Information processing apparatus, evaluation method, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an evaluation method, and a computer-readable recording medium. This information processing device is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery attached to a vehicle; a determination unit that performs authenticity determination of whether the battery is a genuine product on the basis of the magnetic field distribution of the battery; an evaluation unit that, on the basis of the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, evaluates the charging device of the vehicle-mounted battery, among the charging devices of the user, that charges the battery brought in by the user and that delivers the charged battery, which is replaced with the battery, to the charging device of the delivery side of the vehicle-mounted battery, on the basis of the result of the authenticity determination of the battery; and an output unit that outputs the evaluation of the charging device by the evaluation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an evaluation method, and a computer-readable recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In terms of achieving carbon neutrality, electric vehicles (xEVs) driven by electric motors powered by electricity have become popular. With the popularization of such xEVs, efforts have been made to promote battery sharing services for realizing battery sharing by providing rechargeable batteries with reduced charging amounts and charging devices for replacing fully charged batteries.

[0003] For example, a search function for charging devices is provided to search for charging devices at locations specified by users who use the above battery sharing service from charging devices such as stations operated by operators providing the above battery sharing service.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-169932

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-75212

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-49030 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, regarding the above search function for charging devices, there is an aspect in which it is difficult to provide information that helps to judge whether a charging device is in good condition.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide information that helps to judge whether a charging device is in good condition.

[0009] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle; a determination unit that performs authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery; an evaluation unit that evaluates a charging device for delivering a battery mounted on the vehicle to a charging device that charges a battery brought in by a user and delivers a fully charged battery to replace the battery based on a result of the authenticity determination of the battery; and an output unit that outputs an evaluation of the charging device by the evaluation unit.

[0010] Regarding the evaluation method related to one aspect of the present invention, the following processing is performed by a computer: obtaining the magnetic field distribution of a battery installed in a vehicle, performing authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, evaluating the charging device of the delivery party of the battery installed in the vehicle in a charging device that charges a battery brought in by a user and delivers the charged battery replaced with the battery to the user, and outputting the evaluation of the charging device.

[0011] A computer-readable recording medium related to one aspect of the present invention records an evaluation program, and the evaluation program causes a computer to perform the following processing: obtaining the magnetic field distribution of a battery installed in a vehicle, performing authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, evaluating the charging device of the delivery party of the battery installed in the vehicle in a charging device that charges a battery brought in by a user and delivers the charged battery replaced with the battery to the user, and outputting the evaluation of the charging device.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide information that helps to determine whether a charging device is in good condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a structural example of a battery sharing system.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of battery replacement.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing a measurement example of the magnetic field distribution of a battery.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing one aspect of a solution to the problem.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing a functional structural example of a server device.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of update of evaluation information.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of update of evaluation information.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a display example of an in-vehicle device.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a display example of an in-vehicle device.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a display example of an in-vehicle device.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a display example of an in-vehicle device.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the process of station evaluation processing.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an application example of an in-vehicle device.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of a hardware structure. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] Hereinafter, a manner (hereinafter referred to as "implementation manner") for implementing an information processing device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program according to the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each implementation manner is merely an example and an aspect, and does not limit the range of numerical values, functions, usage situations, etc. by such exemplification. Moreover, the implementation manners can be appropriately combined within a range where the processing contents do not conflict.

[0029] <Overall structure>

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery sharing system. Figure 1 The battery sharing system 1 shown provides a battery sharing service that enables the sharing of batteries by making the batteries of vehicles 5A to 5N such as xEVs replaceable. In addition, as an example of the usage situation of the battery, xEV can be cited, but the battery is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle, and can be mounted on all load devices such as home appliances in addition to construction machinery and agricultural machinery.

[0031] The "battery" mentioned here may refer to a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a battery pack thereof. For example, the "battery" may refer to a "battery cell" of a single battery, may also refer to an "assembly" of a battery pack composed of multiple battery cells, or may also refer to a "battery pack" of a battery pack composed of multiple assemblies.

[0032] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the battery sharing system 1 may include a server device 10, stations 30A to 30M, and in-vehicle devices 50A to 50N mounted on vehicles 5A to 5N. Hereinafter, when the individual stations 30A to 30M do not need to be distinguished, the stations 30A to 30M may sometimes be referred to as "station 30". In addition, when the individual vehicles 5A to 5N do not need to be distinguished, the vehicles 5A to 5N may sometimes be referred to as "vehicle 5". And when the individual in-vehicle devices 50A to 50N do not need to be distinguished, the in-vehicle devices 50A to 50N may sometimes be referred to as "in-vehicle device 50".

[0033] The above-mentioned server device 10, station 30, and in-vehicle device 50 may be connected in a communicable manner via an arbitrary network NW. In addition, regardless of wired or wireless, the network NW may be implemented by any technology such as Internet technology, industrial communication standards, or power-saving wireless communication standards for IoT (Internet of Things).

[0034] The server device 10 is an example of an information processing device that provides the above-mentioned battery sharing service. For example, the server device 10 can be implemented as a PaaS (Platform as a Service)-type or SaaS (Software as a Service)-type application and can provide the above-mentioned battery sharing service as a cloud service. In addition to this, the server device 10 can be implemented as a server that provides the battery sharing function for implementing the above-mentioned battery sharing service to the internal environment.

