JP7632176B2

JP7632176B2 - Method, server, and program

Info

Publication number: JP7632176B2
Application number: JP2021136669A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雅敏林; 忠大柏井; 慎太郎松谷
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2021-08-24
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2025-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-24
Also published as: JP2023031145A

Description

本開示は、方法、サーバ、及びプログラムに関する。 The present disclosure relates to a method, a server, and a program.

従来、給電可能な車両を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術が知られている。例えば特許文献１には、災害に伴う電力不足時に複数の給電車両を用いて複数の避難施設に給電することが開示されている。 Technology for providing power support during disasters using vehicles capable of supplying power is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the use of multiple power supply vehicles to supply power to multiple evacuation facilities during power shortages caused by disasters.

特開２０１７－１１２８０６号公報JP 2017-112806 A

給電可能な車両を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術の改善が望まれている。 There is a need for improved technology to provide power support during disasters using vehicles capable of supplying electricity.

かかる事情に鑑みてなされた本開示の目的は、給電可能な車両を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術を改善することにある。 In light of these circumstances, the purpose of this disclosure is to improve technology for providing power support during disasters using vehicles capable of supplying power.

本開示の一実施形態に係る方法は、
サーバが実行する方法であって、
電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値を取得すること、
複数の車両のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得すること、
前記複数の車両のうち、前記災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両を特定すること、
前記災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両の上限台数を取得すること、及び
前記上限台数をＮｍａｘ、前記下限値をＷｍｉｎ、特定された前記車両の台数をＮ１、及びＮ１台の前記車両が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１として、Ｎｍａｘ、Ｗｍｉｎ、Ｎ１、及びＷ１を示す第１情報を出力することを含む。 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises:
A server-implemented method, comprising:
Obtaining a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
obtaining an upper limit number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location; and outputting first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit number, N1 is the number of the identified vehicles, and W1 is a total amount of power that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles.

本開示の一実施形態に係るサーバは、
制御部を備えるサーバであって、
前記制御部は、
電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値を取得し、
複数の車両のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得し、
前記複数の車両のうち、前記災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両を特定し、
前記災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両の上限台数を取得し、
前記上限台数をＮｍａｘ、前記下限値をＷｍｉｎ、特定された前記車両の台数をＮ１、及びＮ１台の前記車両が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１として、Ｎｍａｘ、Ｗｍｉｎ、Ｎ１、及びＷ１を示す第１情報を出力する。 The server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A server including a control unit,
The control unit is
Obtain a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
Obtaining an upper limit of the number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location;
The upper limit number is Nmax, the lower limit is Wmin, the number of identified vehicles is N1, and the total amount of electricity that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles is W1, and first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1 is output.

本開示の一実施形態に係るプログラムは、
コンピュータに、
電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値を取得すること、
複数の車両のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得すること、
前記複数の車両のうち、前記災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両を特定すること、
前記災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両の上限台数を取得すること、及び
前記上限台数をＮｍａｘ、前記下限値をＷｍｉｎ、特定された前記車両の台数をＮ１、及びＮ１台の前記車両が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１として、Ｎｍａｘ、Ｗｍｉｎ、Ｎ１、及びＷ１を示す第１情報を出力することを実行させる。 A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
On the computer,
Obtaining a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
The system executes the following: acquiring an upper limit number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location; and outputting first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit number, N1 is the number of the identified vehicles, and W1 is the total amount of electricity that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles.

本開示の一実施形態によれば、給電可能な車両を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術が改善される。 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, technology for providing power support during disasters using vehicles capable of supplying power is improved.

本開示の一実施形態に係るシステムの概略構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 車両の概略構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle. サーバの概略構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. サーバの動作を示すフローチャートである。13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server. サーバが取得する情報の例を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information acquired by a server. 時刻ｔ１～ｔ８の時系列を示す図である。A diagram showing a time series of times t1 to t8.

以下、本開示の実施形態について説明する。 The following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure.

（実施形態の概要）
図１を参照して、本開示の一実施形態に係るシステム１の概要について説明する。システム１は、複数の車両１０と、サーバ２０と、を備える。車両１０及びサーバ２０は、例えば移動体通信網及びインターネット等を含むネットワーク３０と通信可能に接続される。 (Overview of the embodiment)
An overview of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10 and a server 20. The vehicles 10 and the server 20 are communicatively connected to a network 30 including, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet.

車両１０は、例えば自動車であるが、これに限られず任意の車両であってもよい。車両１０は、例えば一般乗用車、シェアカー、公共交通車両、又は災害支援車両等として利用され得るが、車両１０の利用態様はこれらに限られず、任意である。車両１０は、運転者によって運転されてもよい。車両１０は、例えばＳＡＥ（Society of Automotive Engineers）において定義されるレベル１乃至５等の自動運転が可能であってもよい。車両１０のユーザは、例えば車両１０の所有者、賃借者、運転者、乗員、又は乗客等であるが、これらに限られない。 The vehicle 10 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited to this and may be any vehicle. The vehicle 10 may be used, for example, as a general passenger car, a shared car, a public transportation vehicle, or a disaster support vehicle, but the manner of use of the vehicle 10 is not limited to these and may be any. The vehicle 10 may be driven by a driver. The vehicle 10 may be capable of automated driving, such as levels 1 to 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The user of the vehicle 10 is, for example, the owner, lessee, driver, crew member, or passenger of the vehicle 10, but is not limited to these.

本実施形態において車両１０は、車両１０に搭載された二次電池から家庭用電力を供給する機能（以下、「電力供給機能」ともいう。）を有する。家庭用電力は、例えば日本では、電圧が１００Ｖであり、周波数が５０Ｈｚ又は６０Ｈｚの交流電力である。しかしながら、家庭用電力の電圧及び周波数はこれに限られない。或いは、家庭用電力は直流電力であってもよい。後述するように車両１０は、電力支援を要する災害支援場所へ移動して電力を供給し得る。電力支援を要する災害支援場所は、例えば災害時の避難場所等であるがこれに限られず、災害時に電力を供給すべき任意の場所であってもよい。 In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 has a function of supplying household power from a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "power supply function"). In Japan, for example, household power is AC power with a voltage of 100 V and a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. However, the voltage and frequency of household power are not limited to this. Alternatively, household power may be DC power. As described below, the vehicle 10 can move to a disaster support location that requires power support and supply power. A disaster support location that requires power support is, for example, an evacuation site during a disaster, but is not limited to this, and may be any location to which power should be supplied during a disaster.

サーバ２０は、１つ又は互いに通信可能な複数のコンピュータである。サーバ２０は、ネットワーク３０を介して各車両１０と通信可能である。 The server 20 is one or more computers that can communicate with each other. The server 20 can communicate with each vehicle 10 via the network 30.

