power charge appropriately. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first power supply system according to the present invention includes a power supply device that is connected to a predetermined power system and receives power supply, and a unique use identifier is attached and connected. A power usage apparatus that receives power from the power supply apparatus and supplies the supplied power to the outside; and a charging apparatus that charges a power charge for the power supply by the power usage apparatus in units of hours In the power supply system, the power usage apparatus includes: an operating unit that receives a start and end operation of power supply to the outside; the attached usage identifier; and the start and end of the power supply. And a notification means for notifying to.

  In addition, a second power supply system according to the present invention includes a power supply device connected to a predetermined power system to receive power supply, a unique usage identifier, and power from the connected power supply device. A power supply system having a power use device that receives supply and supplies the supplied power to the outside, and a billing device, wherein the billing device uses a usage identifier and power supply notified from the power supply device In response to the notification of the start and end of the power supply, charging means for charging the power charge for the power supply by the power utilization device in units of hours, and the start and end of the power supply notified from the power supply device Supply control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device to the power usage device in response to the notification, and the power usage device starts and stops power supply to the outside. An operation means for receiving an end operation; and a notification means for notifying the power supply apparatus of the attached usage identifier and the start and end of the power supply. Notification means for notifying the billing apparatus of the notified usage identifier and the start and end of the power supply, and supply switch means for starting and ending power supply to the power utilization apparatus according to control from the billing apparatus And have.

  A power usage apparatus according to the present invention is a power usage apparatus that is supplied with power by being connected to a power supply apparatus that is supplied with power from a predetermined power system with a unique usage identifier attached thereto. A power usage apparatus for supplying the external power to the outside, wherein charging of a power charge for power supply by the power usage apparatus is performed in units of time using the usage identifier in response to notification of start and end of power supply The power utilization apparatus notifies the operation means that receives an operation of starting and ending power supply to the outside, the attached usage identifier, and the start and end of the power supply for the accounting. Notification means.

  A power supply apparatus according to the present invention is a power supply apparatus that is connected to a predetermined power system, receives power supply, and supplies the received power to a power utilization apparatus, and is notified from the power supply apparatus. In response to the notification of the usage identifier and the start and end of power supply, charging for the power supply by the power usage apparatus is performed in units of time, and the start and end of power supply notified from the power supply apparatus In response to the notification, power supply from the power supply device to the power usage device is controlled, the power usage device is assigned a unique usage identifier, and receives power supply from the connected power supply device, Supply the supplied power to the outside, notify the attached usage identifier and the start and end of the power supply to the power supply device, the power supply device, A notification switch for notifying the billing device of the notified usage identifier and the start and end of the power supply, and a supply switch for starting and ending power supply to the power utilization device according to control from the billing device Means.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an improved power supply system that has been made from the background as described above and that can supply power to a power-using device and appropriately charge a power charge. Is done.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[First power supply system 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first power supply system 1 to which a power supply method according to the present invention is applied.
The power supply system 1 uses the components shown in FIG. 1 to supply power to the electric device 100, charge according to the power use time for the user (electric power user) of the electric device 100 that has received the power supply, and Refund of the electric power charge according to the electric power utilization time with respect to the owner (electric power supplier) of the electric power utilization apparatus 302 is performed.

For clarity and concreteness of illustration, in FIG. 1 and other drawings, components that are not directly required for the description of the present invention are omitted as appropriate.
In the following, in the power supply system 1 and the like, components that can be the main body of information processing and information transmission may be collectively referred to as nodes.
In addition, whether the functions of each node shown below are realized by hardware or software is an exemplification, and the functions of each node are as much as possible in terms of hardware and software. Can also be realized.
The configuration of each system shown below is an exemplification, and the number of each component may be one or more. In addition, between nodes, data may be either a wired communication line or a wireless communication line. May be transmitted over the network.
Hereinafter, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components.
In addition, the billing according to the usage time in the power supply system shown below is a method of taking a billing method for each power usage time to the power user, for example, how many months, how many days can be used, or In the following description, the former charging method is taken as a specific example, including a method of charging by setting a period for supplying power to a power user, such as being usable for one year from the start of use.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first power supply system 1 includes a communication system 102, a power provider system 140, a first power supply device 202, and a first power usage device 302.
The communication system 102 includes a network 104 capable of data transmission via a wired communication line and a wireless communication line, and a base station 106 for mobile communication.
The electric power company system 140 includes the billing server 12 and the electric power system 142 connected to the network 104.
The power system 142 includes a power generation facility, a power transmission facility, a substation facility, and the like (not shown), and can supply power to the electrical device 100 via a general-purpose outlet 146 that is generally used for power supply. It is configured as follows.
In the following description, electric device 100 is a portable device (such as a mobile phone, a PC, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance)) and can communicate with billing server 12 via network 104. The case is a specific example.

