JP7171537B2 - Battery exchange system, management device, management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery exchange system, management device, management method, and program.

Conventionally, as a portable electrical energy storage device, for example, a detachable battery is mounted on an electric scooter and used. There is (for example, see Patent Document 1). This battery exchange device has a plurality of receptacles that detachably accommodate detachable batteries for charging or the like.

The user removes the detachable battery that needs to be charged from the electric scooter and puts it in the container of the battery exchange device. On the other hand, there is provided a shared battery service based on the premise of battery replacement, in which a charged detachable battery is taken out of a container and attached to an electric scooter for use. This service is, for example, a service in which battery exchange devices are installed at a plurality of locations in an area, and users who visit the charge exchange devices can exchange detachable batteries.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-529117

Here, when a user uses the battery exchange device, user authentication is required. However, if data necessary for authentication of all users is transmitted to all of the plurality of battery exchange devices, the amount of data may become enormous and the communication cost may increase. As another method, it is conceivable to ask the management server for authentication information each time authentication is performed. could have been the situation.

Aspects of the present invention have been made in consideration of such circumstances, and provide a battery exchange system, a management device, and a management method capable of efficiently delivering information necessary for user authentication to a battery exchange device. , and to provide programs.

A battery exchange system, a management device, a management method, and a program according to the present invention employ the following configuration.
(1): A battery exchange system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery exchange devices that are detachably attached to an electric vehicle and perform a battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle. a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute the exchange service when user authentication is successful; and an acquisition unit that acquires information about the battery or the user between the plurality of battery exchange devices; a delivery unit configured to deliver authentication information required for authentication of the user to some of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit. and a device, wherein the battery replacement device is a battery replacement system that authenticates the user based on authentication information delivered from the management device.

(2): In the aspect of (1) above, the distribution unit distributes the authentication information of the user to a battery exchange device that may be used by the user, among the plurality of battery exchange devices. It is.

(3): In the aspect of (2) above, the distributing unit determines, based on the movable distance of the electric vehicle starting from the last battery exchange device used by the user among the plurality of battery exchange devices, Then, a battery exchange device that the user may use next is estimated, and the authentication information of the user is delivered to the estimated battery exchange device.

(4): In any one of the aspects (1) to (3) above, the battery exchange device includes a storage unit that stores authentication information delivered from the delivery unit; an authentication unit that uses the authentication information to authenticate a user who accepts the return and lending of the battery.

(5): In the aspect of (4) above, when the authentication information distributed by the distribution unit is acquired, the update control updates the authentication information stored in the storage unit by replacing it with the newly acquired authentication information. It further comprises a part.

(6): In the aspect of (5) above, the distribution unit generates difference information from authentication information already distributed to the battery exchange device, distributes the generated difference information to the battery exchange device, The update control unit updates the authentication information stored in the storage unit based on the difference information when the difference information distributed by the distribution unit is acquired.

(7): In the aspect of (6) above, the update control unit deletes the authentication information related to the specific user from the authentication information stored in the storage unit when the specific user is included in the difference information. It is something to do.

(8): In any one of the aspects (1) to (7) above, the delivery unit generates authentication information necessary for authentication of a user existing within a predetermined range from the battery exchange device, The generated authentication information is delivered to the battery exchange device.

(9): In the aspect of (8) above, the distribution unit distributes location information of the electric vehicle of the user, location information of a terminal device used by the user, usage history of the battery exchange device, or the Based on the address of the user, the user who is present within a predetermined range from the battery exchange device is estimated, and authentication information necessary for authentication of the estimated user is generated.

(10): A management device according to an aspect of the present invention is a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute a detachable battery exchange service that supplies power for running an electric vehicle when user authentication is successful. an acquisition unit for acquiring information on the battery, and authentication information necessary for authentication of the user based on the information on the battery acquired by the acquisition unit is acquired from the plurality of battery exchange devices and a distribution unit that distributes the authentication information to some of the battery exchange devices and causes the some battery exchange devices to authenticate the user based on the distributed authentication information.

(11): A management method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method in which a computer executes a detachable battery replacement service that supplies power for running an electric vehicle when user authentication is successful. Information on the battery or the user is acquired from the battery exchange device, and authentication information necessary for authentication of the user is transferred to one of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the acquired information. a management method for distributing the authentication information to a battery exchange device in a department, and causing the some battery exchange device to perform authentication of the user based on the distributed authentication information.

(12): A program according to an aspect of the present invention provides a computer with a plurality of batteries for executing a detachable battery replacement service that supplies power for running an electric vehicle when user authentication is successful. Information on the battery or the user is obtained from the battery exchange device, and authentication information necessary for authentication of the user is transferred to one of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the obtained information. a program that causes a battery exchange device of a part to distribute the authentication information, and causes the battery exchange device of the part to authenticate the user based on the distributed authentication information.

According to the above (1) to (12), information required for user authentication can be efficiently delivered to the battery exchange device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows an example of the whole block diagram of the battery exchange system 1 of embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the electric vehicle 10 of embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a removable battery 100 of an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the battery exchange apparatus 200 of embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the management server 300 of embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a user management table 352. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a state table 354; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a distribution history 358; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first distribution pattern; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a movable distance and a movable range when a used battery exchange device is updated; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second distribution pattern; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third distribution pattern; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the management server 300 of the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the battery exchange device 200 of the embodiment;

Embodiments of a battery exchange system, a management device, a management method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the battery exchange system manages a plurality of battery exchange devices (charging/discharging stations) that accept the return and lending of detachable batteries that supply power for running an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is equipped with one or more removable batteries lent from a battery exchange device, and runs on electric power supplied from the mounted removable batteries. Also, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle that is driven by a combination of a detachable battery and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. Electric vehicles applicable to the battery exchange system may be electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric tricycles, electric four-wheel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric kick scooters, robots, and the like. A plurality of detachable batteries mounted on an electric vehicle may be rented to a user as a battery unit.

<Overall Configuration of Battery Exchange System 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration diagram of a battery exchange system 1 of an embodiment. The battery exchange system 1 includes, for example, multiple removable batteries 100 , multiple battery exchange devices 200 , and a management server 300 . Management server 300 is communicably connected to a plurality of battery exchange devices 200 via network NW. The electric vehicle 10 may be communicably connected to the network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, cellular network, Wi-Fi network, WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. The management server 300 is an example of a “management device”.

The battery exchange device 200 is a device that charges and exchanges (returns or lends) the removable battery 100 that is the driving source of the electric vehicle 10 . The removable battery 100 is detachably attached to the electric vehicle 10 . The removable battery 100 may be a power supply device used for applications such as a mobile portable power supply. The battery exchange device 200 may also discharge the detachable battery 100 for system linkage or the like. A replacement service for the removable battery 100 is provided by the battery replacement system 1 shown in the example of FIG. Hereinafter, each component will be described in order.