まず、本実施形態の概要について説明し、詳細については後述する。サーバ２０は、電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値を取得する。サーバ２０は、複数の車両１０のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得する。サーバ２０は、複数の車両１０のうち、当該災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両１０を特定する。サーバ２０は、当該災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両１０の上限台数を取得する。そしてサーバ２０は、上限台数をＮｍａｘ、供給すべき電力量の下限値をＷｍｉｎ、特定された車両１０の台数をＮ１、及びＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１として、Ｎｍａｘ、Ｗｍｉｎ、Ｎ１、及びＷ１を示す第１情報を出力する。 First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The server 20 acquires a lower limit value of the amount of power to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring power support. The server 20 acquires the value of the amount of power that each of the multiple vehicles 10 can supply. The server 20 identifies each vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles 10 that has set the disaster support location as the destination for route guidance. The server 20 acquires the upper limit number of vehicles 10 that can be parked at the disaster support location. The server 20 then outputs first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit value of the amount of power to be supplied, N1 is the number of identified vehicles 10, and W1 is the total amount of power that the N1 vehicles 10 can supply.

本実施形態によれば、例えば後述する不都合が発生する可能性が低減する点で、給電可能な車両１０を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術が改善される。 According to this embodiment, the technology for providing power support during disasters using a vehicle 10 capable of supplying power is improved in that, for example, the possibility of the occurrence of the inconveniences described below is reduced.

例えば、電力支援を行うべく災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している車両１０の台数Ｎ１が、当該災害支援場所に駐車可能な上限台数Ｎｍａｘを超えている状況を考える。かかる状況では、災害支援場所に駐車できない数の車両１０が集中してしまい、例えば災害支援場所の近傍で渋滞が発生して円滑な電力支援が実施できない等の不都合が発生し得る。これに対して本実施形態によれば、各車両１０の運転者は、出力された第１情報に基づいて、災害支援場所を目的地に設定している車両１０の台数Ｎ１が上限台数Ｎｍａｘを超えていることを認識し得る。台数Ｎ１が上限台数Ｎｍａｘを超えていることを認識した運転者は、円滑な電力支援を阻害しないように、災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期又は延期を決断し得る。したがって、１つの災害支援場所に多数の車両１０が集中する可能性が低減するので、例えば災害支援場所の近傍で渋滞が発生してしまい円滑な電力支援が実施できない等の不都合が発生する可能性が低減する。 For example, consider a situation in which the number N1 of vehicles 10 that have set the disaster support location as the destination of route guidance to provide power support exceeds the upper limit number Nmax of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location. In such a situation, a number of vehicles 10 that cannot be parked at the disaster support location may be concentrated, and inconveniences such as congestion occurring near the disaster support location and making it impossible to provide smooth power support may occur. In response to this, according to the present embodiment, the driver of each vehicle 10 may recognize that the number N1 of vehicles 10 that have set the disaster support location as the destination exceeds the upper limit number Nmax based on the output first information. The driver who recognizes that the number N1 exceeds the upper limit number Nmax may decide to cancel, postpone, or postpone the movement to the disaster support location so as not to hinder smooth power support. Therefore, the possibility of a large number of vehicles 10 concentrating at one disaster support location is reduced, and the possibility of inconveniences such as congestion occurring near the disaster support location and making it impossible to provide smooth power support is reduced.

また例えば、電力支援を行うべく災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定しているＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１が、当該災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎを超えている状況を考える。かかる状況では、当該Ｎ１台の車両１０によって当該災害支援場所に対する電力支援が十分に実施可能であるにも関わらず、必要以上の数の車両１０が当該災害支援場所に集中してしまい、被災地域全体に対して効率的な電力支援が実施できない等の不都合が発生し得る。これに対して本実施形態によれば、各車両１０の運転者は、出力された第１情報に基づいて、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定しているＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１が、当該災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎを超えていることを認識し得る。合計電力量Ｗ１が下限値Ｗｍｉｎを超えていることを認識した運転者は、例えば被災地域における他の災害支援場所への移動を決断し得る。したがって、例えば１つの災害支援場所に必要以上の数の車両１０が集中してしまい被災地域全体に対する効率的な電力支援が実施できない等の不都合が発生する可能性が低減する。 Also, for example, consider a situation in which the total amount of power W1 that can be supplied by N1 vehicles 10 that have set a disaster support location as the destination of route guidance to provide power support exceeds the lower limit value Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to the disaster support location. In such a situation, even though the N1 vehicles 10 can provide sufficient power support to the disaster support location, a greater number of vehicles 10 than necessary may be concentrated at the disaster support location, and efficient power support may not be provided to the entire disaster area. In response to this, according to this embodiment, the driver of each vehicle 10 may recognize, based on the output first information, that the total amount of power W1 that can be supplied by N1 vehicles 10 that have set a disaster support location as the destination of route guidance exceeds the lower limit value Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to the disaster support location. The driver who recognizes that the total amount of power W1 exceeds the lower limit value Wmin may decide to move to another disaster support location in the disaster area, for example. This reduces the possibility of inconveniences such as a concentration of more vehicles 10 than necessary at one disaster support location, making it impossible to provide efficient power support to the entire disaster-stricken area.

次に、システム１の各構成について、詳細に説明する。 Next, each component of System 1 will be described in detail.

（車両の構成）
図２に示すように、車両１０は、通信部１１と、測位部１２と、出力部１３と、入力部１４と、記憶部１５と、制御部１６と、を備える。 (Vehicle configuration)
As shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle 10 includes a communication unit 11 , a positioning unit 12 , an output unit 13 , an input unit 14 , a storage unit 15 , and a control unit 16 .

通信部１１は、ネットワーク３０に接続する１つ以上の通信インタフェースを含む。当該通信インタフェースは、例えば４Ｇ（4th Generation）若しくは５Ｇ（5th Generation）等の移動体通信規格に対応するが、これらに限られない。 The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces that connect to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to mobile communication standards such as, but are not limited to, 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation).

測位部１２は、車両１０の位置情報を取得する１つ以上の装置を含む。具体的には、測位部１２は、例えばＧＰＳに対応する受信機を含むが、これに限られず、任意の衛星測位システムに対応する受信機を含んでもよい。 The positioning unit 12 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 12 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with GPS, but is not limited to this, and may include a receiver compatible with any satellite positioning system.

出力部１３は、情報を出力してユーザに通知する１つ以上の出力装置を含む。当該出力装置は、例えば情報を映像で出力するディスプレイ、又は情報を音声で出力するスピーカ等であるが、これらに限られない。ディスプレイは、映像を実像で出力するパネルディスプレイであってもよく、或いは映像を虚像で表示するヘッドアップディスプレイであってもよい。 The output unit 13 includes one or more output devices that output information to notify the user. The output devices are, for example, but not limited to, a display that outputs information as a video or a speaker that outputs information as audio. The display may be a panel display that outputs a video as a real image, or a head-up display that displays a video as a virtual image.