The power supply device 202 is installed by, for example, a company that intends to supply power to an unspecified number of people, and is connected to the supply adapter 22 and the supply adapter 22 and is generally used for power supply, And a dedicated outlet billing server 12.
The power usage device 302 is carried by the user of the portable electrical device 100 together with the electrical device 100 and used in a place where the power supply device 202 is installed.
The power usage device 302 includes a usage adapter 32, a general-purpose outlet 146 connected to the usage adapter 32, and a usage adapter 32.

In the power supply apparatus 202, the supply adapter 22 is connected to a personal computer (PC) 204.
The PC 204 performs communication with the charging server 12 of the power provider system 140 via the network 104 and the like, communication with the usage adapter 32, and control thereof.
In the power supply apparatus 202, the dedicated outlet 206 is connected to the dedicated plug 306 of the power utilization apparatus 302, and the general purpose plug 144 is connected to the general purpose outlet 146 of the power system 142.

In the power usage apparatus 302, the usage adapter 32 is connected to the electrical device 100 and further connected to the charging server 12 of the power provider system 140 via the wireless communication line 108 and the base station 106 so as to be communicable. .
The electric device 100 performs communication with the usage adapter 32, control over the usage adapter 32, and communication with the billing server 12 of the power provider system 140 via the network 104.
In the power usage apparatus 302, the general-purpose outlet 146 is connected to the general-purpose plug 144 of the electric device 100, and the dedicated plug 306 is connected to the dedicated outlet 206 of the power supply apparatus 202 as described above.

[Hardware configuration]
2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the configurations of the dedicated outlet 206 and the dedicated plug 306 shown in FIG. 1, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dedicated outlet 206 is configured to be connectable only to the dedicated plug 306 and not to the general-purpose plug 144. Similarly, the dedicated plug 306 is a dedicated plug 306. It is adapted to be connectable only to the outlet 206 and is configured not to fit the general-purpose outlet 146.

A data / power cable 212 including a data transmission cable and a power supply cable is connected to the dedicated outlet 206 and the dedicated plug 306.
The dedicated outlet 206 is a data receiving port 210-1, 210-2 (hereinafter simply referred to as “data receiving port”) used for transmitting data to / from the use adapter 32 via the data cable of the data / power cable 212. May be abbreviated as a data receiving port 210).
In addition, the dedicated outlet 206 supplies power to the usage adapter 32 and the electrical device such as the electrical device 100 connected to the general-purpose plug 144 via the power cable of the data / power cable 212 in the same manner as the general-purpose outlet 146. Power receptacles 208-1 and 208-2 used for the purpose.
The dedicated plug 306 is inserted into the power receiving ports 208-1 and 208-2 and used for receiving power from the supply adapter 22, and the power electrodes 308-1 and 308-2 and the data receiving port 210-. 1 and 210-2 and a data electrode 310 used for data transmission with the supply adapter 22.
In practice, the data electrode 310 has two contacts corresponding to the data receiving ports 210-1 and 210-2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of billing server 12, electrical device 100, and PC 204 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, billing server 12, electrical device 100 and PC 204 include CPU 122, memory 124 including RAM and ROM, main body 120 including timer 126, etc., keyboard and display device (not shown). The output device 128 includes a communication / interface (IF) device 130 that realizes a communication function and an interface function with other nodes, and a recording device 132 such as an FDD, HDD, CD device, and nonvolatile memory.
That is, the accounting server 12 shown in FIG. 3 has a component as a computer that can communicate with other nodes and control other nodes.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the first supply adapter 22 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the supply adapter 22 includes a data IF unit 220, an ID storage unit 222, and a PC-IF unit 224.
The supply adapter 22 operates with the power supplied from the power system 142, and by these components, the identifier (supplier ID) of the owner (power supplier) of the supply adapter 22 and the power system 142 are supplied. The generated power is output to the use adapter 32.

The PC-IF unit 224 receives the supplier ID from the PC 204 or the like and outputs it to the ID storage unit 222.
The ID storage unit 222 stores the supplier ID input from the PC-IF unit 224 and outputs it to the data IF unit 220.
The data IF unit 220 returns the power supplier ID input from the ID storage unit 222 in response to an inquiry from the usage adapter 32 via the data receptacle 210 of the dedicated outlet 206.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the first usage adapter 32 illustrated in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 5, the usage adapter 32 includes a user interface (UI) unit 320, a CPU 122, a memory 124, a wireless communication device 326, a switch control unit 328, a timer unit 332, a data IF unit 334, and a PC-IF unit 336. Connected via a bus.
Further, an operation button 322 and an operation confirmation lamp 324 are connected to the UI unit 320, a switch 330 is connected to the switch control unit 328, and a dedicated plug 306 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is connected to the data IF unit 334. The data electrode 310 of B)) is connected.

