Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing device which notifies information related to battery degradation suppression control at accurate timing. An information processing device (1) is provided with: an acquisition unit (12) that acquires battery replacement date information indicating a replacement date of a battery (22) mounted in a vehicle (2); a determination unit (14) that determines whether or not the use date of the battery (22) has reached a predetermined date before a predetermined period of time of the replacement standard date acquired by the acquisition unit (12); and a notification unit (15) that, when the determination unit (14) determines that the use date of the battery (22) has reached the prescribed date, notifies information relating to battery degradation suppression control that suppresses degradation of the battery (22) mounted in the vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of notifying information related to deterioration suppression control of a battery mounted on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, a battery (secondary battery) and a driving electric motor driven by electric power supplied from the battery are mounted. Regarding the battery, for example, a technique for suppressing deterioration of the battery by adjusting the temperature of the battery is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-119694 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, by performing battery deterioration suppression control such as temperature adjustment control for adjusting the temperature of the battery, deterioration of the battery can be suppressed. However, in the battery deterioration suppression control, electric power is consumed for temperature adjustment (temperature regulation) of the battery and the like. Therefore, regarding the execution of the battery deterioration suppression control and its control content, in order to reflect the intention of a user such as the owner of the vehicle, it is desirable to notify the user of information related to the battery deterioration suppression control. Regarding this point, for example, if the notification to the user is frequently performed, the user may get tired of the notification.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of notifying a user of a vehicle of information related to battery deterioration suppression control at an accurate timing. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided. The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires battery replacement standard date information indicating a replacement standard date of a battery mounted on a vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether a use date of the battery has reached a specified date, which is a date before a specified period of the replacement standard date acquired by the acquisition unit; and a notification unit that, when the determination unit determines that the use date of the battery has reached the specified date, notifies information related to battery deterioration suppression control for suppressing deterioration of the battery mounted on the vehicle. Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of notifying a user of a vehicle of information related to battery deterioration suppression control at an accurate timing. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the process flow executed by the above information processing device. Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the process flow executed by the above information processing device. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the process flow executed by the above information processing device. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a first notification performed by the notification unit of the above information processing device. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification performed by the above notification unit. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image including a second notification following the image shown in Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image for asking whether to execute battery temperature adjustment control following the image shown in Detailed Embodiment

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 100 including an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1 , in the information processing system 100, the information processing device 1 and the vehicle 2 exchange various information with the server 3 via the communication network 4, thereby performing various notifications (proposals) of the information processing device 1.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2, and various notifications are made to the user of the vehicle 2, etc. In the following description, the vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle, but it may also be a hybrid vehicle.

[0012] In this embodiment, the vehicle 2 includes, for example, a control unit 21, a battery 22, a detection unit 23, and a temperature control device 24. The control unit 21 controls the entire vehicle including driving.

[0013] The control unit 21 also has functions as a battery controller and a temperature control controller, for example. The battery controller controls the charge and discharge of the battery 22 and can generate charge and discharge history information of the battery 22. The temperature control controller controls the operation of the temperature control device 24. The charge and discharge history information includes the initial full charge capacity of the battery 22 in the initial state (new product), that is, the initial full charge capacity, and the full charge capacity of the current battery 22 based on the previous charge, that is, the current full charge capacity.

[0014] The battery 22 is a lithium-ion battery, for example. The power of the battery 22 is supplied to an electric motor for vehicle driving (not shown). Although not shown, a charging inlet is provided in the vehicle 2. When the battery 22 is charged, an external power source such as a charging station or a household power supply is connected to the charging inlet through a charging cable, and the battery 22 is charged by the external power source.

[0015] Here, the temperature of the battery 22 rises due to the surrounding temperature environment and self-heating. And if the battery 22 is charged or discharged in a high-temperature state, the deterioration of the battery 22 is accelerated. Therefore, if the temperature of the battery 22 is adjusted to converge within a specified management temperature range for management, the deterioration of the battery 22 can be suppressed. The management temperature range of the battery 22 is a range recommended by the battery manufacturer or the like.

[0016] The deterioration of the battery 22 also accelerates under normal use conditions, and in addition, it may accelerate due to aging. Therefore, for the vehicle 2, at the necessary inspection date (vehicle inspection date) specified by regulations, the battery 22 may be replaced together with the repair of the vehicle 2. This is because the deterioration of the battery 22 has progressed to a certain extent on the inspection date. Therefore, the inspection date is useful information as an index (parameter) that can represent the standard date for battery replacement.

[0017] The degree of deterioration of the battery 22 is represented by SOH (State Of Health), for example. SOH can be calculated by dividing the current full charge capacity of the battery 22 by the initial full charge capacity of the battery 22 (SOH = current full charge capacity / initial full charge capacity × 100 [%]). Information on the current full charge capacity and the initial full charge capacity of the battery 22 is included in the charge and discharge history information generated by the battery controller of the control unit 21. The higher the value of SOH, the better the state of the battery 22, and the lower the value of SOH, the more severe the deterioration of the battery 22. Therefore, the value of SOH of the battery 22 decreases closer to the inspection date.

[0018] The detection unit 23 measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 22, and outputs battery measurement information indicating these measurement results to the control unit 21.

[0019] The temperature adjustment device 24 is a device for performing battery degradation suppression control to suppress the degradation of the battery 22. In the present embodiment, the battery degradation suppression control is temperature adjustment control for adjusting the temperature of the battery 22. Through this temperature adjustment control (temperature regulation control), the temperature of the battery 22 can be adjusted within the above-mentioned specified management temperature range.

