Information processing method, display method, information processing device, and control program

Abstract

The server (2) acquires recovery status information pertaining to the storage battery (11) recovered to the recovery site (30), acquires recovery target information pertaining to the target battery to be recovered, and if it is determined that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recovery site (30) on the basis of the recovery status information and the recovery target information, the server (2) determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recovery site (30). User battery information pertaining to a storage battery (11) owned by each of the one or more users is acquired, and recommendation information that recommends replacement of the target battery at the collection site (30) is output to the user terminal (6) used by each of the one or more target users specified on the basis of the user battery information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to technologies for recycling batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses information obtained from an electric vehicle equipped with a battery that meets given recycling conditions such as service life and driving distance to recycle the battery of the object to be recycled at a replacement station.

[0003] However, Patent Document 1 does not consider the following scenario: taking into account information about batteries that have been recycled to a replacement site when recycling the batteries of the target object.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-212048 Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve such a problem, and provides a technology that can efficiently recycle batteries of the target battery by taking into account not only the batteries owned by the user, but also information related to the batteries being recycled to the base.

[0008] -Methods for solving problems-

[0009] In one aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein, a computer performs the following processing: acquiring first information related to a battery recovered to a location; acquiring second information related to an object battery of a recovered object; determining, based on the first information and the second information, whether the object battery can be recovered from the location; if it is determined that the object battery cannot be recovered from the location, acquiring third information related to batteries owned by one or more users, determining, based on the third information, one or more object users who own the object battery, and outputting fourth information recommending that the object battery be replaced at the location to the terminal devices used by each of the one or more object users. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an application scenario where a battery needs to be replaced.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of battery recycling in this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the information processing system in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a server.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in an information processing system.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of server processing.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of server processing.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process when the output includes suggested information for the first reward.

[0018] Figure 9 This is an example of a map image that includes the first reward.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process when the output includes suggested information about the second reward.

[0020] Figure 11 This is an example of a map image that includes the second reward.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing when the output includes suggested information about the third reward.

[0022] Figure 13 This is an example of a map image that includes the third reward.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image displayed on a user's terminal, with today as the recycling day.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image displayed on a user terminal with tomorrow as the recycling day.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of a given map image displayed on a user terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (The knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure)

[0027] In recent years, technologies for the efficient recycling of batteries have been studied for the purpose of reuse, recycling, and fault diagnosis of batteries used in mobile devices such as electric two-wheelers, electric bicycles, and electric scooters, as well as portable terminals such as laptop computers.

[0028] The following problems exist in the current methods of battery recycling. Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an application scenario where a battery needs to be replaced. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, under the current circumstances, battery recycling / recycling operator 302 directly exchanges batteries with user 600 by selling batteries to user 600 and collecting batteries from user 600. Therefore, battery recycling / recycling operator 302 wants to process many batteries, but there is a problem that the more batteries processed, the higher the cost of accessing user 600 becomes.

[0029] Like battery recycling / recycling provider 302, mobile device provider 301 directly exchanges batteries with user 600. Specifically, mobile device provider 301 sells mobile devices equipped with delivered batteries and spare batteries from battery recycling / recycling provider 302 to user 600. Furthermore, mobile device provider 301 collects batteries from user 600 for fault diagnosis and repair purposes, and provides repaired or replacement batteries to user 600. Therefore, mobile device provider 301 also faces the problem that the more mobile devices and spare batteries it sells, the higher the cost of accessing user 600 becomes.

[0030] To eliminate the aforementioned problems, it is considered that user 600 carries or delivers the battery to battery recycling / recycling operator 302 and mobile equipment operator 301. However, in this case, there is concern that user 600 sometimes finds it troublesome to move around to carry the battery and arrange its delivery.

[0031] Regarding the technology in Patent Document 1, user 600 obtains information related to the battery from the device in use, and based on this information, urges user 600 to replace the battery. Patent Document 1 does not consider the following scenario: taking into account information about batteries returned to replacement stations, and recycling batteries desired by battery recycling practitioners such as battery reuse / recycling practitioner 302 and mobile vehicle practitioner 301.

[0032] Therefore, the inventors have conducted in-depth research on a method for battery recycling practitioners such as battery reuse / recycling practitioner 302 and mobile vehicle practitioner 301 to efficiently recycle desired batteries.

