Patents by Inventor Makoto KAKUCHI

Makoto KAKUCHI has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12288468
    Abstract: A taxicab system includes a plurality of taxicab vehicles which are all autonomous vehicles, and a management device. Each taxicab vehicle can form a vehicle group with other taxicab vehicles according to an instruction from a customer or the management device. The vehicle group includes one representative vehicle and at least one subordinate vehicle. The representative vehicle and the subordinate vehicle execute at least one of a collective billing process for charging a representative customer a fare for each of the plurality of vehicles, and a collective setting process for setting a place designated by the representative customer as a destination of each of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Kakuchi, Osamu Izumida, Shunji Inoue, Takumi Hamajima, Mitsushi Kintaka, Toshihiro Andou, Masamitsu Takahira
  • Patent number: 12083241
    Abstract: A taxi vehicle that autonomously transports a user to a destination with no driver in the vehicle includes a cleaning device and a notification device. The cleaning device is configured to perform cleaning processing for removing at least one of harmful materials and odors from a vehicle cabin after the user has finished using the taxi vehicle. The harmful materials are those harmful to a human body. The notification device is configured to notify a person of the cleaning degree of the vehicle cabin. The person is a person outside the vehicle who wishes to use the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Kakuchi, Osamu Izumida, Shunji Inoue, Takumi Hamajima, Mitsushi Kintaka, Toshihiro Andou, Masamitsu Takahira
  • Publication number: 20240233457
    Abstract: A method of managing a power storage includes determining, when break of a body of a vehicle including a leased power storage is sensed, whether or not the power storage is in a controllable state, setting an output limit of the power storage in the vehicle when it is determined that the power storage is in the controllable state, and transmitting a collection request signal that requests collection of the power storage from the vehicle to a terminal of an owner of the power storage when break of the body is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240227566
    Abstract: A method of managing a power storage includes determining whether or not a vehicle including a power storage has been involved in an accident, obtaining a degree of damage to the power storage when it is determined that the vehicle has been involved in the accident, and transmitting an emergency signal indicating the obtained degree of damage and a position of the vehicle involved in the accident to at least one of an emergency vehicle that deals with the accident and a management apparatus that instructs the emergency vehicle to be deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240233460
    Abstract: A method of managing a power storage includes determining whether or not a vehicle has been involved in an accident, the vehicle including a body and a power storage mounted on the body, determining whether or not an owner of the power storage is the same as an owner of the body when it is determined that the vehicle has been involved in the accident, and notifying a terminal of the owner of the power storage of occurrence of the accident of the vehicle including the power storage when the owner of the power storage is determined as not being identical to the owner of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240208334
    Abstract: A battery management system is a system for managing a battery that is mounted on a vehicle capable of traveling with electric power and stores the electric power, and includes: an identification unit that identifies a degree of degradation of the battery before and after an accident of the vehicle; and a processing unit that executes a specific process for the battery in accordance with the degree of degradation identified by the identification unit. An action can be taken in accordance with the degree of degradation of the battery due to an accident such as collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto Kakuchi, Toshiaki Karasawa, Takeshi Higashi, Yoshihiko Endo
  • Publication number: 20240212036
    Abstract: A vehicle management method for managing a power storage device included in a vehicle includes: determining a first fee commensurate with a first degree of degradation of the power storage device evaluated in an evaluation period by a first method; determining a second fee commensurate with a second degree of evaluation, when obtaining the second degree of degradation of the power storage device evaluated in the evaluation period by a second method with a higher measurement accuracy than the first method; determining the second fee as a lease fee for a lease period, when the second fee is lower than the first fee; and determining the first fee as a lease fee for the lease period, when the second degree of degradation evaluated in and before the evaluation period is not obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240202794
    Abstract: A management server performs a process including: in response to receiving a request to display a selection screen, acquiring vehicle body information and displaying a selectable vehicle type; in response to receiving vehicle type selection information, specifying a selected vehicle type, extracting a compatible battery, calculating an estimated range, extracting a performance-unachieved battery, and displaying a selectable battery and the performance-unachieved battery; and, in response to receiving battery selection information, calculating a sales fee and displaying the sales fee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto Kakuchi, Toshiaki Karasawa, Takeshi Higashi, Yoshihiko Endo
  • Patent number: 12002366
    Abstract: A taxi system includes a taxi vehicle that runs autonomously with a user on board and transports the user, and at least one auxiliary vehicle capable of registering the taxi vehicle as a linkage target and running by following the taxi vehicle as the linkage target with luggage loaded in the at least one auxiliary vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Kakuchi, Osamu Izumida, Shunji Inoue, Takumi Hamajima, Mitsushi Kintaka, Toshihiro Andou, Masamitsu Takahira
  • Publication number: 20240177229
    Abstract: A server is configured to communicate with a vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery and a storage unit for storing software. The server includes a communication device and a processing device. The communication device is configured to perform wireless communication with the vehicle. The processing device is configured to be capable of executing update processing for updating the software via the wireless communication. A first owner (user) as an owner of the vehicle has entered into a first lease contract for leasing the battery. When the owner has been changed from the first owner to a second owner and the second owner enters into a second lease contract for leasing the battery, the processing device permits the update processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto Kakuchi, Toshiaki Karasawa, Takeshi Higashi, Yoshihiko Endo
  • Publication number: 20240177533
