Display control method, display control device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a display control method, a display control program, and a display control device that improve the manner in which information is output to the display unit. [Solution] The system comprises a designation step, a determination step, and a display control step. In the display control step, if it is determined in the determination step that future information is to be specified, the system displays the corresponding single-cell future state information, which is the first single-cell future state information, for each of the multiple first single-cells included in the first battery set. If it is determined in the determination step that current information is to be specified, the system displays the corresponding single-cell current state information, which is the first single-cell current state information, for each of the multiple first single-cells included in the first battery set. The single-cell future state information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single-cell, and the single-cell current state information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single-cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control method, a display control device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been practiced to obtain degree-of-decrease information indicating the degree of decrease in the future maximum output of each of a plurality of single cells included in a secondary battery. Patent Document 1 discloses a determination device including: an acquisition unit that acquires current output information indicating the current maximum output and degree-of-decrease information indicating the degree of decrease in the future maximum output of each of a plurality of single cells included in a secondary battery; a specification unit that specifies, for each of these plurality of single cells, the total amount of work that can be charged and discharged in the future based on the current maximum output and the degree of decrease in the future maximum output; a determination unit that determines a combination constituted by two or more single cells among these plurality of single cells, the total amount of work of which falls within a predetermined work amount range; and an output unit that outputs, to a display unit, information indicating this combination as a combination of single cells to be connected in parallel to each other within this secondary battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the output of that information to the display unit.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a display control method, a display control program, and a display control device in which the output mode of information to a display unit is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a designation step in which future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is designated, a determination step in which it is determined whether the future information or the present information is designated in the designation step, and a display control step, wherein in the display control step, (a) if it is determined in the determination step that the future information is designated, the first single cell future state information, which is the corresponding single cell future state information, is displayed on the display unit for each of the plurality of first single cells included in the first battery set, and (b) if it is determined in the determination step that the present information is designated, the first single cell current state information, which is the corresponding single cell current state information, is displayed on the display unit for each of the plurality of first single cells included in the first battery set, wherein the single cell future state information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell, and the single cell current state information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a display control method, a display control program, and a display control device in which the manner of outputting information to the display unit is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is the first example of a screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] This is a second example of the screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 5] This is the third example of a screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the display control method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A display control method according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The display control method according to this embodiment is used to consider combinations of single cells when constructing a battery pack by combining multiple single cells. The battery pack constructed by the method according to this embodiment can be used, for example, as a storage battery in an Energy Management System (EMS). In this embodiment, for example, known storage batteries are preferably used as the individual cells constituting the battery pack. The storage battery is, for example, a used lithium-ion battery for automobiles.

[0010] In this embodiment, a terminal device is used to display information about multiple battery packs (for example, combinations of individual cells) on the display unit. The user examines the combination patterns of individual cells that make up the battery pack by visually inspecting the display unit. The combination patterns of individual cells may be suggested by the terminal device. The user grasps various information about the combinations of individual cells that make up the battery pack by visually inspecting the display unit.

[0011] (Overview of terminal device) Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 (display control device) according to the embodiment. The terminal device 10 has a known configuration. The display control method according to this embodiment is implemented using a known terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. The terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, an audio device 13a, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0012] The communication unit 11 is a communication device. The communication unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 11 communicates data with other devices via the network in accordance with the control of the control unit 15. The communication unit 11 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0013] The input unit 12 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 12 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the terminal device 10. The input unit 12 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the input unit 12 inputs the input signal generated in the input device in response to the user's input to the terminal device 10. The input unit 12 may also be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit 12 acquires the acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs speech recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs the recognized string information to the terminal device 10. The speech recognition process may be performed by the control unit 15. The input unit 12 may be configured in any way that allows user instructions to be input to the terminal device 10.

[0014] The display unit 13 outputs information in a format that the user can recognize. The display unit 13 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 13 may also be an interface for connecting the image display device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the display unit 13 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it. The display unit 13 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 12. The sound device 13a is a device that outputs information to the user in addition to the display unit 13. The sound device 13a is a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker. The sound device 13a may also be an interface for connecting an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones to the terminal device 10. In this case, the sound device 13a generates an audio signal for playing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to it.

[0015] The storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 14 stores data used by the control unit 15. The storage unit 14 stores data necessary when the control unit 15 performs processing. The storage unit 14 stores, for example, various information about the battery pack. This information includes, for example, current battery pack status information and future battery pack status information. Alternatively, the storage unit 14 may store various information about the multiple individual cells used in the battery pack. This information includes, for example, current cell status information and future cell status information. Details of this information about the battery pack and individual cells will be described later. Note that instead of being stored in the storage unit 14, this information may be stored, for example, on a server that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 10.

[0016] The control unit 15 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 15 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of each function of the control unit 15 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a semiconductor memory device (e.g., SSD: Solid State Drive), or a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device built into a computer system. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunication line.

[0017] The control unit 15 may implement the display control method according to this embodiment, for example, by executing an application (program) installed in the device itself (terminal device 10). As a specific example of such an application, there is an application provided to the terminal device 10 as a dedicated application for considering the combination of single batteries described above. As another specific example of such an application, there is a WEB browser application. Such an application may be installed in the terminal device 10 in advance, or may be downloaded each time the determination process is executed. For example, when implemented as a WEB browser application, when the terminal device 10 connects to a specific WEB server, the terminal device 10 may download and execute an application from a device specified by the WEB server (for example, the WEB server itself or another server). The control unit 15 operates according to the program of the running application.

[0018] The control unit 15 controls the terminal device 10 according to various information input by the user's operations and various information regarding a plurality of single cells used in the assembled battery. For example, the control unit 15 generates a combination pattern of single cells constituting the assembled battery and screen data based on information obtained from the user operating the input unit 12 and various information regarding the plurality of single cells stored in the storage unit 14, and causes the display unit 13 to display the screen data. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may generate voice data based on the above-described information and cause the audio device 13a to output the voice data.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the control unit 15 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 15 includes a communication control means 15a, an input information processing means 15b, a storage control means 15c, an information acquisition means 15d, a calculation means 15e, a consideration means 15f, and a display control means 15g.

[0020] The communication control means 15a is the part of the control unit 15 that controls the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 functions under the control of the communication control means 15a. The input information processing means 15b is the part of the control unit 15 that receives various information input by the user using the input unit 12. The information received by the input information processing means 15b is used, for example, in calculation processing by the calculation means 15e and display control processing by the display control means 15g.

[0021] The storage control means 15c is the part of the control unit 15 that controls the storage unit 14. The storage control means 15c stores, for example, information acquired by the information acquisition means 15d, calculation results by the calculation means 15e, consideration results by the consideration means 15f, and determination results in the determination step St3 (described later) in the storage unit 14. The information acquisition means 15d is the part of the control unit 15 that acquires information on the current state of each cell. This information includes, for example, information on various measurement data output from sensors built into each cell, as well as usage history. The information on each cell acquired by the information acquisition means 15d may be stored in the storage unit 14 by, for example, the storage control means 15c.

[0022] The calculation means 15e is the part of the control unit 15 that calculates the future state information of a single cell, the current state information of a battery pack, and the future state information of a battery pack. The calculation means 15e calculates each of these state information using, for example, the input information from the user received by the input information processing means 15b and the current state information of a single cell acquired by the information acquisition means 15d. The calculation results by the calculation means 15e may be stored in the storage unit 14 by, for example, the storage control means 15c.

[0023] The examination means 15f is the part of the control unit 15 that examines the combination of individual cells in the battery pack. The examination means 15f examines the combination of individual cells in the battery pack using, for example, user input information received by the input information processing means 15b, current cell level information acquired by the information acquisition means 15d, and calculation results by the calculation means 15e. The examination results by the examination means 15f may be stored in the storage unit 14 by, for example, the storage control means 15c.

[0024] The display control means 15g is the part of the control unit 15 that generates various information to be displayed on the display unit 13 and displays it on the display unit 13. For example, the display control means 15g converts the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2, the current state information of a single cell, the future state information of a single cell, the current state information of a battery pack, and the future state information of a battery pack into information that can be displayed on the display unit 13 and transmits it to the display unit 13.