入力部１４は、ユーザ入力を検出する１つ以上の入力装置を含む。当該入力装置は、例えば物理キー、静電容量キー、出力部１３のディスプレイと一体的に設けられたタッチスクリーン、音声入力を受け付けるマイクロフォン、又はカメラ等であるが、これらに限られない。 The input unit 14 includes one or more input devices that detect user input. Examples of the input devices include, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touch screen that is integrated with the display of the output unit 13, a microphone that accepts voice input, or a camera.

記憶部１５は、１つ以上のメモリを含む。メモリは、例えば半導体メモリ、磁気メモリ、又は光メモリ等であるが、これらに限られない。記憶部１５に含まれる各メモリは、例えば主記憶装置、補助記憶装置、又はキャッシュメモリとして機能してもよい。記憶部１５は、車両１０の動作に用いられる任意の情報を記憶する。例えば、記憶部１５は、システムプログラム、アプリケーションプログラム、及び組み込みソフトウェア等を記憶してもよい。記憶部１５に記憶された情報は、例えば通信部１１を介してネットワーク３０から取得される情報で更新可能であってもよい。 The storage unit 15 includes one or more memories. The memories are, for example, but not limited to, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 15 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 15 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 15 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 15 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 11.

制御部１６は、１つ以上のプロセッサ、１つ以上のプログラマブル回路、１つ以上の専用回路、又はこれらの組合せを含む。プロセッサは、例えばＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）若しくはＧＰＵ（Graphics Processing Unit）等の汎用プロセッサ、又は特定の処理に特化した専用プロセッサであるがこれらに限られない。プログラマブル回路は、例えばＦＰＧＡ（Field-Programmable Gate Array）であるがこれに限られない。専用回路は、例えばＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）であるがこれに限られない。制御部１６は、車両１０全体の動作を制御する。 The control unit 16 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is, for example, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The dedicated circuit is, for example, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 16 controls the operation of the entire vehicle 10.

（サーバの構成）
図３に示すように、サーバ２０は、通信部２１と、記憶部２２と、制御部２３と、を備える。 (Server configuration)
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

通信部２１は、ネットワーク３０に接続する１つ以上の通信インタフェースを含む。当該通信インタフェースは、例えば移動体通信規格、有線ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）規格、又は無線ＬＡＮ規格に対応するが、これらに限られず、任意の通信規格に対応してもよい。 The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces that connect to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard.

記憶部２２は、１つ以上のメモリを含む。記憶部２２に含まれる各メモリは、例えば主記憶装置、補助記憶装置、又はキャッシュメモリとして機能してもよい。記憶部２２は、サーバ２０の動作に用いられる任意の情報を記憶する。例えば、記憶部２２は、システムプログラム、アプリケーションプログラム、データベース、及び地図情報等を記憶してもよい。記憶部２２に記憶された情報は、例えば通信部２１を介してネットワーク３０から取得される情報で更新可能であってもよい。 The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the server 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, databases, map information, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 21.

制御部２３は、１つ以上のプロセッサ、１つ以上のプログラマブル回路、１つ以上の専用回路、又はこれらの組合せを含む。制御部２３は、サーバ２０全体の動作を制御する。 The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the entire server 20.

（サーバの動作フロー）
図４を参照して、サーバ２０の動作のフローについて説明する。当該動作は、災害時に、例えば定期的に実行され得る。また当該動作は、被災地域に含まれる災害支援場所毎に実行され得る。 (Server operation flow)
The flow of operations of the server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The operations may be executed periodically during a disaster, or may be executed for each disaster support location included in the disaster area.

ステップＳ１００：サーバ２０の制御部２３は、電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎを取得する。 Step S100: The control unit 23 of the server 20 acquires the lower limit Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring power support.

具体的には、制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して外部サーバから、災害支援場所に関する情報を取得する。或いは制御部２３は、オペレータによって入力された当該情報を取得してもよい。制御部２３は、取得された情報に基づいて下限値Ｗｍｉｎを取得する。 Specifically, the control unit 23 acquires information about disaster support locations from an external server via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may acquire the information input by an operator. The control unit 23 acquires the lower limit value Wmin based on the acquired information.

ここで災害支援場所に関する情報は、災害支援場所に関する任意の情報を含み得る。例えば災害支援場所に関する情報は、災害支援場所に避難している人々の人数を示す情報を含んでもよい。かかる場合、制御部２３は、避難している人々の人数に基づいて下限値Ｗｍｉｎを推定する。典型的には、制御部２３は、避難している人々の人数が多いほど、下限値Ｗｍｉｎが大きくなるように推定する。また例えば、災害支援場所に関する情報は、災害支援場所に設けられた蓄電池等の非常用電源の残存電力量を示す情報を含んでもよい。かかる場合、制御部２３は、非常用電源の残存電力量に基づいて下限値Ｗｍｉｎを推定する。典型的には、制御部２３は、非常用電源の残存電力量が少ないほど下限値Ｗｍｉｎが大きくなるように推定する。 Here, the information about the disaster support location may include any information about the disaster support location. For example, the information about the disaster support location may include information indicating the number of people evacuated to the disaster support location. In such a case, the control unit 23 estimates the lower limit value Wmin based on the number of people evacuated. Typically, the control unit 23 estimates the lower limit value Wmin to be larger the greater the number of people evacuated. Also, for example, the information about the disaster support location may include information indicating the remaining power of an emergency power source such as a storage battery provided at the disaster support location. In such a case, the control unit 23 estimates the lower limit value Wmin based on the remaining power of the emergency power source. Typically, the control unit 23 estimates the lower limit value Wmin to be larger the smaller the remaining power of the emergency power source.

或いは、災害支援場所に関する情報は、災害支援場所から支援を要求されている電力量を示す情報を含んでもよい。かかる場合、制御部２３は、要求された電力量の値を下限値Ｗｍｉｎとして取得する。しかしながら、下限値Ｗｍｉｎの取得には、上述した例に限られず任意の手法が採用可能である。 Alternatively, the information about the disaster support location may include information indicating the amount of power for which support is requested from the disaster support location. In such a case, the control unit 23 acquires the value of the requested amount of power as the lower limit value Wmin. However, the acquisition of the lower limit value Wmin is not limited to the above example, and any method can be used.

ステップＳ１０１：制御部２３は、複数の車両１０のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得する。 Step S101: The control unit 23 acquires the value of the amount of electricity that each of the multiple vehicles 10 can supply.