[Electric vehicle 10]
The electric vehicle 10 is a vehicle on which a detachable battery 100 is detachably mounted. In the example of FIG. 1, a saddle type electric vehicle (electric two-wheeled vehicle) 10-1 that runs by an electric motor driven by electric power supplied from a power storage unit 120 (described later) of the removable battery 100, and a passenger in the vehicle. type electric vehicle (electric four-wheeled vehicle) 10-2 is shown. For example, two removable batteries 100 can be mounted on the electric vehicle 10-1 shown in FIG. 1, and three removable batteries 100 can be mounted on the electric vehicle 10-2. As described above, the number of detachable batteries that can be mounted differs depending on the type, shape, etc. of the electric vehicle 10 . Also, the removable battery that can be used may differ depending on the vehicle type. In the following description, the electric two-wheeled vehicle will be mainly referred to as an "electric vehicle 10".

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment. The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a battery connection unit 12, a vehicle control unit 14, a driving force output device 16, a vehicle sensor 18, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 20, and an electric vehicle GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). A receiver 22 and a vehicle-side communication unit 24 are provided.

The battery connection portion 12 is electrically connected to a connection portion 150 (described later) of the removable battery 100 when the removable battery 100 is attached to the electric vehicle 10 . The battery connection unit 12 is, for example, a connection terminal (battery terminal) of a power line for receiving power supply from the removable battery 100, or a communication line for performing data communication between the removable battery 100 and the vehicle control unit 14. connection terminals, etc.

The vehicle control unit 14 acquires a measurement result from the vehicle sensor 18, and acquires a value (SOC: State Of Charge) representing the state of charge of the power storage unit 120 from a BMU (Battery Management Unit) 110 (described later) of the removable battery 100. and acquires the position of the electric vehicle 10 from the GNSS receiver 22 . Based on the acquired data, the vehicle control unit 14 controls the driving force output device 16 according to the operation of an operator (not shown) or by autonomous traveling. The vehicle control unit 14 may output the position information of the electric vehicle 10 acquired from the GNSS receiver 22 to the removable battery 100 via the battery connection unit 12 .

The driving force output device 16 includes, for example, an electric motor, an inverter, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the inverter. The ECU controls the power supplied from the removable battery 100 to the electric motor, for example, by controlling the inverter. Thereby, the ECU controls the driving force (torque) that the electric motor outputs to the driving wheels. Further, the driving force output device 16 controls the output frequency of the inverter to be lower than the rotation speed of the drive wheels, thereby operating the electric motor as a regenerative brake and converting the braking energy of the drive wheels into electric energy. , the removable battery 100 can be charged.

The vehicle sensor 18 includes a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, an odometer, and various other sensors mounted on the electric vehicle 10 . Vehicle sensor 18 outputs the measurement result to vehicle control unit 14 .

The HMI 20 outputs various types of information to the user of the electric vehicle 10 and accepts input operations by the occupant. The HMI 20 includes, for example, a HUD (Head Up Display), various display devices such as a meter display unit (a touch panel may be used), a speaker, and the like.

The GNSS receiver 22 measures the position of the electric vehicle 10 based on radio waves coming from GNSS satellites such as GPS satellites.

The vehicle-side communication unit 24 communicates with the management server 300 via the network NW. The vehicle-side communication unit 24 transmits, for example, position information of the electric vehicle 10 positioned by the GNSS receiver 22 to the management server 300 at an arbitrary timing together with a vehicle ID as identification information for identifying the vehicle. The arbitrary timing here is, for example, timing at every predetermined time interval or every predetermined travel distance, timing at which the electric vehicle 10 is started or stopped, or timing at a predetermined time. Further, the vehicle-side communication unit 24 may transmit the position of the electric vehicle 10 to the management server 300 at the timing of receiving an inquiry about the position of the electric vehicle 10 from the management server 300 . In addition to the position information of the electric vehicle 10 , the vehicle-side communication unit 24 may transmit the state of charge of the two detachable batteries 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10 to the management server 300 . Also, the vehicle-side communication unit 24 may communicate with the battery exchange device 200 via the network NW.

[Removable battery 100]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the removable battery 100 of the embodiment. Removable battery 100 includes, for example, power storage unit 120 , BMU 110 , and connection unit 150 . BMU 110 also includes measurement sensor 130 and storage unit 140 .

BMU 110 performs control of charging and discharging of power storage unit 120, cell balancing, detection of abnormality in power storage unit 120, derivation of cell temperature of power storage unit 120, derivation of charge/discharge current of power storage unit 120, estimation of SOC of power storage unit 120, and the like. I do. BMU 110 causes storage unit 140 to store the abnormality, failure, etc. of power storage unit 120 ascertained based on the measurement result of measurement sensor 130 as battery state information.

The power storage unit 120 is, for example, an assembled battery in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. A single cell that constitutes the power storage unit 120 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery (LIB), a nickel-metal hydride battery, an all-solid battery, or the like.

Measurement sensor 130 is a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like for measuring the state of charge of power storage unit 120 . The measurement sensor 130 outputs measurement results such as measured voltage, current, and temperature to the BMU 110 .

The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory. Storage unit 140 stores battery state information. Also, the storage unit 140 may store a battery ID assigned to the removable battery 100 .

The connection portion 150 is electrically connected to the battery connection portion 12 when the removable battery 100 is attached to the electric vehicle 10 . Further, the connection unit 150 is electrically connected to the battery exchange device 200 when the removable battery 100 is accommodated in one of the plurality of slots 210 existing in the battery exchange device 200, and the battery exchange device 200 receives electric power from the power storage unit 120 and charges the power storage unit 120 . The connection unit 150 includes, for example, a power line connection terminal (battery terminal), a communication line connection terminal, etc. so as to correspond to the battery connection unit 12 and the switching device side connection unit 220 (described later).

[Battery exchange device 200]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery exchange device 200 of the embodiment. The battery exchange device 200 includes, for example, a plurality of slots 210, a plurality of exchange device side connection units 220, a charger 230, a display unit 235, a reading unit 240, an authentication unit 245, and a exchange device side communication unit 250. , and an exchange device-side control unit 260 .

Slot 210 is a mechanism for receiving and charging removable battery 100 . In the battery exchange device 200 shown in the example of FIG. 1, the slots 210 include, for example, an upper slot 210U (see FIG. 1) and a lower slot 210L (see FIG. 1). Each slot comprises, for example, a turntable that rotates around a vertical axis. A battery housing section for housing the removable battery 100 is provided on the turntable. The battery storage units are provided, for example, in areas obtained by dividing the turntable into four equal parts when viewed from above. The configuration of the receiving (returning) and lending portions of the removable batteries 100 by the battery exchange device 200 is not limited to this. may In the following, a description will be given using the turntable type configuration described above.