[0025] (Content displayed on the display unit) In this embodiment, the display unit 13 displays information about two battery sets: a first battery set and a second battery set. The first battery set includes a plurality of first single cells. In other words, the first battery set is composed of a plurality of first single cells. The second battery set includes a plurality of second single cells. In other words, the second battery set is composed of a plurality of second single cells. In this embodiment, the display unit 13 displays information regarding the first battery set and information regarding the second battery set, respectively. The information regarding the first battery set includes information regarding multiple first cells. The information regarding the second battery set includes information regarding multiple second cells. The user checks this information regarding the first battery set and the information regarding the second battery set on the display unit 13 and considers battery set combinations. In the following, when the first and second battery sets are not distinguished, they will be referred to as a battery set. When the first and second single cells are not distinguished, they will be referred to as single cells.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a first example of the screen displayed on the display unit 13. Figure 4 shows a second example of the screen displayed on the display unit 13. Figure 5 shows a third example of the screen displayed on the display unit 13. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the display unit 13 displays, for example, a first battery set image AB1, a second battery set image AB2, a coordinate system AX, and a setting unit S. The various information displayed on the display unit 13 is generated by the display control means 15g as described above. In this embodiment, the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2 displayed on the display unit 13 refer to images that show information about the first battery set and the second battery set, respectively, as displayed on the display unit 13. The coordinate system AX is an image (for example, a two-dimensional graph) that shows the relationship between the two battery sets. The setting unit S is an image that sets and displays the preconditions for displaying these various pieces of information.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the first battery image set AB1, the second battery image set AB2, and the coordinate system AX are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the display unit 13. The setting unit S is positioned below the first battery image set AB1, the second battery image set AB2, and the coordinate system AX, which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. However, the positional relationship between the first battery image set AB1, the second battery image set AB2, the coordinate system AX, and the setting unit S is not limited to this.

[0028] The first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2 displayed on the display unit 13 refer to a display in which multiple images showing information about individual cells (first cell, second cell) are arranged side by side, making it possible to understand combinations of multiple individual cells.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first battery set image AB1 includes multiple first cell images B1. The second battery set image AB2 includes multiple second cell images B2. The first cell images B1 and the second cell images B2 refer to images displayed on the display unit 13 that show information about the first cell and the second cell, respectively.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first and second battery sets are constructed by connecting four battery combinations in series, each consisting of three single cells connected in parallel. The display unit 13 schematically displays the above-described connection configuration of the single cells, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The aforementioned battery set, consisting of three single cells connected in parallel, is called a unit battery set. The first and second battery sets can also be said to be constructed by connecting four unit battery sets in series. However, when constructing a battery set, any number of single cells may be connected in parallel (in a unit battery set, two or more single cells may be connected in parallel), or any number of unit battery sets may be connected in series (two, three, or five or more unit battery sets may be connected in series). Alternatively, a single battery pack may consist of multiple individual cells connected in series, or multiple single battery packs, each consisting of multiple individual cells connected in series, may be connected in parallel.

[0031] In the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2, the unit battery set images AB, which represent unit battery sets, are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the display unit 13. In each of the unit battery set images AB, the first single cell image B1 and the second single cell image B2, which represent the individual cells that make up the unit battery set, are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display unit 13.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, each of the multiple single cells is assigned an identification number, and this identification number is displayed in each first single cell image B1 and each second single cell image B2. For example, in the example of the first battery set shown in Figure 3, each first single cell is assigned an identification number from ID:001 to 012, which is displayed in the first single cell image B1. This allows the user to understand various information about each of the multiple first single cells on an individual basis. In the example shown in Figure 3, the single cells included in the first battery set and the single cells included in the second battery set are the same. The arrangement of the single cells differs between the first battery set and the second battery set. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple first single cells and the multiple second single cells in the first and second battery sets are common to each other. However, the arrangement of the multiple first single cells in the first battery set and the arrangement of the multiple second single cells in the second battery set are different. The user understands the details of the first and second cell units based on the cell IDs displayed in each of the first cell unit images B1 or each of the second cell unit images B2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the user visually grasps various information regarding the multiple first single cell images B1 included in the first battery set image AB1 and the multiple second single cell images B2 included in the second battery set image AB2, which are displayed on the display unit 13. In addition to the identification number, the display unit 13 also displays the various information described below for the first single cell images B1 and the second single cell images B2. In the illustrated example, this various information is displayed to the upper right of the identification number for both the first single cell images B1 and the second single cell images B2, but the display position is not limited to this. In this embodiment, information about each of the multiple cells includes, for example, current cell level information and future cell level information. The current cell level information and future cell level information are displayed corresponding to each of the multiple cells.

[0034] The single cell current status information is the current status information of the single cell. In this embodiment, "current" refers to the time when the display control method according to this embodiment is implemented. The current status information is, for example, various information about the single cell at the time when the display control method according to this embodiment is implemented. Each of the multiple single-cell current status information records indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell. In this embodiment, these various types of information are acquired by appropriately reading, for example, information related to various measurement data output from sensors built into each single cell, or usage history, using the information acquisition means 15d. The acquired information may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 14 of the terminal device 10 by the storage control means 15c.

[0035] In this embodiment, the storage capacity is expressed, for example, in kWh (kilowatt-hours). The degree of degradation is, for example, the ratio of the current or future storage capacity to the storage capacity in a new state. The degree of degradation is expressed, for example, in % (percent). The degree of degradation may be displayed, for example, as a graph that shows the change in the degradation rate over time. The maximum output is expressed, for example, in kW (kilowatts). The remaining capacity is expressed, for example, in % (percent). In this embodiment, the user can appropriately determine which of the following is displayed on the display unit 13: storage capacity, degradation level, maximum output, or remaining capacity (details will be described later).

[0036] The single-cell future condition information is future condition information for a single cell. In this embodiment, the future condition information is, for example, predicted values ​​of various information about the single cell after a predetermined period has elapsed from the time the display control method according to this embodiment is implemented. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is specified by the user (details will be described later).

[0037] Each of the multiple cell future condition information entries indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the cell. These various types of information are obtained, for example, by outputting from sensors built into each cell and storing the information in the memory unit 14 of the terminal device 10, and then appropriately calculating the condition after a predetermined period of time using the calculation means 15e. The information thus calculated may, for example, be displayed on the display unit 13 as cell future condition information by the display control means 15g, or stored in the memory unit 14 of the terminal device 10 by the memory control means 15c.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 3, the current state information of a single cell and the future state information of a single cell are arranged side by side in the first single cell image B1 and the second single cell image B2, separated by a symbol (a " / " (slash) in the example shown). Of the two pieces of information arranged side by side, the information on the left is the future state information of the single cell, and the information on the right is the current state information of the single cell.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 4, instead of showing both the current and future single-cell status information, only the future single-cell status information is shown, and in the example shown in Figure 5, only the current single-cell status information is shown. Switching between these displays is performed, for example, by the user operating the display timing setting unit S3, which will be described later.

[0040] In this embodiment, the user grasps various information about the first and second battery sets by visually viewing the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2 displayed on the display unit 13 by the display control means 15g. The display unit 13 displays the following information regarding the first and second battery sets. In the illustrated example, the following information is arranged above the unit battery set image AB group on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, information relating to the first battery pack and the second battery pack respectively includes, for example, current battery pack information and future battery pack information.

[0041] The battery pack current condition information is the current condition information for the battery pack. The current status information for the battery pack indicates, for example, the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the current charge level information for a battery pack is obtained by multiplying the lowest value of the current charge level information held by each of the multiple unit battery packs connected in series in the battery pack by the number of unit battery packs connected in series. For example, if the lowest value of the storage capacity among the multiple unit battery packs is 100kWh and the number of unit battery packs is 4, the current charge level information for the battery pack will be 100kWh × 4 = 400kWh. The current degree information corresponding to each unit battery used in the above calculation is obtained by the calculation means 15e by summing the current degree information of each of the multiple individual cells included in the unit battery and connected in parallel. In other words, the current state information for the first battery pack is obtained by summing the current state information for each of the multiple unit battery packs included in the first battery pack (the current state information for the first cell), and then performing the calculation described above. The current state information for the second battery pack is obtained by summing the current state information for each of the multiple unit battery packs included in the second battery pack (the current state information for the second cell), and then performing the calculation described above.