車両１０が供給可能な電力量は、上述した電力供給機能によって車両１０が受電側の装置に供給可能な電力量である。車両１０が供給可能な電力量の値の取得には、任意の手法が採用可能である。例えば制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して各車両１０から、車両１０に搭載された二次電池の残存電力量を示す情報を受信してもよい。制御部２３は、車両１０の二次電池の残存電力量の値を、車両１０が供給可能な電力量の値として取得してもよい。 The amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply is the amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply to a power receiving device by the power supply function described above. Any method can be used to acquire the value of the amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply. For example, the control unit 23 may receive information indicating the remaining amount of power in the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle 10 from each vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. The control unit 23 may acquire the value of the remaining amount of power in the secondary battery of the vehicle 10 as the value of the amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply.

或いは制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して各車両１０から、車両１０に搭載された二次電池の残存電力量を示す情報と、車両１０の位置情報及び燃費情報と、を受信してもよい。制御部２３は、車両１０の位置情報及び燃費情報、並びに災害支援場所の位置情報に基づいて、車両１０が現在位置と災害支援場所を往復するのに必要な電力量を推定してもよい。制御部２３は、推定された電力量を、車両１０に搭載された二次電池の残存電力量から減算した値を、車両１０が供給可能な電力量の値として取得してもよい。 Alternatively, the control unit 23 may receive information indicating the remaining power of the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle 10, and the location information and fuel efficiency information of the vehicle 10 from each vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. The control unit 23 may estimate the amount of power required for the vehicle 10 to travel between its current location and the disaster support location based on the location information and fuel efficiency information of the vehicle 10, and the location information of the disaster support location. The control unit 23 may obtain a value obtained by subtracting the estimated amount of power from the remaining power of the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle 10 as the value of the amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply.

ステップＳ１０２：制御部２３は、複数の車両１０のうち、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両１０を特定する。 Step S102: The control unit 23 identifies each vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles 10 that has set the disaster support location as the destination for route guidance.

具体的には、制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して各車両１０から、経路案内の目的地を示す情報を受信する。制御部２３は、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両１０を特定する。ここで、例えば災害支援を行うために災害支援場所に向かっている又はこれから向かおうとしている車両１０は、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している蓋然性が高い。例えば、ボランティア活動で自発的に災害支援を行う個人又は団体の車両１０、及び救援要請に応じて災害支援を行う団体の車両１０等が、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定し得る。したがって、災害支援を行うために災害支援場所に向かっている又はこれから向かおうとしている蓋然性の高い各車両１０が、制御部２３によって特定され得る。 Specifically, the control unit 23 receives information indicating the destination of route guidance from each vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. The control unit 23 identifies each vehicle 10 that has set the disaster support location as the destination of route guidance. Here, for example, a vehicle 10 that is heading or about to head to a disaster support location to provide disaster support is highly likely to have set the disaster support location as the destination of route guidance. For example, a vehicle 10 of an individual or group that voluntarily provides disaster support through volunteer activities, and a vehicle 10 of a group that provides disaster support in response to a rescue request, etc., may set the disaster support location as the destination of route guidance. Therefore, each vehicle 10 that is highly likely to be heading or about to head to a disaster support location to provide disaster support can be identified by the control unit 23.

ここで制御部２３は、特定された各車両１０について、車両１０が災害支援場所に到着すると予測される時刻（以下、「到着予測時刻」ともいう。）と、車両１０が災害支援場所での電力供給が終了すると予測される時刻（以下、「終了予測時刻」ともいう。）と、を更に取得してもよい。車両１０の到着予測時刻及び終了予測時刻の取得には、任意の手法が採用可能である。例えば制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して各車両１０から、経路案内における到着時刻を示す情報を受信し、当該到着時刻を上記の到着予測時刻として取得してもよい。また制御部２３は、例えば車両１０が供給可能な電力量に基づいて、当該電力量を車両１０が供給し終えるのに要する時間（以下、「供給時間」ともいう。）を推定してもよい。一例において制御部２３は、単位時間あたりの供給電力量を予め定めておき、単位時間あたりの供給電力量で、車両１０が供給可能な電力量を除算して得られた値を、供給時間として取得してもよい。そして制御部２３は、到着予測時刻から当該時間が経過した時刻を終了予測時刻として取得してもよい。 Here, the control unit 23 may further acquire, for each identified vehicle 10, the time when the vehicle 10 is predicted to arrive at the disaster support location (hereinafter also referred to as the "predicted arrival time") and the time when the vehicle 10 is predicted to end the power supply at the disaster support location (hereinafter also referred to as the "predicted end time"). Any method can be adopted to acquire the predicted arrival time and predicted end time of the vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 23 may receive information indicating the arrival time in the route guidance from each vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30, and acquire the arrival time as the predicted arrival time. In addition, the control unit 23 may estimate, for example, the time required for the vehicle 10 to finish supplying the amount of power (hereinafter also referred to as the "supply time") based on the amount of power that the vehicle 10 can supply. In one example, the control unit 23 may determine the amount of power supply per unit time in advance, and acquire the value obtained by dividing the amount of power supply that the vehicle 10 can supply by the amount of power supply per unit time as the supply time. The control unit 23 may then obtain the time that is the time that has elapsed since the predicted arrival time as the predicted end time.

以下、ステップＳ１０２で特定された車両１０（すなわち、災害支援場所を目的地に設定している車両１０）の台数をＮ１とし、当該Ｎ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１とする。 Hereinafter, the number of vehicles 10 identified in step S102 (i.e., vehicles 10 that have set the disaster support location as their destination) is defined as N1, and the total amount of electricity that can be supplied by these N1 vehicles 10 is defined as W1.

ステップＳ１０３：制御部２３は、災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両１０の上限台数Ｎｍａｘを取得する。 Step S103: The control unit 23 obtains the maximum number Nmax of vehicles 10 that can be parked at the disaster support location.

具体的には、制御部２３は、例えば記憶部２２に記憶された地図情報に基づいて、災害支援場所の面積を示す情報を取得する。災害支援場所の面積は、例えば災害支援場所全体の面積であってもよく、災害支援場所において駐車場として利用可能なスペース（例えば、災害支援場所において建物が存在しないスペース）の面積であってもよい。制御部２３は、災害支援場所の面積に基づいて上限台数Ｎｍａｘを取得する。 Specifically, the control unit 23 acquires information indicating the area of the disaster support location, for example, based on map information stored in the memory unit 22. The area of the disaster support location may be, for example, the area of the entire disaster support location, or may be the area of a space available as a parking lot in the disaster support location (for example, a space in the disaster support location where no buildings exist). The control unit 23 acquires the maximum number of vehicles Nmax based on the area of the disaster support location.