[0020] The temperature adjustment device 24 is not particularly limited, and is composed of an air-cooling device, a liquid-cooling device, etc. The air-cooling device includes a cooling fan for cooling the battery 22 by supplying air toward the battery 22, and the liquid-cooling device includes a heat medium circuit for adjusting the temperature of the battery 22 by circulating a heat medium in the battery 22. The operation of the temperature adjustment device 24 is controlled by the control unit 21. Specifically, the control unit 21 controls the operation of the temperature adjustment device 24 so that the temperature of the battery 22 converges within the specified management temperature range. In this way, the vehicle 2 is configured to be able to perform battery degradation suppression control (battery temperature adjustment control) for controlling the degradation of the battery 22 through the control unit 21, the detection unit 23, and the temperature adjustment device 24. In the battery degradation suppression control, electric power for driving the temperature adjustment device 24 is supplied from the battery 22.

[0021] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 21 is configured to be able to drive the temperature adjustment device 24 when receiving a battery temperature adjustment control execution request signal described later that reflects the user's intention from the information processing device 1. That is, when the battery temperature adjustment control execution request signal is not received, even if the temperature of the battery 22 exceeds the specified management temperature range, the control unit 21 does not drive the temperature adjustment device 24 (does not execute battery temperature adjustment control). Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether to execute battery temperature adjustment control depends on the user's intention.

[0022] The information processing device 1 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, a determination unit 14, and a notification unit 15 having a display device 15a as its functional components. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 other than the display device 15a includes, for example, a computer system including a processor, a memory, a user input interface, and a communication interface. That is, in the information processing device 1, each function is realized by the processor of the computer system reading and executing a program stored in the memory.

[0023] The communication unit 11 is a communication device that exchanges information of the communication network 4 between the information processing device 1 and the server 3 via wireless communication. In addition, although not particularly limited, the vehicle 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the outside via the communication unit 11 of the information processing device 1 and the communication network 4.

[0024] The acquisition unit 12 acquires at least battery replacement standard date information. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 12 acquires various information stored in the server 3 in association with the model of the vehicle 2, the model of the battery 22, the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 2, etc. via the communication unit 11 and the communication network 4, acquires battery charge / discharge history information from the control unit 21, and acquires battery measurement information indicating the measurement result of the detection unit 23 via the control unit 21. The various information stored in the server 3 is sent to the acquisition unit 12, for example, at a predetermined cycle. When requested by the acquisition unit 12 at a predetermined cycle or timing, the server 3 can also send information to the acquisition unit 12 via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 11. In addition, the battery charge / discharge history information and the battery measurement information are sent from the control unit 21 to the acquisition unit 12, for example, at a predetermined cycle and rewritten as the latest information in the acquisition unit 12. In addition, when requested by the acquisition unit 12 at a predetermined cycle or timing, the control unit 21 can also send information to the acquisition unit 12.

[0025] The information stored in the server 3 includes battery replacement standard date information, outside air temperature information, battery deterioration tendency information, vehicle purchase price information, electricity cost information, and the driving distance information of the vehicle per unit of electric energy, etc.

[0026] The battery replacement standard date information is information indicating the replacement standard date of the battery. In the present embodiment, the battery replacement standard date information is a predetermined inspection date for the vehicle 2. Specifically, the inspection date is the necessary inspection date stipulated by regulations for the vehicle 2, that is, the vehicle inspection date. On this inspection date, the deterioration of the battery 22 of the vehicle 2 has developed to a certain extent, and sometimes the replacement of the battery 22 is recommended. However, there are also cases where the battery 22 has not deteriorated to the extent that it needs to be replaced on the most recent inspection date (vehicle inspection date), and it is not replaced on the most recent inspection date and can be directly used until the next inspection date (vehicle inspection date). Therefore, the battery replacement standard date information is always information indicating a period when the possibility of replacing the battery is relatively high (replacement flag information).

[0027] The battery replacement standard date information stored in the server 3 is stored in association with, for example, the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 2. The information on the inspection date as the battery replacement standard date information is the information on the most recent inspection date, and specific battery replacement standard date information (the most recent inspection date) associated with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2 is stored in the server 3. Although not particularly limited, the battery replacement standard date information is configured to be recordable in the server 3 by a user or the like in association with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2. Further, the battery replacement standard date information is updated by a user or the like. However, for example, in the case where the battery replacement standard date information and the vehicle ID are stored in the control unit 21 or the like of the vehicle 2, the acquisition unit 12 may also acquire the battery replacement standard date information and the vehicle ID from the vehicle 2 (control unit 21).

[0028] The outside air temperature information is information including the predicted change information of the outside air temperature for each year in each region. The acquisition unit 12 can, for example, extract and acquire the predicted change information of the outside air temperature for each year in the region to which the current position of the vehicle 2 determined by the GPS mounted on the vehicle 2 belongs from the predicted change information of the outside air temperature for each year in each region from the server 3.

[0029] The battery deterioration tendency information is information indicating the deterioration tendency of the battery. The battery deterioration tendency information is, for example, data related to the reduction tendency of the full charge capacity and the reduction tendency of the SOH in each case of being used under battery temperature adjustment control and not being used under battery temperature adjustment control. The battery deterioration tendency information is stored in association with the vehicle model, the battery model, and the like.

[0030] The vehicle purchase price information is information indicating the purchase price of the vehicle in the used car market. The vehicle purchase price information is stored in association with the vehicle model, the vehicle model year, the battery model, and the like.

[0031] The electricity cost information is information indicating the electricity cost for each region. The electricity cost information is, for example, the electricity cost per unit of electricity. The acquisition unit 12 can, for example, extract and acquire the electricity cost information for the region to which the current position of the vehicle 2 determined by the GPS mounted on the vehicle 2 belongs from the electricity cost information for each region from the server 3.