The battery exchange device 200 authenticates the user by the authentication unit 245, which will be described later, before returning or lending the removable battery 100 from the user. For example, the authentication unit 245 permits a user who has been successfully authenticated to return the used detachable battery 100 or lend out the charged detachable battery 100 . An outlet is provided on the front side of the battery exchange device 200 . The outlet may be automatically opened when use is permitted in the authentication process of the user by the authentication unit 245 . The container positioned at the outlet can be replaced by rotating the turntable. For example, when the use of the user is permitted by the authentication processing by the authentication unit 245, the battery exchange device 200 places the empty battery storage unit on the front side in a state of accepting the return of the detachable battery 100 from the user. Position it at the outlet. When the removable battery 100 is returned to the battery container, the battery ID of the removable battery 100 is read. Also, the battery exchange device 200 rotates the turntable to position the battery storage section that stores the charged removable battery 100 at the outlet on the front side. Thereby, the user can take out the charged detachable battery 100 and attach it to the electric vehicle 10 . At this lending timing, the switching device side control unit 260 transmits the user ID of the user and the battery ID of the newly lent detachable battery 100 to the management server 300 as usage information.

On the bottom surface of each battery housing portion of the plurality of slots 210, an exchange device side connection portion 220 is provided for each slot. The exchange device-side connection portion 220 is electrically connected to the connection portion 150 of the removable battery 100 when the removable battery 100 is housed in the battery housing portion. The exchange device-side connection unit 220 includes, for example, power line connection terminals (battery terminals) for supplying power to the removable battery 100, and data communication (for example, serial communication), including connection terminals for communication lines.

Charger 230 is connected to power storage unit 120 of detachable battery 100 via a plurality of exchange device side connection units 220 . The charger 230 may be provided for each of the plurality of exchange-device-side connection units 220 or may be provided as a common configuration for the plurality of exchange-device-side connection units 220 . A power supply for supplying power to power storage unit 120 is connected to charger 230 . Charger 230 converts the power supplied from the power supply into direct current, for example, and supplies it to power storage unit 120 .

The display unit 235 is, for example, various display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Also, the display unit 235 may be a touch panel. The display unit 235 displays various information when the user uses the battery exchange device 200, and receives input of predetermined information (for example, authentication information) from the user.

The reading unit 240 reads authentication information and other information from a user card, which is an example of a medium held by a user. Authentication information includes, for example, a user ID and a password. The user card is, for example, a contactless IC card. Alternatively, the user card may be a contact IC card. A user card may be issued for each electric vehicle 10 used by a user, for example. In this case, the authentication information includes a card ID and a vehicle ID as identification information for identifying the user card. Also, the medium owned by the user may be an electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. Further, the mode in which the reading unit 240 acquires the authentication information is not limited to the mode in which the information is acquired through communication, and may be the mode in which information is optically read from a code image such as a QR code (registered trademark). The reading unit 240 outputs the read authentication information to the switching device side control unit 260 .

The authentication unit 245 determines whether or not the user is permitted to use the battery exchange device 200 based on the authentication information received from the display unit 235 or the authentication information read by the reading unit 240 . Note that the authentication information may be acquired, for example, from the voice of the user collected by the microphone (not shown) of the battery exchange device 200 . For example, the authentication unit 245 uses the authentication information to check against the authentication list 282 stored in the switching device storage unit 280, and if the authentication list 282 contains information that matches the authentication information, Judge that the user has been successfully authenticated. The authentication list 282 is verification authentication information distributed by the management server 300 at a predetermined timing or cycle. The authentication information for verification includes authentication information of one or more users. The verification authentication information includes, for example, information such as a user ID that permits use of the battery exchange device 200, a card ID, a password, an expiration date, the number of lentable removable batteries 100, and status. The term of validity is, for example, the last day of the period during which the battery exchange device 200 can be used. The number of lendable removable batteries 100 is, for example, the number of removable batteries 100 that can be mounted on the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. A status is information indicating a usage state of the battery exchange system 1 in the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The usage status includes, for example, the detachable battery 100 being lent out, being authenticated for battery replacement, and being temporarily or permanently suspended due to unauthorized use by the user. is included.

When determining that the user has been successfully authenticated, the authentication unit 245 determines whether or not the user satisfies a predetermined usage condition. The predetermined usage condition is, for example, that the current date (date of usage) has not passed the expiration date included in the authentication list 282 . Further, the predetermined usage conditions may include that the user is not in an unusable state (suspension of use) due to unauthorized use or the like. For example, the authentication unit 245 permits the user to use (return or lend) the battery exchange device 200 if the current date has not passed the expiration date included in the authentication list 282 .

If the authentication list 282 does not contain information that matches the authentication information, the authentication unit 245 transmits the authentication information from the switching device side communication unit 250 to the management server 300 to inquire about authentication. good too. In this case, the authentication unit 245 acquires the authentication result and verification authentication information from the management server 300 as an inquiry result, and if the user authentication is successful, the authentication unit 245 uses the verification authentication information to perform the predetermined usage. Determine whether the conditions are met. Further, when a predetermined usage condition is satisfied, the user is permitted to use the battery exchange device 200 .

If the authentication of the user is unsuccessful or the predetermined usage conditions are not met, the authentication unit 245 causes the display unit 235 to display information indicating that the use is not possible and notifies the user. It should be noted that the above authentication using the user ID or the like does not necessarily have to be performed every time the exchange is performed. Further, the authentication unit 245 may perform biometric authentication using biometric information such as fingerprint information, voiceprint information, and iris information of the user instead of (or in addition to) the authentication described above. In this case, biometric information for verification is stored in the authentication list 282, and the authentication unit 245 performs authentication by comparing the biometric information and the biometric information for verification.

The switching device side communication unit 250 includes a wired communication device such as a terminal adapter and an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication device, and a wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi adapter, 3G/LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth, and communicates via the network NW. It communicates with the management server 300, terminal devices, and the like.

The exchange device-side control unit 260 includes, for example, an exchange control unit 262, a charging control unit 264, an authentication list update control unit 266, a battery information upload unit 268, a usage information upload unit 270, and an exchange device-side storage unit 280. and The authentication list update controller 266 is an example of an "update controller." The exchange control unit 262, the charging control unit 264, the authentication list update control unit 266, the battery information upload unit 268, and the usage information upload unit 270 are programmed by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It is realized by executing (software). Further, some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. Alternatively, it may be implemented by cooperation of software and hardware. The above-described program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as the HDD or flash memory of the battery exchange device 200, or may be stored in a DVD, CD-ROM, memory card, or the like. , and may be installed in the storage device of the battery exchange device 200 by inserting the storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) into a drive device, card slot, or the like.