例えば制御部２３は、災害支援場所の面積を所定の単位面積（例えば、１台の車両１０が駐車するために必要なスペースの面積）で除算して得られた値を、上限台数Ｎｍａｘとして取得してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、ステップＳ１０２で特定された各車両１０から通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して、車両１０の車種又は大きさと、災害支援場所への到着予測時刻と、を取得してもよい。制御部２３は、各車両１０の車種又は大きさと災害支援場所の面積とに基づいて、到着予測時刻が早い車両１０から順番に災害支援場所に駐車可能な最大台数を、上限台数Ｎｍａｘとして推定してもよい。具体的には、制御部２３は、車両１０が駐車するために必要な面積を車種又は大きさごとに予め決定しておく。制御部２３は、到着予測時刻が早い車両１０から順に１台以上の車両１０が駐車するために必要な合計面積を算出してもよい。制御部２３は、算出される合計面積が災害支援場所の面積を超えない範囲において最大となるときの車両１０の台数を、上限台数Ｎｍａｘとして推定してもよい。 For example, the control unit 23 may obtain the value obtained by dividing the area of the disaster support location by a predetermined unit area (for example, the area of the space required for parking one vehicle 10) as the upper limit number Nmax. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may obtain the vehicle type or size of the vehicle 10 and the predicted arrival time at the disaster support location from each vehicle 10 identified in step S102 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. The control unit 23 may estimate the maximum number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location in order from the vehicle 10 with the earliest predicted arrival time as the upper limit number Nmax based on the vehicle type or size of each vehicle 10 and the area of the disaster support location. Specifically, the control unit 23 determines in advance the area required for parking the vehicle 10 for each vehicle type or size. The control unit 23 may calculate the total area required for parking one or more vehicles 10 in order from the vehicle 10 with the earliest predicted arrival time. The control unit 23 may estimate the number of vehicles 10 when the calculated total area is maximum without exceeding the area of the disaster support location as the upper limit number Nmax.

ステップＳ１０４：制御部２３は、災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両の上限台数Ｎｍａｘ、災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎ、ステップＳ１０２で特定された車両１０の台数Ｎ１、及び当該Ｎ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１を示す第１情報を出力する。 Step S104: The control unit 23 outputs first information indicating the upper limit number Nmax of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location, the lower limit Wmin of the amount of electricity to be supplied to the disaster support location, the number N1 of the vehicles 10 identified in step S102, and the total amount of electricity W1 that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles 10.

出力された第１情報は、複数の車両１０それぞれのユーザに通知され得る。具体的には、制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して複数の車両１０のそれぞれに対して第１情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、複数の車両１０それぞれのユーザが使用する端末装置、メールアドレス、又はユーザアカウントに対して第１情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、ネットワーク３０を介して複数の車両１０それぞれのユーザが閲覧可能となるように、第１情報を公開することにより出力してもよい。上述したように、各車両１０の運転者は、出力された第１情報に基づいて、災害支援場所を目的地に設定している車両１０の台数Ｎ１が上限台数Ｎｍａｘを超えているか否か、及び、災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定しているＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１が当該災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎを超えているか否か等を確認し得る。 The output first information may be notified to each user of the multiple vehicles 10. Specifically, the control unit 23 may output the first information to each of the multiple vehicles 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the first information to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by each user of the multiple vehicles 10. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the first information by making it public so that the users of the multiple vehicles 10 can view it via the network 30. As described above, the driver of each vehicle 10 can check, based on the output first information, whether the number N1 of vehicles 10 that have set the disaster support location as their destination exceeds the upper limit number Nmax, and whether the total amount of power W1 that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles 10 that have set the disaster support location as their route guidance destination exceeds the lower limit value Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to the disaster support location.

ステップＳ１０５：制御部２３は、災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両１０の上限台数ＮｍａｘよりもステップＳ１０２で特定された車両１０の台数Ｎ１が大きいか否か（すなわち、Ｎｍａｘ＜Ｎ１であるか否か）を判定する。Ｎｍａｘ＜Ｎ１であると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０５－Ｙｅｓ）、プロセスはステップＳ１０６に進む。一方、Ｎ１≦Ｎｍａｘであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０５－Ｎｏ）、プロセスはステップＳ１１０に進む。 Step S105: The control unit 23 determines whether the number N1 of vehicles 10 identified in step S102 is greater than the upper limit number Nmax of vehicles 10 that can be parked at the disaster support location (i.e., whether Nmax<N1). If it is determined that Nmax<N1 (step S105-Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that N1≦Nmax (step S105-No), the process proceeds to step S110.

ステップＳ１０６：ステップＳ１０５でＮｍａｘ＜Ｎ１であると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０５－Ｙｅｓ）、制御部２３は、ステップＳ１０２で特定されたＮ１台の車両１０のうち、災害支援場所への到着予測時刻が早い順にＮｍａｘ台の車両１０のそれぞれを第１車両１０として特定し、残りのＮ１－Ｎｍａｘ台の車両１０のそれぞれを第２車両１０として特定する。 Step S106: If it is determined in step S105 that Nmax<N1 (step S105-Yes), the control unit 23 identifies, among the N1 vehicles 10 identified in step S102, the Nmax vehicles 10 in order of the earliest predicted time of arrival at the disaster support location as first vehicles 10, and identifies the remaining N1-Nmax vehicles 10 as second vehicles 10.

図５及び図６に示す例を用いて具体的に説明する。図５に示すように本例では、下限値Ｗｍｉｎ＝１００、ステップＳ１０２で特定された車両１０の台数Ｎ１＝４、及び上限台数Ｎｍａｘ＝２である。また図５には、Ｎ１台（ここでは、４台）の車両１０ａ～１０ｄそれぞれの車種又は大きさ、供給可能な電力量、到着予測時刻、及び終了予測時刻が示されている。例えば車両１０ａの車種又は大きさは「中型」であり、供給可能な電力量は「４０」であり、到着予測時刻は「ｔ１」であり、終了予測時刻は「ｔ６」である。時刻ｔ１～ｔ８は、図６に示すように早いものから順に並んでいる。 A specific explanation will be given using the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, in this example, the lower limit Wmin = 100, the number of vehicles 10 identified in step S102 N1 = 4, and the upper limit Nmax = 2. Figure 5 also shows the model or size, available amount of power, predicted arrival time, and predicted end time of each of the N1 (here, four) vehicles 10a to 10d. For example, the model or size of vehicle 10a is "medium", the available amount of power is "40", the predicted arrival time is "t1", and the predicted end time is "t6". Times t1 to t8 are listed in order from earliest to latest as shown in Figure 6.

本例において制御部２３は、Ｎ１台（ここでは、４台）の車両１０ａ～１０ｄのうち、災害支援場所への到着予測時刻が早い順にＮｍａｘ台（ここでは、２台）の車両１０ａ、１０ｂを第１車両１０ａ、１０ｂとして特定し、残りのＮ１－Ｎｍａｘ台（ここでは、２台）の車両１０ｃ、１０ｄを第２車両１０ｃ、１０ｄとして特定する。 In this example, the control unit 23 identifies Nmax (here, two) vehicles 10a, 10b of the N1 (here, four) vehicles 10a-10d as the first vehicles 10a, 10b in order of the earliest predicted time of arrival at the disaster support location, and identifies the remaining N1-Nmax (here, two) vehicles 10c, 10d as the second vehicles 10c, 10d.