The usage program 34 is stored in the ROM or the like and loaded into the memory 124 of the usage adapter 32.
The loaded utilization program 34 is executed by the CPU 122 on a real-time OS (not shown) that allows specific utilization of hardware resources (the same applies to the following programs).
The usage adapter 32 operates with the power supplied from the supply adapter 22 or the power supplied from another power supply device, and each component of the usage adapter 32 is electrically controlled according to the control of the executed usage program 34. Power is supplied to the device 100 and the power can be used.

The UI unit 320 accepts operations for starting and ending power supply to the operation buttons 322 by the user of the usage adapter 32, and outputs data indicating the operations to the CPU 122 and the like.
Further, the UI unit 320 turns on and off the operation check lamp 324 according to data set by the CPU 122 and the like, and indicates the operating state of the usage adapter 32 to the user.
The wireless communication device 326 implements functions necessary for communication with the accounting server 12 via the network 104, the base station 106, and the wireless communication line 108 (FIG. 1).

The switch control unit 328 controls the switch 330 in accordance with the data set by the CPU 122 and realizes a function of supplying and stopping the supply of power supplied from the supply adapter 22 to the electrical device 100.
In addition, the switch control unit 328 monitors the supply of power from the supply adapter 22 to the electrical device 100 via the switch 330 and notifies the CPU 122 and the like of data indicating whether or not the supply of power is being performed. The function to do is realized.
The switch 330 connects and disconnects electric power to the electrical device 100 according to the control of the switch control unit 328.
The switch 330 has a function as a breaker that cuts off the current when the passing current exceeds 1 A, for example, in addition to the function as the switch described above, and supplies power by charging according to time. It is preventing the loss to the person.
The timer unit 332 counts the clock signal used in the use adapter 32 and supplies power from the supply adapter 22 due to disconnection of the data / power cable 212 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). A function for starting a use end process described later with reference to FIG.

The data IF unit 334 receives a function for outputting the data set by the CPU 122 to the supply adapter 22 via the dedicated plug 306 and the data input from the supply adapter 22 to the CPU 122 and the like. Realizes the function to output.
The PC-IF unit 336 receives the data input from the electric device 100 and outputs the data set to the CPU 122 and the data set from the CPU 122 to the electric device 100. Realize the function.

[Software]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the billing program 16 executed in the billing server 12 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the billing program 16 includes a communication control unit 160, a UI unit 162, an authentication unit 164, a usage processing unit 170 and a supply processing unit 180.
The usage processing unit 170 includes a user management unit 172, a usage time management unit 174, a charging processing unit 176, and a user database (DB) 178.
The supply processing unit 180 includes a supplier management unit 182, a supply time management unit 184, a return processing unit 186, and a supplier DB 188.

The billing program 16 is supplied to the billing server 12 via the recording medium 134 (FIG. 3) and the like, loaded into the memory 124, and specifically uses the hardware resources of the billing server 12 on the OS (not shown). And executed.
The billing program 16 uses these components to charge the user (power user) of the power usage apparatus 302 according to the power usage time and the owner of the power supply apparatus 202. (Power supplier) performs processing for returning the power charge or paying the power charge in accordance with the power use time of the user.

In the charging program 16, the communication control unit 160 performs processing required for communication with other nodes.
That is, the communication control unit 160 performs communication control with other nodes, transmits data input from each component of the charging program 16 to other nodes, and charges data received from other nodes. Output to each component of the program 16 is performed.

The UI unit 162 performs processing for providing a user interface function for the user of the accounting server 12.
In other words, the UI unit 162 accepts a user operation on the keyboard of the input / output device 128 and outputs data indicating the operation to each component of the charging program 16.
The UI unit 162 outputs data from other components of the billing program 16 to the display device of the input / output device 128 and the like.
The authentication unit 164 performs a process for authenticating the accessed node in response to an access from another node.

The user management unit 172 of the usage processing unit 170 performs processing necessary for registration of the user (power user) of the power usage device 302, and information on the power user, the power usage device used by the power user. 302 ID (described later with reference to FIG. 8 and the like), information necessary for authentication of the power usage apparatus 302 (user), etc. (these are also collectively referred to as power user information) are used. Stored in the administrator DB 178 and managed.
The usage time management unit 174 uses the function of the timer 126 (FIG. 3) to allow the power user to use the power usage device 302 to receive power from the power supply device 202 (power usage). Time) and the measured usage time is stored in the user DB 178 and managed.

The charging processing unit 176 processes the power user information stored in the user DB 178 and the power usage time, calculates a power charge, and performs processing necessary for charging the power user.
For example, the billing processing unit 176 calculates the power charge by multiplying the billing unit price per unit time (for example, one minute) set by the power supplier by the power usage time.

