Server device and point management method

A server device includes: a storage unit that stores points that a user of the battery pack holds, the points being usable as fees for at least one of usage of the battery pack and enjoyment of a service; and a control unit that changes the points, based on whether or not a usage state satisfies a usage condition, the usage condition including at least one of a condition for state management of the battery pack and a condition for usage promotion of the battery pack.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a server device and point management method to manage points which are usable as fees for at least one of usage of the battery pack.

2. Description of the Related Art

Battery packs have been used heretofore to supply electric power to electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric automobiles, and so forth. There has been proposed a rental service to rent battery packs to users. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-288539 discloses a battery pack billing system where the user is billed in accordance with the usage state of the rental battery pack.

However, there have been cases in the related art where rented battery packs are not used appropriately. Effectively providing the battery pack rental service becomes difficult if the battery packs are not appropriately used.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment provides a server device and point management method where inappropriate use of battery packs can be suppressed.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a server device including: a storage unit that stores points that a user of the battery pack holds, the points being usable as fees for at least one of usage of the battery pack and enjoyment of a service; and a control unit that changes the points, based on whether or not a usage state satisfies the usage condition, the usage condition including at least one of a condition for state management of the battery pack and a condition for usage promotion of the battery pack.

The server device and point management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure can suppress inappropriate use of battery packs.

It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM or the like, or any selective combination a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a storage medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a storage unit that stores points that a user of the battery pack holds, the points being usable as fees for at least one of usage of the battery pack and enjoyment of a service; and a control unit that changes the points, based on whether or not a usage state satisfies the usage condition, the usage condition including at least one of a condition for state management of the battery pack and a condition for usage promotion of the battery pack.

According to this configuration, the points can be changed based on whether or not the usage state of the battery pack satisfies a usage condition. The usage condition includes at least one of a condition for state management of the battery pack and a condition for usage promotion of the battery pack. That is to say, the user can be rewarded or penalized by way of points, in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack. Thus, the user can be guided so that the usage state of the battery pack satisfies the usage conditions, or so that occurrence of situations where the usage state of the battery pack does not satisfy usage conditions can be suppressed. Accordingly, inappropriate usage of the battery pack can be suppressed.

For example, the control unit may increase the points when the usage state satisfies the usage condition.

According to this configuration, points can be increased when the usage state of the battery pack satisfies usage condition. That is to say, the user can be rewarded in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack. Consequently, the user can be guided so that the usage state of the battery pack satisfies the usage condition.

For example, the control unit may decrease the points when the usage state does not satisfy the usage condition.

According to this configuration, points can be decreased when the usage state of the battery pack does not satisfy usage condition. That is to say, the user can be penalized in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack. Consequently, occurrence of situations where the usage state of the battery pack does not satisfy the usage condition can be suppressed.

For example, the usage condition may be a condition for state management of the battery pack. Accordingly, the state of the battery pack can be managed, and an occurrence of situation where the state of the battery pack cannot be managed can be suppressed.

For example, the usage condition may include that a return due date for the battery pack does not lapse or the battery pack is returned by the return due date.

According to this configuration, returning the battery pack by the return due date of the battery pack can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where the battery pack is not returned by the return due date can be suppressed.

For example, the usage condition may include that an update due date of information indicating a state of the battery pack does not lapse or the information indicating the state of the battery pack is transmitted to the server device by the update due date.

According to this configuration, transmitting information indicating the state of the battery pack to the server device by the update due date of the battery pack can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where information indicating the state of the battery pack is not transmitted by the update due date can be suppressed.

For example, the usage condition may be a condition for usage promotion of the battery pack.

According to this configuration, conditions to promote usage of the battery pack can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, use of the battery pack can be promoted, and occurrence of a situation where the battery pack is not used can be suppressed.

For example, the usage condition may include that the battery pack is used beyond a recommended usage amount for the battery pack within a predetermined period.