The exchange device-side storage unit 280 may be implemented by the above-described various storage devices, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The exchange device storage unit 280 stores, for example, an authentication list 282, battery information 284, programs, and various other information. The authentication list 282 is distributed by the management server 300. FIG. The battery information 284 stores a battery ID assigned to one or more removable batteries 100 managed in the battery exchange device 200 and SOC information (an example of battery status) for each removable battery 100 .

Exchange control unit 262 controls return of used removable battery 100 mounted on electric vehicle 10 and lending of charged removable battery 100 based on the authentication result by authentication unit 245 . For example, the exchange control unit 262 opens the slot 210 for storing the used detachable battery 100 when returning, or opens the slot 210 storing the charged detachable battery 100 when lending. The replacement control unit 262 may also determine whether or not the stored used removable battery 100 is a regular (genuine) removable battery. In this case, the exchange control unit 262 acquires the battery ID of the detachable battery 100 stored therein, and makes an inquiry to the management server 300 based on the acquired battery ID and user information (user ID, card ID). Based on the battery ID and user information obtained from the battery exchange device 200, the management server 300 checks the user management table 352 and the like, and determines that the battery is a genuine removable battery if there is matching information. , and if there is no matching information, it is determined that the battery is not a regular removable battery. The non-genuine detachable battery includes, for example, a non-genuine battery and a detachable battery returned by a user other than the user who rented the battery. If the battery is not a genuine removable battery, the management server 300 temporarily or permanently suspends subsequent use by the user. The management server 300 transmits the contents of the processing described above to the battery exchange device 200 as an inquiry result. The replacement control unit 262 performs the above-described control related to lending if the removable battery 100 is a regular one based on the received inquiry result. In addition, if the battery is not a genuine removable battery 100, the exchange control unit 262 does not perform control related to lending, but performs control to notify error information or the like, or to return the stored used removable battery.

The charge control unit 264 controls the charger so that the power storage unit 120 is charged to a predetermined state of charge (for example, SOC) based on the state of charge of the power storage unit 120 acquired from the removable battery 100 via the signal line. 230. The SOC of the power storage unit 120 is, for example, sequentially transmitted to the charging control unit 264, and the charging control unit 264 associates the battery ID and the SOC information of the removable battery 100 with each other as battery information 284 in the exchange device side storage unit. 280 store.

The authentication list update control unit 266 updates the authentication list 282 based on the verification authentication information distributed from the management server 300 . For example, when the authentication list update control unit 266 acquires the authentication information for verification distributed by the management server 300, the authentication list update control unit 266 stores the acquired authentication information for verification as a new authentication list in the exchange device side storage unit 280. Make an update that replaces the authentication list 282 . Updating the authentication list can be simplified by performing an update that replaces the authentication list 282 itself.

Further, for example, when the verification authentication information delivered from the management server 300 is difference information with respect to the authentication list that has already been delivered to the battery exchange device 200, the authentication list update control unit 266 updates based on the difference information. Update the credential list. For example, if the difference information includes additional user information, the authentication list update control unit 266 adds verification authentication information about the additional user to the authentication list 282 . Also, when the specific user is included in the difference information, the authentication list update control unit 266 deletes the verification authentication list for the specific user from the authentication list 282 . The specific user is, for example, a user whose expiration date for using the battery exchange device 200 has passed, a user who has used the battery exchange device 200 illegally, a user who has not paid the usage fee and is in arrears, and the like. . Also, the specific users may include users who have not used for a predetermined time or longer since the last use. As described above, by distributing the difference information and updating the authentication list 282, it is possible to reduce the communication data amount at the time of updating.

The authentication list update control unit 266 may perform the above-described update process at the timing of receiving the authentication information for verification distributed from the management server 300, and may perform the above-described update process at timings and times when the user does not use it (for example, late at night). may be updated as described above.

Also, the authentication list update control unit 266 may perform the update on the date and time specified by the management server 300 that distributed the verification authentication information. As a result, even if verification authentication information is not delivered to a plurality of battery exchange devices 200 at the same time due to the distance from the management server 300, communication environment, etc., the authentication list 282 can be updated at the same timing.

For example, the battery information upload unit 268 counts the number of detachable batteries 100 (the number of charged batteries) that have completed charging (charged to a predetermined SOC) at an arbitrary timing, and obtains its own device ID (battery exchange (identification information for identifying the device 200) and the battery ID are transmitted to the management server 300. FIG. The arbitrary timing here includes, for example, the timing when the removable battery 100 is fully charged (or charged to the desired SOC), or the timing when the removable battery 100 is rented. That is, the arbitrary timing may be timing when the number of detachable batteries or the number of charged batteries stored in the battery exchange device 200 changes. In addition, the battery information upload unit 268 may include in the information to be transmitted the “remaining time required for charging” obtained from the charging speed, capacity, etc. for each removable battery 100 that is being charged.

The usage information upload unit 270 transmits the usage status of the battery exchange device 200 for each user and the own device ID as usage information to the management server 300 at an arbitrary timing. The arbitrary timing here is, for example, the timing when the authentication by the authentication unit 245 is permitted and the detachable battery is replaced (for example, returned or lent). The usage status may include, for example, a user ID, a card ID, the battery ID of the returned removable battery 100, the battery ID of the lent removable battery 100, the date and time of replacement (date and time of use), and the like. Information uploaded at any timing by the battery information upload section 268 or the usage information upload section 270 may be temporarily stored in the exchange device side storage section 280 .

[Management server 300]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 300 of the embodiment. The management server 300 includes a server-side communication unit 310, a management unit 320, a distribution unit 330, and a server-side storage unit 350, for example. The management unit 320 and the distribution unit 330 are implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware such as LSI, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, etc., or may be realized by cooperation of software and hardware. The above-described program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as the HDD or flash memory of the management server 300, or stored in a DVD, CD-ROM, memory card, or the like. It is stored in a detachable storage medium, and may be installed in the storage device of the management server 300 by inserting the storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) into a drive device, card slot, or the like. A combination of the server-side communication unit 310 and the management unit 320 is an example of the “acquisition unit”.