[0032] The information on the driving distance of the vehicle per unit of electricity is information indicating the distance (endurance distance) that can be traveled by an electric motor driven by a battery per unit of electricity. The driving distance of the vehicle per unit of electricity based on the electric motor can also be referred to as the power consumption as compared with the fuel consumption of an internal combustion engine. The information on the driving distance of the vehicle per unit of electricity is stored in association with the vehicle model, the battery model, and the like.

[0033] If vehicles and batteries of new models are added, each time an addition is made, information corresponding to the new model (model, style) (battery deterioration tendency information, vehicle purchase price information, and driving distance information of the vehicle per unit of electric charge) is added as the stored information in Server 3. Therefore, the stored information in Server 3 is updated successively so as to cover most of the models (models, styles) of vehicles and batteries in the market.

[0034] The battery measurement information, battery charge / discharge history information, and the stored information in Server 3 (battery replacement standard date information, outside air temperature information, battery deterioration tendency information, vehicle purchase price information, electricity charge information, driving distance information of the vehicle per unit of electric charge, etc.) obtained by Acquisition Unit 12 are stored in Storage Unit 13. And, in the present embodiment, the battery replacement standard date information among the information obtained by Acquisition Unit 12 is sent to Judgment Unit 14.

[0035] Judgment Unit 14 determines whether the usage date (today) of Battery 22 has reached a specified date before the specified period of the replacement standard date obtained by Acquisition Unit 12 (in other words, the specified date before the replacement standard date of the battery replacement standard date information). The specified date before the specified period of the replacement standard date is a period when the user of Vehicle 2 is likely to pay attention to the deterioration of Battery 22. The above-mentioned specified period from the replacement standard date to the specified date can be set to a period of about 1 / 24 (one month) to 1 / 4 (six months) of the inspection (vehicle inspection) cycle of Vehicle 2 (for example, 2 years).

[0036] In the present embodiment, as described above, the replacement standard date is the inspection date (vehicle inspection date) of Vehicle 2. And, the specified date before the specified period of the replacement standard date is a date close to and before the nearest inspection date of Vehicle 2, and is set as a period when the user of Vehicle 2 is particularly likely to pay attention to the deterioration of Battery 22.

[0037] Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the specified date before the specified period of the replacement standard date is the date three months before the nearest inspection date of Vehicle 2. That is, the above-mentioned specified period from the replacement standard date to the specified date is set to three months (i.e., a period of 1 / 8 of the inspection cycle of Vehicle 2). Judgment Unit 14 calculates the specified date three months before the nearest inspection date included in the battery replacement standard date information associated with the vehicle ID of Vehicle 2, and determines whether the usage date (today) of Battery 22 has reached the calculated specified date. Then, the determination result of Judgment Unit 14 is sent to Notification Unit 15.

[0038] When the determination unit 14 determines that the usage date of the battery 22 has reached the specified date (the date three months before the most recent inspection date), the notification unit 15 notifies information related to battery degradation suppression control (battery temperature adjustment control) for suppressing the degradation of the battery 22 mounted on the vehicle 2. In the present embodiment, as an example of the battery degradation suppression control, the notification unit 15 notifies information related to the temperature adjustment control of the battery 22.

[0039] Specifically, the notification unit 15 generates notification information (proposal information) such as characters and graphics for notifying (proposing) information related to the temperature adjustment control of the battery 22. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 notifies the user of information related to the temperature adjustment control of the battery 22 by displaying an image including the generated characters and graphics on the display unit (display screen) of a display device 15a such as a liquid crystal display.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the notification by the notification unit 15 of the information processing device 1 includes a first notification and a second notification. The first notification can suppress the degradation of the battery by executing battery degradation suppression control (battery temperature adjustment control). The second notification notifies execution impact information, and the execution impact information includes the change in the degradation degree of the battery 22 after a specified period due to whether or not to execute battery degradation suppression control (battery temperature adjustment control). In addition, the content of the execution impact information will be described in detail later.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 is configured to perform the second notification after the first notification. The content of the first notification is the outline of the battery degradation suppression control, and the content of the second notification is more detailed than the content of the first notification.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 is configured to perform the second notification when a request for the second notification is received from the user after the first notification.

[0043] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second notification is configured to be performed in multiple stages. The notification unit 15 is configured to perform the next second notification when a request for the next second notification is received from the user.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4 the process flow of the processing executed by the information processing device 1 will be described, and with reference to Figures 5 to 11 the notification content of the notification unit 15 of the information processing device 1 will be described in detail.

[0045] Figures 2 to 4 are respectively flowcharts showing the process flow of the processing executed by the information processing device 1. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display image G10 including the first notification of the notification unit 15.Figures 6 to 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of display images (G20, G21, G22, G23, G24) representing the second notification including the notification unit 15. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image G30 for asking the user whether to execute battery temperature adjustment control based on the notification unit 15.

[0046] Figure 6 It represents the display image G20 including the initial second notification. Figure 7 It represents the display image G21 including the second notification following the display image G20. Figure 8 It represents the display image G22 including the second notification following the display image 21. Figure 9 It represents the display image G23 including the second notification following the display image 22. Figure 10 It represents the display image G24 including the second notification following the display image G23. Each display image (G10, G20, G21, G22, G23, G24, G30) is displayed on the display unit of the display device 15a of the notification unit 15. In each display image, there are set a title display area Va, a notification information display area Vb, and a button display area Vc for buttons (B1, B2) constituted by a GUI. In addition, in the following description, the battery 22 has not deteriorated to the extent that it needs to be replaced at the current time, will not be replaced in the most recent inspection, and can be directly used until the next inspection date by performing battery deterioration suppression control.