The supplier management unit 182 of the usage processing unit 180 performs processing necessary for registering the owner (electric power supplier) of the power supply device 202, and information on the power supplier, the power supply device 202 of this power supplier. ID (to be described later with reference to FIG. 10 and the like), information required for authentication of the power supply device 202 (supplier), etc. (these are also collectively referred to as power supplier information) Store and manage in DB188.
The supply time management unit 184 aggregates the power usage time stored in the user DB 178, and calculates the time (power supply time) when the power supply device 202 of each power supplier supplies power to the power usage device 302. The power supply time obtained as a result of the aggregation is stored in the supplier DB 188 and managed.

The return processing unit 186 processes the power supplier information stored in the supplier DB 188 and its power supply time, calculates a power fee, and calculates the amount to be returned or paid to the power supplier. To perform the necessary processing.
For example, the return processing unit 186 calculates the amount of money to be returned to each power supplier by multiplying a preset unit price per unit time (for example, 1 minute) and the power supply time.

[Operation of power supply system 1]
Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply system 1 will be described.

[Power User Registration]
FIG. 7 is a first communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process for power user registration (S 10) with respect to the accounting server 12.
FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a registration image downloaded from the accounting server 12 to the electrical device 100 (FIG. 1) by the process of S100 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, in step 100 (S100), the power user accesses the billing server 12 from the electrical device 100 (PC) connected to the billing server 12 via the network 104, as shown in FIG. Download an image for registration.

In step 102 (S102), the electric device 100 displays the registration image downloaded from the billing server 12 on the display device.
In step 104 (S104), the power user operates the displayed registration image and inputs all or a part of the power user information (necessary items).
FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the power user is requested to input a user name, a user email address, and a user ID as necessary items.

In step 106 (S106), the electric device 100 transmits a registration request including information on the input necessary items to the billing server 12.
In step 108 (S108), the accounting server 12 receives the registration request from the electrical device 100.
In step 110 (S110), the billing server 12 stores information on necessary items included in the registration request from the electric device 100 in the database (user DB 178; FIG. 6).

In steps 112 and 114 (S112 and S114), the accounting server 12 performs a process of transmitting a registration completion notification to the electrical device 100.
In step 116 (S116), the electric device 100 issues a registration completion notification from the billing server 12.
In step 118 (S118), the electric device 100 resets the usage adapter 32 of the connected power usage device 302 as necessary, and sets a user ID for the usage adapter 32.

[Power supplier registration]
FIG. 9 is a second communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1, and shows the process (S14) for registering the power supplier to the billing server 12.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a registration image downloaded from the billing server 12 to the PC 204 (FIG. 1) by the process of S142 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, in step 140 (S140), the power supplier accesses the charging server 12 from the PC 204 connected to the charging server 12 via the network 104, and the registration image as shown in FIG. Download.

In step 142 (S142), the PC 204 displays the registration image downloaded from the accounting server 12 on the display device.
In step 144 (S144), the power supplier operates the displayed registration image and inputs all or a part of the power supplier information (necessary items).
FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the power supplier is requested to input a supplier name, a supplier email address, a supplier ID, and a charge unit price as necessary items.

In step 146 (S146), the PC 204 transmits a registration request including information on the input necessary items to the accounting server 12.
In step 148 (S148), the accounting server 12 receives a registration request from the PC 204.
In step 150 (S150), the accounting server 12 stores information on necessary items included in the registration request from the PC 204 in the database (supplier DB 188; FIG. 6).

In steps 152 and 154 (S152 and S154), the accounting server 12 performs a process of transmitting a registration completion notification to the PC 204.
In step 156 (S156), the PC 204 issues a registration completion notification from the accounting server 12.
In step 158 (S158), the PC 204 resets the supply adapter 22 of the connected power supply apparatus 202 as necessary, and sets a supplier ID for the supply adapter 22.

[Start using electricity]
FIG. 11 is a third communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S18) for the power usage apparatus 302 to start using the power.
As shown in FIG. 11, in step 180 (S <b> 180), the power user uses the dedicated outlet 206 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2A) of the supply adapter 22 of the power supply apparatus 202 and the utilization adapter of the power utilization apparatus 302. 32 dedicated plugs 306 (FIG. 2B) are connected, and an operation for starting the use of power is performed on the operation button 322 (FIG. 5) of the usage adapter 32.
In step 182 (S 182), the power utilization apparatus 302 acquires a supplier ID from the power supply apparatus 202 via the dedicated outlet 206 and the power electrode 308.
In step 184 (S184), the power usage apparatus 302 receives the supplier ID.

In steps 186 and 188 (S186 and S188), the power usage apparatus 302 authenticates the user information, the power supply apparatus 202, and the power usage apparatus 302 (supplier ID and user) to the billing server 12. A usage start request including information etc. is transmitted.
In step 190 (S190), the accounting server 12 receives the usage start request from the power usage apparatus 302.
In step 192 (S192), the billing server 12 authenticates the power usage apparatus 302.
In step 194 (S 194), when the charging server 12 authenticates the power usage device 302, the charging server 12 transmits an authentication notification to the power usage device 302.