[0042] Battery pack future performance information refers to information about the future performance of a battery pack. Battery pack future condition information indicates, for example, the future storage capacity, future degradation level, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the future state information for a battery pack is obtained by multiplying the lowest value of the future state information possessed by each of the multiple unit battery packs connected in series in the battery pack by the number of unit battery packs connected in series, similar to the current state information for a battery pack described above. The future degree information corresponding to each unit battery set used in the above calculation is obtained by the calculation means 15e by summing the individual cell future degree information of the multiple individual cells included in the unit battery set and connected in parallel. In other words, the future state information for the first battery pack is obtained by summing the individual cell future state information (first cell future state information) for each of the multiple unit battery packs included in the first battery pack, and then performing the calculation described above. The future state information for the second battery pack is obtained by summing the individual cell future state information (second cell future state information) for each of the multiple unit battery packs included in the second battery pack, and then performing the calculation described above.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 3, the current state information of the battery pack and the future state information of the battery pack are arranged side by side in the first cell image B1 and the second cell image B2, separated by a symbol (a " / " (slash) in the example shown). Of the two pieces of information arranged side by side, the information on the left is the future state information of the battery pack, and the information on the right is the current state information of the battery pack.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 4, instead of showing both the current battery pack condition information and the future battery pack condition information, only the future battery pack condition information is shown, and in the example shown in Figure 5, only the current battery pack condition information is shown. Switching between these displays is performed, for example, by the user operating the display timing setting unit S3.

[0045] The following describes how to calculate the current battery pack status information for a battery pack, using the battery pack's storage capacity as an example, based on the current status information of each of the multiple individual cells included in the battery pack. The calculation method for the current battery pack status information is the same for degradation level, maximum output, and remaining capacity. As mentioned above, since the degradation level and remaining capacity are in percent (%), it is preferable to adjust the units of each parameter used in the calculation (for example, from kW (kilowatts) to kWh (kilowatt-hours)) before performing these calculations. The calculation method for the future battery pack status information for a battery pack, based on the future status information of each of the multiple individual cells included in the battery pack, is also the same.

[0046] As described above, the first and second battery sets are composed of four series-connected sets of three single cells connected in parallel. First, the calculation means 15e calculates the sum of the current and future storage capacities of each of the three parallel-connected single cell sets (unit battery sets). For example, in the unit battery set image AB in the first battery set image AB1 shown in Figure 3, the sum of the current and future storage capacities of each is displayed on the right side of the image. In the illustrated example, the sum of the current and future storage capacities of each are placed side by side with a symbol (a " / " (slash) in the illustrated example) in between. Of the two pieces of information placed side by side, the information on the left is the future storage capacity, and the information on the right is the current storage capacity. For example, in the first battery set image AB1, the total of the single cells with IDs 001 to 003 included in the unit battery set image AB, which is located at the top, has a current storage capacity of 260 kWh and a future storage capacity of 200 kWh. The storage capacity of the first and second battery sets is calculated by multiplying the lowest of the sums of the storage capacities calculated for each combination of unit battery sets that make up the first and second battery sets by the number of unit battery sets. That is, for example, among the unit battery sets corresponding to the multiple unit battery set images AB shown in the first battery set image AB1, the current minimum storage capacity is 200kWh, and the future minimum storage capacity is 150kWh. This information may be displayed as "minimum value" above the unit battery set image AB group in the first battery set image AB1. The storage capacity of the first battery set is the value obtained by multiplying the "minimum value" mentioned above by 4, which is the number of unit battery sets. That is, in the first battery set shown in the first battery set image AB1, the current storage capacity is 800kWh, and the future storage capacity is 600kWh. This information may be displayed as "Storage Capacity" above the unit battery set image AB group in the first battery set image AB1.

[0047] In addition to the information described above, above the group of unit battery images A and B, a value representing the sum of the storage capacities of the unit batteries corresponding to the multiple unit battery images A and B shown in the first unit battery image AB1 may be displayed. This information may be displayed as "sum value" above the group of unit battery images A and B in the first unit battery image AB1. For example, in the first battery shown in the first battery image AB1, the current "sum value" is 910kWh, and the future "sum value" is 700kWh. The "sum value" may be displayed, for example, so that the user can compare it with the storage capacity of the first battery obtained as described above, and understand the unused capacity in the multiple unit batteries that the first battery possesses.

[0048] Note that Figure 3 shows both current and future energy storage capacities, while Figure 4 shows only future capacity, and Figure 5 shows only current capacity. In the example shown in Figure 3, the current and future storage capacities of the first and second battery sets are shown side by side, separated by a symbol (a " / " (slash) in the example). Of the two sets of information, the information on the left represents the future storage capacity, and the information on the right represents the current storage capacity. For example, the current storage capacity of the first battery set is 800kWh, and its future storage capacity is 600kWh. The current storage capacity of the second battery set is 840kWh, and its future storage capacity is 640kWh. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the future storage capacity shown in the first battery image AB1 is 600 kWh, and the future storage capacity shown in the second battery image AB2 is 640 kWh. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 5, the current storage capacity shown in the first battery image AB1 is 800 kWh, and the current storage capacity shown in the second battery image AB2 is 840 kWh. Thus, in this embodiment, the second battery set performs better than the first battery set in terms of both future state information and current state information.

[0049] The coordinate system AX displayed on the display unit 13 has one axis corresponding to the future state information of the battery pack and the other axis corresponding to the current state information of the battery pack. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the horizontal axis of coordinate system AX corresponds to the current performance information of the battery pack. The horizontal axis of coordinate system AX indicates that the current performance of the battery pack is higher as you move away from the origin. The vertical axis of coordinate system AX corresponds to the future performance information of the battery pack. The vertical axis of coordinate system AX indicates that the future performance of the battery pack is higher as you move away from the origin. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the future and current state information of the first battery pack and the future and current state information of the second battery pack are superimposed on the coordinate system AX (details will be described later). The future and current state information of the first battery pack is displayed as the first point on the coordinate system AX. The future and current state information of the second battery pack is displayed as the second point on the coordinate system AX.

[0050] The setting unit S displayed on the display unit 13 is the interface for setting the information displayed on the display unit 13. The user inputs information to the setting unit S as appropriate, for example, via the input unit 12. The various information input to the setting unit S is received by the input information processing means 15b and used, for example, for calculation processing by the calculation means 15e, examination processing by the examination means 15f, and display control processing by the display control means 15g. As a result, the information displayed on the display unit 13 changes as appropriate. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the setting unit S includes a predetermined period setting unit S1, a storage capacity setting unit S2, a display timing setting unit S3, and a display information setting unit S4. The arrangement of the predetermined period setting unit S1, the storage capacity setting unit S2, the display timing setting unit S3, and the display information setting unit S4 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figures.

[0051] The predetermined period setting unit S1 is the part that sets a predetermined period when displaying the future condition information for a single cell and the future condition information for a battery pack. The user, for example, uses the input unit 12 to select the predetermined period setting unit S1 displayed on the display unit 13 and inputs the number of years for the predetermined period. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the predetermined period is set to 5 years. The predetermined period may be 1 year, 10 years, or any other number of years, and may not be limited to years but may be months, weeks, or days. The future condition information for a single cell and the future condition information for a battery pack are calculated by the calculation means 15e based on the predetermined period set in this way.

[0052] The energy storage capacity setting unit S2 (constraint setting unit) is the part that sets the energy storage capacity of the battery pack or unit battery pack. The user, for example, uses the input unit 12 to select the energy storage capacity setting unit S2 displayed on the display unit 13 and inputs the desired energy storage capacity for the battery pack. Energy storage capacity is, for example, the amount of energy that can be stored per unit time. In the example shown in Figures 3 to 5, the minimum energy storage capacity of the unit battery pack is set to 200 kWh. In this embodiment, since the battery pack is composed of four unit battery packs, the energy storage capacity of the battery pack as a whole is set to 200 kWh × 4 = 800 kWh. In this embodiment, the examination means 15f determines a combination of single cells to satisfy the energy storage capacity set in this manner. Note that the amount of charge (charging capacity) and the amount of discharge (discharging capacity) may be set separately. In this embodiment, the amount of charge and discharge is a constraint on the combination of cell packs, but other parameters may be used as constraints instead of the amount of charge and discharge.