[0035] Regarding such a battery sharing service, as part of the information provided to users who use the battery sharing service, the site evaluation function for evaluating the station 30 corresponding to an example of the above-mentioned charging device can be packaged.

[0036] The station 30 corresponds to an example of a charging device that replaces the battery with a reduced charging amount and a fully charged battery. The station 30 has a plurality of slots capable of disassembling and assembling the battery. Regarding such a station 30, the battery can be charged to the empty slots installed in the plurality of slots, and the fully charged battery can be taken out from the charged slot.

[0037] The in-vehicle device 50 is a terminal device mounted on a vehicle 5 such as an xEV, which is an electric vehicle driven by an electric motor using electricity as a power source. Such an in-vehicle device 50 corresponds to an example of a customer terminal that receives the provision of the above-mentioned site evaluation function, and can be used by users who use the above-mentioned battery sharing service, for example.

[0038] <Battery replacement>

[0039] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing an example of battery replacement. As Figure 2 shown, at the station 30, the identification information of the user using the above battery sharing service, such as the user ID (Identification), is read (step S1).

[0040] For example, an operation of bringing the IC (Integrated Circuit) card 2 held by the user close to the information reading unit 31 of the station 30 is performed, and thereby the user ID recorded on the IC card 2 is read by the information reading unit 31.

[0041] Based on the user ID read by the information reading unit 31 in this way, in addition to user authentication as to whether the user is a pre-registered official user, charge settlement for using the above battery sharing service is also performed.

[0042] Then, the battery 3 removed from the vehicle 5 such as an EV is installed in the empty slot without a battery among the multiple slots provided in the station 30, thereby returning the battery 3 (step S2).

[0043] When returning this battery 3, a display unit associated with each slot, such as a lamp, can perform a display that differentiates the display mode between the empty slot and other slots.

[0044] After returning the battery 3, the battery 3 is taken out from the charged slot among the multiple slots provided in the station 30 (step S3). In addition, as an example, "charged" can refer to a fully charged state, but it can also not be a fully charged state. For example, a slot in which a battery with a SOC (State Of Charge) greater than or equal to the lower limit value of 95% is installed can be identified as a charged slot.

[0045] The battery 3 taken out from the charged slot in this way is installed in the vehicle 5 of the user, etc. The replacement of the battery 3 can be achieved through the operations of the above steps S1 to S3.

[0046] In addition, in Figure 2 an example of battery replacement by a pre-registered user is given, but of course, it does not prevent new users from replacing the battery.

[0047] <Magnetic field distribution>

[0048] The popularization of xEVs is being promoted. On the other hand, as batteries for xEVs, in addition to genuine products manufactured by manufacturers, sometimes non-genuine non-genuine products are in circulation. For example, as non-genuine products, based on the appearance of the housing of formal components or formal battery packs, there are also counterfeits that are counterfeited to the extent of being linked to management information such as a QR code for managing the life cycle from battery material preparation to recycling.

[0049] According to this aspect, after replacing the battery, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment performs authenticity determination on whether the battery installed in the vehicle 5 is genuine. For example, the above authenticity determination can be performed by referring to the battery characteristics of the official battery and comparing the battery characteristics of the reference with the battery characteristics measured for the battery to be identified.

[0050] Next, as an example of the battery characteristics of the battery, an example of performing the above authenticity determination using the magnetic field distribution of the battery can be given. As an example, when the battery 3 taken out in step S3 shown in Figure 2 is installed in the vehicle 5, the in-vehicle device 50 can acquire the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a measurement example of the magnetic field distribution of the battery. As shown in Figure 3 the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 is measured by a measurement unit 51 realized by a two-dimensionally arranged magnetic sensor. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3 the measurement unit 51 is realized by arranging magnetic sensors in a 6×16 vertical and horizontal arrangement on the side of the battery 3 installed in the vehicle 5.

[0052] The measured values measured by the above-mentioned 6×16 vertical and horizontal magnetic sensors, such as the corresponding diagram of the magnetic flux density, are obtained as the magnetic field distribution 20 of the battery 3. For example, when the measurement unit 51 is realized by a three-axis magnetic sensor, the magnetic field distribution 20X in the X component, the magnetic field distribution 20Y in the Y component, and the magnetic field distribution 20Z in the Z component are obtained as the magnetic field distribution 20 of the battery 3.

[0053] In addition, Figure 3 However, this is only an example. The measurement unit 51 can be realized by a uniaxial magnetic sensor or a biaxial magnetic sensor, and the arrangement of the magnetic sensors can also be realized by any arrangement represented by a one-dimensional arrangement. For example, the magnetic sensor can be an analog element or a digital element. Each magnetic element is, for example, a Hall element, AMR (Anisotropic magnetoresistance effect), GMR (Giant magnetoresistance effect), TMR (Tunnel magnetoresistance effect) and other magnetoresistive elements MI (Magneto-Impedance) and other magneto-impedance elements, fluxgate, thin film magnetic elements based on the anomalous Hall effect using topological magnets. When an alternating current flows through the object to be measured, a pickup coil can be used as the magnetic element.