In step 196 (S196), the billing server 12 performs processing for starting use of the authenticated power usage apparatus 302.
In step 198 (S198), the power usage apparatus 302 receives the authentication notification.
In step 200 (S200), the power usage apparatus 302 performs processing for starting the use of power, and starts supplying power to the electrical device 100.
In step 202 (S202), the power usage apparatus 302 notifies the charging server 12 of the start of usage.
In step 204 (S204), the use adapter 32 of the power use apparatus 302 turns on the operation check lamp 324 to indicate to the power user that power is being supplied to the electrical device 100.

[End of power use]
FIG. 12 is a fourth communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S22) for the power usage apparatus 302 to end the power usage.
In steps 220 and 222 (S220 and S222), when the power user performs an operation to end the use of power on the operation button 322 (FIG. 5) of the usage adapter 32 of the power usage device 302. The power usage device 302 performs a process for terminating the power usage.

In step 224 (S224), the power usage apparatus 302 notifies the charging server 12 of the end of power usage.
In step 226 (S226), billing server 12 receives the notification of the end of power use.
In step 228 (S228), the billing server 12 authenticates the power usage apparatus 302 that has notified the end of power usage.
In step 230 (S230), when the power usage apparatus 302 is authenticated, the billing server 12 performs a process for ending the power usage (stopping power usage time measurement, etc.).

In step 232 (S232), the accounting server 12 notifies the power usage apparatus 302 of the end of usage.
In step 234 (S234), the power usage apparatus 302 receives a usage end notification.
In step 236 (S236), the utilization adapter 32 of the power utilization apparatus 302 turns off the operation confirmation lamp 324.
In step 238 (S238), the power usage apparatus 302 stops supplying power to the electrical device 100.
The process for stopping use shown in FIG. 12 is also performed when a certain time has elapsed after the supply of power to the electric device 100 is stopped. At this time, the power supply apparatus 202 and the power use apparatus Data transmission to and from 302 is omitted as appropriate.

[Second power supply system 2]
In the first power supply system 1 described above, the case where the power usage apparatus side performs the main processing and the power supply to the electric device 100 is illustrated, but the power supply apparatus side performs the main processing hereinafter. The second power supply system 2 that performs the power supply to the electric device 100 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second power supply system 2 to which the power supply method according to the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 13, the second power supply system 2 replaces the first power usage device 302 of the first power supply system 1 shown in FIG. The first power supply apparatus 202 is replaced with the second power supply apparatus 214.
The second power supply device 214 has a configuration in which the first supply adapter 22 of the first power supply device 202 is replaced with the second supply adapter 24, and the second power utilization device 314 has the first power supply device 314. The configuration is such that the usage adapter 32 of the power usage device 302 is replaced with the second usage adapter 36.
With these components, the second power supply system 2 supplies power to the electrical device 100, charges according to the power usage time for the power user, and power supply in the same manner as the first power supply system 1. Refund of electricity charges according to the power usage time for the person.

[Hardware]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the second supply adapter 24 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, the supply adapter 24 includes a UI unit 240, a CPU 122, a memory 124, a wireless communication device 246, a switch control unit 250, a timer unit 254, a data IF unit 248, and a PC-IF unit 256 via a bus. Connected and configured.
Further, an operation button 242 and an operation confirmation lamp 244 are connected to the UI unit 240, a switch 252 is connected to the switch control unit 250, and a dedicated outlet 206 (FIGS. 13 and 2 (2) is connected to the data IF unit 248. The data receiving port 210 of A)) is connected.

The supply adapter 24 is operated by the power supplied from the power system 142, and the supply program 26 is stored and loaded in the ROM 124 or the like in the memory 124 of the supply adapter 24. The loaded supply program 26 is loaded by the CPU 122. Executed.
In accordance with the control of the executed supply program 26, each component of the supply adapter 24 supplies power to the second usage adapter 36 and enables the electric equipment 100 connected to the usage adapter 36 to use the power. .

The UI unit 240 accepts operations for starting and ending power supply to the operation buttons 242 by the owner (power supplier) of the supply adapter 24 and outputs data indicating the operations to the CPU 122 and the like.
Further, the UI unit 240 turns on and off the operation check lamp 244 according to data set by the CPU 122 and the like, and indicates the operating state of the supply adapter 24 to the user.
The wireless communication device 246 realizes functions necessary for communication with the accounting server 12 via the network 104, the base station 106, and the wireless communication line 108 (FIG. 13).

The switch control unit 250 controls the switch 252 in accordance with the data set by the CPU 122 to realize a function of supplying power to the usage adapter 36 and stopping the supply.
The switch control unit 250 also functions to monitor the power supply to the usage adapter 36 via the switch 252 and notify the CPU 122 and the like of data indicating whether or not the power supply is performed. Is realized.
The switch control unit 250 also monitors the connection of the usage adapter 36 via the switch 252 and notifies the CPU 122 and the like of data indicating whether or not the usage adapter 36 is connected to the supply adapter 24. Realize the function.