[0033] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an application scenario of battery recycling in this disclosure. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2As shown, in this application scenario, in addition to the users 600 who utilize the batteries, the battery recycling / recycling practitioners 302 and the mobile vehicle practitioners 301, there is also a battery recycling intermediary agent practitioner 200 who acts as an intermediary for the battery recycling operation.

[0034] As for the recycling operator 300, for example, consider the following approach: Battery recycling operator 303 receives commissions from battery reuse / recycling operator 302 and mobile equipment operator 301, and actually performs the operation of recycling batteries from recycling point 30 (“Recycling Intermediary Model”). Alternatively, consider the following approach: Battery reuse / recycling operator 302 and mobile equipment operator 301 actually perform the operation of recycling batteries from recycling point 30 (“Direct Recycling Model”).

[0035] Battery recycling intermediary 200 obtains information (hereinafter referred to as recycling status information) about batteries that have been recycled to recycling points (points) 30 where batteries can be replaced and recycled, and obtains information (hereinafter referred to as recycling object information) about batteries of objects to be recycled from recycling practitioners 300.

[0036] Based on the acquired recycling status information and recycling target information, battery recycling intermediary 200 formulates a plan for recycling target batteries from recycling site 30. When battery recycling intermediary 200 can formulate a plan for recycling target batteries from recycling site 30, it provides information representing this plan (hereinafter, recycling plan information) to recycling operator 300. Thus, recycling operator 300 can efficiently recycle target batteries according to the recycling plan information.

[0037] On the other hand, if the battery recycling intermediary 200 is unable to formulate a plan for recycling the target battery from the recycling center 30, it provides the user 600 who owns the target battery with information recommending that they replace the target battery at the recycling center 30 (hereinafter referred to as the suggestion information). This increases the likelihood that the user 600 who receives the suggestion information will replace the target battery at the recycling center 300. As a result, the costs required for the recycling intermediary 300 to directly access the user 600 for battery recycling can be reduced.

[0038] This disclosure was made in order to efficiently recycle the batteries of the objects being recycled, taking into account not only the batteries owned by user 600, but also information related to the batteries being recycled to recycling point 30.

[0039] (1) In one aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein, the computer performs the following processing: acquiring first information related to a battery that has been recycled to a base, acquiring second information related to an object battery of a recycled object, determining whether the object battery can be recycled from the base based on the first information and the second information, and if it is determined that the object battery cannot be recycled from the base, acquiring third information related to batteries owned by one or more users, determining one or more object users who own the object battery based on the third information, and outputting fourth information recommending that the object battery be replaced at the base to the terminal devices used by the one or more object users.

[0040] In this configuration, a determination is made as to whether a target battery can be recovered from the base, based on first information relating to the battery recovered at the base and second information relating to the target battery. Therefore, this configuration can determine whether a target battery can be recovered from the base by considering the battery recovered at the base.

[0041] Furthermore, in this configuration, if it is determined that the target battery cannot be recovered from the base, the system outputs fourth information recommending that the target battery be replaced at the base to the terminal device of the target user who owns the target battery, which is determined based on third information related to the batteries owned by multiple users.

[0042] Therefore, this design considers not only batteries recycled to the base station but also batteries owned by the user, thereby increasing the likelihood of users replacing target batteries at the base station. Consequently, this design increases the likelihood of recovering target batteries from the base station, thus enabling efficient target battery recycling.

[0043] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the fourth information may also include information indicating the reward given to each object user when the object battery is replaced at the location.

[0044] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify target users who own the target battery that they will receive a reward if the target battery is replaced at a service point. This further increases the likelihood that target users will replace the target battery at service points.

[0045] (3) In the information processing method described in (2) above, the reward may also be a first reward where the higher the degree of consistency between the second information and the third information related to the object battery owned by each object user, the higher the reward.

[0046] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the target user whose information related to the target battery is close to the second information that a high reward will be given if the target battery is replaced at the base.

[0047] (4) In the information processing method described in (3) above, the second information may include the range of SOH of the target battery, and the third information may include the SOH of the batteries owned by each user. When the target SOH is within the range and is closer to the upper limit of the range, the consistency is higher. The target SOH is the SOH of the target battery owned by each target user included in the third information.