According to this configuration, using the battery pack beyond a recommended usage amount within a predetermined period can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where the rented battery pack is only used a little can be suppressed. That is to say, usage of the battery pack can be promoted.

For example, the server device may further include a warning unit that warns the user, the control unit controlling the warning unit to warn the user before decreasing the points.

According to this configuration, the user can be warned before the points are decreased. Accordingly, the user can confirm beforehand that the points are going to be decreased.

For example, the server device may further include a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an information terminal, the control unit causes the first communication unit to acquire the usage state from the battery pack via the information terminal.

According to this configuration, the usage state of the battery pack can be acquired from the battery pack via the information terminal and first communication unit. That is to say, the server device can acquire the usage state from the battery pack using the communication functions of the information terminal. As a result, acquisition of the usage state from the information terminal can be realized in a more simple manner than a case where the server device receives the usage state from the battery pack without going through the information terminal, and acquisition of the usage state from the battery pack can be realized more easily.

For example, the server device may further include a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an information terminal. The control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit the changed points to the information terminal.

According to this configuration, the changed points can be transmitted to the information terminal. Thus, when the points have been changed, the user can confirm the changed points.

For example, the server device may further include a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an information terminal. The control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit information indicating that the points has been changed to the information terminal.

According to this configuration, information indicating that the points have been changed can be transmitted to the information terminal. Thus, when the points have been changed, the user can confirm that the points have been changed.

For example, the server device may further include a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the battery pack, the control unit causes the second communication unit to acquire the usage state from the battery pack.

According to this configuration, the usage state can be acquired from the battery pack via the second communication unit. That is to say, the server device can acquire the usage state from the battery pack without going through the information terminal. Thus, the server device can acquire the usage state from the battery pack even when the information terminal cannot communicate with the battery pack and/or server device, and acquisition of the usage state from the battery pack can be performed more surely.

It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM or the like, or any selective combination a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a storage medium.

Embodiment

An embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment is a general or specific exemplification. Values, shapes, materials, components, placements and connection states of components, steps, order of steps, and so forth, in the embodiment are only exemplary, and do not restrict the present disclosure. Components in the following embodiments which are not included in an independent Claim indicating the highest concept are described as being optional components.

Also note that the drawings are schematic diagrams, and are not necessarily created precisely to scale. Configurations in the drawings that are substantially the same are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant description may be omitted or simplified.

Overall Image of Rental Service

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating the overall image of a rental service provided by a rental system according to the embodiment. A management center10manages the rental services of a battery pack50to a user100. The management center10has a server device11. The server device11communicates via network with a processing device21of a service center20that will be described later, and the battery pack50, and manages data regarding the user100and battery pack50. The server device11also realizes a point service (loyalty program) in the rental service for the battery pack50. The server device11is, for example, a cloud server.

At the service center20, the battery pack50is rented to the user100, and the rented battery pack50is returned from the user100. The service center20also inspects the battery pack50and charges the battery pack50. The service center20includes a processing device21, a card reader22, an inspection device23, and a relay device24.

The processing device21communicates with the server device11of the management center10via network, and performs data processing for the rental service. For example, the processing device21transmits an identifier of the user100and an identifier of the battery pack50to the server device11when the battery pack50is being rented and returned.

The card reader22reads out the identifier of the user100from a membership card, and outputs to the processing device21. The membership card and card reader22are, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) card and IC card reader.

The membership card stores an identifier for identifying the user100, who is a member of the rental service. The membership card is issued to the user100from the business operator that runs the rental service by the user100being registered as a member. Hereinafter, the identifier stored in the membership card will be referred to as “membership ID”.

The inspection device23acquires the identifier of the battery pack50from the battery pack50, and outputs to the processing device21. Hereinafter, the identifier of the battery pack50will be referred to as “battery pack ID”.

The inspection device23further inspects the battery pack50returned from the user100, and outputs the inspection results to the processing device21. The inspection device23inspects the discharge capability and charging capability of the battery pack50, for example.