The switch 252 connects and disconnects power to the usage adapter 36 according to the control of the switch control unit 250.
The switch 252 has a function as a breaker that cuts off the current when the passing current exceeds 1 A, for example, in addition to the function as the switch described above. It is preventing the loss to the person.
The timer unit 254 counts the clock signal used in the supply adapter 24, and the power supply to the usage adapter 36 is caused by the disconnection of the data / power cable 212 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). A function for starting a use end process, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

The data IF unit 248 receives a function for outputting the data set by the CPU 122 to the usage adapter 36 via the dedicated outlet 206 and data input from the usage adapter 36, and sends the data to the CPU 122 and the like. Realizes the function to output.
The PC-IF unit 256 realizes a function for receiving data input from the PC 204 and outputting it to the CPU 122 and the like, and a function for outputting data set from the CPU 122 to the PC 204. .

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the second usage adapter 36 illustrated in FIG. 13.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, the usage adapter 36 includes a CPU 122, a memory 124, a UI unit 320 (FIG. 5), an operation button 322, a data IF unit 334, a PC-IF unit 336, and the electric device 100 connected via a bus. The operation check lamp 324 is connected to the power cable and is turned on while the power from the supply adapter 24 is supplied.
That is, the second usage adapter 36 has a configuration in which unnecessary components are removed from the first usage adapter 32 and the operation check lamp 324 is connected to the power cable.

The usage adapter 36 operates with the power supplied from the supply adapter 24, and the usage program 38 is loaded into the memory 124 of the usage adapter 36, and the loaded usage program 38 is executed by the CPU 122.
In accordance with the executed usage program 38, each component of the usage adapter 36 supplies the electric device 100 with the electric power supplied from the second usage adapter 36, enabling the electric device 100 to use the electric power.

[Operation of Second Power Supply System 2]
Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply system 2 shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
Also in the 1st electric power supply system 2, the electric power user and electric power supplier which were demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 7-10 about the 1st electric power supply system 1 are registered.

[Start using electricity]
FIG. 16 is a first communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 2 shown in FIG. 13, and shows a process (S26) for the power supply device 214 to start using power.
As shown in FIG. 16, in step 260 (S <b> 260), the power user uses the dedicated outlet 206 (FIG. 13, FIG. 2A) of the supply adapter 24 of the power supply device 214 and the use adapter of the power use device 314. 36 dedicated plugs 306 (FIG. 2B) are connected, and an operation for starting the use of power is performed on the operation button 242 (FIG. 14) of the power supply device 214.

In step 262 (S262), the power supply device 214 detects the connection of the usage adapter 36 of the power usage device 314, and starts a timer used for starting the usage adapter 36.
In step 264 (S264), the power usage apparatus 314 supplies power to the usage adapter 36 of the power usage apparatus 314 for the time indicated by the timer activated in S262, and activates the usage adapter 36.

In steps 266 to 272 (S266 to S272), the power supply device 214 performs a user ID acquisition process, transmits a use start request to the use adapter 36 of the power use device 314, and returns in response to this request. The obtained user ID is acquired.
In steps 274 and 276 (S274 and S276), the power supply device 214 provides the user ID, the supplier ID, and the power supply device 214 and the power use device 314 (supplier and user) to the billing server 12. A usage start request including information for authentication is transmitted.

In step 278 (S278), the accounting server 12 receives the use start request from the power supply apparatus 214.
In step 280 (S280), the accounting server 12 authenticates the power supply device 214.
In step 282 (S282), when the charging server 12 authenticates the power supply device 214, the billing server 12 transmits an authentication notification to the power supply device 214.
In step 284 (S284), the billing server 12 performs a process for starting the use of the authenticated power usage apparatus 302.

In steps 286 and 288 (S286 and S288), the power supply device 214 receives the authentication notification from the billing server 12, and performs processing for starting the use of power, such as lighting the operation check lamp 244 of the supply adapter 24.
In step 290 (S290), the power supply device 214 notifies the charging server 12 of the start of use.
In step 292 (S292), the accounting server 12 receives the usage start notification.
In step 294 (S294), the billing server 12 performs processing such as measurement of power usage time by the electric device 100 connected to the power usage device 314.

[End of power use]
FIG. 17 is a second communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system 2 shown in FIG. 13, and shows a process (S34) for the power supply apparatus 214 to end the use of power.
In steps 340 and 342 (S340 and S342), when the power user performs an operation to end the use of power on the operation button 322 (FIG. 15) of the use adapter 36 of the power use device 314. The power usage device 302 performs a process for terminating the power usage.