[0048] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify target users whose target battery's SOH is within the range of the target battery's SOH included in the second information and is close to the upper limit of the range, that a high reward will be given if the target battery is replaced at the location.

[0049] (5) In any of the information processing methods described in (2) to (4) above, the base may include one or more recycling bases, the current location of the one or more users and the location of the one or more recycling bases are obtained, and a map image is output as the fourth information. The map image displays: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display bases within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the one or more recycling bases, and information indicating whether each display base provides the reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

[0050] According to this configuration, a map image displaying the following information is output to the terminal device used by the target user: the target user's current location, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the target user's current location, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides compensation to the target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0051] Therefore, users can refer to this map image to determine which recycling point within a given distance is available to replace batteries in order to receive payment.

[0052] (6) In the information processing method described in (2) above, the reward may also include a second reward given to each object user when the object battery is replaced at the location via which the object battery is recycled.

[0053] According to this structure, it is possible to notify the target user that a second reward will be given if the target battery was replaced at a location through which the target battery was recycled in order to recycle the total number of target batteries.

[0054] (7) In the information processing method described in (6) above, the base includes one or more recycling bases, the first information includes the number of batteries recycled to each recycling base, the second information includes the number of recyclings as the number of target batteries recycled, and further, it is determined that when the total number of target batteries that can be recycled from the one or more recycling bases, i.e. the total number of recyclings, is less than the number of recyclings, the one or more transit bases are used to recycle the target batteries of the total number of recyclings.

[0055] In this configuration, one or more route points are determined for recycling target batteries in order to recycle the total number of target batteries when the total number of target batteries is less than the number of target batteries to be recycled. Therefore, it is possible to omit the recalculation of one or more route points for recycling target batteries in order to recycle the total number of target batteries when target batteries can be recycled from more than one recycling point.

[0056] (8) In the information processing method described in (7) above, it is also possible to obtain the current location of the one or more users and the location of the one or more recycling points, and output the map image as the fourth information. The map image displays: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the one or more recycling points, the recycling path to the one or more recycling points via the points, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the second reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

[0057] According to this configuration, a map image displaying the following information is output to the terminal device used by the target user: the target user's current location, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the target user's current location, the recovery path to visit one or more points, and information indicating whether each display point is a point to which the target user is given a second reward through the replacement of the target battery.

[0058] Therefore, users can refer to the map image to determine which recycling point on the recycling route to exchange their batteries in order to receive the second reward.

[0059] (9) In the information processing method described in (2) above, the base may include one or more recycling bases, the first information includes the number of batteries recycled to each recycling base and the total number of batteries that can be recycled at each recycling base, and based on the first information, the operating rate is calculated for each of the one or more recycling bases, the operating rate being the ratio of the number of batteries recycled to each recycling base to the total number of batteries that can be recycled at each recycling base, and the reward includes a third reward given to each target user when the target battery is replaced in the group of recycling bases in the one or more recycling bases where the operating rate is calculated to meet the given conditions.

[0060] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the target user that a third reward will be given if the target battery is replaced at a recycling base group that has been calculated to meet the given conditions.

[0061] (10) In the information processing method described in (9) above, the given condition may be that the operating rate is the lowest among the more than one recycling sites.

[0062] According to this configuration, a third reward can be given if the target user is notified that the target battery was replaced at the recycling point with the lowest calculated operating rate among more than one recycling points.

[0063] (11) In the information processing method described in (9) above, it is also possible that, in the determination, if it is determined that the object battery cannot be recovered from the location, one or more transit locations are further determined in order to recover the total number of object batteries that can be recovered from the one or more recovery locations, i.e., the total number of recovered object batteries, and the given condition is that the operating rate is the lowest among the one or more transit locations.

[0064] According to this configuration, a third reward can be given to the target user if the target battery is replaced at the recycling point with the lowest operating rate among the more than one recycling points.

[0065] (12) In the information processing method described in (9) above, if it is determined that the object battery cannot be recovered from the location, further, one or more transit points are determined in order to recover the total number of object batteries that can be recovered from the one or more recovery locations, i.e., the total number of recovered object batteries, and a path to visit the one or more transit points is determined, wherein the given condition is: the operating rate is the lowest among the group of recovery locations within a given distance from the path among the one or more recovery locations.