ステップＳ１０７：制御部２３は、災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期を少なくとも１台の第２車両１０に依頼する第２情報を出力する。 Step S107: The control unit 23 outputs second information requesting at least one second vehicle 10 to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location.

出力された第２情報は、少なくとも１台の第２車両１０のユーザに通知され得る。具体的には、制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して、少なくとも１台の第２車両１０に対して第２情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、少なくとも１台の第２車両１０のユーザが使用する端末装置、メールアドレス、又はユーザアカウントに対して第２情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、ネットワーク３０を介して少なくとも１台の第２車両１０のユーザが閲覧可能となるように、第２情報を公開することにより出力してもよい。 The output second information may be notified to the user of at least one second vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 23 may output the second information to at least one second vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the second information to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by the user of at least one second vehicle 10. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the second information by making it public so that it can be viewed by the user of at least one second vehicle 10 via the network 30.

第２情報は、例えば第２車両１０の識別情報（例えば、車両ナンバー）と、当該第２車両１０に対して災害支援場所への中止又は延期を依頼するメッセージと、を含み得る。しかしながら第２情報の内容は、当該例に限られず任意に定められてもよい。第２情報が出力されることによって、災害支援場所に向かっている又はこれから向かおうとしている第２車両１０の運転者に、災害支援場所に到着しても駐車できない可能性があることを認識させ得る。災害支援場所に駐車できない可能性があることを認識した運転者は、円滑な電力支援を阻害しないように、災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期を決断し得る。 The second information may include, for example, identification information of the second vehicle 10 (e.g., the vehicle number) and a message requesting the second vehicle 10 to cancel or postpone the trip to the disaster support location. However, the content of the second information is not limited to this example and may be determined arbitrarily. By outputting the second information, the driver of the second vehicle 10 heading to or about to head to the disaster support location may be made aware that there is a possibility that parking will not be possible even if the driver arrives at the disaster support location. A driver who recognizes that there is a possibility that parking will not be possible at the disaster support location may decide to cancel or postpone the trip to the disaster support location so as not to hinder smooth power support.

なお、ステップＳ１０６で複数の第２車両１０が特定された場合（すなわち、２≦Ｎ１－Ｎｍａｘである場合）、制御部２３は、特定された全ての第２車両１０（例えば、図６における第２車両１０ｃ及び１０ｄ）に災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期を依頼する情報を、第２情報として出力してもよい。或いは、制御部２３は、Ｎｍａｘ台の第１車両１０のうち、終了予測時刻が最も早い１台の第１車両１０を特定してもよい。図６に示す具体例では、２台の第１車両１０ａ及び１０ｂのうち、終了予測時刻が最も早い第１車両１０ｂが特定される。制御部２３は、Ｎ１－Ｎｍａｘ台の第２車両１０のうち、災害支援場所への到着予測時刻が当該１台の第１車両１０の終了予測時刻よりも早い各第２車両１０を特定してもよい。図６に示す具体例では、２台の第２車両１０ｃ及び１０ｄのうち、災害場所への到着予測時刻が第１車両１０ｂの終了予測時刻ｔ４よりも早い第２車両１０ｃが特定される。そして制御部２３は、特定された各第２車両１０に災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期を依頼する情報を、第２情報として出力してもよい。 In addition, if multiple second vehicles 10 are identified in step S106 (i.e., if 2≦N1-Nmax), the control unit 23 may output, as the second information, information requesting all identified second vehicles 10 (e.g., second vehicles 10c and 10d in FIG. 6) to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may identify one first vehicle 10 of the Nmax first vehicles 10 that has the earliest predicted end time. In the specific example shown in FIG. 6, the first vehicle 10b of the two first vehicles 10a and 10b that has the earliest predicted end time is identified. The control unit 23 may identify each second vehicle 10 of the N1-Nmax second vehicles 10 that has a predicted arrival time at the disaster support location that is earlier than the predicted end time of the one first vehicle 10. In the specific example shown in FIG. 6, of the two second vehicles 10c and 10d, the second vehicle 10c is identified as having a predicted arrival time at the disaster site earlier than the predicted end time t4 of the first vehicle 10b. The control unit 23 may then output, as the second information, information requesting each of the identified second vehicles 10 to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support site.

ステップＳ１０８：制御部２３は、ステップＳ１０２で特定されたＮ１台の車両１０のうち、災害支援場所への移動の中止又は延期を依頼されない各車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１ａが、災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎ未満であるか否か（すなわち、Ｗ１ａ＜Ｗｍｉｎであるか否か）を判定する。Ｗ１ａ＜Ｗｍｉｎであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０８－Ｙｅｓ）、プロセスはステップＳ１０９に進む。一方、Ｗｍｉｎ≦Ｗ１ａであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０８－Ｎｏ）、プロセスは終了する。 Step S108: The control unit 23 determines whether the total amount of power W1a that can be supplied by each vehicle 10 that has not been requested to cancel or postpone its movement to the disaster support location, among the N1 vehicles 10 identified in step S102, is less than the lower limit Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to the disaster support location (i.e., whether W1a<Wmin). If it is determined that W1a<Wmin (step S108-Yes), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that Wmin≦W1a (step S108-No), the process ends.

ステップＳ１０９：ステップＳ１０８でＷ１ａ＜Ｗｍｉｎであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０８－Ｙｅｓ）、制御部２３は、災害支援場所への移動及び電力供給を、複数の車両１０のうち災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定していない少なくとも１台の車両１０に依頼する第３情報を出力する。その後、プロセスは終了する。 Step S109: If it is determined in step S108 that W1a<Wmin (step S108-Yes), the control unit 23 outputs third information to request movement to and power supply to the disaster support location from at least one vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles 10 that has not set the disaster support location as a destination for route guidance. Then, the process ends.

出力された第３情報は、複数の車両１０のうち災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定していない少なくとも１台の車両１０のユーザに通知され得る。具体的には、制御部２３は、通信部２１及びネットワーク３０を介して、当該少なくとも１台の車両１０に対して第３情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、当該少なくとも１台の車両１０のユーザが使用する端末装置、メールアドレス、又はユーザアカウントに対して第３情報を出力してもよい。或いは制御部２３は、ネットワーク３０を介して当該少なくとも１台の車両１０のユーザが閲覧可能となるように、第３情報を公開することにより出力してもよい。 The output third information may be notified to the user of at least one vehicle 10 that does not have the disaster support location set as the destination for route guidance among the multiple vehicles 10. Specifically, the control unit 23 may output the third information to the at least one vehicle 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the third information to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by the user of the at least one vehicle 10. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may output the third information by making it public so that it can be viewed by the user of the at least one vehicle 10 via the network 30.