In step 344 (S344), the power usage apparatus 302 requests the power supply apparatus 214 to end power usage.
In steps 346 and 348 (S346 and 348), the power supply device 214 requests the billing server 12 to end the use of power.
In step 350 (S350), billing server 12 receives a request for termination of power use.

In step 352 (S352), the billing server 12 authenticates the power supply device 214 that has notified the end of power use.
In step 354 (S354), when the power supply device 214 is authenticated, the billing server 12 performs processing for terminating power use (such as stopping power use time measurement (billing)).
In step 356 (S356), the billing server 12 notifies the power supply device 214 of the end of power use.

In step 358 (S358), the power supply apparatus 214 receives the power use end notification.
In step 360 (S360), the power supply device 214 performs processing for terminating the use, such as turning off the operation check lamp 244 of the supply adapter 24.
In step 362 (S362), power supply from the power supply device 214 to the power utilization device 314 is stopped.
The process for stopping use shown in FIG. 17 is also performed when a certain time has elapsed after the supply of power to the electric device 100 is stopped. At this time, the power supply apparatus 214 and the power use apparatus Data transmission to and from 314 is omitted as appropriate.

  The present invention can be used to supply electric power to an electric device and charge for the supply of electric power.

It is a figure which illustrates the composition of the 1st power supply system to which the power supply method concerning the present invention is applied. (A), (B) is a figure which illustrates the structure of the exclusive outlet and exclusive plug shown in FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the accounting server shown in FIG. 1, an electric equipment, and PC. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the 1st supply adapter shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the 1st utilization adapter shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the charging program run in the charging server shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a first communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S 10) for power user registration with a billing server. It is a figure which illustrates the image for registration downloaded to an electric equipment (Drawing 1) from a billing server by processing of S100 shown in Drawing 7. FIG. 5 is a second communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S14) for registering a power supplier with a billing server. It is a figure which illustrates the image for registration downloaded to PC (FIG. 1) from the accounting server by the process of S142 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a third communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system shown in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S 18) for the power usage apparatus to start using the power. FIG. 10 is a fourth communication sequence diagram illustrating an overall operation of the power supply system illustrated in FIG. 1, and shows a process (S22) for the power usage apparatus to end the power usage. It is a figure which illustrates the composition of the 2nd power supply system to which the power supply method concerning the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the 2nd supply adapter shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the 2nd utilization adapter shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a first communication sequence diagram showing an overall operation of the power supply system shown in FIG. 13, and shows a process (S 26) for the power supply apparatus to start using power. FIG. 14 is a second communication sequence diagram showing the overall operation of the power supply system shown in FIG. 13, showing a process (S 34) for the power supply apparatus to end the use of power.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 ... Power supply system,
100 ... electric equipment,
102 ... Communication system,
104 ... network,
106 ... base station,
108: wireless communication line,
12 ... billing server,
120 ... main body,
122... CPU
124 ... memory,
126... Timer
128 ... I / O device,
130: Communication / IF device,
132... Recording device,
134... Recording medium,
16 ... Billing program,
160 ... communication control unit,
162 ... UI part,
164: Authentication unit,
170 ... use processing unit,
172 ... User management department,
174: Usage time management unit,
176 ... billing processing unit,
178 ... User DB,
180... Supply processing unit,
182: Supplier management department,
184 ... Supplier management department,
186 ... Return processing department,
188 ... supplier DB,
140: Electric power company system,
142 ... electric power system,
144: General purpose plug,
146 ... General purpose outlet,
202, 214 ... power supply device,
204 ... PC,
206: Dedicated outlet,
208: Power receptacle,
210: Data receiving port,
212 ... Data / power cable,
22, 24 ... Supply adapter,
220: Data IF section,
222... ID storage unit,
224... PC-IF unit,
240 ... UI part,
242 ... operation buttons,
244 ... Operation check lamp,
246: Wireless communication device,
248 ... Data IF section,
250... Switch control unit,
252 ... switch,
254 ... Timer part,
256 ... PC-IF section,
26 ... supply program,
302, 314 ... power utilization device,
306 ... Dedicated plug,
308 ... Power electrode,
310 ... Data electrode,
32, 36 ... Adapter used,
320 ... UI unit,
322 ... operation buttons,
324 ... operation check lamp,
326... Wireless communication device,
328... Switch control unit,
330 ... switch,
332: Timer part,
334: Data IF section,
336 ... PC-IF section,
34, 38 ... use program,

Claims (8)