[0066] According to this configuration, a third reward can be given to the target user if the target battery is replaced at the recycling point with the lowest operating rate among the recycling points within a given distance from the path to the more than one recycling point.

[0067] (13) In any of the information processing methods described in (9) to (12) above, it may also be to obtain the current location of the one or more users and the location of the one or more recycling points, and output a map image as the fourth information, wherein the map image displays: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the one or more recycling points, the operating rate calculated for each of the one or more display points; and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the third reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

[0068] According to this configuration, a map image displaying the following information is output to the terminal device used by the target user: the target user's current location, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the target user's current location, the operating rate calculated for each of the one or more display points, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides a third reward to each target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0069] Therefore, users can refer to the map image to determine at what level of recycling points, based on their operating rate, they will receive the third reward when they replace their batteries.

[0070] (14) In any of the information processing methods described in (5), (8) and (13) above, the map image may further display the travel time from the current location of each object user to the display location closest to the current location of each object user among the more than one display locations.

[0071] Based on this structure, target users can further understand the level of travel time required to obtain rewards with minimal travel.

[0072] (15) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (14) above, the base may include one or more recycling bases, the first information includes the number of batteries recycled to each recycling base and the total number of batteries that can be recycled at each recycling base, the second information includes the number of recycled batteries as the number of the target batteries to be recycled, and in the determination, if the total number of the target batteries that can be recycled from the one or more recycling bases is greater than or equal to the number of target batteries, it is determined that the target batteries can be recycled from the base. If it is determined that the target batteries can be recycled from the base, one or more transit bases are determined to be used to recycle the number of target batteries to be recycled, and further, the path to the one or more transit bases is determined, and information including the one or more transit bases and the path is output to the terminal device used by the provider of the second information.

[0073] In this configuration, when it is determined that the target battery can be recovered from the base, a map image including the one or more bases and the path is output to a terminal device used by the provider of the second information. Therefore, the provider of the second information can refer to the map image and efficiently recover the number of target batteries to be recovered by visiting the one or more bases via the path.

[0074] (16) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (15) above, the second information may further include the time required for the recycling of the object battery.

[0075] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a target battery can be recovered from the base, taking into account not only the batteries that have been recovered to the base, but also the time required for the recovery of the target battery.

[0076] (17) Another aspect of the present disclosure is a display method in the terminal device described in any one of (5), (8) and (13) above, which, upon receiving a first map image displaying a first recycling day after the current day and a second map image displaying a second recycling day after the first recycling day, displays a screen that allows switching between the first map image and the second map image, the screen including an icon that represents the reward content included in the first map image and the second map image.

[0077] According to this configuration, the user can operate the screen to switch between the first map image and the second map image while confirming the reward content. Therefore, this configuration allows the user to choose a method for replacing the battery that provides a suitable reward. As a result, it increases the likelihood of the user replacing the battery.

[0078] (18) An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to a battery that has been recycled to a base; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information relating to a target battery of a target being recycled; a determination unit that determines whether the target battery can be recycled from the base based on the first information and the second information; a third acquisition unit that, if the determination unit determines that the target battery cannot be recycled from the base, acquires third information relating to batteries owned by one or more users; a determination unit that determines one or more target users who own the target battery based on the third information; and an output unit that outputs fourth information recommending that the target battery be replaced at the base to a terminal device used by one or more target users.

[0079] Based on this structure, the same effect as the information processing method described in (1) above can be achieved.

[0080] (19) In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control program causes the computer to function as follows: a first acquisition unit, which acquires first information relating to a battery that has been recycled to a base; a second acquisition unit, which acquires second information relating to a battery belonging to a recycled object; a determination unit, which determines whether the battery can be recycled from the base based on the first information and the second information; a third acquisition unit, which, if the determination unit determines that the battery cannot be recycled from the base, acquires third information relating to batteries owned by one or more users; a determination unit, which determines one or more object users who own the battery based on the third information; and an output unit, which outputs fourth information recommending that the battery be replaced at the base to the terminal device used by each of the one or more object users.

[0081] Based on this structure, the same effect as the information processing method described in (1) above can be achieved.