[0047] Refer to Figure 2 , in step S100, the acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 1 acquires battery replacement standard date information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires, for example, battery replacement standard date information (the most recent inspection date of the vehicle 2, the next inspection date of the vehicle 2) associated with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2 from the server 3.

[0048] In step S110, the determination unit 14 determines whether the usage date (today) of the battery 22 has reached a specified date, which is the date before the specified period of the replacement standard date acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The determination unit 14 calculates the specified date three months before the most recent inspection date based on the battery replacement standard date information (the most recent inspection date) acquired by the acquisition unit 12, and determines whether the usage date (today) of the battery 22 has reached the calculated specified date. If today has reached the calculated specified date (the specified date three months before the most recent inspection date) (step S110: "Yes"), the determination unit 14 sends the determination result to the notification unit 15. If today has not reached the calculated specified date (the specified date three months before the most recent inspection date) (step S110: "No"), the information processing device 1, for example, returns to step S100 and repeatedly performs the processing of step S100 and step S110 until it is determined as "Yes" in step S110.

[0049] In step S120, the notification unit 15 makes a first notification of information related to battery temperature adjustment control (battery deterioration suppression control) according to the determination result from the determination unit 14 (step S110: "Yes"). The notification unit 15 displays on the display unit of the display device 15a Figure 5 the displayed image G10 shown as the first notification. In Figure 5 the displayed image G10, in the title display area Va, text information such as "Information related to battery temperature adjustment control" is displayed, and in the notification information display area Vb, text information of the first notification such as "By performing battery temperature adjustment control, the deterioration of the battery can be suppressed, and the life of the battery can be extended." and text information such as "Enter the display of detailed information such as the advantages of performing battery temperature adjustment control?" are displayed. In the button display area Vc, a button B1 with the text "Yes" depicted and a button B2 with the text "No" depicted are displayed.

[0050] In step S130, the notification unit 15 accepts a request for displaying a second notification from the user through the displayed image G10. When the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the displayed image G10, the notification unit 15 determines that the request for displaying the second notification has been accepted (step S130: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S140. When the user touches the "No" button B2 of the displayed image G10, the notification unit 15 determines that the request for displaying the second notification has not been accepted (step S130: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process without making subsequent notifications, for example.

[0051] In step S140, the notification unit 15 generates notification information for the second notification according to the request for displaying the second notification from the user. Specifically, the notification unit 15 generates execution impact information based on whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the execution impact information includes information indicating the following: (1) the change in the degree of deterioration of the battery 22 after a specified period due to whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control; (2) the change in the purchase price of the vehicle after a specified period due to whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control; (3) the power consumption and electricity cost required for battery temperature adjustment control; (4-1) the change in the driving distance of the vehicle 2 based on the battery 22 per full charge of the current battery 22 due to whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control; (4-2) the change in the driving distance of the vehicle 2 based on the battery 22 per full charge of the battery 22 in the future (after a specified period) due to whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control.

[0053] (1) Generation of notification information on the change in the degree of deterioration The notification unit 15 acquires the charge-discharge history information (current full charge capacity and initial full charge capacity) and battery deterioration tendency information of the battery 22 from the storage unit 13. The notification unit 15 estimates the current SOH of the battery 22 (= current full charge capacity / initial full charge capacity × 100 [%]) based on the charge-discharge history information. The notification unit 15 estimates the full charge capacity after a specified period from the current time (e.g., 2 years later), i.e., the future full charge capacity with temperature regulation, based on the SOH reduction tendency data and the current SOH when used under battery temperature regulation control. Based on this estimated value and the initial full charge capacity, the notification unit 15 estimates the SOH after a specified period from the current time, i.e., the future SOH α% with temperature regulation. Then, the notification unit 15 estimates the full charge capacity after a specified period from the current time (e.g., 2 years later), i.e., the future full charge capacity without temperature regulation, based on the SOH reduction tendency data and the current SOH when not used under battery temperature regulation control. Based on this estimated value and the initial full charge capacity, the notification unit 15 estimates the value of the future SOH β% without temperature regulation after a specified period from the current time. In the present embodiment, the specified period starting from the current time (a specified date three months before the most recent vehicle inspection date) is 2 years, and the estimated information (SOH α% and SOH β%) represents the estimated value of the deterioration degree of the battery 22 on the specified date three months before the next vehicle inspection date of the vehicle 2 (i.e., immediately before the next vehicle inspection date). Then, the notification unit 15 uses the estimated information (SOH α% and SOH β%) to generate notification information regarding the change in the deterioration degree of the battery 22 after a specified period due to whether or not to perform battery temperature regulation control.

[0054] (2) Generation of notification information on the change in the purchase price of the vehicle 2 The notification unit 15 acquires the vehicle purchase price information of the vehicle 2 from the storage unit 13. The notification unit 15 estimates the purchase price (X1 yen) of the vehicle 2 considering the SOH reduction after a specified period from the current time (e.g., 2 years later) based on, for example, the vehicle purchase price information and the future SOH α% with temperature regulation estimated in the above (1). Similarly, the notification unit 15 estimates the purchase price (X2 yen) of the vehicle 2 considering the SOH reduction after a specified period from the current time (e.g., 2 years later) based on, for example, the vehicle purchase price information and the future SOH β% without temperature regulation estimated in the above (1). In the present embodiment, the estimated information (X1 yen, X2 yen) represents the estimated value of the purchase price of the vehicle 2 immediately before the next inspection date (vehicle inspection date). Then, the notification unit 15 generates notification information regarding the change (difference X = X1 - X2) in the purchase price of the vehicle 2 after a specified period due to whether or not to perform battery temperature regulation control based on the two estimated purchase prices (X1 yen, X2 yen).