[0053] The display timing setting unit S3 is the part that specifies whether to display single cell current performance information and battery pack current performance information, or single cell future performance information and battery pack future performance information on the display unit 13. The user, for example, uses the input unit 12 to select the display timing setting unit S3 displayed on the display unit 13 and specifies which of the above information to display on the display unit 13. In the example shown in Figure 3, the display timing setting unit S3 is set to show both current performance information and future performance information for single cells and battery packs, as indicated by the display of "Future, Present". In this case, it is preferable that in the consideration step St5 described later, it is possible to separately set whether to prioritize the current or future performance of the battery pack. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the current performance of the battery pack is prioritized, as indicated by the display of "(Present)" next to "Future, Present". In the example shown in Figure 4, the display timing setting unit S3 is set to show only future performance information for single cells and battery packs, as indicated by the display of "Future". In this case, the future performance of the battery pack may be prioritized in the consideration step St5. In the example shown in Figure 5, the display timing setting unit S3 is set to display only the current status information for the single cell and the battery pack, as indicated by the display time setting unit S3 displaying "Current". In this case, in the consideration step St5, the current performance of the battery pack may be given priority consideration. The display control means 15g ensures that the display unit 13 displays the information desired by the user based on the information input by the user.

[0054] The display information setting unit S4 is the part of the display unit 13 that specifies whether to display the storage capacity, degradation level, maximum output, or remaining capacity of a single cell or battery pack. The user, for example, uses the input unit 12 to select the display information setting unit S4 displayed on the display unit 13 and specifies which of the above information to display on the display unit 13. In the example shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is set to display the storage capacity of a single cell and battery pack. For example, the display unit 13 may display "Capacity" next to the numerical value of the storage capacity to indicate that the storage capacity is being displayed. The display control means 15g ensures that the display unit 13 displays the information desired by the user based on the information input by the user.

[0055] (Display control method) Next, the display control method according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the display control method according to the embodiment. The display control method of this embodiment comprises an input step St1, a designation step St2, a determination step St3, a specific step St4, a review step St5, a notification step St6, a notification step St7, a first display control step St8, a second display control step St9, a third display control step St10, and a superimposed display control step St11.

[0056] Input step St1 is a step in which predetermined period information indicating a predetermined period is input. The input of predetermined period information is performed by the user. Specifically, for example, the user inputs predetermined period information to the predetermined period setting unit S1 via the input unit 12. The information input by the user in this way is received by the input information processing means 15b. The predetermined period information (for example, 5 years) entered by the user is displayed in the predetermined period setting unit S1 of the display unit 13, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The predetermined period information is reflected in the future timing of the single-cell future condition information. That is, the future timing corresponding to the condition indicated by the first single-cell future condition information and the future timing corresponding to the condition indicated by the second single-cell future condition information correspond to the timing after the predetermined period indicated by the predetermined period information entered in input step St1 has elapsed. The predetermined period information entered in input step St1 is used to calculate the single-cell future condition information for the first and second single cells, and the battery pack future condition information for the first and second battery packs, respectively. Specifically, for example, if the user inputs a predetermined period of 5 years, the future condition information for the first cell and the future condition information for the second cell will be output as information about the condition after 5 years.

[0057] The designation step St2 is a step in which future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is specified. That is, in designation step St2, the user specifies whether to display single-cell current status information and battery pack current status information on the display unit 13, display single-cell future status information and battery pack future status information, or display both. In designation step St2, the user specifies which of the above information to display on the display unit 13 by operating the display timing setting unit S3 using the input unit 12. The information entered by the user in this way is received by the input information processing means 15b.

[0058] The determination step St3 is a step in which it is determined whether future information or present information is specified in the designation step St2. That is, in the determination step St3, for example, the display control means 15g determines whether the information entered by the user in the designation step St2 is future information, present information, or both. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, in the determination step St3, it is first determined whether the user specified future information (step St3a). Next, it is determined whether the user specified present information (step St3b). If the user specifies future information (St3a:YES), the memory control means 15c stores in the memory unit 14 that the user has specified future information (step St3a1). If the user does not specify future information (St3a:NO), the above process is not performed. If the user specifies current information (St3b:YES), the memory control means 15c stores in the memory unit 14 that the user has specified current information (step St3b1). If the user does not specify current information (St3b:NO), the above process is not performed. In the process described above, if the user specifies both future and current information, the system may separately accept a specification in the review step St5 regarding whether to prioritize the current or future performance of the battery pack. Such a specification may be made by the user operating the display timing setting unit S3. Furthermore, such a specification may be appropriately stored in the storage unit in step St3a1 or step St3b1 described above. The determination result of the determination step St3 described above is reflected in the display content on the display unit 13 in, for example, the first display control step St8, the second display control step St9, or the third display control step St10. Based on the determination result of the determination step St3, the calculation means 15e may decide whether to calculate the single cell future state information, the battery pack current state information, or the battery pack future state information.

[0059] Identification step St4 is a step in which battery pack information indicating a battery pack containing multiple single cells is identified. More specifically, identification step St4 is a step in which the user identifies some of the combinations of single cells in the battery pack. For example, the user uses the input unit 12 to identify the ID of a single cell that corresponds to either the first single cell image B1 or the second single cell image B2 in the first battery pack image AB1 or the second battery pack image AB2. Before the user's identification, the first single cell image B1 and the second single cell image B2 may display only a blank frame (template) for the ID, and the user may identify the ID by manipulating that frame. The information entered by the user in this way is received by the input information processing means 15b. By allowing the user to identify some of the cell combinations, the examination means 15f can examine the combinations of the remaining cell combinations. Alternatively, in the identification step St4, the user may identify all of the cell combinations in the battery pack. In this case, the information displayed on the display unit 13 may be the results of the examination of the battery pack's condition based on the combinations identified by the user. It should be noted that the user does not need to identify any cell IDs in the identification step St4. Furthermore, in step St4, the user does not need to identify all combinations of the first single cell in the first battery set, for example, but not any combinations of the second single cell in the second battery set.

[0060] Step St5 is a step in which the examination means 15f examines the information to be displayed on the display unit 13 based on information regarding the degree of each of the multiple single cells and various information input by the user. In the examination step St5, the examination means 15f may examine, for example, the combination of individual cells in the first battery set and the second battery set. In the examination step St5, for example, the combination of parts other than the combination of individual cells identified by the user in the identification step St4 is examined. In this embodiment, the selection of single-cell combinations may be determined, for example, based on a pre-prepared algorithm. The selection of single-cell combinations may also be determined by artificial intelligence. The selection of single-cell combinations may incorporate results from selections made by external functions. The selection of single-cell combinations may be optimized by machine learning or the like.

[0061] Here, the first battery set image AB1 displayed on the display unit 13 shows an example of a combination of the first single cell image B1 considered in the examination step St5. The second battery set image AB2 displayed on the display unit 13 shows an example of a combination of the second single cell image B2 considered in the examination step St5. That is, in the examination step St5, the examination means 15f may consider two examples of single cell combinations. It is preferable for the user to adopt a battery set containing a single cell combination that is more suitable for the purpose from the two examples of single cell combinations considered in this way.

[0062] When considering combinations of second cells in the second battery pack, (1) at least one of the multiple second cell future fate information is determined based on either (2-1) the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack, or (2-2) at least one of the multiple first cell future fate information. In other words, the above (1) second cell future fate information may be determined based on (2-1) the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack, and the above (1) second cell future fate information may be determined based on (2-2) the first cell future fate information. More specifically, it is as follows. Here, in consideration step St5, the combination of the second single cell in the second battery set is considered such that the performance of the second battery set (e.g., storage capacity) exceeds that of the first battery set. At this time, the combination of the second single cell in the second battery set (corresponding to (1) above) is determined, for example, based on the performance related to the future performance information of the battery set corresponding to the first battery set (corresponding to (2-1) above). Alternatively, the combination of the second single cell in the second battery set (corresponding to (1) above) may be determined based on the performance related to the future performance information of the single cell corresponding to the first single cell included in the first battery set (corresponding to (2-2) above).