[0082] This disclosure can also be implemented as an information processing system that operates through such a control program. Furthermore, it goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed via computer-readable non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs or communication networks such as the Internet.

[0083] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, any constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements. Moreover, the various contents can be combined in all embodiments.

[0084] (Implementation Method 1)

[0085] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the information processing system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1000 includes a server 2 (information processing device), a base terminal 3, a recycler terminal 1, and a user terminal 6 (terminal device).

[0086] Server 2 is a battery recycling intermediary agent with 200 ( Figure 2 Server 2 possesses server equipment. Server 2 is communicatively connected to base terminal 3, recycler terminal 1, and user terminal 6 via network 4. Network 4 is, for example, a wide area communication network including the Internet and portable telephone communication networks. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates one user terminal 6, one recycler terminal 1, and one base terminal 3, but there can be multiple of them. Each user terminal 6, recycler terminal 1, and base terminal 3 is uniquely identified.

[0087] Base terminal 3 is set up at recovery base 30 ( Figure 2 Terminal 3 is a network of 200 battery recycling intermediary agents. Figure 2 The terminal 3 possesses information processing devices such as laptop computers. The terminal 3 includes a display showing various information and a touchscreen device for handling various operations.

[0088] In addition, the base terminal 3 has a communication circuit (not shown). The base terminal 3 uses the communication circuit to periodically send information related to the battery 11 (battery) that has been recycled to the recycling base 30 (and later, recycling status information (first information)) to the server 2 via the network 4.

[0089] In addition, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The diagram shows one recycling point 30, but there can be multiple recycling points 30. Furthermore, multiple point terminals 3 can be set up at the recycling point 30.

[0090] The storage battery 11 is, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The storage battery 11 can be installed and removed from mobile vehicles or portable devices such as laptops. A mobile vehicle is, for example, an electric car, an electric two-wheeler, an electric bicycle, or an electric scooter that uses the power from the storage battery 11 as its power source. The storage battery 11 is sometimes replaced at the recycling point 30 with either a fully charged battery or a battery that is currently charging. A battery that is currently charging refers to a battery that is not yet fully charged and is in the process of charging before reaching full charge.

[0091] The battery 11 includes a communication circuit (not shown) and a measurement circuit. This communication circuit enables short-range wireless communication with the communication circuit of the base terminal 3. The communication circuit of the battery 11 can also communicate with the server 2 via the network 4. The measurement circuit of the battery 11 measures given indicators characterizing the state of the battery 11, such as its SOC (State of Charge) and SOH (State of Health). SOC represents the charging capacity of the battery 11, and SOH represents the percentage of the full charge capacity at which degradation occurs when the initial full charge capacity is set to 100%.

[0092] Batteries 11 recycled to recycling point 30 periodically, for example once a day, use their own communication circuits to send the battery model number and measured values ​​such as SOH obtained by their own measurement circuits to the point terminal 3. The point terminal 3, through its communication circuits, periodically receives recycling status information from the batteries 11, including the battery model number and measured values, for example once a day. Figure 2 The information is sent to server 2 via network 4. Specifically, the recycling status information includes not only the model of the battery 11 received from the battery 11 recycled to the recycling point 30 and the measured values ​​such as SOH, but also the location of the recycling point 30, the number of batteries 11 recycled to the recycling point 30, and the total number of batteries 11 that can be recycled at the recycling point 30.

[0093] User terminal 6 is a user 600 registered in information processing system 1000. Figure 2 Portable information processing devices such as tablet computers and smartphones are used. User terminal 6 includes a display for showing various information and a touch screen device for handling various operations.

[0094] In addition, user terminal 6 has a communication circuit (not shown). User terminal 6 uses this communication circuit to periodically send information related to the battery 11 owned by user 600 (later, user battery information (third information)) via network 4 to server 2, for example, once a day. Figure 3 The example shown is that user 600 has multiple batteries 11, but user 600 may also have only one battery 11.

[0095] The battery 11 owned by user 600 also periodically, for example, once a day, uses its own communication circuit to send the battery model and the measured values ​​such as the SOH of the battery 11 obtained by its own measurement circuit to user terminal 6. The communication circuit of user terminal 6 periodically, for example, once a day, sends user battery information received from battery 11, including the battery model and measured values, to server 2 via network 4. Specifically, in addition to the battery model and SOH measured values ​​received from battery 11 owned by user 600, the user battery information also includes the current location of user terminal 6.