[0055] (3) Generation of notification information on the power amount and electricity cost The notification unit 15 acquires the electricity charge information and the predicted information on the change in the external air temperature over the year from the storage unit 13. Then, the temperature adjustment power consumption information indicating the power consumption per unit temperature required for the temperature adjustment performed by the temperature adjustment device 24 is stored in the storage unit 13, and the notification unit 15 acquires the temperature adjustment power consumption information from the storage unit 13. Based on the temperature adjustment power consumption information, the average predicted information on the external air temperature over the year, and the electricity charge information acquired from the storage unit 13, the notification unit 15 estimates the predicted power consumption for the annual battery temperature adjustment control and the predicted electricity charge for the annual temperature adjustment. Then, based on the estimated predicted power consumption for the annual temperature adjustment and the predicted electricity charge for the annual temperature adjustment, the notification unit 15 estimates the required power Y KWh and the electricity charge Z yen in the case of performing the battery temperature adjustment control for a specified period (e.g., two years). In the present embodiment, the estimated information (Y KWh and Z yen) represents the estimated values of the power and the electricity charge required for the battery temperature adjustment control during the period from the current time to immediately before the next inspection date (vehicle inspection date). Then, the notification unit 15 uses the estimated information (the power Y KWh and the electricity charge Z yen) to generate notification information regarding the required power Y KWh and the electricity charge Z yen in the case of performing the battery temperature adjustment control for the specified period.

[0056] (4-1) Generation of Notification Information on the Change in the Currently Available Driving Distance per Full Charge The notification unit 15 acquires the driving distance information of the vehicle 2 per unit power (so-called power consumption) and the information on the currently full charge capacity included in the charge / discharge history information from the storage unit 13. Based on the driving distance information of the vehicle 2 per unit power and the currently full charge capacity, the notification unit 15 estimates the currently available driving distance La2 km per full charge without performing the battery temperature adjustment control.

[0057] Then, the standard annual driving distance information (e.g., 8000 km) is stored in the storage unit 13. The notification unit 15 obtains the standard annual driving distance information from the storage unit 13, for example, and estimates the number of days required for the current power consumption per full charge (the current battery power consumption days) based on the obtained standard annual driving distance information and the estimated current available driving distance La2 km. Then, the notification unit 15, for example, converts the estimated annual temperature regulation predicted power consumption in (3) above into the temperature regulation predicted power consumption per day, and calculates the temperature regulation power consumption consumed in the temperature regulation of the power per full charge by multiplying the converted temperature regulation predicted power consumption per day by the above current battery power consumption days. The notification unit 15 estimates the current available driving distance La1 km per full charge in the case where the battery temperature regulation control is performed by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the calculated temperature regulation power consumption from the current full charge capacity by the driving distance of the vehicle per unit power. Then, the notification unit 15 generates notification information regarding the change in the available driving distance of the vehicle 2 based on the battery 22 per full charge due to whether the battery temperature regulation control is executed, using the estimated information (the available driving distances La1 km and La2 km).

[0058] (4-2) Generation of Notification Information on the Change in the Available Driving Distance per Full Charge in the Future In addition, the notification unit 15 estimates the future (e.g., 2 years later) available driving distance Lb2 km per full charge in the case where the battery temperature regulation control is not performed, based on the driving distance information of the vehicle 2 per unit power and the future full charge capacity without temperature regulation estimated in (1) above.

[0059] Then, the notification unit 15 obtains, for example, the annual standard driving distance information from the storage unit 13, and based on the obtained annual standard driving distance information and the information on the estimated future drivable distance Lb2km, estimates the number of days required for the future power consumption per full charge (the future battery power consumption days). Then, the notification unit 15, for example, converts the predicted power consumption for temperature adjustment during the year estimated in (3) above into the predicted power consumption for temperature adjustment per day, and calculates the power consumption for temperature adjustment consumed in the temperature adjustment of the power per full charge by multiplying the converted predicted power consumption for temperature adjustment per day by the above-mentioned future battery power consumption days. The notification unit 15 estimates the future drivable distance Lb1km per full charge in the case where battery temperature adjustment control is performed by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the calculated power consumption for temperature adjustment from the future full charge capacity with temperature adjustment estimated in (1) above by the driving distance of the vehicle per unit power. In the present embodiment, the estimated information (Lb1km and Lb2km) represents the estimated values of the future drivable distance per full charge of the vehicle 2 immediately before the next inspection date (vehicle inspection date). Then, the notification unit 15 uses the estimated information (drivable distances Lb1km and Lb2km) to generate notification information regarding the change in the drivable distance of the vehicle 2 based on the battery 22 per full charge of the future battery 22 due to whether or not to perform battery temperature adjustment control.

[0060] In addition, in step S140, when the currently estimated SOH (= current full charge capacity / initial full charge capacity × 100 [%]) estimated by the notification unit 15 is lower than a specified threshold value as the replacement standard of the battery 22, the notification unit 15 may not proceed to step S150, but instead display notification information for promoting the replacement of the battery 22 on the display unit of the display device 15a. In this case, the information processing device 1, for example, after a specified time has elapsed, ends the process without making further notifications.