The server-side storage unit 350 may be realized by the various storage devices described above, EEPROM, ROM, RAM, or the like. The server-side storage unit 350 stores, for example, a user management table 352, a state table 354, map information 356, distribution history 358, programs, and various other information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the user management table 352. As shown in FIG. The user management table 352 is information in which passwords, expiration dates, number of mountable batteries, usable battery types, statuses, loaned battery IDs, usage history, detailed information, etc. are associated with user IDs and card IDs. be. For example, a user ID (or card ID) and a password are examples of information required for user authentication.

The expiration date is set, for example, at the time of registration for use of the battery exchange system 1 or at the time of payment of the usage fee. The expiration date may be, for example, a fixed period (for example, one year from the time of registration or renewal), and corresponds to the expiration date (vehicle inspection date) stipulated in the vehicle inspection of the electric vehicle 10 (continuous vehicle inspection specified by the government, etc.). It may also be a time limit set with the The number of batteries that can be mounted is the number of batteries that can be mounted on the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The usable battery type is information such as the type, size, and model number of the removable battery 100 that can be used by the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID.

The rented battery ID is identification information of the removable battery 100 that is being rented to the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The usage history is information related to the past usage history of the battery exchange system 1 associated with the user ID and the card ID. The usage history includes, for example, information such as the device ID of the battery exchange device 200 used and the date and time of use. The usage history may include information uploaded by the usage information upload unit 270, for example. The detailed information includes, for example, personal information such as the user's address, age, and gender acquired at the time of registration for use. Further, the detailed information may include performance information and vehicle type information of the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID. The performance information of the electric vehicle 10 is, for example, the traveling distance when one charged detachable battery 100 is installed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the state table 354. As shown in FIG. The state table 354 stores information regarding the states of the plurality of battery exchange devices 200 managed by the battery exchange system 1 . State table 354 may include, for example, information uploaded by battery information uploader 268 . The state table 354 is, for example, information in which the number of charged batteries in the battery exchange device 200 associated with the device ID and the position of the battery exchange device 200 are associated with the device ID. If the uploaded information includes the time remaining to charge each removable battery 100 as described above, the status table 354 will include the number of removable batteries 100 being charged and the time remaining for each removable battery 100. information may be added. The state table 354 may also include performance information of the removable battery 100 . The performance information of the detachable battery 100 is, for example, information such as the amount of power when fully charged, the number of charging times, and the degree of deterioration.

The map information 356 may include, for example, information on the position of the battery exchange device 200 in map coordinates, as well as facility information (POI: Point Of Interest) such as convenience stores, restaurants, lodging facilities, and various activity facilities. good. Map coordinates are, for example, a coordinate system of three-dimensional coordinates and two-dimensional coordinates that are positioned by a GNSS receiver. The map information 356 may also include road positions in map coordinates and other road information. Road information includes, for example, road type (for example, general road or expressway), number of lanes, traffic control information, installed road signs, legal speed, curvature radius (or curvature) of road, width, slope, unevenness etc. are included. The map information 356 may be updated as needed by communicating with other devices via the server-side communication unit 310 .

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the distribution history 358. As shown in FIG. The delivery history 358 is information in which past authentication information for verification that has been distributed is associated with the device ID and the date and time of delivery. The distribution history 358 may be deleted under the control of the distribution unit 330 when the distribution date and time have passed a predetermined amount of time or more from the current date and time. May be deleted. For example, the distribution history 358 is managed by generation, including past verification authentication information, each time verification authentication information is generated by the generation unit 336, which will be described later. Here, when the verification authentication information is managed as first generation, second generation, . , it is possible to prevent the amount of data in the delivery history 358 from increasing.

The server-side communication unit 310 includes a wired communication device such as a terminal adapter and an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication device, and a wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi adapter, 3G/LTE, 4G, and Bluetooth. It communicates with the exchange device 200, the electric vehicle 10, and the like.

The management unit 320 manages the usage status (including authentication and the like) of the user when the removable battery 100 shown in FIG. 6 is replaced. For example, the management unit 320 manages the content of verification authentication information required when performing authentication in each battery exchange device 200, and manages the timing of distributing the verification authentication information. In addition, when receiving an authentication inquiry from the battery exchange device 200, the management unit 320 performs authentication using the authentication information acquired together with the inquiry and the user management table 352. The verification authentication information may be transmitted to the battery exchange device 200 .

The management unit 320 also accepts requests for new user registration and changes in registered content, and updates the user management table 352 based on the received information. New registration and change of registered contents are performed, for example, by the user communicating with the management server 300 from a terminal device or the like. Also, the management unit 320 updates the state table 354 based on the upload information acquired from the battery exchange device 200 . Also, the management unit 320 may manage, for example, the billing status and expiration date for each user ID or card ID.

Distribution unit 330 distributes verification authentication information to some of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on information about the battery obtained from battery exchange device 200 or the like. The distribution unit 330 includes, for example, an estimation unit 332 , a selection unit 334 and a generation unit 336 . The estimation unit 332 estimates the movable distance (for example, the cruising distance) of the electric vehicle 10 used by the user based on the position information of the battery exchange device 200 used by the user. Also, the estimation unit 332 may estimate the movable range (for example, the cruising range) of the electric vehicle 10 starting from the battery exchange device 200 based on the estimated movable distance.

The selection unit 334 selects the battery exchange device 200 that the user may use next based on the movable distance or range estimated by the estimation unit 332 . The generation unit 336 generates verification authentication information to be distributed to each battery exchange device 200 based on information on the battery exchange device 200 selected by the selection unit 334 . Depending on the result of the selection by the selection unit 334, there is a battery exchange device 200 for which the generation unit 336 does not generate verification authentication information.

The distribution unit 330 distributes the verification authentication information generated for each battery exchange device 200 by the generation unit 336 to the corresponding battery exchange device 200 . Further, the distribution unit 330 causes the distribution history 358 to store information regarding the distributed authentication information for verification. The distribution unit 330 also deletes or updates part of the information in the distribution history 358 .

[Distribution of authentication information for verification]
Next, distribution of authentication information for verification in the embodiment will be specifically described. In addition, below, it shall demonstrate for every several distribution patterns.

<First distribution pattern>
In the first distribution pattern, starting from the last battery exchange device 200 used by the user, the battery exchange device 200 that the user may use next is estimated, and the estimated battery exchange device is sent to the user. It distributes authentication information for verification of

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first distribution pattern. In the example of FIG. 9, the positions of a plurality of battery exchange devices 200-1 to 200-7 are plotted on two-dimensional coordinates (XY coordinates) included in map information 356. FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, when user U1 replaces removable battery 100 with battery exchange device 200-1, battery exchange device 200-1 transmits usage information of user U1 to management server 300. FIG.