第３情報は、例えば当該少なくとも１台の車両１０の識別情報（例えば、車両ナンバー）と、災害支援場所の位置情報と、当該少なくとも１台の車両１０に対して災害支援場所への移動及び電力供給を依頼するメッセージと、を含み得る。しかしながら第３情報の内容は、当該例に限られず任意に定められてもよい。第３情報が出力されることによって、当該少なくとも１台の車両１０の運転者に、当該災害支援場所に対する供給電力が足りない可能性があることを認識させ得る。災害支援場所に対する供給電力が足りない可能性があることを認識した運転者は、当該災害支援場所への移動及び電力供給を決断し得る。 The third information may include, for example, identification information of the at least one vehicle 10 (e.g., vehicle number), location information of the disaster support location, and a message requesting the at least one vehicle 10 to move to the disaster support location and supply power to the disaster support location. However, the content of the third information is not limited to this example and may be determined arbitrarily. By outputting the third information, the driver of the at least one vehicle 10 may be made aware that there may be a possibility that there is insufficient power supply to the disaster support location. The driver who recognizes that there may be a possibility that there is insufficient power supply to the disaster support location may decide to move to the disaster support location and supply power to the disaster support location.

ステップＳ１１０：ステップＳ１０５でＮ１≦Ｎｍａｘであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１０５－Ｎｏ）、制御部２３は、ステップＳ１０２で特定されたＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量Ｗ１が、災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値Ｗｍｉｎ未満であるか否か（すなわち、Ｗ１＜Ｗｍｉｎであるか否か）を判定する。Ｗ１＜Ｗｍｉｎであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１１０－Ｙｅｓ）、プロセスはステップＳ１１１に進む。一方、Ｗｍｉｎ≦Ｗ１であると判定された場合（ステップＳ１１０－Ｎｏ）、プロセスは終了する。 Step S110: If it is determined in step S105 that N1≦Nmax (step S105-No), the control unit 23 determines whether the total amount of power W1 that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles 10 identified in step S102 is less than the lower limit value Wmin of the amount of power to be supplied to the disaster support location (i.e., whether W1<Wmin). If it is determined that W1<Wmin (step S110-Yes), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined that Wmin≦W1 (step S110-No), the process ends.

ステップＳ１１１：ステップＳ１１０でＷ１＜Ｗｍｉｎであると判定された場合（ステップＳ１１０－Ｙｅｓ）、制御部２３は、災害支援場所への移動及び電力供給を、複数の車両１０のうち災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定していない少なくとも１台の車両１０に依頼する第３情報を出力する。その後、プロセスは終了する。 Step S111: If it is determined in step S110 that W1<Wmin (step S110-Yes), the control unit 23 outputs third information to request movement to and power supply to the disaster support location from at least one vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles 10 that has not set the disaster support location as a destination for route guidance. Then, the process ends.

以上述べたように、本実施形態に係るサーバ２０は、電力支援を要する災害支援場所に供給すべき電力量の下限値を取得する。サーバ２０は、複数の車両１０のそれぞれが供給可能な電力量の値を取得する。サーバ２０は、複数の車両１０のうち、当該災害支援場所を経路案内の目的地に設定している各車両１０を特定する。サーバ２０は、当該災害支援場所に駐車可能な車両１０の上限台数を取得する。そしてサーバ２０は、上限台数をＮｍａｘ、供給すべき電力量の下限値をＷｍｉｎ、特定された車両１０の台数をＮ１、及びＮ１台の車両１０が供給可能な合計電力量をＷ１として、Ｎｍａｘ、Ｗｍｉｎ、Ｎ１、及びＷ１を示す第１情報を出力する。 As described above, the server 20 according to this embodiment acquires the lower limit of the amount of power to be supplied to a disaster support location that requires power support. The server 20 acquires the value of the amount of power that each of the multiple vehicles 10 can supply. The server 20 identifies each vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles 10 that has set the disaster support location as the destination for route guidance. The server 20 acquires the upper limit number of vehicles 10 that can be parked at the disaster support location. The server 20 then outputs first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit of the amount of power to be supplied, N1 is the number of identified vehicles 10, and W1 is the total amount of power that the N1 vehicles 10 can supply.

かかる構成によれば、上述したように、例えば災害支援場所の近傍で渋滞が発生してしまい円滑な電力支援が実施できない、又は１つの災害支援場所に必要以上の数の車両１０が集中してしまい被災地域全体に対する効率的な電力支援が実施できない等の不都合が発生する可能性が低減する点で、給電可能な車両１０を用いて災害時の電力支援を行う技術が改善される。 As described above, this configuration improves the technology for providing power support during a disaster using vehicles 10 capable of supplying power, in that it reduces the possibility of inconveniences such as traffic congestion occurring near a disaster support location, making it difficult to provide smooth power support, or a greater number of vehicles 10 than necessary concentrating at one disaster support location, making it difficult to provide efficient power support to the entire disaster-stricken area.

本開示を諸図面及び実施例に基づき説明してきたが、当業者であれば本開示に基づき種々の変形及び改変を行ってもよいことに注意されたい。したがって、これらの変形及び改変は本開示の範囲に含まれることに留意されたい。例えば、各構成部又は各ステップ等に含まれる機能等は論理的に矛盾しないように再配置可能であり、複数の構成部又はステップ等を１つに組み合わせたり、或いは分割したりすることが可能である。 Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

例えば、上述した実施形態においてサーバ２０が実行する一部又は全部の動作を、車両１０に実行させてもよい。また、サーバ２０が実行する動作を、互いに通信可能な複数のコンピュータに分散して実行させてもよい。 For example, some or all of the operations performed by the server 20 in the above-described embodiment may be executed by the vehicle 10. Also, the operations performed by the server 20 may be distributed and executed by multiple computers that can communicate with each other.

また、例えば汎用のコンピュータを、上述した実施形態に係るサーバ２０として機能させる実施形態も可能である。具体的には、上述した実施形態に係るサーバ２０の各機能を実現する処理内容を記述したプログラムを、コンピュータのメモリに格納し、コンピュータのプロセッサによって当該プログラムを読み出して実行させる。したがって、本開示は、プロセッサが実行可能なプログラム、又は当該プログラムを記憶する非一時的なコンピュータ可読媒体としても実現可能である。 In addition, an embodiment is also possible in which, for example, a general-purpose computer functions as the server 20 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the server 20 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of a computer, and the program is read and executed by the processor of the computer. Thus, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores the program.