[0063] For example, if future information is specified in step St2, then in step St5, the future performance of the battery pack may be given priority over the current performance of the battery pack. In other words, by suppressing the amount of degradation of the battery pack as a whole due to variations in the future degradation of individual cells, it may be possible to reduce the number of times individual cells need to be replaced due to changes in the combination of individual cells or the replacement of individual cells in the future.

[0064] For example, if current information is specified in step St2, then in step St5, the current performance of the battery pack may be given priority over the future performance of the battery pack. In other words, by setting the current performance of the battery pack high, it may be possible to enable large-scale electricity trading and thereby increase the profits from electricity trading.

[0065] For example, if both future and current information are specified in designation step St2, then in consideration step St5, priority may be given to achieving both the current and future performance of the battery pack. In other words, the combination of individual cells may be considered with priority given to the total amount of work done during the service life of the first or second battery pack. Alternatively, even if both future and current information are specified in designation step St2, priority may be given to either the current or future performance of the battery pack.

[0066] In this embodiment, the difference between the current performance information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack and the future performance information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. That is, the difference (degree of degradation) between the current performance and the future performance of the first battery pack is less than or equal to an arbitrarily set predetermined threshold. This allows for a consideration of the combination of the first single cell in the first battery pack, ensuring that the degree of degradation from the current performance to the future performance is not large.

[0067] Notification step St6 is a step in which, if the degree indicated by the battery pack future condition information or battery pack current condition information corresponding to the first battery pack is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold input by the user, a message is sent to the user prompting them to re-enter a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold input by the user is, for example, a numerical value of the storage capacity set by the user in the storage capacity setting unit S2. In this embodiment, before the notification step St6, in the comparison step St5.5 shown in Figure 6, the degree indicated by the battery pack future level information or battery pack current level information corresponding to the first battery pack is compared with a predetermined threshold input by the user. This allows the display control means 15g to determine whether it is possible to reach the storage capacity input by the user using the selectable combination of single cells. Whether the notification step St6 is performed based on the battery pack future level information or the battery pack current level information may be determined as follows. For example, if future information is specified in the designation step St2, the notification step St6 may be performed based on the battery pack future level information; if current information is specified in the designation step St2, the notification step St6 may be performed based on the battery pack current level information. The following explanation will describe the case where future information is specified in the designation step St2, and the case where current information is specified will be described as being the same as the case where future information is specified, and will not be explained further. For example, when considering combinations of individual cells in a battery pack, if it is impossible to reach the storage capacity entered by the user with any of the selectable combinations of individual cells (St5.5:YES), notification step St6 is performed. That is, the display unit 13 is shown that the storage capacity should be changed to one that can be reached with the selectable combinations of individual cells. For example, the storage capacity setting unit S2 is made to blink. Alternatively, the storage capacity setting unit S2 may be displayed in a different color from the other areas of the display unit 13. When considering combinations of individual cells in a battery pack, if it is possible to reach the storage capacity entered by the user with any of the selectable combinations of individual cells (St5.5:NO), notification step St6 is not performed.

[0068] Notification step St7 notifies the user of a message prompting the replacement of one of the multiple first cells. In notification step St7, the message is notified if the difference between the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to one of the multiple first cells and the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to a different first cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The display control means 15g may, for example, decide whether or not to issue the notification related to notification step St7 based on the results of the examination means 15f. In this embodiment, prior to notification step St7, a decision is made in the determination step St6.5 shown in Figure 6 whether or not to give the notification related to notification step St7. Specifically, for example, the first cell corresponding to the first cell image B1 of ID:007 shown in Figure 3 has a lower storage capacity than the first cell corresponding to the other first cell images B1. In this case, if the difference between the storage capacity of the first cell corresponding to the first cell image B1 of ID:007 shown in Figure 3 and the storage capacity of the first cell corresponding to the other first cell images B1 exceeds a predetermined threshold set arbitrarily (St6.5:YES), notification step St7 is performed. That is, a message prompting the replacement of the cell of ID:007 is displayed. Specifically, for example, the area on the display unit 13 corresponding to the cell of ID:007 may be made to blink, or displayed in a different color from other areas. This may enable the user to quickly replace the cell. If the above difference does not exceed a predetermined threshold set arbitrarily (St6.5:NO), notification step St7 is not performed.

[0069] The first display control step St8 is a step in which the display control means 15g causes the display unit 13 to display, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery pack, the corresponding multiple single cell future state information, which is the first single cell future state information. In the first display control step St8, the display control means 15g may also display on the display unit 13 the battery pack future state information corresponding to the first battery pack containing the multiple first single cells.

[0070] In the first display control step St8, for example, the future status information of the first single cell, based on the battery pack information identified in the identification step St4 (i.e., some information on a combination of multiple single cells), is displayed on the display unit 13. In the first display control step St8, the following processing is performed based on the information stored in the storage unit 14 in the determination step St3 described above. (a) For example, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that future information is specified (i.e., if the process in step St3a1 described above is performed), then in the first display control step St8, based on the information stored in the storage unit 14, the display unit 13 may display the first single cell future state information, which is the corresponding single cell future state information, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set. (b) For example, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that current information is specified, in the first display control step St8, based on the information stored in the storage unit 14, the display unit 13 may display the corresponding single cell current status information, which is the first single cell current status information, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set.

[0071] The second display control step St9 is a step in which the display control means 15g causes the display unit 13 to display the second single cell future state information, which is the corresponding information for multiple second single cells included in the second battery pack. In the second display control step St9, the display control means 15g may also display the battery pack future state information corresponding to the second battery pack containing multiple second single cells on the display unit 13.

[0072] In the second display control step St9, for example, the future status information of the second single cell, based on the battery pack information identified in the identification step St4, is displayed on the display unit 13. In the second display control step St9, the following processing is performed based on the information stored in the storage unit 14 in the determination step St3 described above. (c) For example, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that future information is specified (i.e., if the process in step St3b1 described above is performed), the second display control step St9 may display the second single cell future state information, which is the corresponding multiple single cell future state information, on the display unit 13 for each of the multiple second single cells included in the second battery set, based on the information stored in the storage unit 14. (d) For example, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that current information is specified, in the second display control step St9, based on the information stored in the storage unit 14, the display unit 13 may display the corresponding multiple single cell current status information, which is the second single cell current status information, for each of the multiple second single cells included in the second battery set. Note that the controls described in (a) to (d) above may be performed in any order.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first single cell future state information displayed in the first display control step St8 and the second single cell future state information displayed in the second display control step St9 are displayed on the display unit 13 in a comparable manner. More specifically, in this embodiment, the future state information of the first single cell and the future state information of the second single cell may be displayed together on a single screen.

[0074] The third display control step St10 is a step in which the display control means 15g causes the display unit 13 to display information on the future state of one of the multiple second single cells that need to be included in the second battery set. More specifically, for example, in a specific step St4, if the combination of single cells of the first battery set is predetermined, the display unit 13 displays information on the future performance of one of the second single cells that needs to be included in the second battery set in order to make the performance of the second battery set exceed that of the first battery set. A second single cell that needs to be included in the second battery set is, for example, a single cell that, if removed from the second battery set, would prevent the second battery set from achieving performance approximately equal to that of the first battery set. Such a second single cell can be determined, for example, by the examination means 15f. The display by the third display control step St10 may, for example, highlight the second single cell image B2 corresponding to the second single cell among a plurality of second single cell images B2. Alternatively, the display unit 13 may display a new window in the blank area of ​​the second battery set image AB2 and display the ID of the target single cell in that window. The display control means 15g may output the information displayed in the third display control step St10 based, for example, on the results of the examination by the examination means 15f.