Management unit 320 of management server 300 acquires the usage information transmitted from battery exchange device 200-1. Then, the estimation unit 332 estimates the movable distance of the electric vehicle 10 after replacing the removable battery 100 based on the acquired usage information. For example, the estimating unit 332, based on the performance information of the electric vehicle 10 associated with the card ID, the performance information of the removable battery 100 mounted on the electric vehicle 10, the number of rented removable batteries 100, etc., A movable distance from the battery exchange device 200 is estimated. For example, the performance information of the electric vehicle 10 is acquired from the user management table 352 and the performance information of the removable battery 100 is acquired from the state table 354 . For example, the estimating unit 332 may estimate the movable distance by substituting a value associated with each piece of performance information into a predetermined function. Distances may be estimated. It should be noted that the estimation unit 332 may set the movable distance to a fixed value instead of the processing described above.

Also, the estimation unit 332 estimates the movable range based on the movable distance. In the example of FIG. 9, the movable distances D1 and D2 starting from the battery exchange device 200-1 and the circles centered on the battery exchange device 200-1 and having the radii of the movable distances D1 and D2 are respectively formed. , movable ranges A1 and A2 are shown. Note that the movable ranges A1 and A2 may be represented by ellipses or other shapes instead of circles.

Further, when user U1 uses another battery exchange device 200 after using battery exchange device 200-1, estimating unit 332 determines the movable distance and Estimate the movable range. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the movable distance and the movable range when the used battery exchange device is updated. The example of FIG. 10 shows a case where user U1 uses battery exchange device 200-2 after using battery exchange device 200-1. In this case, estimation unit 332 estimates movable distance D3 with battery exchange device 200-2 as the starting point, based on the position information and usage information of battery exchange device 200-2, for example, and calculates the estimated movable distance D3. A movable range A3 formed of a circle with a radius of is estimated.

In addition to the usage information, the estimating unit 332 also acquires information about roads around the battery exchange device 200 used by the user from the map information 356, and based on the acquired road information, calculates the possible travel distance and A movable range may be estimated. In addition, the estimation unit 332 acquires road congestion information, accident information, weather information, etc. from an external device via the server-side communication unit 310, and estimates the movable distance and movable range based on the acquired information. You may This makes it possible to estimate a more realistic movable distance and movable range based on road information, weather information, and the like.

The selection unit 334 distributes verification authentication information including information necessary for authenticating the user U1 (hereinafter referred to as “first authentication information”) based on the movable range estimated by the estimation unit 332. The battery exchange device 200 to be used is selected. The first authentication information includes, for example, user U1's user ID, card ID, password, expiration date, number of removable batteries 100 that can be rented (number of mountable batteries), status, and other information. For example, when the estimating unit 332 estimates the movable range A1 shown in FIG. It is selected as a distribution destination of verification authentication information including the first authentication information. Further, when estimation unit 332 estimates movable range A2 shown in FIG. Select as the delivery destination of verification authentication information including

Further, instead of (or in addition to) the selection of the battery exchange device 200 described above, the selection unit 334 refers to the user ID and card ID of the user management table 352 based on the user ID and card ID, and selects a match. The delivery destination of the verification authentication information including the first authentication information may be selected based on the usage history associated with the user ID and the card ID. For example, in the usage history, if user U1 frequently uses battery exchange device 200-1 and then uses battery exchange device 200-6, selection unit 334 selects battery exchange device 200 as described above. Instead (or in addition), battery exchange device 200-6 is selected as a delivery destination of verification authentication information including the first authentication information.

The generation unit 336 uses information and the like included in the user management table 352 to generate verification authentication information based on the selection result of the selection unit 334 described above for each battery exchange device 200 . For example, if the selection unit 334 selects the battery exchange devices 200-1, 200-2, and 200-5 as delivery destinations of the first authentication information, the generation unit 336 selects the battery exchange devices 200-1, 200-2, The first authentication information is included in the verification authentication information generated for 200-5. If there is a battery exchange device 200 not selected as a distribution destination in the selection of distribution destinations by the selection unit 334 based on the usage status of all users, the generation unit 336 checks the battery exchange device 200. You do not need to generate authentication information for

The distribution unit 330 distributes the verification authentication information generated for each battery exchange device 200 by the generation unit 336 at an arbitrary timing. Arbitrary timing is, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 10:00 and 20:00 every day) or a predetermined period (for example, half day, one day, one week). For example, the distribution unit 330 may execute the processing up to the generation of the verification authentication information described above a predetermined time before the timing of distribution.

As a result, the amount of data can be reduced compared to sending verification authentication information for all registered users to all of the plurality of battery exchange devices 200 . Therefore, information required for user authentication can be efficiently delivered to the battery exchange device.

<Second delivery pattern>
Next, the second distribution pattern will be explained. The second distribution pattern differs from the first distribution pattern in that the selection unit 334 selects the distribution destination of the verification authentication information based on the user's position. In the following, the above-described differences will be mainly described, and other descriptions will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the second distribution pattern. In the example of FIG. 11, the positions of battery exchange devices 200-1 to 200-7 and electric vehicles 10 used by users U1 and U2 are plotted on the XY coordinates. The information necessary for authenticating the user U2 is hereinafter referred to as "second authentication information".

The estimation unit 332 acquires the positions of the electric vehicle 10 used by the users U1 and U2 as the positions of the users U1 and U2. The management unit 320 acquires the position of the electric vehicle 10 transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit 24 . Note that when the users U1 and U2 own terminal devices, the selection unit 334 and the estimation unit 332 acquire the location information of the respective terminal devices, and transmit the acquired location information of the terminal devices to the users U1 and U2. It may be the position of U2. Also, the estimation unit 332 may refer to the detailed information in the user management table 352 and use the addresses of the users U1 and U2 as the positions of the users U1 and U2.

The estimation unit 332 estimates one or both of the movable distance and the movable range based on the positions of the users U1 and U2. In addition to the positions of the users U1 and U2, the estimating unit 332 also determines the position based on the performance information of the electric vehicle 10 used by the users U1 and U2 and the performance information of the detachable battery mounted in the electric vehicle 10. may be used to estimate the movable distance or movable range. Then, the selection unit 334 selects the delivery destination of the verification authentication information of the users U1 and U2 based on the estimated movable distance or movable range.

In the example of FIG. 11, a movable distance D4 and a movable range A4 are estimated for the current position of the user U1, and a movable distance D5 and a movable range A5 are estimated for the current position of the user U2. there is In this case, selection unit 334 selects battery exchange devices 200-1 to 200-3 and 200-6 included in movable range A4 as the delivery destination of the first authentication information, , battery exchange devices 200-6 and 200-7 included within movable range A5 are selected. As a result, more efficient and less wasteful data distribution can be achieved by limiting the distribution destination of verification authentication information to be distributed based on the distance and range of movement from the user's location information. . In addition, in the second distribution pattern, even when the user has not yet used the battery exchange device 200 (for example, at the time of initial use), the distribution destination of the verification authentication information is restricted to efficiently can be delivered.