[0096] Recycler Terminal 1 is 300 recycling practitioners ( Figure 2 The recycler terminal 1 utilizes information processing devices such as laptop computers. It includes a display showing various information and a touchscreen device for handling various operations.

[0097] In addition, the recycler terminal 1 has a communication circuit (not shown). Using this communication circuit, the recycler terminal 1 transmits information (hereinafter, recyclable battery information (second information)) related to the battery 11 of the object to be recycled via network 4 to server 2. The recyclable battery information includes the desired date for recycling the battery (hereinafter, recycling date), the battery model, the battery's state of harm (SOH) range, and the number of batteries. The recyclable battery information may also include the time required to perform the recycling operation. The recyclable battery information is transmitted via recycling worker 300 (…). Figure 2 This is generated by the operation of the recycler terminal 1.

[0098] Next, we will explain the details of the structure of server 2. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of server 2. Server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a memory 22, and a processor 20 (computer).

[0099] Communication unit 21 is a communication circuit connecting server 2 to network 4. Communication unit 21 receives recycling status information from base terminal 3. Communication unit 21 receives recycling object information from recycler terminal 1. Communication unit 21 receives user battery information from user terminal 6. Communication unit 21 sends suggestion information ( Figure 2 ) is sent to user terminal 6.

[0100] The memory 22 is constructed, for example, using a non-volatile, rewritable semiconductor memory such as flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory 22 stores the control program executed by the processor 20. The memory 22 includes a map information storage unit 221, a main information storage unit 222, a recycling status information storage unit 223, a battery information storage unit 224, and a recycling plan information storage unit 225.

[0101] The map information storage unit 221 stores information (hereinafter, map information) related to various locations within a given region that the information processing system 1000 is intended to access. These locations refer to facilities such as recycling centers 30, parks, and schools within the region, as well as characteristic locations along roads, such as intersections and endpoints. The map information includes a map image representing the region and information indicating the location of each location within the region. The information indicating the location of each location includes its latitude and longitude. Additionally, the information indicating the location of each location may also include its altitude.

[0102] The main information storage unit 222 stores information related to the user 600, recycling center 30, and recycling worker 300 of the information processing system 1000. Specifically, the main information storage unit 222 stores the identification information of the user 600. The main information storage unit 222 also stores the identification information and location of the recycling center 30. Furthermore, the main information storage unit 222 stores the identification information and location of the recycling worker 300's office.

[0103] The recycling status information storage unit 223 stores recycling status information sent by the base terminal 3. The battery information storage unit 224 stores user battery information sent by the user terminal 6. The recycling plan information storage unit 225 stores recycling plan information and temporary recycling plan information generated by the generation unit 205, which will be described later.

[0104] The processor 20 is configured, for example, as a central processing unit. The processor 20 functions as the first acquisition unit 201, the second acquisition unit 202, the third acquisition unit 203, the determination unit 204, the generation unit 205 (determination unit), and the output unit 206 by executing the control program stored in the memory 22. However, this is just an example; the first acquisition unit 201, the second acquisition unit 202, the third acquisition unit 203, the determination unit 204, the generation unit 205, and the output unit 206 may also be implemented using dedicated electrical circuits such as ASICs.

[0105] The first acquisition unit 201 acquires the recycling status information received by the communication unit 21 from the base terminal 3, and stores the recycling status information in the recycling status information storage unit 223.

[0106] The second acquisition unit 202 acquires the recycling object information received by the communication unit 21 from the recycler terminal 1.

[0107] The third acquisition unit 203 acquires user battery information and stores the user battery information in the battery information storage unit 224.

[0108] The determination unit 204 determines whether the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 based on the recycling status information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling target information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202.

[0109] Specifically, the determination unit 204 refers to the information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling plan information storage unit 225 to determine whether the total number of target batteries that can be recycled from one or more recycling sites 30 (later, the total number of recyclings) is greater than or equal to the number of target batteries included in the recycling target information (later, the number of recyclings).