A power supply device with a unique supply identifier and connected to a predetermined power system to receive power supply;
A power usage device that is provided with a unique usage identifier for identifying a user, receives power from the connected power supply device, and supplies the supplied power to the outside;
A power supply system comprising: a charging device that charges a power usage fee according to a power usage time when power is supplied from the power supply device using the power usage device;
The power supply device
Having supply connection means,
The power usage device is:
Use connection means adapted to only the supply connection means, and connected to the supply connection means so that power and data including the supply identifier are transmitted from the power supply device via the supply connection means,
Operating means for receiving an operation of starting and ending power supply to the outside;
The charging device is notified of the attached usage identifier, the supply identifier included in the data transmitted via the supply connection unit connected to the usage connection unit, and the start and end of the power supply. have a notification means,
The charging device is
The notified usage identifier is set according to the usage time when power is supplied from the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached, and the charging unit price of the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached. A power supply system that charges a corresponding user for a power usage fee . The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power usage apparatus and the billing apparatus are connected via a wireless communication line. A power supply device with a unique supply identifier and connected to a predetermined power system to receive power supply;
A power usage device that is provided with a unique usage identifier for identifying a user, receives power from the connected power supply device, and supplies the supplied power to the outside;
A power supply system having a billing device,
The charging device is
The power supply apparatus to which the supply identifier notified using the power utilization apparatus is attached in response to the notification of the supply identifier, the usage identifier, and the start and end of power supply notified from the power supply apparatus Power usage fee for the user corresponding to the notified usage identifier in accordance with the power usage time when the power supply is received from and the unit price of the power supply device to which the notified supply identifier is attached . A billing means for charging;
Supply control means for controlling start and end of power supply from the power supply device to the power utilization device in response to notification of start and end of power supply notified from the power supply device,
The power usage device is:
Use connection means,
Operating means for receiving an operation of starting and ending power supply to the outside;
A notification means for notifying the power supply device of the attached usage identifier and the start and end of the power supply via the use connection means;
The power supply device
Supply connection means adapted to only the usage connection means, and connected to the usage connection means so that data including the usage identifier is transmitted from the power usage device via the usage connection means,
Notifying the billing device of a usage identifier included in data transmitted through the usage connection means connected to the supply connection means, the attached supply identifier, and the start and end of the power supply Notification means;
A power supply system comprising: supply switch means for starting and ending power supply to the power usage device in accordance with control from the billing device. The power supply system according to claim 3, wherein the power supply device and the billing device are connected via a wireless communication line. A power usage apparatus that receives a power supply by being connected to a power supply apparatus that receives a power supply from a predetermined power system with a unique usage identifier that identifies the user, and that supplies the supplied power to the outside A power usage fee that is supplied in accordance with a power usage time when power is supplied from the power supply device using the power usage device by a charging device included in the predetermined power system. Is performed using the use identifier and the supply identifier uniquely given to the power supply device in response to the notification of the start and end of power supply,
The power supply device
Having supply connection means,
The power usage device is:
Use connection means adapted to only the supply connection means, and connected to the supply connection means so that power and data including the supply identifier are transmitted from the power supply device via the supply connection means,
Operating means for receiving an operation of starting and ending power supply to the outside;
For the accounting, the attached usage identifier, the supply identifier included in the data transmitted via the supply connection means connected to the usage connection means, and the start and end of the power supply, have a notification means for notifying to the charging device,
The charging device is
The notified usage identifier is set according to the usage time when power is supplied from the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached, and the charging unit price of the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached. A power usage device that charges a corresponding user for a power usage fee . The supply identifier notified to the charging device according to the charging of the power usage fee according to the power usage time when the power usage device receives power supply from the power supply device using the power usage device The power usage apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the power charge is reimbursed using. A power supply device with a unique supply identifier, connected to a predetermined power system and receiving power supply, and supplying the received power to a power utilization device,
In accordance with the notification of the usage identifier for identifying the user notified from the power supply device, the attached supply identifier, and the start and end of power supply by the charging device of the predetermined power system, According to the power usage time when power is supplied from the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached using the power utilization apparatus, and the charging unit price of the power supply apparatus to which the notified supply identifier is attached The user corresponding to the notified usage identifier is charged for the power usage fee,
In response to the notification of the start and end of power supply notified from the power supply device, the charging device controls the start and end of power supply from the power supply device to the power utilization device,
The power usage device is:
Use connection means,
A unique usage identifier is attached, and power is supplied from the connected power supply device, and the supplied power is supplied to the outside.
Via the use connection means, the attached use identifier and the start and end of the power supply are notified to the power supply device,
The power supply device
Supply connection means adapted to only the usage connection means, and connected to the usage connection means so that data including the usage identifier is transmitted from the power usage device via the usage connection means,
For the billing, a usage identifier included in data transmitted through the usage connection means connected to the supply connection means, the attached supply identifier, and the start and end of the power supply, Notification means for notifying the charging device;
A power supply device comprising: supply switch means for starting and ending power supply to the power usage device in accordance with control from the billing device. The supply identifier notified to the charging device according to the charging of the power usage fee according to the power usage time when the power usage device receives power supply from the power supply device using the power usage device The power supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electric power charge is refunded using.

Images