The relay device24relays communication between the processing device21and the server device11. The relay device24is a router, for example.

Electric equipment30is a load device to which the battery pack50can be mounted, and which consumes electric power. Specific examples of the electric equipment30include an electric bicycle, electric scooter, electric automobile, and the like. Note that the electric equipment30is not restricted to a mode of transportation. The battery pack50rented at the service center20is mounted to the electric equipment30. Thus, electric power is supplied from the battery pack50to the electric equipment30.

An information terminal40relays communication between the battery pack50and the server device11. An example of the information terminal40is a smartphone. The information terminal40transfers data received from the battery pack50to the server device11. The information terminal40also transfers data received from the server device11to the battery pack50.

The battery pack50has a battery (omitted from illustration). The battery51is also called a “secondary battery”, and is a battery capable of charging/discharging. Examples of the battery include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, and nickel-hydrogen batteries. The battery pack50supplies electric power to the electric equipment30by discharging, when mounted to the electric equipment30. The battery pack50also stores electric power by being charged when connected to a charger (omitted from illustration).

Configuration of Server Device

The configuration of the server device11according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device11according to the embodiment. the server device11has a communication unit12, a control unit13, a storage unit14, and a warning unit15.

The communication unit12is an example of a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the information terminal40. The communication unit12communicates with the information terminal40via a mobile communication network, for example. The communication unit12acquires information indicating the state of the battery pack50, for example, from the battery pack50via the information terminal40.

Examples of information indicating the state of the battery pack50include the amount of usage of the battery pack50, the number of times charged, the number of times discharged, learning capacity, usage temperature, and so forth. The state information of the battery pack50may also include abnormality history information such as temperature abnormality, electric current abnormality, voltage abnormality, shock abnormality, and so forth. Hereinafter, information indicating the state of the battery pack50will be referred to as “state information”.

The control unit13controls the communication unit12, storage unit14, and warning unit15. The control unit13also performs processing for managing the rental server of the battery pack50as to the user100.

Note that the control unit13may be realized in any way, as long as control functions are had. For example, the control unit13may be configured using dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the control unit13may be realized by executing software programs suited for realizing the components. In this case, the control unit13may include a computation unit (omitted from illustration) and a storage unit (omitted from illustration) that stores control programs. Examples of the computation unit include a micro processing unit (MPU) and a central processing unit (CPU). An example of the storage unit is memory. Note that the control unit13may be configured as an independent control unit that performs centralized control, or as multiple control units that collaborate to perform decentralized control.

The control unit13according to the present embodiment manages the points in a point service. Specifically, the control unit13changes the points based on whether or not he usage state of the battery pack50satisfies usage conditions for usage promotion of the battery pack50or usage conditions for state management of the battery pack50. For example, the control unit13increases the points when the usage state satisfies usage conditions. On the other hand, for example, the control unit13decreases the points when the usage state does not satisfy usage conditions. Usage conditions will be described in detail later.

Points can be used for at least one of usage fees for the battery pack50and services. The services do not have to be restricted to services pertaining to the battery pack50. For example, the services may be a gift giveaway service, a mileage service for an airline, or the like.

The storage unit14is semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like, for example, and stores data or information. The storage unit14according to the present embodiment stores points that the user100of the battery pack50has.

The warning unit15issues warnings to the user100. For example, the warning unit15issues warnings to the user100before decreasing points. Specifically, the warning unit15issues warnings to the user100via the communication unit12and information terminal40. For example, the warning unit15generates warning information for the user100, and transmits this warning information to the information terminal40via the communication unit12.

Processing in Rental System

The processing in the rental system configured as described above will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 through 9.

Rental Processing of Battery Pack

First, rental processing of the battery pack50will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 through 5.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating rental processing of the battery pack50in the rental system according to the present embodiment.