[0061] In step S150, the notification unit 15 first notifies of the change in the degree of deterioration of the battery 22 in the information on the generated second notification. The notification unit 15 displays on the display unit of the display device 15a as the notification of the change in the degree of deterioration Figure 6The displayed display image G20. In the display image G20, in the title display area Va, text information such as "Details related to battery temperature regulation control (degree of deterioration)" is displayed. In the notification information display area Vb, text information of the following second notification is displayed: "When battery temperature regulation control is performed, the degree of deterioration of the battery approximately SOHα% two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection). When battery temperature regulation control is not performed, the degree of deterioration of the battery approximately SOHβ% two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection).". In the button display area Vc, text information such as "Proceed to the next display?", "Yes" button B1, and "No" button B2 are displayed. Additionally, in Figure 6 For generalization, the numerical values of SOH are displayed as "α" and "β", but in reality, specific numerical values are displayed. The SOHα two years after when battery temperature regulation control is performed (i.e., when battery temperature regulation control has been continuously performed for two years) is higher than the SOHβ two years after when battery temperature regulation control is not performed (i.e., when battery temperature regulation control has not been performed for two years) (α > β). As a result, the full charge capacity two years after when battery temperature regulation control is performed is maintained at a high capacity, and there is a tendency to suppress the deterioration of the battery 22.

[0062] In step S160, the notification unit 15 receives a request for the next display from the user regarding the second notification through the display image G20. When the user touches the "Yes" button B1, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has been received (step S160: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S170. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has not been received (step S160: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1, for example, ends the process without making further notifications.

[0063] In step S170, the notification unit 15 makes a notification regarding the change in the purchase price of the vehicle 2 in the information of the generated second notification. The notification unit 15 displays on the display unit of the display device 15a as a notification of the change in the purchase price Figure 7 The displayed display image G21. In the display image G21, in the title display area Va, text information of "Details related to battery temperature regulation control (purchase price)" is displayed. In the notification information display area Vb, text information of the following second notification is displayed: "The purchase price of the vehicle two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection) when battery temperature regulation control is performed is approximately X yen higher than the purchase price of the vehicle two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection) when battery temperature regulation control is not performed.". In the button display area Vc, the same content as the display image G20 is displayed. Additionally, in Figure 7In this case, for generalization, the numerical value of the purchase price is shown as "X", but in reality, the specific numerical value is shown. Through this notification, the user can recognize that the purchase price of vehicle 2 (the evaluation price of vehicle 2 as a used car) immediately before the next vehicle inspection when the battery temperature adjustment control is performed is higher than the purchase price of vehicle 2 immediately before the next vehicle inspection when the battery temperature adjustment control is not performed by X yen.

[0064] In step S180, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the display image G21, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has been received (step S180: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S190. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has not been received (step S180: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process without performing subsequent notifications, for example.

[0065] In step S190, the notification unit 15 notifies the power consumption and electricity cost required for the battery temperature adjustment control in the information of the generated second notification. The notification unit 15 displays on the display unit of the display device 15a as the notification of the power consumption and electricity cost Figure 8 the display image G22 shown. In the display image G22, the text information "Detailed information related to battery temperature adjustment control (power consumption and electricity cost)" is displayed in the title display area Va, and the text information of the second notification "When the battery temperature adjustment control is performed for 2 years (until immediately before the next vehicle inspection), the required power consumption is approximately Y KWh. When the battery temperature adjustment control is performed for 2 years (until immediately before the next vehicle inspection), the required electricity cost is approximately Z yen." is displayed in the notification information display area Vb, and the same content as the display image G20 is displayed in the button display area Vc. In addition, in Figure 8 this case, for generalization, the numerical values of the power consumption and electricity cost are shown as "Y" and "Z", but in reality, the specific numerical values are shown. Through this notification, the user can recognize the power consumption and electricity cost required for the battery temperature adjustment control from the current time until immediately before the next inspection date.

[0066] In step S200, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the display image G22, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has been received (step S200: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S210. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has not been received (step S200: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process without performing subsequent notifications, for example.

[0067] In step S210, the notification unit 15 notifies the current travelable distance per full charge in the information of the generated second notification. The notification unit 15 displays it on the display unit of the display device 15a as the notification of the current travelable distance. Figure 9 The display image G23 shown. In the display image G23, in the title display area Va, the text information of the second notification such as "Details related to battery temperature adjustment control (travelable distance per full charge: current)" is displayed. In the notification information display area Vb, the text information of the second notification such as "When the battery temperature adjustment control is performed, the current travelable distance per full charge is approximately La1 km. When the battery temperature adjustment control is not performed, the current travelable distance per full charge is approximately La2 km." is displayed. In the button display area Vc, the same content as the display image G20 is displayed. In addition, Figure 9 For generalization, the numerical values of the travelable distance are displayed as "La1" and "La2", but the specific numerical values are actually displayed.

[0068] When the battery temperature adjustment control is performed, the power for battery temperature adjustment is consumed by the battery 22. Therefore, the current travelable distance La1 per full charge is lower than the current travelable distance La2 per full charge when the battery temperature adjustment control is not performed by the power consumption for temperature adjustment (La1 < La2).

[0069] In step S220, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the display image G23, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display is received (step S210: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S230. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display is not received (step S210: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process without performing subsequent notifications, for example.