    Abstract: A server communicates with a vehicle that includes a battery. The server includes a communication device and a processing device. The communication device is configured to communicate with the vehicle. The processing device is configured to generate a restriction command for restricting discharge power of the battery. A first owner (user) as an owner of the vehicle has entered into a first lease contract for leasing the battery. When the owner has been changed from the first owner to a second owner and the second owner does not enter into a second lease contract for leasing the battery, the processing device transmits a restriction command to the vehicle through the communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240166074
    Abstract: A management server performs processing including registering reservation information when it accepts the reservation information, when a period of use covers all time frames of a DR request, when an intention to participate in DR is indicated, and when a reservation can be made, canceling a tentative reservation when the reservation cannot be made but when a reservation can be made in a tentative reservation time slot, and registering tentative reservation information when the intention to participate in DR is not indicated and when a reservation can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto KAKUCHI, Yurika TANAKA, Kazuya TSUCHIYA, Daisuke TSUTSUMI, Hiroaki SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20240140266
    Abstract: A management method for a power storage device includes: when a discharging request for energy management is received, determining (S172) whether or not a degree of deterioration of a power storage device is larger than a first reference value with regard to a battery lease vehicle (vehicle including a power storage device having been lent); and based on a result of the determination, instructing (S18) the battery lease vehicle in which the degree of deterioration of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value, to perform discharging to outside of the vehicle in accordance with the discharging request, and not instructing the battery lease vehicle in which the degree of deterioration of the power storage device is larger than the first reference value, to perform discharging in accordance with the discharging request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto Kakuchi, Toshiaki Karasawa, Takeshi Higashi, Yoshihiko Endo
  • Publication number: 20240127327
    Abstract: A method of leasing a power storage includes obtaining, for a vehicle including a power storage, a value of the power storage based on a capacity retention rate of the power storage, determining an insurance fee for a user of the vehicle to receive an insurance service relating to replacement of the power storage based on an accident risk of the vehicle, and determining a lease fee of the power storage based on the value of the power storage and the insurance fee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240116477
    Abstract: A server includes a communication unit (first communication unit) (second communication unit) that receives information about a request for adjustment of power supply-and-demand in a power grid. The server includes a processor (controller) that predicts a schedule of replacement of a battery (first battery) at a battery station (battery replacement apparatus). The processor specifies, based on the schedule, a battery (second battery) available for charging or discharging for the request for adjustment, and determines, based on the specified battery, whether or not it is possible to respond to the request for adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240116394
    Abstract: A server (management apparatus) includes: a communication unit (first acquisition unit) that acquires a request regarding adjustment of electric power supply-and-demand in a power grid; and a processor (controller) that performs, based on the request, control to notify, a user of an electrically powered vehicle, of a replacement cost required for battery replacement at a battery station (battery replacement apparatus). When charging with electric power of the power grid is requested and a battery (first battery) of the electrically powered vehicle has an SOC lower than the SOC of a battery (second battery) having a maximum SOC to be used for charging, among a plurality of batteries (second batteries), the processor performs control to notify the user of the replacement cost lower than a normal replacement cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko TERASAWA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Toshiaki KARASAWA, Takeshi HIGASHI, Yoshihiko ENDO
  • Publication number: 20240103524
    Abstract: A method for controlling a mobile shop includes: determining a selling situation of a plurality of items using information about an inventory status of the plurality of items and information about a well-selling time of the plurality of items; setting a charging schedule for a battery (secondary battery) based on the selling situation; and causing the mobile shop to move to EVSE (charging facility) according to the charging schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yurika TANAKA, Makoto KAKUCHI, Daisuke TSUTSUMI, Kazuya TSUCHIYA, Hiroaki SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20240086981
    Abstract: A taxi vehicle management method includes: evaluating, based on DR contribution history information, a degree of contribution to demand response for energy management by a driver of a taxi vehicle, the DR contribution history information indicating a history of contribution to the DR by the driver using a power storage device of the taxi vehicle; and determining a calculation formula of a fare of the taxi vehicle driven by the driver, using a result of evaluation of the degree of contribution by the driver. The determining the calculation formula of the fare includes determining the calculation formula of the fare such that the fare becomes lower as the degree of contribution to the DR by the driver becomes higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke TSUTSUMI, Makoto KAKUCHI, Yurika TANAKA, Kazuya TSUCHIYA, Hiroaki SUGIYAMA
  • Patent number: 11780344
    Abstract: A management apparatus is configured to adjust an upper limit amount of electric power for charging. The management apparatus may be provided in an electric vehicle or a charging apparatus. The management apparatus may include a dial for adjusting the upper limit amount of electric power, and a user may be able to adjust the upper limit amount of electric power by operating the dial. A user who drives 300 km per week for commute may set the amount of electric power corresponding to 300 km (plus extra travel distance) for the upper limit amount of electric power. The user may connect a battery to the charging apparatus on weekends. When the battery has a capacity to store the amount of electric power corresponding to, for example, 500 km, the management apparatus may stop charging when the battery is charged with the set upper limit amount of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichi Onishi, Makoto Kakuchi, Masashi Takahashi, Masakazu Habu, Kenji Kimura
  • Publication number: 20230296689
    Abstract: A system to support reuse of a mounted secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to acquire supply time information on supply time of a used secondary battery that will be removed from the vehicle and first battery performance information on battery performance of the mounted secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, and generate supply information on supply of a used secondary battery, including battery performance of the used secondary battery at the supply time, in accordance with the supply time information and the first battery performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Kakuchi