The user100presents a membership card at the service center20when using the rental service. The processing device21reads the membership ID from the membership card via the card reader22(S11). The processing device21further reads the battery pack ID from the battery pack50to be rented, via the inspection device23(S12). The inspection device23may inspect the battery pack50at this time.

The processing device21then transmits rental data to the server device11(S13). The rental data includes at least the membership ID and the battery pack ID. The processing device21may further transmit point data relating to points that can be used as usage fees for the battery pack50. Point data includes the membership ID and the number of points to increment in correspondence with this membership ID. The number of points corresponds to a monetary amount paid by the user100.

The server device11receives rental data from the processing device21, and registers the rental data in a management table (S14). The management table is stored in a storage unit14of the server device11. The storage unit14of the server device11according to the present embodiment stores a first management table14aand a second management table14b.

Examples of the first management table14aand second management table14bwill be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating the first management table14aaccording to the embodiment.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating the second management table14baccording to the embodiment. The first management table14aincludes fields for member ID, battery pack ID, return due date, return date, update due date, and usage amount, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

The member ID and battery pack ID fields have the battery pack ID of the battery pack50and the member ID of the user100that has rented the battery pack50registered in a correlated manner. Each time rental data is received in the present embodiment, a new record is generated in the first management table14a, with the member ID and battery pack ID included in the rental data being recorded in this record.

The return due data field has registered therein the return due date of the battery pack50that has been rented. For example, a return due date based on a rental period is registered in the return due data field at the time of the member ID and battery pack ID being registered. The rental period may be included in the rental data, for example, or may be a predetermined fixed period.

The date on which the rented battery pack50was returned is registered in the return date field. No valid data is registered in the return date field if the battery pack50has not been returned yet.

The due date on which state information of the battery pack50is to be transmitted from the battery pack50to the server device11is registered in the update due date. The update due date field is updated based on a predetermined update period when the server device11has received state information from the battery pack50, for example.

Registered in the usage amount field is the usage amount of the rented battery pack50within a predetermined period. The usage amount is a value that quantitatively expresses the usage of the battery pack50. The usage amount is, for example, the amount of electric power provided from the battery pack50to the electric equipment30. Note that the usage amount is not restricted to amount of electric power, and may be the number of times charged while the battery pack50is rented, for example. This usage amount field is updated based on the usage amount that the sate information indicates with the server device11receives the state information from the battery pack50.

The second management table14bincludes member ID, points, and expiration date fields, as illustrated inFIG. 5. The member ID and point fields have the member ID of the user100and the points usable as usage feeds for the battery pack50registered, in a correlated manner. For example, the value in the points field is increased by the number of points in point data when the point data is received.

The expiration date field has registered therein expiration dates of the points. Once the expiration date for points expires, the points become invalid. That is to say, when the expiration date for points passes, the number of points is zero. The expiration date is updated following preset rules.

Transmission Processing of State Information of the Battery Pack

Next, transmission processing of state information of the battery pack50will be described with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating transmission processing in the rental system according to the embodiment. An arrangement will be assumed here where state information of the battery pack50is temporarily stored in a storage unit (omitted from illustration) of the battery pack50. This transmission processing may be performed at the time of, for example, starting discharging of the battery pack50, ending discharging, starting charging, ending charging, or the like. Alternatively, the transmission processing may be performed at a predetermined cycle.

First, the battery pack50reads out the battery pack ID and state information from the storage unit56of the battery pack50, and transmits the battery pack ID and state information that have been read out to the information terminal40(S21). The information terminal40transmits the battery pack ID and state information received from the battery pack50to the server device11. Accordingly, the battery pack ID and state information are transmitted from the battery pack50to the server device11. State information here includes at least usage amount.

When server device11receives the battery pack ID and state information from the battery pack50, the server device11stores this state information in a manner correlated with this battery pack ID (S22).