[0070] In step S230, the notification unit 15 notifies the future (2 years later) travelable distance per full charge in the information of the generated second notification. The notification unit 15 displays it on the display unit of the display device 15a as the notification of the future travelable distance. Figure 10The displayed image G24 is shown. In the displayed image G24, in the title display area Va, text information of the second notification such as "Details related to battery temperature adjustment control (driving distance on a full charge: future)" is displayed. In the notification information display area Vb, text information of the second notification such as "When battery temperature adjustment control is performed, the driving distance approximately Lb1 km two years after each full charge (immediately before the next vehicle inspection). When battery temperature adjustment control is not performed, the driving distance approximately Lb2 km two years after each full charge (immediately before the next vehicle inspection)." is displayed. In the button display area Vc, the same content as the displayed image G20 is displayed. Additionally, in Figure 10 for generalization, the numerical values of the driving distances are displayed as "Lb1" and "Lb2", but specific numerical values are actually displayed.

[0071] When battery temperature adjustment control is performed, the power for battery temperature adjustment control is consumed by the battery 22. However, there is a tendency that the SOH α% (in other words, the full charge capacity) two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection) when battery temperature adjustment control is performed is significantly higher than the SOH β% (in other words, the full charge capacity) two years after (immediately before the next vehicle inspection) when battery temperature adjustment control is not performed. Therefore, the driving distance Lb1 per full charge two years after when battery temperature adjustment control is performed (that is, when battery temperature adjustment control has been continuously performed for two years) is higher than Lb2 per full charge two years after when battery temperature adjustment control is not performed (that is, when battery temperature adjustment control has not been performed for two years) (Lb1 > Lb2).

[0072] In step S240, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the displayed image G24, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has been received (step S240: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S250. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has not been received (step S240: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process without performing subsequent notifications, for example.

[0073] In step S250, the notification unit 15 performs a notification for asking the user whether to perform battery temperature adjustment control. The notification unit 15 displays on the display unit of the display device 15a as a notification for asking whether to perform Figure 11 the displayed image G30 shown. In the displayed image G30, in the title display area Va, text information of the second notification such as "Battery Temperature Adjustment Control" is displayed. In the notification information display area Vb, text information such as "Execute battery temperature adjustment control?" is displayed. In the button display area Vc, the same content as the displayed image G20 is displayed.

[0074] In step S260, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 for displaying the image G30, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for executing the battery temperature adjustment control has been received (step S260: "Yes"), and the process proceeds to step S270. When the user touches the "No" button B2, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for executing the battery temperature adjustment control has not been received (step S260: "No"). In this case, the information processing device 1 ends the process, for example.

[0075] In step S270, the notification unit 15 sends a request signal for executing the battery temperature adjustment control to the control unit 21 of the vehicle 2. As a result, the control unit 21 receives the aforementioned request signal for executing the battery temperature adjustment control from the information processing device 1, which reflects the user's intention. Thereby, the control unit 21 switches from the state (mode) of prohibiting the execution of the battery temperature adjustment control to the state (mode) of permitting the execution of the battery temperature adjustment control by the user. Then, the control unit 21 controls the operation of the temperature adjustment device 24 to converge the temperature of the battery 22 within a specified management temperature range.

[0076] According to the information processing device 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0077] The notification unit 15 of the information processing device 1 is configured to notify information related to battery deterioration suppression control for suppressing deterioration of the battery 22 mounted on the vehicle 2 on a specified day, which is a day before the specified period in which the usage date of the battery 22 reaches the replacement standard date acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Therefore, notifications to the user are not made frequently, and the possibility that the user gets tired of the notifications is also reduced. Moreover, the notification to the user is made at a time when the user of the vehicle 2 is likely to pay attention to the deterioration of the battery 22 (a specified day, which is a day before the specified period of the replacement standard date). Therefore, the notification is made at a timing when the user can easily understand the content of the information related to the battery deterioration suppression control or is likely to pay attention. As a result, the information processing device 1 is a device capable of notifying the user of the vehicle 2 of information related to the battery deterioration suppression control at the correct timing.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the notification performed by the notification unit 15 of the information processing apparatus 1 includes: a first notification that notifies that the deterioration of the battery can be suppressed by executing battery deterioration suppression control (battery temperature adjustment control); and a second notification that notifies execution impact information, where the execution impact information includes the change in the degree of deterioration of the battery 22 after a specified period (for example, immediately before the next vehicle inspection) due to whether the battery deterioration suppression control is executed. Therefore, the notification unit 15 can notify the user of the outline of the battery deterioration suppression control through the first notification, and notify the user of the execution impact information including details such as the advantages brought by the battery deterioration suppression control through the second notification. In addition, since the execution impact information is notified to the user, it is easy to deepen the user's understanding of the battery deterioration suppression control, and the user's intention can be reliably reflected in the execution of the battery deterioration suppression control and its control content.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the battery deterioration suppression control notified by the notification unit 15 is the temperature adjustment control of the battery 22, and the execution impact information included in the second notification is the change in the purchase price of the vehicle 2 after a specified period (for example, immediately before the next vehicle inspection) due to whether the battery temperature adjustment control is executed, the power consumption and electricity cost required for the battery temperature adjustment control, and the change in the driving distance of the vehicle 2 per full charge of the battery 22 after a specified period (for example, immediately before the next vehicle inspection) due to whether the battery temperature adjustment control is executed. Therefore, the user can identify the difference in the evaluation amount of the vehicle 2 (battery 22) after a specified period (for example, immediately before the next vehicle inspection) due to whether the temperature adjustment control is executed and the difference in the driving distance (endurance distance) per full charge, and can identify the electricity cost required for the temperature adjustment control of the battery 22. Thus, the user's intention can be more reliably reflected in the execution of the battery deterioration suppression control and its control content.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 is configured to perform the second notification after the first notification. Therefore, the notification unit 15 is configured to perform a detailed notification after notifying the user of the outline, and the user's understanding is deepened.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 is configured to perform the second notification when a request for the second notification is received from the user after the first notification. The users of the vehicle have various aspirations. Therefore, the users of the vehicle may have various aspirations, such as being bored with the notification, not paying attention to the battery deterioration suppression control, or paying attention to the notification and the battery deterioration suppression control, and there is also a possibility that there are users who do not expect the notification of the battery deterioration suppression control. Regarding this point, when the notification unit 15 receives a request for the second notification from the user, by performing the second notification, a notification that reflects the user's aspirations and intentions can be made.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the battery replacement standard date is a predetermined inspection date (vehicle inspection date) of the vehicle. Therefore, the notification unit 15 can notify during a period when the user of the vehicle 2 is particularly likely to pay attention to the deterioration of the battery 22. Further, in the present embodiment, the battery replacement standard date information for the determination by the determination unit 14 is a predetermined inspection date of the vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and may also be an inspection date of the battery 22 itself. The battery replacement standard date for the determination by the determination unit 14 may be any information indicating the replacement standard date of the battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0083] The display device 15a of the notification unit 15 can be used as a display for driving navigation. Further, in the case where a display for driving navigation is provided in the vehicle 2, the information processing device 1 may not have a display device for displaying notifications. In this case, the notification unit 15 only needs to display the notification information via the display of the vehicle 2.