[0075] The superimposed display control step St11 is a step in which the future state information and current state information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack, and the future state information and current state information of the battery pack corresponding to the second battery pack are superimposed on a coordinate system AX in which one axis corresponds to the future state information of the battery pack and the other axis corresponds to the current state information of the battery pack. For example, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, two points representing the future performance information and current performance information of the first battery pack, and the future performance information and current performance information of the second battery pack, are superimposed on the coordinate system AX. In the example shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second battery pack is shown to have higher performance in both future performance information and current performance information compared to the first battery pack. The display control method according to this embodiment is implemented through the steps described above. In this embodiment, the steps described above may be repeated. Specifically, the flow may be executed so that after the superimposed display control step St11 is completed, it proceeds back to the input step St1. In this case, for example, the various information stored in the storage unit 14 in step St3a1 or step St3b1 of the determination step St3 described above may be deleted before proceeding to the input step St1.

[0076] As described above, according to the display control method of this embodiment, in the first display control step St8, the future performance information of the first single cell is displayed on the display unit 13. In the second display control step St9, the future performance information of the second single cell is displayed on the display unit 13. The multiple first single cells and the multiple second single cells are common, but the arrangement of the multiple first single cells in the first battery pack and the arrangement of the multiple second single cells in the second battery pack are different. In other words, the combination of common single cells differs between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. As a result, the user can grasp the difference in performance of the multiple battery packs that arises from the difference in the combination of multiple single cells. Therefore, the user can easily consider a combination of single cells that matches the performance required for the battery pack. Furthermore, by displaying not only the battery pack future condition information corresponding to the first and second battery packs, but also the future condition information for the first and second single cells, the output method of information to the display unit 13 can be improved compared to the case where only the battery pack future condition information is displayed.

[0077] Furthermore, the future condition information for multiple first cells and the future condition information for multiple second cells are displayed on the display unit 13 in a comparable manner. This makes it easy for the user to compare the future condition information for each of the multiple first cells and the future condition information for each of the multiple second cells. Therefore, for example, the user can easily select from the first and second battery sets the battery set that has the fewest cells that need replacing among the cells in the battery set they own.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first display control step St8, the current status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit 13. In the second display control step St9, the current status information of the second cell is displayed on the display unit 13. This allows the user to understand not only the future status information of the first cell but also the current status information of each of the multiple first cells. Moreover, the user can understand not only the future status information of the second cell but also the current status information of each of the multiple second cells. Furthermore, the current status information for multiple individual cells indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of each individual cell. This allows, for example, a user to appropriately select from the first and second battery sets the individual cells included in their own battery set that meet their desired current storage capacity, current degradation level, and current remaining capacity.

[0079] Furthermore, in input step St1, predetermined period information indicating a predetermined period is entered. The future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information and the future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the second cell future condition information correspond to the time after the predetermined period indicated by the predetermined period information entered in input step St1 has elapsed. As a result, for example, a user can obtain the first cell future condition information and the second cell future condition information after the desired predetermined period has elapsed by entering the desired predetermined period information.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple second single cell future fate information is determined based on either the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack or at least one of the first single cell future fate information. This makes it possible to more reliably determine the single cell future fate information for at least one of the multiple second single cells included in the second battery pack so that the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack and the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the second battery pack are approximately equal.

[0081] Furthermore, in the designation step St2, future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is specified. In the determination step St3, it is determined whether future information or present information was specified in the designation step St2. The system also includes a first display control step St8 and a second display control step St9. In the first display control step St8, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that future information is specified, the future status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit 13. If it is determined in the determination step St3 that current information is specified, the current status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit 13. In the second display control step St9, if it is determined in the determination step St3 that future information is specified, the future status information of the second cell is displayed on the display unit 13. If it is determined in the determination step St3 that current information is specified, the current status information of the second cell is displayed on the display unit 13. As a result, for example, a user can obtain desired information from among the single-cell future state information and single-cell current state information by specifying either future information or current information in step St2. Therefore, for example, compared to a case where both the first single-cell future state information and the first single-cell current state information are displayed for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set, and both the second single-cell future state information and the second single-cell current state information are displayed for each of the multiple second single cells included in the second battery set, a user can more easily obtain desired information from among the single-cell future state information and single-cell current state information.

[0082] Furthermore, in notification step St7, a message prompting the user to replace one of the multiple first cells is sent. This message is sent to the user only if the difference between the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to one of the multiple first cells and the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to a different first cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. This allows, for example, a user to easily notice the possibility that the rate-limiting factor is the degree corresponding to the first battery set, due to a large difference between the degree corresponding to one of the multiple first cells included in the first battery set and the degree corresponding to a different first cell from that one. Thus, it becomes easier to suppress the rate-limiting factor being the degree corresponding to the first battery set. Depending on the above embodiment, for example, by detecting a single cell that has a relatively large performance difference from other single cells within a group of multiple single cells, it becomes easier to use multiple single cells with different performance characteristics as a single battery pack.

[0083] Furthermore, in notification step St6, if the degree indicated by the future condition information for the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold entered by the user, a message is sent to the user prompting them to re-enter the predetermined threshold. This allows the user to easily re-enter the predetermined threshold, for example, if the future condition information for the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack does not equal or greater than the desired predetermined threshold. Thus, it becomes easier for the user to efficiently consider predetermined thresholds for the condition of the battery packs.

[0084] Furthermore, in the superimposed display control step St11, the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the first battery pack, and the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the second battery pack are superimposed and displayed on a coordinate system AX where one axis corresponds to the future battery pack information and the other axis corresponds to the current battery pack information. This allows, for example, a user to easily select the desired battery from the first and second battery sets when the future battery condition information and current battery condition information of the first battery set and the future battery condition information and current battery condition information of the second battery set are Pareto optimal.

[0085] Furthermore, the difference between the current battery condition information for the first battery set and the future battery condition information for the first battery set is below a predetermined threshold. This allows the user to identify, for example, the first battery set whose future battery condition information is unlikely to decrease significantly from the current battery condition information, both now and in the future. Therefore, the user can identify, for example, battery set combinations that will have a higher workload both now and in the future.

[0086] Furthermore, in the specific step St4, battery pack information indicating a battery pack containing multiple single cells is identified. Then, in the first display control step St8, the future condition information of the first single cell based on the battery pack information identified in the specific step St4 is displayed on the display unit 13. This allows, for example, the user to understand the future condition information of each of the multiple first single cells included in the identified battery pack that have had fewer replacement cycles. Therefore, for example, the number of single cells to be procured from the market can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first display control step St8, the display unit 13 displays battery pack future performance information corresponding to the first battery pack containing multiple first cells. In the second display control step St9, the display unit 13 displays battery pack future performance information corresponding to the second battery pack containing multiple second cells. The multiple first cells and the multiple second cells are common, but the arrangement of the multiple first cells in the first battery pack and the arrangement of the multiple second cells in the second battery pack are different. In other words, the first battery pack and the second battery pack have different combinations of common cells. This allows the user to understand the differences in performance of the multiple battery packs resulting from the differences in the combinations of multiple cells. Therefore, the user can easily consider combinations of cells that match the performance they require from the battery pack.

[0088] Furthermore, in the third display control step St10, the display unit 13 displays the cell future condition information of one of the multiple second cells that need to be included in the second battery set. This allows the user to understand the cell future condition information of the second cells that need to be included in the second battery set in order to make the degree indicated by the first battery set future condition information and the degree indicated by the second battery set future condition information approximately equal.