<Third distribution pattern>
Next, the third distribution pattern will be explained. In comparison with the first and second distribution patterns, the third distribution pattern uses the position of each battery exchange device 200 as a starting point, and compares the authentication information for verification of users existing within a predetermined range to the target battery exchange pattern. The difference is that they are delivered to the device 200 . In the following, the above-described differences will be mainly described, and other descriptions will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the third distribution pattern. In the example of FIG. 12, the position of battery exchange device 200-1 and the positions of users U1 to U5 are plotted on the XY coordinates. In the third distribution pattern, selection unit 334 selects authentication information necessary for authentication of users U1 to U3 present in an area (area A6) separated by a predetermined distance D6 from battery exchange apparatus 200-1. Select to send to battery exchange device 200-1. The predetermined distance D6 may be a fixed value, or may be varied according to the position of the battery exchange device 200 and the surrounding conditions. In this way, it is possible to limit the contents of the verification authentication information and the delivery destination based on the position of the battery exchange device 200 and the position of the user, so that the authentication information can be delivered more efficiently. Further, in the third distribution pattern, even if the user has not yet used the battery exchange device 200, the verification authentication information can be efficiently distributed by limiting the distribution destinations.

<Fourth distribution pattern>
Next, the fourth distribution pattern will be explained. The fourth distribution pattern differs from the first to third distribution patterns in that distribution destinations are selected based on past distribution history or user behavior patterns. In the following, the above-described differences will be mainly described, and other descriptions will be omitted.

In the fourth distribution pattern, for example, the distribution unit 330 refers to the distribution history 358, statistically processes the user IDs included in the past verification authentication information for each device ID, and User authentication information whose frequency or number of times is higher than a predetermined value is also included in verification authentication information to be distributed next.

Further, the distribution unit 330 analyzes the user's action pattern for each user ID and card ID based on the usage history of the user management table, and based on the analyzed action pattern, the possibility of next use is determined. A certain battery exchange device 200 may be selected. In this case, the distribution unit 330 generates matching authentication information including the authentication information of the user to the selected battery replacement device 200 and delivers the generated matching authentication information to the selected battery replacement device 200 .

The distribution unit 330 selects and executes one of the first to fourth distribution patterns described above. Also, the distribution unit 330 may change the distribution pattern according to the time zone or cycle of distribution. For example, the distribution unit 330 uses the third distribution pattern to distribute verification authentication information to the newly installed battery exchange device 200 because no one has used it yet. Further, when the number of users existing within the surrounding range of the battery exchange device 200 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the distribution unit 330 distributes verification authentication information using the first to second or fourth distribution patterns. you can go Further, the distribution unit 330 may perform the first to fourth distribution patterns in rotation for each distribution timing.

[Processing flow]
The flow of processing executed by the battery exchange system 1 of the embodiment will be described below. The processing executed by the battery exchange system is roughly divided into processing on the management server 300 side and processing on the battery exchange device 200 side. Therefore, below, each process shall be divided and demonstrated.

[Management server side processing]
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the management server 300 of the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 13, the management unit 320 of the management server 300 acquires battery or user information from a plurality of battery exchange devices 200 (step S100). Next, the estimation unit 332 estimates the movable distance (or movable range) of the electric vehicle 10 for each user based on the acquired information (step S102).

Next, the selection unit 334 estimates the battery exchange device 200 that may be used next for each user based on the movable distance selected by the estimation unit 332 (step S104). Next, the generation unit 336 generates verification authentication information for each estimated battery exchange device (step S106). Next, the distribution unit 330 distributes the generated verification authentication information to the target battery exchange device (step S108). Thus, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[Processing on the battery exchange device side]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the battery exchange device 200 of the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 14, the authentication unit 245 receives input of authentication information from the user (step S200). Next, the authentication unit 245 checks the authentication list 282 stored in the switching device storage unit 280 with the received authentication information (step S202), and checks whether the authentication list 282 includes matching authentication information. It is determined whether or not (step S204). If it is determined that matching authentication information does not exist, the authentication unit 245 communicates with the management server 300 through the switching device side communication unit 250, transmits the received authentication information to the management server 300, and inquires about the authentication result. (Step S206). Next, the authentication unit 245 determines whether or not the authentication result corresponding to the inquiry has been obtained (step S208). The authentication result corresponding to the inquiry may include information as to whether or not the authentication was successful, and verification authentication information in the case of success.

If it is determined in the process of step S204 that matching authentication information exists, or if it is determined in the process of step S208 that the authentication information corresponding to the inquiry has been obtained, the authentication unit 245 satisfies the usage condition. It is determined whether or not (step S210). The terms of use here are, for example, that the expiration date for which the battery exchange system 1 can be used has not passed, and that the use of the battery exchange system 1 has not been suspended due to unauthorized use.

If it is determined that the usage condition is satisfied, the authentication unit 245 determines that the user has been successfully authenticated, and permits the user to use the service (step S212). In the processing of step S212, when the user is permitted to use the battery, the replacement control unit 262 opens the empty slot 210 to accommodate the used removable battery 100 to be replaced. Next, the replacement control unit 262 determines whether or not the removable battery 100 housed in the opened slot is a regular battery (step S214). If it is determined that a proper battery is stored, the replacement control unit 262 opens the slot in which the charged detachable battery 100 is stored and lends it (step S216). Next, the usage information upload unit 270 uploads the usage information to the management server 300 (step S218). Further, when it is determined in the process of step S214 that the proper battery is not housed, the replacement control section 262 performs error processing (step S220). In the process of step S220, the exchange control unit 262 causes the display unit 235 to display information indicating that the charged detachable battery 100 cannot be lent out because the proper battery is not stored. Alternatively, the slot may be opened so that the used removable battery 100 stored in the empty slot can be taken out.

If it is determined in the process of step S208 that the authentication information corresponding to the inquiry has not been obtained, or if it is determined in the process of step S210 that the usage conditions are not satisfied, the battery can be replaced according to the user authentication result. The user is notified that the device 200 cannot be used (step S222). Thus, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[Variation]
In the above-described embodiment, when the authentication information input by the user is not stored in the authentication list 282 stored in the exchange device-side storage unit 280, the battery exchange device 200 inquires of the management server 300 about the authentication information. I do. However, due to a disaster such as a typhoon or an earthquake, a system error, or the like, communication between the battery exchange device 200 and the management server 300 becomes impossible, and inquiries to the management server 300 may not be possible. Therefore, when inquiring of the management server 300 about user authentication information, the battery exchange device 200 checks whether the authentication has succeeded if communication with the management server 300 is not possible for a predetermined period of time or longer and if predetermined conditions are met. Regardless of whether or not the charged detachable battery 100 may be rented. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the authentication information input by the user for user authentication matches the registrant information of the battery exchange system 1, or when communication with the authentication information is impossible This includes cases where a flag that permits lending is included. As a result, even if regular user authentication cannot be performed due to a communication error or the like, the detachable battery 100 can be rented out without waiting for communication to be restored.