[0054] <One aspect of the problem>

[0055] Here, as described in the above background art section, regarding the search function of the above charging device, there is an aspect in which it is difficult to provide information that helps to determine whether the charging device is in good condition.

[0056] <One aspect of the solution to the problem>

[0057] Therefore, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment provides a site evaluation function for evaluating the site 30 of the battery delivery party based on the result of authenticity determination of the battery installed in the vehicle 5.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing one aspect of the solution to the problem. As Figure 4 shown, the server device 10 acquires the magnetic field distribution (1) of the battery 3 installed in the vehicle 5. Moreover, the server device 10 performs authenticity determination (2) as to whether the battery 3 is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3. Then, the server device 10 evaluates the site 30 of the delivery party of the battery 3 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery 3 (3).

[0059] Here, as an example of the above site evaluation, various evaluation values based on the result of authenticity determination can be calculated. As an example of such an evaluation value, the probability that the battery delivered from the site 30 to the user is determined to be genuine can be calculated as the genuine delivery probability. As another example, the probability that the battery delivered from the site 30 to the user is determined to be non-genuine can be calculated as the non-genuine delivery probability. As one of the factors for such non-genuine batteries installed in the slots of the site 30, it can be cited that the value of genuine batteries is higher than that of non-genuine batteries in terms of performance and cost. This is one reason, and it can be considered that among the operators providing the above battery sharing service, there may be improper operators who may engage in the improper behavior of recycling genuine batteries from users at the site 30 and delivering non-genuine batteries. As an example of an evaluation value indicating the degree of not being such an improper operator, the above genuine delivery probability can be calculated. And, as an example of an evaluation value indicating the degree of an improper operator, the above non-genuine delivery probability can be calculated.

[0060] On this basis, the server device 10 outputs the site evaluation obtained through (3) to the in-vehicle device 50 (4). For example, in the example of (4) as Figure 4 shown, the site evaluation including the genuine delivery probability and non-genuine delivery probability of site A and the genuine delivery probability and non-genuine delivery probability of site B is output. Thereby, the following relative evaluation can be performed between site A and site B. That is, it can be determined that site A is a better site than site B based on site evaluations such as the genuine delivery probability of site A > the genuine delivery probability of site B or the non-genuine delivery probability of site A < the non-genuine delivery probability of site B.

[0061] Here, as an example, it can be cited that among Site A and Site B, the site with the best location for the user, for example, the site closest to the user's own house or garage is Site B. In this case, according to the retrieval function of the charging device listed in the above Background Art section, Site B can be obtained as the retrieval result of the site 30 with the best location for the user. However, even if Site B is the best location for the user, Site B may not necessarily be a good site. The reason is that according to Figure 4 the site evaluations such as the genuine product delivery probability and non-genuine product delivery probability exemplified in (4) of Figure 4 it is clearly known that compared with Site B, the possibility that Site A is an improper operator is higher or lower. According to such site evaluations exemplified in (4) of

[0062] Therefore, according to the site evaluation function according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide information that helps to judge whether the charging device is good. And since the calculations related to site evaluation can be performed without using complex algorithms, the calculation costs related to site evaluation can also be reduced.

[0063] In addition, hereinafter, as an example, it can be cited that the above site evaluation function is packaged as a function of the above battery sharing service, and the above site evaluation function can also be provided as a service different from the above battery sharing service.

[0064] <Structure of Server Device 10>

[0065] Next, a functional structure example of the server device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a functional structure example of the server device 10. In Figure 5 modules associated with the battery sharing service possessed by the server device 10 are schematically shown.

[0066] As Figure 5 shown, the server device 10 has a communication control unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 15. In addition, in Figure 5 only the functional units associated with the above battery sharing service are selectively shown, and the server device 10 may also have functional units other than those shown in the figure.

[0067] The communication control unit 11 is a functional unit that controls communication with other devices such as the station 30 and the in-vehicle device 50. As an example, the communication control unit 11 can be implemented by a network interface card. As one aspect, the communication control unit 11 can receive a user ID, the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3, or output to the station 30 whether battery replacement is permitted or not. As another aspect, the communication control unit 11 can receive a user ID, the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3, or output a station evaluation to the in-vehicle device 50.

[0068] The storage unit 13 is a functional unit that stores various data. As an example, the storage unit 13 is implemented by the internal, external, or auxiliary storage of the server device 10. For example, the storage unit 13 stores user information 13A, reference information 13B, and evaluation information 13C. In addition, in the case of performing reference, generation, or registration, the user information 13A, reference information 13B, and evaluation information 13C will be described together.

[0069] The control unit 15 is a functional unit that performs overall control of the server device 10. For example, the control unit 15 can be implemented by a hardware processor. As Figure 5 shown, the control unit 15 includes a providing unit 15A, an obtaining unit 15B, a determining unit 15C, an evaluating unit 15D, and an output unit 15E. In addition, the control unit 15 can be implemented by hardwired logic or the like.

[0070] The providing unit 15A is a processing unit that provides the above battery sharing service. As one aspect, if a user ID is received from the station 30, the providing unit 15A performs user authentication by referring to the user information 13A stored in the storage unit 13. Here, the user information 13A can be a set of data that associates various information including settlement information such as credit cards and electronic money with each user ID. For example, the above user authentication can be implemented by comparing the user ID registered in the user information 13A with the user ID received from the station 30 to determine whether the user is a legitimate user registered in the user information 13A.