The server device11then updates the first management table14aand second management table14bbased on the battery pack ID and state information that have been received (S23). Specifically, the server device11updates the usage amount corresponding to the battery pack ID that are included in the first management table14a, based on the usage amount included in the state information. The server device11further identifies the member ID correlated with the battery pack ID that has been received by referencing the first management table14a. The server device11then updates the points corresponding to the identified member ID that are included in the second management table14b, based on the usage amount included in the state information. Specifically, the server device11subtracts points corresponding to the usage amount from the points included in the second management table14b.

Point Management Processing

Next, point management processing will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8.FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating point management processing in the rental system according to the embodiment. This point management processing may be performed at a predetermined cycle, for example. Alternatively, the point management processing may be performed when state information is received from the battery pack50.

First, the server device11executes point management processing (S31). Warning information or notification information is then transmitted from the server device11to the information terminal40.

Warning information indicates that the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage conditions. Warning information includes information indicating the usage state and usage conditions, for example.

Notification information is information relating to changes to the points. For example, the notification information indicates that the points have been changed. Alternatively, the notification information may indicate the points after changing. The notification information may also include information indicating the usage state and usage conditions.

When the information terminal40receives warning information or notification information from the server device11, the information terminal40gives a warning or notification (S32). For example, the information terminal40displays the warning information or notification information on a screen.

Now, the point management processing will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating point management processing at the server device11according to an embodiment.

First, the control unit13determines whether or not the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage conditions (S101). Usage conditions for promoting usage of the battery pack50or usage conditions for state management of the battery pack50are used as the usage conditions.

Usage conditions for promoting usage of the battery pack50may be to use the battery pack50for a recommended usage amount or more within a predetermined period, for example. That is to say, the usage conditions for promoting usage of the battery pack50may be that the usage amount of the battery pack50within a predetermined period is no less than the recommended usage amount. The predetermined period is a period having a predetermined time span, and is not restricted in particular. The recommended usage amount is a usage amount recommended to promote usage of the battery pack50.

In this case, if the usage amount of the battery pack50that has been rented within the predetermined period is less than the recommended usage amount, determination is made that the usage condition of the battery pack50has not been satisfied. Conversely, if the usage amount of the battery pack50that has been rented is the recommended usage amount or more, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition. The state information received from the battery pack50, for example, is used for determination of the usage condition here. That is to say, the usage state of the battery pack50can be acquired from the state information of the battery pack50.

The usage condition for state management of the battery pack50may be that the battery pack50is returned by the return due date. That is to say, the usage condition for state management of the battery pack50may be that the return due date is kept.

In this case, if the current date is already past the return due date of the battery pack50that has been rented, determination is made that the usage condition has not been satisfied. In other words, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage conditions if the battery pack50has not been returned at the point of the return due date of the battery pack50. Conversely, if the return due date has not yet arrived, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition. Alternatively, determination may be made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition if the battery pack50has been returned before the return due date, i.e., if the return date is earlier than the return due date. The return due date field in the first management table14a, for example, is referenced for determination of the usage condition here.

The usage condition in the present embodiment for state management of the battery pack50may be to transmit the usage state of the battery pack50to the server device11by the update due date of the battery pack50, for example. That is to say, the usage condition may be that the update due date for state information of the battery pack50is kept.

For example, if the current date is already past the update due date of the battery pack50that has been rented, determination is made that the usage condition of the battery pack50has not been satisfied. In other words, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage conditions if information indicating the state of the battery pack50has not been transmitted to the server device11at the point of the update due date of the battery pack50. Conversely, if the update due date has not yet arrived, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition. Alternatively, determination may be made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition if information indicating the state of the battery pack50has been transmitted to the server device11before the update due date, i.e., if the update date is earlier than the update due date. The update due date field in the first management table14a, for example, is referenced for determination of the usage condition here.

Note that the update due date is updated when the state information of the battery pack50is transmitted to the server device11. That is to say, the update due date is updated to a new future update due date when the server device11receives the state information of the battery pack50. Accordingly, if state information of the battery pack50is transmitted to the server device11after determination is made that the usage condition is not satisfied, determination will be made thereafter that the usage condition is satisfied until the current date is after the new update due date.