When lending out the removable battery 100 by the method described above, the exchange control unit 262 stores the authentication information from the user in the exchange device side storage unit 280, and sends it to the management server 300 after communication is restored. The exchange device side storage section 280 is queried for authentication information. If matching authentication information exists in the user management table 352 and the usage conditions are satisfied, the management server 300 updates the usage history for that user. On the other hand, if there is no matching authentication information in the user management table 352, or if the usage conditions are not met, the management server 300 suspends subsequent usage by the user. In this case, the management server 300 sets the status of the user management table 352 to "suspended" and prohibits subsequent use of the removable battery.

Further, the distribution unit 330 may distribute a list of users whose use has been suspended (unusable list) to the battery exchange device 200 at any timing. The arbitrary timing here is, for example, the timing at predetermined time intervals or the timing when the number of users whose status is suspended is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The battery exchange device 200 to which the usage prohibition list has been distributed may compare the authentication information from the user with the usage prohibition list at the time of authentication, and may assume that the user has been authenticated successfully if they do not match.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the battery exchange system 1, a plurality of battery exchanges are performed to perform exchange services for the detachable batteries 100 that are detachably attached to the electric vehicle 10 and that supply power for running the electric vehicle 10. A device 200 that acquires information about a removable battery 100 or a user between a plurality of battery exchange devices 200 that execute an exchange service when user authentication is successful, and the plurality of battery exchange devices 200. Based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit (server-side communication unit 310 and management unit 320) and the acquisition unit, authentication information required for user authentication is obtained from some of the plurality of battery exchange devices 200. a management device (management server 300) including a distribution unit 330 that distributes to the exchange device 200, and the battery exchange device 200 authenticates the user based on the authentication information distributed from the management device, Information required for user authentication can be efficiently delivered to the battery exchange device.

The above embodiment can be expressed as follows.
a storage device storing a program;
a hardware processor;
By the hardware processor executing the program stored in the storage device,
When the user authentication is successful, information on the battery or the user is acquired with a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute a detachable battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle. death,
Distributing authentication information required for authentication of the user to some battery exchange devices among the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the acquired information;
causing the some battery exchange device to authenticate the user based on the distributed authentication information;
A management device configured to:

As described above, the mode for carrying out the present invention has been described using the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments at all, and various modifications and replacements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. can be added.

Reference Signs List 1 battery exchange system 10 electric vehicle 100 detachable battery 200 battery exchange device 210 slot 220 exchange device side connection unit 230 charger 235 display unit 240 reading unit 245...Authentication unit 250...Exchange device side communication unit 260...Exchange device side control unit 262...Exchange control unit 264...Charge control unit 266...Authentication list update control unit 268...Battery information upload unit 270... Usage information upload unit 280 Exchange device side storage unit 282 Authentication list 284 Battery information 300 Management server 310 Server side communication unit 320 Management unit 330 Distribution unit 332 Estimation unit 334... Selection unit, 336... Generation unit, 350... Server-side storage unit, NW... Network

Claims (12)

A plurality of battery exchange devices that are detachably attached to an electric vehicle and perform a battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle, wherein the exchange service is performed when user authentication is successful. a plurality of battery exchange devices that perform
an acquisition unit that acquires information about the battery or the user from the plurality of battery exchange devices;
a delivery unit configured to deliver authentication information required for authentication of the user to some of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit. a device;
The battery exchange device authenticates the user based on the authentication information delivered from the management device.
battery exchange system. The distribution unit distributes the authentication information of the user to a battery exchange device that may be used by the user, among the plurality of battery exchange devices.
The battery exchange system according to claim 1. The distributing unit determines the possibility that the user will use the battery exchange device next based on the movable distance of the electric vehicle starting from the battery exchange device last used by the user among the plurality of battery exchange devices. estimating a certain battery exchange device, and delivering the authentication information of the user to the estimated battery exchange device;
The battery exchange system according to claim 2. The battery exchange device
a storage unit that stores the authentication information distributed from the distribution unit;
an authentication unit that authenticates a user who accepts the return and lending of the battery using the authentication information stored in the storage unit;
The battery exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising an update control unit that updates the authentication information stored in the storage unit by replacing it with newly acquired authentication information when the authentication information delivered by the delivery unit is acquired,
The battery exchange system according to claim 4. The distribution unit generates difference information from authentication information already distributed to the battery exchange device, distributes the generated difference information to the battery exchange device,
When the update control unit acquires the difference information distributed by the distribution unit, the update control unit updates the authentication information stored in the storage unit based on the difference information.
The battery exchange system according to claim 5. The update control unit deletes the authentication information related to the specific user from the authentication information stored in the storage unit when the specific user is included in the difference information.
The battery exchange system according to claim 6. The distribution unit generates authentication information necessary for authenticating a user existing within a predetermined range from the battery exchange device, and distributes the generated authentication information to the battery exchange device.
The battery exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The distribution unit distributes the battery exchange device based on location information of the electric vehicle of the user, location information of the terminal device used by the user, usage history of the battery exchange device, or address of the user. estimating a user existing within a predetermined range from, and generating authentication information necessary for authenticating the estimated user,
The battery exchange system according to claim 8. an acquisition unit that acquires information on the battery from a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute a detachable battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle when user authentication is successful; ,
Based on the information of the battery acquired by the acquiring unit, the authentication information necessary for authentication of the user is delivered to a part of the battery replacement devices among the plurality of battery replacement devices, and the delivered authentication information. a delivery unit that causes the some battery exchange device to authenticate the user based on
A management device comprising the computer
When the user authentication is successful, information on the battery or the user is acquired with a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute a detachable battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle. death,
Distributing authentication information required for authentication of the user to some battery exchange devices among the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the acquired information;
causing the some battery exchange device to authenticate the user based on the distributed authentication information;
Management method. to the computer,
When the user authentication is successful, information on the battery or the user is acquired with a plurality of battery exchange devices that execute a detachable battery exchange service that supplies power for running the electric vehicle. let
Distributing authentication information necessary for authentication of the user to some of the plurality of battery exchange devices based on the obtained information,
causing the some battery exchange device to authenticate the user based on the distributed authentication information;
program.

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