[0071] In the case where such user authentication is successful, the provision unit 15A outputs an instruction to install the battery into the vacant slot to the station 30. Moreover, if the battery brought by the user to the station 30 is installed in the vacant slot of the station 30, the provision unit 15A can also obtain the battery ID of the battery installed in the vacant slot of the station 30. Hereinafter, the battery brought by the user to the station 30 is sometimes referred to as the "brought-in battery". For example, the battery ID recorded in the IC chip mounted on the battery can be obtained. The history of the battery ID of the battery installed in the vacant slot of the station 30 in this way can also be registered in the user information 13A in advance. For example, in the user information 13A, for each user ID, the time series data of the battery ID of the battery installed by the user in the vacant slot of the station 30 can be stored as a history. After registering the battery ID of the battery installed in the vacant slot in this way, the provision unit 15A notifies the station 30 of the battery replacement permission. Regarding the station 30 notified of this replacement permission, the removal of the battery from the charged slot is permitted. Then, in the case of removing the battery from the charged slot, the provision unit 15A can register the history of the battery ID of the battery removed by the user from the charged slot in the user information 13A. For example, in the user information 13A, for each user ID, the time series data of the battery ID of the battery removed by the user from the charged slot of the station 30 can be stored as a history. In addition, in the history of the battery ID, the time when the removal from the charged slot or the installation into the vacant slot is performed and the identification information (station ID) of the station can also be included.

[0072] As another aspect, in addition to the above-mentioned user authentication, the provision unit 15A can also settle the cost of battery replacement. For example, in the case of a user who subscribes to a pay-per-use service that charges for each use of the service, the provision unit 15A can settle the charging cost corresponding to the pay-per-use by using the settlement information corresponding to the user ID each time the user ID is obtained from the station 30. In addition, in the case of a user who subscribes to a continuous charging service that incurs costs after subscribing to the service and continues to pay until canceling the subscription, such as a periodic charge or a charge based on the amount of use, the provision unit 15A can perform the following processing. For example, in the case of a periodic charge, the provision unit 15A queries whether the payment of the cost up to the billing date corresponding to the time point when the user ID is obtained from the station 30 has been completed. In addition, in the case of a charge based on the amount of use, the provision unit 15A queries whether the payment of the cost corresponding to the cumulative charging amount at the time point when the user ID is obtained from the station 30 has been completed. As a result, in the case where the payment of the cost has been completed, the provision unit 15A determines that the settlement is successful. In addition, even in the case where the payment of the cost has not been completed, the provision unit 15A also attempts to settle the cost, and in the case where the payment of the cost is successful, it determines that the settlement is successful (OK).

[0073] The acquisition unit 15B is a processing unit that acquires various types of information. As an implementation, when the battery is installed in the vehicle 5, the acquisition unit 15B can acquire the user ID, battery ID, magnetic field distribution, and station ID by uploading from the in-vehicle device 50 of the vehicle 5.

[0074] More specifically, the user ID of the user who receives the provision of the above-mentioned station evaluation function is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. Also, the battery ID of the battery installed in the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. The battery ID uploaded here can be the battery ID recorded in the IC chip on which the battery is mounted. In addition, the battery ID of the battery that the user corresponding to the user ID uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 last removed from the charged slot in the battery ID history included in the user information 13A can be regarded as the battery ID of the battery installed in the vehicle 5 and acquired. Also, the magnetic field distribution of the battery measured by the measurement unit 51 when the battery is installed in the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. Also, the station ID of the station where the battery was charged before being installed in the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. The station ID uploaded here can be the station ID of the station designated as the charging source of the battery via the display input unit 53 implemented by the user interface mounted on the vehicle 5, such as a touch panel. In addition, the station ID of the station where the battery that the user corresponding to the user ID uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 last removed from the charged slot in the battery ID history included in the user information 13A can be regarded as the station ID of the charging source of the battery and acquired.

[0075] The determination unit 15C is a processing unit that performs authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine. As an implementation, the determination unit 15C compares the magnetic field distribution of the battery acquired by the acquisition unit 15B with the magnetic field distribution of the official battery registered as reference information 13B stored in the storage unit 13, and performs the above-mentioned authenticity determination.

[0076] Here, the reference information 13B can be a set of data associated with the magnetic field distribution of the official battery for each battery ID for identifying the official battery. For example, when the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50 is implemented by a three-axis magnetic sensor, three magnetic field distributions, i.e., the magnetic field distribution in the X component, the magnetic field distribution in the Y component, and the magnetic field distribution in the Z component, can be stored in the reference information 13B in association with one battery ID.