In a case where the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition (Yes in S101), the control unit13increases the points (S102). For example, the control unit13adds predetermined points to the points of the user100.

More specifically, the control unit13references the first management table14aand identifies the member ID of the user100who is renting the battery pack50regarding which determination has been made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition. The control unit13then references the second management table14band acquires the points corresponding to the member ID that has been identified. The control unit13adds predetermined points to the points thus acquired. The control unit13further updates the points corresponding to the member ID in the second management table14bto the points as a result of the addition.

On the other hand, in a case where the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage condition (No in S101), the control unit13controls the warning unit15to issue a warning to the user100(S103). That is to say, the control unit13controls the warning unit15to issue a warning to the user100before decreasing the points. For example, the control unit13transmits warning information to the information terminal40of the user100via the warning unit15and the communication unit12.

Thereafter, the control unit13decreases the points (S104). For example, the control unit13subtracts predetermined points from the points of the user100.

More specifically, the control unit13references the first management table14aand identifies the member ID of the user100who is renting the battery pack50regarding which determination has been made that the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage condition. The control unit13then references the second management table14band acquires the points corresponding to the member ID that has been identified. The control unit13subtracts predetermined points from the points thus acquired. The control unit13further updates the points corresponding to the member ID in the second management table14bto the points as a result of the subtraction.

Finally, the control unit13transmits notification information to the information terminal40via the communication unit12(S105). Notification information indicates that the points have been changed. Alternatively, the notification information may indicate the points after having been changed. Further, the notification information may indicate both that the points has been changed, and the points after having been changed.

Returning Processing of Battery Pack

Next, the processing of returning the battery pack50will be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating returning processing of a battery pack50in the rental system according to the embodiment.

The user100presents the membership card at the service center20when returning the battery pack50. The processing device21reads out the member ID from the membership card via the card reader22(S41). Further, the processing device21reads out the battery pack ID from the battery pack50being returned, via the inspection device23(S42). The inspection device23may perform an inspection of the battery pack50at this time.

The processing device21then transmits return data to the server device11(S43). The return data includes at least the member ID and battery pack ID. The return data may further include data relating to the usage amount of the battery pack50.

The server device11receives the return data from the processing device21, and matches the pair of member ID and battery pack ID included in the return data at the first management table14a(S44). The match results are transmitted to the processing device21.

If the match results of the pair of member ID and battery pack ID indicate that matching has been successful, the server device11updates the first management table14a(S45). Specifically, the server device11registers the current date in the return date field of the record extracted using the pair of the member ID and battery pack ID.

Advantages

As described above, according to the server device11of the present embodiment, the points can be changed based on whether or not the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies usage conditions for usage promotion of the battery pack50or usage conditions for state management of the battery pack50. That is to say, the user100can be rewarded or penalized by way of points, in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack50. Thus, the user100can be guided so that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage conditions, or so that occurrence of situations where the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy usage conditions can be suppressed. Accordingly, inappropriate usage of the battery pack50can be suppressed.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, points can be increased when the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies usage conditions. That is to say, the user100can be rewarded in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack50. Consequently, the user100can be guided so that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage conditions.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, points can be decreased when the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy usage conditions. That is to say, the user100can be penalized in accordance with the usage state of the battery pack50. Consequently, occurrence of situations where the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy usage conditions can be suppressed.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, returning the battery pack50by the return due date of the battery pack50can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where the battery pack50is not returned by the return due date can be suppressed.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, transmitting information indicating the state of the battery pack50to the server device11by the update due date of the battery pack50can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where information indicating the state of the battery pack50is not transmitted by the update due date can be suppressed.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, conditions to promote usage of the battery pack50can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, use of the battery pack50can be promoted, and occurrence of a situation where the battery pack50is not used can be suppressed.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, using the battery pack50a recommended usage amount or more within a predetermined period can be used as the usage condition. Accordingly, occurrence of a situation where the rented battery pack50is only used a little can be suppressed. That is to say, usage of the battery pack50can be promoted.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, the user100can be warned before the points are decreased. Accordingly, the user100can confirm beforehand that the points are going to be decreased.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, the usage state of the battery pack50can be acquired from the battery pack50via the information terminal40and first communication unit. That is to say, the server device11can acquire the usage state from the battery pack50using the communication functions of the information terminal40. As a result, the battery pack50can perform communication with a configuration that is simpler than a case where the server device11receives information from the battery pack50without going through the information terminal40, and acquisition of the usage state from the battery pack50can be realized more easily.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, the points after changing can be transmitted to the information terminal40. Thus, when the points have been changed, the user100can confirm the points after changing.