[0110] If the determination unit 204 determines that the total number of batteries to be recovered is greater than or equal to the number of batteries to be recovered, then the determination unit 204 determines that the target batteries can be recovered from the recovery site 30. In this case, the determination unit 204 formulates a recovery plan for recovering the target batteries from the recovery site 30.

[0111] Specifically, the determination unit 204 refers to the information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and uses a given algorithm to determine the more than one recycling point 30 (more than one via point) to be recycled in order to recycle the number of target batteries, the path to the more than one recycling point 30, and the number of target batteries recycled at each of the more than one recycling point 30.

[0112] The determination unit 204 formulates a recycling plan by determining one or more recycling sites 30, the routes to those sites, the number of target batteries to be recycled at each site, and the planned confirmation period. The determination unit 204 stores this recycling plan information (hereinafter, recycling plan information) in the recycling plan information storage unit 225. The planned confirmation period refers to the period within which the recycling plan information is confirmed. The determination unit 204 determines the planned confirmation period as the number of days earlier than the recycling date included in the target battery information. Alternatively, the planned confirmation period can be included in the target battery information, and the determination unit 204 can obtain the planned confirmation period from the target battery information when formulating the recycling plan.

[0113] On the other hand, if the determination unit 204 determines that the total number of batteries to be recovered is less than the number of batteries to be recovered, it determines that the target batteries cannot be recovered from the recovery site 30. In this case, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recovery plan for recovering the target batteries from the recovery site 30 (later known as the temporary recovery plan).

[0114] Specifically, the determination unit 204 refers to the information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and uses a given algorithm to determine one or more recycling points 30 (one or more passing points) to be recycled in order to recycle the total number of target batteries, the path to the one or more recycling points 30 (recycling path), and the number of target batteries recycled at each of the one or more recycling points 30.

[0115] Thus, even if it is determined that the total number of batteries to be recycled is less than the number of batteries to be recycled and the target batteries cannot be recycled from recycling point 30, the determination unit 204 still determines the more than one recycling point 30 that must be visited in order to recycle the target batteries of the total number of batteries to be recycled. Therefore, the determination unit 204 can omit recalculating the more than one recycling point 30 that must be visited in order to recycle the target batteries of the total number of batteries to be recycled when it becomes possible to recycle the target batteries from recycling point 30.

[0116] The determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recycling plan by determining one or more recycling sites 30, the route to visit one or more recycling sites 30, the number of target batteries to be recycled at each of the one or more recycling sites 30, and the planned confirmation period. The determination unit 204 stores the information representing the temporary recycling plan (hereinafter, temporary recycling plan information) in the recycling plan information storage unit 225.

[0117] If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recycling point 30, the generation unit 205 determines one or more users 600 (hereinafter, target users) who own the target battery based on the user battery information stored in the battery information storage unit 224.

[0118] Furthermore, the generation department 205 generates recommendation information for replacing the object's battery at the recycling point 30. Figure 2 (4th message). Details regarding the recommended information will be provided later.

[0119] If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recycled, the output unit 206 sends (outputs) recycling plan information, which represents the recycling plan formulated by the determination unit 204, to the recycling terminal 1 (the terminal device used by the provider of the second information) at the location where the recycling target information was sent.

[0120] On the other hand, if the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recovery site 30, the output unit 206 sends (outputs) recovery temporary plan information, representing the recovery temporary plan formulated by the determination unit 204, to the recycler terminal 1. In this case, the output unit 206 sends (outputs) the suggestion information generated by the generation unit 205 to the user terminals 6 used by one or more target users identified by the generation unit 205.

[0121] The above describes the structure of server 2. Next, the processing performed in information processing system 1000 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in the information processing system 1000.

[0122] (Step S1) First, the user 600 of the information processing system 1000 performs the operation of the user terminal 6 to register for the use of the information processing system 1000.

[0123] Specifically, user 600 operates user terminal 6 to send a request to server 2 for information registration information (hereinafter, registration request information) to server 2 for use with information processing system 1000. The registration request information includes user 600's identification information. In server 2, if communication unit 21 receives the registration request information, processor 20 stores the user 600's identification information included in the registration request information in main information storage unit 222.