[0084] Further, the information processing device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2, but is not limited thereto. The information processing device 1 may be the same as the server 3 and may be provided outside the vehicle 2 as an independent terminal device, or may be provided in a portable terminal device (for example, a smart phone). In these cases, a communication device is provided in the vehicle 2, and the communication device communicates with the communication unit 11 of the information processing device 1 via the network 4. Then, the notification information of the notification unit 15 of the information processing device 1 is sent to the control unit 21 via the communication unit 11, the communication network 4, and the communication device of the vehicle 2, and can be displayed on the display for driving navigation provided in the vehicle 2, or can be displayed on the display unit of the display device 15a of the information processing device 1.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 causes the display images G20 to G24 to be separately displayed on the display unit of the display device 15a, but is not limited thereto, and the content of the second notification in the notification information display area Vb of the display images G20 to G24 may also be displayed on the display unit of the display device 15. That is, in the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 performs the second notification in multiple stages, but is not limited thereto, and the second notification may also be performed by a single notification (display). In this case, in the button display area Vc of the second notification display image in which the content of the display images G20 to G24 is displayed, character information such as "Proceed to the next display?", a "Yes" button B1, and a "No" button B2 are displayed in the button display area Vc. Then, the notification unit 15 performs steps S150, S170, S190, S210, and S230 together. In step S240, when the user touches the "Yes" button B1 of the second notification display image, the notification unit 15 determines that a request for the next display has been received (step S240: "Yes"), and proceeds to step S250, as Figure 11As shown, a notification is made to ask the user whether to execute battery temperature regulation control.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 21 is configured such that, when a battery temperature regulation control execution request signal from the information processing device 1 is not received, even if the temperature of the battery 22 exceeds a specified management temperature range, the control unit 21 does not execute battery temperature regulation control. However, it is not limited thereto. It may also be configured such that whether the control unit 21 executes depends on the control on the vehicle 2 side. The control unit 21 may also be configured to autonomously execute the operation of the temperature regulation device 24 so that the temperature of the battery 22 does not exceed the specified management temperature range. When a battery temperature regulation control execution request signal from the information processing device 1 is received, by lowering the upper limit value of the management temperature range, it switches from the normal degradation suppression control mode for suppressing the degradation of the battery 22 to the degradation suppression promotion control mode for promoting the suppression of degradation. In this case, the notification unit 15 of the information processing device 1 notifies information on the degradation suppression promotion control as information related to the battery degradation suppression control. Specifically, the notification unit 15 notifies, for example, that by lowering the upper limit value of the management temperature range of the normal temperature regulation control, the degradation of the battery 22 can be suppressed compared with the normal degradation suppression control.

[0087] The embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and variations, and of course, further variations can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention. Explanation of reference numerals:

[0088] 1: Information processing device; 2: Vehicle; 3: Server; 4: Communication network; 11: Communication unit; 12: Acquisition unit; 13: Storage unit; 14: Determination unit; 15: Notification unit; 15a: Display device; 21: Control unit; 22: Battery; 23: Detection unit; 24: Temperature regulation device; 100: Information processing system.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, wherein, Comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires battery replacement standard date information indicating a replacement standard date of a battery mounted on a vehicle; A determination unit that determines whether a usage date of the battery has reached a specified date, which is a date before a specified period of the replacement standard date acquired by the acquisition unit; and A notification unit that, when the determination unit determines that the usage date of the battery has reached the specified date, notifies information related to battery deterioration suppression control for suppressing deterioration of the battery mounted on the vehicle.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The notification performed by the notification unit includes: a first notification that notifies that deterioration of the battery can be suppressed by executing the battery deterioration suppression control; and a second notification that notifies execution impact information, the execution impact information including a change in the degree of deterioration of the battery after a specified period due to whether or not the battery deterioration suppression control is executed.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein The battery deterioration suppression control is temperature adjustment control of the battery, The execution impact information further includes at least one of a change in the purchase price of the vehicle after a specified period due to whether or not the battery temperature adjustment control is executed, the amount of power required for the battery temperature adjustment control, and a change in the driving distance of the vehicle per full charge of the battery after a specified period due to whether or not the battery temperature adjustment control is executed.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein The notification unit performs the second notification after the first notification.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein The notification unit performs the second notification when a request for the second notification is received after the first notification.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The replacement standard date is a predetermined inspection date for the vehicle.

Images