[0077] The evaluation unit 15D is a processing unit that evaluates the charging station where the battery is charged before being installed in the vehicle 5 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery by the determination unit 15C. As an implementation, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate various evaluation values based on the result of the authenticity determination by the determination unit 15C. As an example of such an evaluation value, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate the frequency of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is genuine. As another example, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate the frequency of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is non-genuine. The above frequencies may include the number of times, probability, probability distribution, etc. Hereinafter, the number of times or probability of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is genuine is sometimes referred to as the "number of genuine deliveries" or "probability of genuine deliveries". And, the number of times or probability of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is non-genuine is sometimes referred to as the "number of non-genuine deliveries" or "probability of non-genuine deliveries". As yet another example, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate statistical values of evaluation values such as the probability of genuine deliveries and the probability of non-genuine deliveries of the station 30 for each region. The new registration or overwrite update of the evaluation value of the station 30 calculated in this way and the new registration or overwrite update of the statistical value of the evaluation value of the entire station belonging to the region differentiated by region are performed in the evaluation information 13C stored in the storage unit 13.

[0078] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing an update example of the evaluation information 13C. Figure 6 As an example of the evaluation information 13C, a station evaluation table 13C1 storing the evaluation value of the station 30 is exemplified. As Figure 6 shown, the station evaluation table 13C1 is a table that associates stations, the number of genuine deliveries (probability), the number of non-genuine deliveries (probability), the evaluation value, and other items.

[0079] In the above items, the "number of genuine deliveries (probability)" refers to the number of times (probability) of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is genuine. In addition, the "number of non-genuine deliveries (probability)" refers to the number of times (probability) of determining that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is non-genuine. In addition, the "evaluation value" refers to the evaluation value such as the number of genuine deliveries (probability) evaluated for a specific time period, such as an evening or night time period. In addition, regarding the "other statistical value", it refers to a record of the time when non-genuine products are delivered, for example, information for changing the probability of non-genuine deliveries according to the time period is output in the form of a chart.

[0080] Here, Figure 6 an update example of the station evaluation table 13C1 is shown in the case where the result of the authenticity determination related to the battery delivered from the station "B in Koto Ward" to the user is "non-genuine". That is, in Figure 6The upper side of [it] shows the site evaluation form 13C1 before the update, and Figure 6 the lower side of [it] shows the updated site evaluation form 13C1.

[0081] In this case, regarding the number of non-genuine product deliveries at the site "Jiangdong District B", the result of this authenticity determination is "non-genuine", so the number of non-genuine product deliveries at the site "Jiangdong District B", which is "14", is incremented by 1. On the other hand, the number of genuine product deliveries at the site "Jiangdong District B" has not changed, so it is not updated.

[0082] In the case where "non-genuine" is obtained as the result of the authenticity determination related to the site "Jiangdong District B" like this, the latest number of genuine product deliveries remains "35" without being updated, and the latest number of non-genuine product deliveries is updated from "14" to "15". In addition, although not shown in the figure, the total number of deliveries also increases from "49 (= 35 + 14)" to "50".

[0083] In this case, by calculating the latest number of genuine product deliveries "35" divided by the latest total number of deliveries "50", the genuine product delivery probability of the site "Jiangdong District B" is updated from "71%" to "70%". On the other hand, by calculating the latest number of non-genuine product deliveries "15" divided by the latest total number of deliveries "50", the non-genuine product delivery probability of the site "Jiangdong District B" is updated from "29%" to "30%".

[0084] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing an update example of the evaluation information 13C. Figure 7 As an example of the evaluation information 13C, the regional evaluation form 13C2 is exemplified, which stores statistical values of the evaluation values of the entire site belonging to each region divided by regional division. As Figure 7 shown, the regional evaluation form 13C2 is a table that correlates items such as the region and the average value of the genuine product delivery probability.

[0085] Here, Figure 7 an update example of the regional evaluation form 13C2 is shown in the case where "non-genuine" is obtained as the result of the authenticity determination of the battery delivered from the site "Jiangdong District B" belonging to the region "Jiangdong District" to the user. That is, Figure 7 the upper side of [it] shows the regional evaluation form 13C2 before the update, and Figure 7 the lower side of [it] shows the updated regional evaluation form 13C2.

[0086] In this case, regarding the entire site belonging to the region "Jiangdong District", the average value of the genuine product delivery probability is calculated. For example, according to Figure 6In the example shown, the two stations, "Jiangdong District A" and "Jiangdong District B", belong to the "Jiangdong District". In this case, the average of the genuine product delivery probability of "80%" for the station "Jiangdong District A" and the genuine product delivery probability of "70%" for the station "Jiangdong District B" is calculated, and as a result, the average of the genuine product delivery probability of the stations belonging to the "Jiangdong District" as a whole is "75%". Figure 7 As shown, it is updated from "76%" to "75%".

[0087] In addition, Figure 7 Examples of calculating the average of the genuine product delivery probability of stations for each region are listed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the average of the genuine product delivery probability of stations can be calculated according to the day of the week, weekdays or holidays, or time periods. Also, Figure 7 Examples of calculating the average of the genuine product delivery probability of the stations belonging to a region as a whole are listed, but the average of the non-genuine product delivery probability can also be calculated, and any statistical value such as the median, mode, maximum value, minimum value, etc. can be calculated.

[0088] And, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Examples of the station evaluation table 13C1 and the region evaluation table 13C2 are shown, but this is just an example after all, and its data structure is not limited to a relational database. For example, it can be data described in the form of tags using a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language), or data described by commas and line breaks such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values).