According to the server device11of the present embodiment, information indicating that the points have been changed can be transmitted to the information terminal40. Thus, when the points have been changed, the user100can confirm know that the points have been changed.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Although a server device according to one or multiple forms has been described above based on an embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment conceivable by one skilled in the art may be included in one or multiple forms, without departing from the essence of the present disclosure.

Although the communication unit12of the server device11has been described in the embodiment as communicating with the information terminal40, this is not restrictive. For example, the communication unit12may be a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the battery pack50. Alternatively, for example, the communication unit12may have both a first communication unit that communicates with the information terminal40and a second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the battery pack50.

According to this configuration, the communication unit12of the server device11can acquire the usage state from the battery pack50without going through the information terminal40. Accordingly, the server device11can acquire the usage state from the battery pack50even in a case where the information terminal40cannot communicate with the server device11and/or the battery pack50, and can acquire the usage state from the battery pack50in a surer manner.

Although description has been made in the above embodiment exemplifying three usage conditions, namely recommended usage amount, return due date, and updating due date, as usage conditions for usage promotion of the battery pack50and usage conditions for state management of the battery pack50, this is not restrictive.

For example, the usage condition may be for the user100to have enough or more points, usable as usage fees for the battery pack50, to cover the points necessary to use the battery pack50. The points necessary to use the battery pack50is a number larger than zero. For example, the points necessary to use the battery pack50is the points corresponding to the usage amount in the first management table14a. Alternatively, the points necessary to use the battery pack50may be a preset points of which the value is larger than zero.

In this case, if the points the user100currently has is less than the points necessary to use the battery pack50, determination is made that the usage condition of the battery pack50is not satisfied. Conversely, if the if the points the user100currently has is not less than the points necessary to use the battery pack50, determination is made that the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage condition. The second management table14bis referenced for determination of the usage condition here.

As another example, the usage condition may be for the usage temperature of the battery pack50to not exceed a threshold temperature. As yet another example, the usage condition may be for shock abnormality to have not occurred at the battery pack50. State information received from the battery pack50is used for determination of these usage conditions.

Although one usage condition has been described as being used in the above embodiment, multiple usage conditions may be used. In this case, the control unit13of the server device11can execute the point management processing illustrated inFIG. 8for each usage condition. The control unit13of the server device11may also change the points depending on whether or not all of the multiple usage conditions have been satisfied.

Although description has been made in the above embodiment that both increasing and decreasing of the points is performed in accordance with the determination results of the usage conditions, and arrangement may be made where only one of increasing and decreasing of the points is performed. For example, in a case where the number of points is increased when the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage conditions, the control unit13does not have to decrease the points if the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage conditions. On the other hand, for example, in a case where the number of points is decreased when the usage state of the battery pack50does not satisfy the usage conditions, the control unit13of the server device11does not have to increase the points if the usage state of the battery pack50satisfies the usage conditions.

Note that the configuration of the server device11in the above embodiment is exemplary, and is not restricted to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2. For example, it is sufficient for the server device11to have at least the control unit13and storage unit14. In this case, notification and warning does not have to be performed.

The present disclosure is applicable to a server device used in a rental service.