[0089] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the future state information for the first battery pack and the future state information for the second battery pack do not necessarily have to be approximately equal. Furthermore, the aforementioned degree information may include any information in addition to the degree of storage capacity, degradation, maximum output, or remaining capacity. Furthermore, the future status information for the first cell and the future status information for the second cell displayed in the second display control step St9 do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display unit 13, as they can be compared. Furthermore, in input step St1, any information may be entered in addition to the information described above. Furthermore, the display of the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2 on the display unit 13 can be simply described as the first battery set and the second battery set being displayed on the display unit 13. Similarly, the display of the first single cell image B1 and the second single cell image B2 on the display unit 13 can be simply described as the first single cell and the second single cell being displayed on the display unit 13. Furthermore, multiple combinations of individual cells in the battery pack may be presented by the examination means 15f of the terminal device 10. These multiple presented combinations may be displayed on the display unit 13 as selectable options for the user. In this case, the user may set multiple predetermined periods so that they can understand the intermediate stages of battery degradation before deciding which option to select. Furthermore, in addition to the first battery set image AB1 and the second battery set image AB2, the display unit 13 may also display a third battery set image and a fourth battery set image with different arrangements of individual cells, or even more battery set images may be displayed.

[0090] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0091] (Note) The display control method according to the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0092] <1> A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first display control step of causing a display unit to display, for each of a plurality of first single cells included in a first battery set, the corresponding single cell future state information, which is first single cell future state information; and a second display control step of causing the display unit to display, for each of a plurality of second single cells included in a second battery set, the corresponding single cell future state information, which is second single cell future state information; wherein the plurality of first single cells and the plurality of second single cells are common, the arrangement of the plurality of first single cells in the first battery set and the arrangement of the plurality of second single cells in the second battery set are different, and the single cell future state information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell.

[0093] According to the above display control method, in the first display control step, the future performance information of the first single cell is displayed on the display unit. In the second display control step, the future performance information of the second single cell is displayed on the display unit. The multiple first single cells and the multiple second single cells are common, but the arrangement of the multiple first single cells in the first battery pack and the arrangement of the multiple second single cells in the second battery pack are different. In other words, the combination of common single cells differs between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. This allows the user to understand the differences in performance of multiple battery packs resulting from the differences in the combination of multiple single cells. Therefore, the user can easily consider a combination of single cells that matches the performance required for the battery pack. Furthermore, by displaying not only the battery pack future condition information corresponding to the first and second battery packs, but also the future condition information for the first and second individual cells, the method of outputting information to the display unit can be improved compared to the case where only the battery pack future condition information is displayed.

[0094] <2> the above <1> In the display control method relating to the present invention, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of first cell future condition information displayed in the first display control step and a plurality of second cell future condition information displayed in the second display control step are displayed on the display unit in a comparable manner.

[0095] Furthermore, the future condition information for multiple first cells and the future condition information for multiple second cells are displayed on the display unit in a comparable manner. This makes it easy for the user to compare the future condition information for each of the multiple first cells and the future condition information for each of the multiple second cells. Therefore, for example, the user can easily select from the first and second battery sets the battery set that has the fewest cells that need replacing among the cells in the battery set they own.

[0096] <3> the above <1> or <2> In the display control method relating to the present invention, a configuration may be adopted in which, in the first display control step, the current state information of the first single cell, which is the current state information of the single cell, is displayed on the display unit for each of the plurality of first single cells included in the first battery set, and in the second display control step, the current state information of the second single cell, which is the current state information of the single cell, is displayed on the display unit for each of the plurality of second single cells included in the second battery set, and the current state information of the single cell indicates the current storage capacity, current degree of degradation, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell.

[0097] Furthermore, in the first display control step, the current status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit. In the second display control step, the current status information of the second cell is displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to understand not only the future status information of the first cell but also the current status information of the first cell for each of the multiple first cells. Moreover, the user can understand not only the future status information of the second cell but also the current status information of the second cell for each of the multiple second cells. Furthermore, the current status information for multiple individual cells indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of each individual cell. This allows, for example, a user to appropriately select from the first and second battery sets the individual cells included in their own battery set that meet their desired current storage capacity, current degradation level, and current remaining capacity.

[0098] <4> the above <1> from <3> A display control method according to any one embodiment may further include an input step in which predetermined period information indicating a predetermined period is input, wherein the future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the first single cell future degree information and the future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the second single cell future degree information correspond to the time after the predetermined period indicated by the predetermined period information input in the input step has elapsed.

[0099] Furthermore, in the input step, predetermined period information indicating a predetermined period is entered. The future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information and the future time corresponding to the degree indicated by the second cell future condition information correspond to the time after the predetermined period indicated by the predetermined period information entered in the input step has elapsed. As a result, for example, a user can obtain the first cell future condition information and the second cell future condition information after the desired predetermined period has elapsed by entering the desired predetermined period information.

[0100] <5> the above <1> from <4> In a display control method according to any one of the embodiments, at least one of the plurality of second single-cell future condition information may be determined based on one of the battery pack future condition information corresponding to the first battery pack and at least one of the first single-cell future condition information, and the battery pack future condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation degree, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack.

[0101] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple second single cell future fate information is determined based on either the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack or at least one of the first single cell future fate information. This makes it possible to more reliably determine the single cell future fate information for at least one of the multiple second single cells included in the second battery pack so that the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the first battery pack and the battery pack future fate information corresponding to the second battery pack are approximately equal.

[0102] <6> A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a designation step in which future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is designated; a determination step in which it is determined whether the future information or the present information is designated in the designation step; a first display control step; and a second display control step. In the first display control step, (a) If it is determined in the determination step that the future information is specified, the display unit will display the corresponding single cell future state information, which is the first single cell future state information, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set. (b) If it is determined in the determination step that the current information is specified, the current cell status information of the first cell, which is the corresponding cell status information, is displayed on the display unit for each of the multiple first cells included in the first battery set. In the second display control step, (c) If it is determined in the determination step that the future information is specified, the display unit will display the corresponding future cell information for each of the multiple second cells included in the second battery set, (d) If it is determined in the determination step that the current information is specified, the current cell status information of the second cell, which corresponds to the current cell status information of the second cell, is displayed on the display unit for each of the multiple second cells included in the second battery set. The single cell future condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell, and the single cell current condition information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell.

[0103] According to the above display control method, in the designation step, future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is designated. In the determination step, it is determined whether future information or present information was designated in the designation step. The method comprises a first display control step and a second display control step. In the first display control step, if it is determined in the determination step that future information is specified, the future status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit. If it is determined in the determination step that current information is specified, the current status information of the first cell is displayed on the display unit. In the second display control step, if it is determined in the determination step that future information is specified, the future status information for the second cell is displayed on the display unit. If it is determined in the determination step that current information is specified, the current status information for the second cell is displayed on the display unit. This allows a user to, for example, identify desired information from the single-cell future state information and single-cell current state information by specifying either future information or current information in a designated step. Therefore, compared to a case where both the first single-cell future state information and the first single-cell current state information are displayed for each of the multiple first single-cells included in the first battery set, and both the second single-cell future state information and the second single-cell current state information are displayed for each of the multiple second single-cells included in the second battery set, the user can more easily identify desired information from the single-cell future state information and single-cell current state information.

[0104] <7> the above <1> from <6> A display control method according to any one of the above embodiments may further include a notification step of notifying the user of a message prompting the replacement of one of the plurality of first cells when the difference between the degree indicated by the future condition information of the first cell corresponding to one of the plurality of first cells and the degree indicated by the future condition information of the first cell corresponding to one of the plurality of first cells that is different from one of the plurality of first cells is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0105] Furthermore, in the notification step, a message prompting the user to replace one of the multiple first cells is sent. This message is sent to the user only if the difference between the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to one of the multiple first cells and the degree indicated by the first cell future condition information corresponding to a different first cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. This allows, for example, a user to easily notice the possibility that the rate-limiting factor is the degree corresponding to the first battery set, due to a large difference between the degree corresponding to one of the multiple first cells included in the first battery set and the degree corresponding to a different first cell from that one. Thus, it becomes easier to suppress the rate-limiting factor being the degree corresponding to the first battery set. Depending on the above embodiment, for example, by detecting a single cell that has a relatively large performance difference from other single cells within a group of multiple single cells, it becomes easier to use multiple single cells with different performance characteristics as a single battery pack.

[0106] <8> the above <1> from <5> A display control method according to any one of the embodiments may further include a notification step of notifying the user of a message prompting the user to re-enter the predetermined threshold if the degree indicated by the future battery condition information corresponding to the first battery set is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold input by the user, wherein the future battery condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation degree, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery set.