１システム
１０、１０ａ～１０ｄ車両
１１通信部
１２測位部
１３出力部
１４入力部
１５記憶部
１６制御部
２０サーバ
２１通信部
２２記憶部
２３制御部
３０ネットワーク Reference Signs List 1 System 10, 10a to 10d Vehicle 11 Communication unit 12 Positioning unit 13 Output unit 14 Input unit 15 Storage unit 16 Control unit 20 Server 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Control unit 30 Network

Claims

A server-implemented method, comprising:
Obtaining a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
Obtaining a maximum number of vehicles that may be parked at said disaster support location ;
outputting first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1 to each of the plurality of vehicles, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by each user of the plurality of vehicles, or via a network so that the first information can be viewed by the users of the plurality of vehicles, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit number, N1 is the number of the identified vehicles, and W1 is the total amount of power that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles ;
If Nmax<N1, among the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a destination of route guidance, identify the Nmax vehicles in order of the earliest predicted arrival time at the disaster support location as first vehicles, and identify the remaining N1-Nmax vehicles as second vehicles; and
outputting second information requesting the at least one second vehicle to cancel or postpone the movement to the disaster support location to the at least one second vehicle, to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one second vehicle, or via a network so that the second information can be viewed by the user of the at least one second vehicle;
A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 ,
The method further includes identifying one first vehicle among the Nmax first vehicles, the one having the earliest predicted end time at which power supply to the disaster support location will end;
The method, wherein the second information is information requesting each of the N1-Nmax second vehicles whose predicted arrival time at the disaster support location is earlier than the predicted end time of the one first vehicle to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The method further includes outputting third information requesting at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination to move to the disaster support location and supply power to the disaster support location, to at least one vehicle that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or via a network, so that the third information can be viewed by the user of the at least one vehicle, where W1a is a total amount of power that can be supplied by each vehicle among the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination and are not requested to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location, if W1a < Wmin .

4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
The method further includes, when N1≦Nmax and W1<Wmin, outputting third information requesting at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination to travel to and supply power to the disaster support location to at least one vehicle that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination, to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or via a network so that the third information is viewable by the user of the at least one vehicle .

5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
obtaining information indicative of an area of the disaster support location; and determining a maximum number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location based on the area of the disaster support location.

6. The method of claim 5 ,
The method further includes acquiring a type or size of the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a destination of route guidance;
The method includes determining an upper limit on the number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location, in order of vehicles with the earliest predicted arrival time , based on the area of the disaster support location and the types or sizes of the N1 vehicles.

A server including a control unit,
The control unit is
Obtain a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
Obtaining an upper limit of the number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location;
outputting first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1 to each of the plurality of vehicles, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by each user of the plurality of vehicles, or via a network so that the first information can be viewed by the users of the plurality of vehicles, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit number, N1 is the number of the identified vehicles, and W1 is the total amount of power that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles ;
If Nmax<N1, among the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a destination of route guidance, identify the Nmax vehicles in order of the earliest predicted arrival time at the disaster support location as first vehicles, and identify the remaining N1-Nmax vehicles as second vehicles;
A server that outputs second information requesting at least one second vehicle to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location to the at least one second vehicle, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one second vehicle, or via a network so that the user of the at least one second vehicle can view it .

8. The server according to claim 7 ,
The control unit identifies one first vehicle among the Nmax first vehicles that has an earliest predicted end time at which power supply to the disaster support location will end,
The second information is information requesting each of the N1-Nmax second vehicles whose predicted arrival time at the disaster support location is earlier than the predicted end time of the one first vehicle to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location, the server.

9. The server according to claim 7 or 8 ,
The control unit outputs third information, which requests at least one vehicle among the multiple vehicles that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination to move to the disaster support location and supply power, to at least one vehicle that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or via a network, so that the third information can be viewed by the user of the at least one vehicle, when W1a < Wmin is a total amount of power that can be supplied by each vehicle among the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination .

A server according to any one of claims 7 to 9 ,
When N1≦Nmax and W1<Wmin, the control unit outputs third information requesting at least one vehicle among the multiple vehicles that does not have the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance to travel to and supply power to the disaster support location to the at least one vehicle that does not have the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance, to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or to a server via a network so that the third information can be viewed by the user of the at least one vehicle .

A server according to any one of claims 7 to 10 ,
The control unit is
Acquire information indicating an area of the disaster support location;
A server determines an upper limit of the number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location based on an area of the disaster support location.

12. The server of claim 11 ,
The control unit is
Acquire the type or size of the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
A server that determines an upper limit number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location in order of vehicles with the earliest predicted arrival time , based on the area of the disaster support location and the types or sizes of the N1 vehicles.

On the computer,
Obtaining a lower limit of the amount of electricity to be supplied to a disaster support location requiring electric power support;
Obtaining a value of an amount of power that each of the plurality of vehicles can supply;
Identifying each vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has the disaster support location set as a destination for route guidance;
Obtaining a maximum number of vehicles that may be parked at said disaster support location ;
outputting first information indicating Nmax, Wmin, N1, and W1 to each of the plurality of vehicles, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by each user of the plurality of vehicles, or via a network so that the first information can be viewed by the users of the plurality of vehicles, where Nmax is the upper limit number, Wmin is the lower limit number, N1 is the number of the identified vehicles, and W1 is the total amount of power that can be supplied by the N1 vehicles ;
If Nmax<N1, among the N1 vehicles that have the disaster support location set as a destination of route guidance, identify the Nmax vehicles in order of the earliest predicted arrival time at the disaster support location as first vehicles, and identify the remaining N1-Nmax vehicles as second vehicles; and
outputting second information requesting the at least one second vehicle to cancel or postpone the movement to the disaster support location to the at least one second vehicle, to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one second vehicle, or via a network so that the second information can be viewed by the user of the at least one second vehicle;
A program to execute.

The program according to claim 13 ,
The computer further executes identifying one first vehicle among the Nmax first vehicles that has the earliest predicted end time at which power supply to the disaster support location will end,
The second information is information that requests each of the N1-Nmax second vehicles whose predicted arrival time at the disaster support location is earlier than the predicted end time of the one first vehicle to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location.

15. The program according to claim 13 or 14 ,
The program further causes the computer to execute the following: where W1a is a total amount of electricity that can be supplied by each of the N1 vehicles that have set the disaster support location as a route guidance destination and are not requested to cancel or postpone movement to the disaster support location, and if W1a is < Wmin, output third information requesting at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination to move to the disaster support location and supply power to the at least one vehicle that does not have the disaster support location set as a route guidance destination, or to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or via a network so that the third information is viewable by the user of the at least one vehicle .

16. The program according to claim 13 ,
The program further causes the computer to output third information, requesting at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that has not set the disaster support location as a destination for route guidance to travel to and supply power to the disaster support location , to at least one vehicle that has not set the disaster support location as a destination for route guidance, to a terminal device, email address, or user account used by a user of the at least one vehicle, or via a network so that the third information can be viewed by the user of the at least one vehicle .

17. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 16 ,
The computer includes:
and determining an upper limit number of vehicles that can be parked at the disaster support location based on the area of the disaster support location.