[0089] Returning to Figure 5 the description, the output unit 15E is a processing unit that executes various output control for the in-vehicle device 50. As an example, the output unit 15E controls the display of the display input unit 53 provided in the in-vehicle device 50. Here, as an example of the output controlled by the output unit 15E, a display output can be cited, but of course, other outputs such as print output and voice output can also be controlled.

[0090] As one aspect, the output unit 15E can output a list that lists the evaluations of each station. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50.

[0091] Figure 8 As an example, Figure 6 the list 41 in which the station evaluation table 13C1 shown inFigure 8 As shown, in the list 41, it is displayed in a state sorted in descending order from the site 30 with a higher probability of delivering non-genuine products. According to this display of the list 41, it is easy to grasp the sites where the frequency of delivering informal batteries to users is high, so it is also easy to discover the bad sites engaging in improper behavior.

[0092] In addition, although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to register users with a non-genuine product delivery probability at a specific upper digit or sites with a non-genuine product delivery probability exceeding the upper limit value in the blacklist. Additionally, Figure 8 is listed Figure 6 An example of sorting the site evaluation form 13C1 shown in descending order of the non-genuine product delivery probability is given, but it is not limited to this. For example, Figure 6 The site evaluation form 13C1 shown can be sorted in descending order of the genuine product delivery probability. In this case, it is easy to grasp the good sites where the frequency of delivering genuine batteries to users is high.

[0093] As another aspect, the output unit 15E can output the statistical value of the evaluation of the overall sites belonging to each region for each region. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. Figure 9 As an example, Figure 7 A list 42 in which the average values of the genuine product delivery probabilities of each region included in the region evaluation form 13C2 shown are sorted in descending order is shown. As Figure 9 shown, in the list 42, it is displayed in a state sorted in descending order from the users with a higher genuine product delivery probability. According to this display of the list 42, it is easy to grasp the regions where the probability of delivering genuine batteries to users is high, so it is possible to recommend regions for new branches or additional branches of the site.

[0094] As yet another aspect, the output unit 15E can output the evaluation of the site in a manner mapped on a map. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. As Figure 10 shown, map data 43 including a region with multiple regions, such as the 23 wards of Tokyo, is displayed on the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50. In this map data 43, an icon such as a star representing the site 30 is drawn at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the site 30 for each site 30.

[0095] For example, with Figure 6For the example of the stations included in the station evaluation form 13C1 shown, a symbol 43A representing the station "A in Koto Ward" is drawn at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "A in Koto Ward". Also, a symbol 43B representing the station "B in Koto Ward" is drawn at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "B in Koto Ward". Also, a symbol 43C representing the station "A in Minato Ward" is drawn at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "A in Minato Ward".

[0096] The display method of the above symbols 43A to 43C, such as filling, is changed according to the genuine product delivery probability of each of the stations "A in Koto Ward", "B in Koto Ward", and "A in Minato Ward".

[0097] That is, the filling of the symbols 43A to 43C is distinguished according to Figure 10 the legend shown. For example, as Figure 6 shown in the station evaluation form 13C1 shown, the genuine product delivery probability of the station "A in Koto Ward" is "80%", so the symbol 43A is displayed with the filling of a dot pattern. In addition, the genuine product delivery probability of the station "B in Koto Ward" is "70%", so the filling of the symbol 43B is displayed in white. Also, the genuine product delivery probability of the station "A in Minato Ward" is "98%", so the filling of the symbol 43C is displayed in black.

[0098] Based on this map data 43, it is possible to provide information that helps in judging whether the station 30 is in good condition. As one aspect, taking the station "A in Minato Ward" as an example, the genuine product delivery probability is "98%", which is higher than other stations, so it can be judged that the station 30 is a good station.

[0099] Furthermore, in the map data 43, the display method of the overall genuine product delivery probability of the stations in the area included in the map data 43 at the upper specific digits, for example, the display method of the areas belonging to the upper two levels is distinguished from that of other areas. For example, taking the Figure 10 example shown, the areas "Chiyoda Ward" and "Minato Ward" where the overall genuine product delivery probability of the stations belongs to the upper first level and the upper second level are shown by diagonal hatching. Thus, as one aspect, from the perspective of the operator who opens branches in the area "Chiyoda Ward" and the area "Minato Ward", it is possible to use one's own operation actual performance as material for appealing to users. As another aspect, from the perspective of the operator who studies new branches and additional branches of the station, it is possible to achieve a recommendation that enhances the motivation for new branches and additional branches in the areas "Chiyoda Ward" and "Minato Ward" with a brand image of well - built stations. Also, it is possible to jointly provide information related to the auxiliary undertakings of the state and local governments in association with new branches and additional branches of the station.

[0100] As another aspect, the output unit 15E can output statistical values of the evaluation of the entire station 30 belonging to each region included in the map. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. As Figure 11 shown, map data 44 including a plurality of regions, such as the 23 wards of Tokyo, is displayed on the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50. The display method of each region included in the map data 44, such as filling, is changed according to the overall genuine product delivery probability of the stations 30 belonging to the region. That is, according to Figure 10 the legend shown, the filling of each region is distinguished. For example, the filling of each region is displayed in a larger concentration in ascending order of the regions with a genuine product delivery probability of 70% to 80%, the regions with a genuine product delivery probability of 80% to 90%, and the regions with a genuine product delivery probability of 90% to 100%. Through the display of such map data 44, it is possible to overview and grasp the regions with a high genuine product delivery probability and the regions with a low genuine product delivery probability.