[0107] Furthermore, in the notification step, if the degree indicated by the future condition information for the first battery pack is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold entered by the user, a message is sent to the user prompting them to re-enter the predetermined threshold. This allows the user to easily re-enter the predetermined threshold, for example, if the future condition information for the first battery pack does not equal or greater than the desired predetermined threshold. Thus, it becomes easier for the user to efficiently consider predetermined thresholds for the condition of the battery packs.

[0108] <9> the above <1> from <5> , and <8> A display control method according to any one of the embodiments may further include a superimposed display control step of superimposing the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the first battery pack, and the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the second battery pack, on a coordinate system in which one axis corresponds to future battery pack information and the other axis corresponds to current battery pack information, wherein the future battery pack information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack, and the current battery pack information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the battery pack.

[0109] Furthermore, in the superimposed display control step, the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the first battery pack, and the future battery pack information and current battery pack information corresponding to the second battery pack are superimposed on a coordinate system in which one axis corresponds to the future battery pack information and the other axis corresponds to the current battery pack information. This allows, for example, a user to easily select the desired battery from the first and second battery sets when the future battery condition information and current battery condition information of the first battery set and the future battery condition information and current battery condition information of the second battery set are Pareto optimal.

[0110] <10> the above <1> from <5> , and <8> , <9> In a display control method according to any one of the above embodiments, the difference between the degree indicated by the current battery pack condition information corresponding to the first battery pack and the degree indicated by the future battery pack condition information corresponding to the first battery pack is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the future battery pack condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation degree, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack, and the current battery pack condition information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation degree, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the battery pack.

[0111] Furthermore, the difference between the current battery condition information for the first battery set and the future battery condition information for the first battery set is below a predetermined threshold. This allows the user to identify, for example, the first battery set whose future battery condition information is unlikely to decrease significantly from the current battery condition information, both now and in the future. Therefore, the user can identify, for example, battery set combinations that will have a higher workload both now and in the future.

[0112] <11> the above <1> from <10> A display control method according to any one embodiment may further include a specification step in which battery pack information indicating a battery pack containing a plurality of single cells is specified, and the first display control step may be characterized in that the future state information of the first single cell based on the battery pack information specified in the specification step is displayed on the display unit.

[0113] Furthermore, in a specific step, battery pack information indicating a battery pack containing multiple single cells is identified. Then, in the first display control step, the future condition information of the first single cell based on the battery pack information identified in the specific step is displayed on the display unit. This allows, for example, the user to understand the future condition information of each of the multiple first single cells included in the identified battery pack that have had fewer replacement cycles. Therefore, for example, the number of single cells to be procured from the market can be reduced.

[0114] <12> A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first display control step of displaying future battery pack status information corresponding to a first battery pack including a plurality of first single cells on a display unit; and a second display control step of displaying the future battery pack status information corresponding to a second battery pack including a plurality of second single cells on the display unit, wherein the future battery pack status information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack; the plurality of first single cells and the plurality of second single cells are common to each other; and the arrangement of the plurality of first single cells in the first battery pack and the arrangement of the plurality of second single cells in the second battery pack are different.

[0115] According to the display control method described above, in the first display control step, future performance information for a battery pack corresponding to a first battery pack containing multiple first cells is displayed on the display unit. In the second display control step, future performance information for a second battery pack containing multiple second cells is displayed on the display unit. The multiple first cells and the multiple second cells are common, but the arrangement of the multiple first cells in the first battery pack and the arrangement of the multiple second cells in the second battery pack are different. In other words, the combination of common cells differs between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. This allows the user to understand the differences in performance of multiple battery packs resulting from the differences in the combination of multiple cells. Therefore, the user can easily consider combinations of cells that match the performance they require from the battery pack.

[0116] <13> the above <1> from <12> A display control method according to any one embodiment of the present invention may further include a third display control step of causing the display unit to display information on the future state of one of the plurality of second single cells that need to be included in the second battery set, wherein the future state of the single cell indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell.

[0117] Furthermore, in the third display control step, the display unit is shown the future cell condition information for one of the multiple second cells that need to be included in the second battery set. This allows the user to understand the future cell condition information for the second cells that need to be included in the second battery set in order to make the condition indicated by the future cell condition information for the first battery set approximately equal to the condition indicated by the future cell condition information for the second battery set.

[0118] <14> A display control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute a first display control step of causing a display unit to display, for each of a plurality of first single cells included in a first battery set, the corresponding single cell future state information, which is first single cell future state information, for each of a plurality of second single cells included in a second battery set, wherein the plurality of first single cells and the plurality of second single cells are common, the arrangement of the plurality of first single cells in the first battery set and the arrangement of the plurality of second single cells in the second battery set are different, and the single cell future state information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell.

[0119] <15> A display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display control means for displaying on a display unit the following: first single cell future state information, which is single cell future state information corresponding to each of a plurality of first single cells included in a first battery set; and second single cell future state information, which is single cell future state information corresponding to each of a plurality of second single cells included in a second battery set. The plurality of first single cells and the plurality of second single cells are common to each other, but the arrangement of the plurality of first single cells in the first battery set and the arrangement of the plurality of second single cells in the second battery set are different, and the single cell future state information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single cell. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Terminal devices 11 Communications Department 12 Input section 13 Display section 13a Sound equipment 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 15a Communication control means 15b Input information processing means 15c Memory control means 15d Information acquisition means 15e Calculation means 15f Methods of Consideration 15g display control means AB unit battery pack image AB1 Image of the first battery set AB2 Battery Set 2 Image AX coordinate system B1 Image of the first single cell B2 Image of the second cell S setting section S1 Setting unit for predetermined period S2 Storage capacity setting section S3 Display timing setting section S4 Display information setting section St1 Input Step St2 specified step St3 Judgment Step St4 Specific Steps St5 Consideration Step St6 Hochi Step St7 Notification Step St8 First display control step St9 Second display control step St10 Third display control step St11 Superimposed display control step

Claims

1. A designation step in which future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is specified, A determination step to determine whether the future information is specified in the aforementioned designated step, or whether the current information is specified, A display control step is provided, In the display control step, (a) if it is determined in the determination step that the future information is specified, the display unit will display the corresponding single cell future state information, which is the first single cell future state information, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set; and (b) if it is determined in the determination step that the current information is specified, the display unit will display the corresponding single cell current state information, which is the first single cell current state information, for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set. The aforementioned single-cell future status information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single-cell. The display control method is characterized in that the single cell current status information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell.

2. A notification step in which, if the difference between the degree indicated by the future condition information of the first single cell corresponding to one of the plurality of first single cells and the degree indicated by the future condition information of the first single cell corresponding to one of the plurality of first single cells that is different from one of the plurality of first single cells is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, a message is notified to the user prompting the replacement of one of the plurality of first single cells. The display control method according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

3. The system further includes a notification step in which, if the degree indicated by the future condition information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold input by the user, a message is sent to the user prompting them to re-enter the predetermined threshold, The aforementioned battery pack future condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack. The display control method according to feature 1.

4. The difference between the current state information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack and the future state information of the battery pack corresponding to the first battery pack is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, The aforementioned battery pack future condition information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation degree, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the battery pack. The aforementioned battery pack current status information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the battery pack. The display control method according to feature 1.

5. A designation means for which future information indicating the future or present information indicating the present is designated, A determination means for determining whether the future information is specified by the designation means or whether the current information is specified, A display control means is provided, The display control means, (a) if the determination means determines that the future information is specified, displays the corresponding single cell future state information, which is the first single cell future state information, on the display unit for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set; and (b) if the determination means determines that the current information is specified, displays the corresponding single cell current state information, which is the first single cell current state information, on the display unit for each of the multiple first single cells included in the first battery set. The aforementioned single-cell future status information indicates the future storage capacity, future degradation, future maximum output, or future remaining capacity of the single-cell. The aforementioned single-cell current status information indicates the current storage capacity, current degradation level, current maximum output, or current remaining capacity of the single cell. A display control device characterized by the following:

6. The display control device according to claim 5 operates a computer. A program characterized by the following features.

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