[0101] In addition, here, an example can be given Figures 8 - 11 where the display in response to the installation of the battery in the vehicle 5 is automatically executed on the in-vehicle device 50, but the execution conditions for starting the process are not limited to this. For example, the output unit 15E can also execute the process when an evaluation output request is received from the in-vehicle device 50. In addition to this, Figures 8 - 11 the display shown can also be generated as a report for an arbitrary period, such as one week, one month, one quarter, half a year, or one year. Also, here, an example can be given where the in-vehicle device 50 executes Figures 8 - 11 the display shown, but Figures 8 - 11 the display shown can also be executed by other computers other than the in-vehicle device 50 as client terminals.

[0102] <Processing Flow>

[0103] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the process flow of the station evaluation process. As Figure 12 shown, when the battery is installed in the vehicle 5, the acquisition unit 15B acquires the magnetic field distribution of the battery measured by the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50 (step S101).

[0104] Next, the determination unit 15C makes a authenticity determination as to whether the battery installed in the vehicle 5 is a genuine product based on the result of comparing the magnetic field distribution of the battery acquired in step S101 with the reference magnetic field distribution stored in the reference information 13B (step S102).

[0105] Further, based on the result of the authenticity determination in step S102, the evaluation unit 15D calculates an evaluation value of the station 30 that charges the battery before installation in the vehicle 5, such as the genuine product delivery probability, etc. (step S103).

[0106] And, based on the evaluation value of the station calculated through step S103, the evaluation unit 15D calculates a statistical value of the evaluation values of all stations in the region to which the station 30 belongs (step S104).

[0107] Then, the output unit 15E outputs the evaluation value of the station calculated through step S103 and the statistical value of the evaluation values of all stations in the region calculated through step S104 to the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50 (step S105) and ends the process.

[0108] <One aspect of the effect>

[0109] As described above, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment acquires the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 installed in the vehicle 5. Moreover, the server device 10 performs an authenticity determination as to whether the battery 3 is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3. Then, the server device 10 evaluates the station 30 that is the delivery party of the battery 3 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery 3. On this basis, the server device 10 outputs the station evaluation. Therefore, according to the server device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide information that helps to judge the quality of the station.

[0110] <Numerical values, etc.>

[0111] Matters described in the above embodiment, such as specific examples such as the number of magnetic sensors included in the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50, etc., are merely examples and can be changed. In addition, the flowchart described in the embodiment can also change the order of processing within a non-contradictory range.

[0112] [System]

[0113] Regarding the information including the processing flow, control flow, specific names, various data, parameters shown in the above description and in the drawings, except for special cases, it can be arbitrarily changed. For example, any one or more of the functional units such as the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, and the output unit 15E can be constituted by different devices.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the server device 10 has the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, and the output unit 15E is given, but the in-vehicle device 50 can also have the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, and the output unit 15E.Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an application example of the in-vehicle device 50. As Figure 13 shown, the in-vehicle device 50 includes a measurement unit 51, a display input unit 53, and a control unit 55. Among them, the control unit 55 can be implemented by a hardware processor. For example, the control unit 55 can be implemented by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like. Even when the control unit 55 has a providing unit 15A, an acquiring unit 15B, a determining unit 15C, an evaluating unit 15D, and an output unit 15E, it can perform the same processing as the server device 10 described in the above embodiment, such as Figure 12 the processing shown, etc.

[0115] In addition, each structural element of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and physically it does not necessarily need to be configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific manner of dispersion and integration of each device is not limited to the manner shown in the figure. That is, all or part of it can be dispersed / integrated functionally or physically in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. In addition, each structure can also be a physical structure.

[0116] Moreover, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program parsed and executed by the CPU, or can be implemented as hardware based on wired logic.

[0117] [Hardware]

[0118] Next, a hardware structure example of the computer described in the embodiment will be described. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a hardware structure example. As Figure 14 shown, the information processing device 100 includes a communication device 100a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 100b, a memory 100c, and a processor 100d. In addition, Figure 14 the parts shown are connected to each other by a bus or the like.

[0119] The communication device 100a is a network interface card or the like and performs communication with other devices. The HDD 100b stores programs and databases for executing the functions shown Figure 5 in.

[0120] The processor 100d reads out a program for executing the same processing as the processing unit shown Figure 5 from the HDD 100b or the like and expands it in the memory 100c, thereby enabling the execution Figure 5The process executes actions of the functions described in etc. For example, the process executes the same functions as the processing unit of the server device 10. Specifically, the processor 100d reads out a program having the same functions as the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, the output unit 15E, etc. from the HDD 100b or the like. Further, the processor 100d executes a process of executing the same processing as the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, the output unit 15E, etc.

[0121] In this way, the information processing device 100 executes actions as an information processing device that reads out and executes a program and executes an evaluation method. Further, the information processing device 100 can also read out the above program from a recording medium using a medium reading device and execute the read program, thereby realizing the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the program described in other embodiments is not limited to being executed by the information processing device 100. For example, when the program is executed by other computers or servers, or when they execute the program in cooperation, the present invention can be similarly applied.

[0122] The above program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the above program can be recorded on an arbitrary recording medium and read out and executed by a computer from the recording medium. For example, the recording medium can be realized by a hard disk, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like.

[0123] <Other>

[0124] Several examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are described below.

[0125] (1) An information processing device, characterized in that

[0126] the information processing device has:

[0127] an acquiring unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery installed in a vehicle;

[0128] a determining unit that performs authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery;

[0129] an evaluating unit that evaluates a charging device of a delivery party of a battery installed in the vehicle in a charging device that charges a battery brought in by a user and delivers a charged battery that replaces the battery to the user based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery; and

[0130] an output unit that outputs an evaluation of the charging device performed by the evaluating unit.

[0131] (2) The information processing device according to (1), characterized in that

[0132] The determination unit determines whether the battery is genuine based on a comparison between the magnetic field distribution of the battery and the magnetic field distribution of a formal battery.

[0133] (3) The information processing device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be genuine.

[0134] (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that

[0135] The evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be non-genuine, i.e., a non-genuine product.

[0136] (5) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that

[0137] The evaluation unit calculates a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging device according to the region to which the charging device belongs, the day of the week, weekdays or holidays, or for each time period.

[0138] (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that

[0139] The output unit outputs the evaluation of the charging device in a manner mapped on a map.

[0140] (7) The information processing device according to (6), characterized in that

[0141] The output unit outputs, in association with each region included in the map, a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging devices belonging to the region.

[0142] (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that

[0143] The output unit outputs a list that lists the evaluations of each charging device.

[0144] (9) An evaluation method, characterized in that

[0145] The following processing is performed by a computer:

[0146] Obtain the magnetic field distribution of a battery installed in a vehicle,

[0147] Based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, perform a authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine,

[0148] Based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, evaluate the charging device of the delivery party of the battery installed in the vehicle that charges the battery brought in by the user and delivers the fully charged battery replaced with the battery to the user,

[0149] Output the evaluation of the charging device.

[0150] (10) An evaluation program, characterized in that,

[0151] The evaluation program causes a computer to execute the following processing:

[0152] Obtain the magnetic field distribution of the battery installed in the vehicle,

[0153] Based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, perform an authenticity determination of whether the battery is genuine,

[0154] Based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, evaluate the charging device of the delivery party of the battery installed in the vehicle that charges the battery brought in by the user and delivers the fully charged battery replaced with the battery to the user,

[0155] Output the evaluation of the charging device.

[0156] Explanation of reference numerals

[0157] 1 Battery sharing system

[0158] 3 Battery

[0159] 5 Vehicle

[0160] 10 Server device

[0161] 11 Communication control unit

[0162] 13 Storage unit

[0163] 13A User information

[0164] 13B Reference information

[0165] 13C Evaluation information

[0166] 15 Control unit

[0167] 15A Provision unit

[0168] 15B Acquisition unit

[0169] 15C Determination unit

[0170] 15D Evaluation unit

[0171] 15E Output unit

[0172] 30 Station

[0173] 31 Information reading unit

[0174] 50 Vehicle-mounted device

[0175] 51 Measuring unit

[0176] 53 Display input unit

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: The information processing device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery installed in the vehicle; a determination unit for determining whether the battery is genuine based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery; an evaluation unit that evaluates, based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, a charging facility that charges the battery brought by the user and delivers a charged battery to be replaced with the battery to a charging facility of the user, a delivery party of the battery mounted on the vehicle; as well as An output unit outputs the evaluation of the charging device performed by the evaluation unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The determination unit determines whether the battery is genuine based on comparison between the magnetic field distribution of the battery and the magnetic field distribution of an authentic battery.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The evaluation unit evaluates a frequency with which the battery is determined to be the genuine product.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The evaluation unit evaluates the frequency of determining that the battery is a non-genuine product that is not the genuine product.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The evaluation unit calculates a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging device according to the region to which the charging device belongs, the day of the week, weekdays and holidays, or for each time period.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The output unit outputs the evaluation of the charging facility in a manner mapped on a map.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The output unit outputs, for each region included in the map, a statistical value of evaluation of charging facilities belonging to the region in association with the region.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The output unit outputs a list in which evaluations of the charging facilities are tabulated for each of the charging facilities.

9. An evaluation method, characterized in that: The following processing is performed by the computer: Obtain the magnetic field distribution of the battery installed in the vehicle, Based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, an authenticity determination is performed to determine whether the battery is genuine. Based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, a charging facility of a delivery party of the battery mounted on the vehicle that charges the battery brought by the user and delivers a charged battery to replace the battery to the charging facility of the user is evaluated; An evaluation of the charging device is output.

10. A computer-readable recording medium having an evaluation program recorded thereon, characterized in that: The evaluation program causes the computer to execute the following processing: Obtain the magnetic field distribution of the battery installed in the vehicle, Based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, an authenticity determination is performed to determine whether the battery is genuine. Based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, a charging facility of a delivery party of the battery mounted on the vehicle that charges the battery brought by the user and delivers a charged battery to replace the battery to the charging facility of the user is evaluated; An evaluation of the charging device is output.

Images