[0124] (Step S2) User terminal 6 periodically sends user battery information related to the battery 11 owned by user 600 to server 2. In server 2, if communication unit 21 receives user battery information, third acquisition unit 203 stores the user battery information in battery information storage unit 224.

[0125] (Step S3) At the recycling site 30, the site terminal 3 periodically sends the model of the battery 11 received from the battery 11 recycled at the recycling site 30, as well as recycling status information including measurement values, to the server 2. In the server 2, if the communication unit 21 receives the recycling status information, the first acquisition unit 201 stores the recycling status information in the recycling status information storage unit 223.

[0126] (Step S4) The recycling operator 300 operates the recycling terminal 1 to send recycling object information related to the target battery 11 that is to be recycled to the server 2. In the server 2, if the communication unit 21 receives the recycling object information, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires the recycling object information.

[0127] (Step S5) The determination unit 204 determines whether the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 based on the recycling status information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling target information obtained in step S4, and formulates a recycling plan or a temporary recycling plan.

[0128] If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 (Yes in step S5), the output unit 206 stores the recycling plan information representing the recycling plan formulated by the determination unit 204 in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and sends the recycling plan information to the recycler terminal 1 (step S6).

[0129] If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recycling site 30 (No in step S5), the output unit 206 stores the recycling temporary plan information, which represents the recycling temporary plan formulated by the determination unit 204, in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and sends the recycling temporary plan information to the recycler terminal 1 (step S7).

[0130] On the other hand, if the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recycling point 30 (No in step S5), the generation unit 205 determines one or more target users who own the target battery based on the user battery information stored in the battery information storage unit 224. Furthermore, the generation unit 205 generates recommendation information suggesting that the target battery be replaced at the recycling point 30 (step S8). The output unit 206 uses the communication unit 21 to send the recommendation information generated by the generation unit 205 to the user terminals 6 used by each of the one or more target users (step S9).

[0131] After the determination unit 204 determines that the object battery cannot be recovered from the recycling point 30 (No in step S5), assume that the user 600 replaced the object battery at the recycling point 30 (step S10). Then, assume that the point terminal 3 sends the recycling status information related to the object battery recovered to the recycling point 30 to the server 2, and in the server 2, the first acquisition unit 201 stores the recycling status information in the recycling status information storage unit 223 (step S11).

[0132] In this case, the determination unit 204 updates the temporary recycling plan (later, the target temporary plan) represented by the temporary recycling plan information related to the target battery stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S12).

[0133] Specifically, in step S12, the determination unit 204, similar to step S5, determines whether the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 based on the recycling status information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling target information sent in step S4, and formulates a recycling plan or a temporary recycling plan.

[0134] If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 and formulates a recycling plan, the output unit 206 stores the recycling plan information representing the recycling plan in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and deletes the temporary recycling plan information representing the target temporary plan stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225. Furthermore, the output unit 206 sends the recycling plan information along with information indicating that the target temporary plan has been improved (later, plan improvement information) to the recycler terminal 1 (step S13).

[0135] On the other hand, in step S12, assuming the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recycling site 30 and formulates a temporary recycling plan, the output unit 206 compares the content of the current temporary recycling plan with the content of the target temporary plan. If the content of the current temporary recycling plan differs from the target temporary plan, the output unit 206 updates the temporary recycling plan information representing the target temporary plan stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 by using the temporary recycling plan information representing the current temporary recycling plan. Furthermore, the output unit 206 sends the temporary recycling plan information representing the current temporary recycling plan along with plan improvement information to the recycler terminal 1 (step S13). Alternatively, if the content of the current temporary recycling plan is the same as the content of the target temporary plan, the output unit 206 does not update the temporary recycling plan information representing the target temporary plan.

[0136] Then, assuming that before the deadline for plan confirmation included in the recycling plan or the temporary recycling plan represented by the recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, information for entrusting the confirmation of the recycling plan is sent from the recycler terminal 1 to the server 2 (later, plan confirmation entrustment information) (step S14).

[0137] In this case, the output unit 206 confirms the recycling plan represented by the recycling plan information or the temporary recycling plan represented by the temporary recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S15). For example, in step S15, the output unit 206 establishes a correspondence between the recycling object information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202 in step S4 and the recycling plan information representing the confirmed recycling plan or the temporary recycling plan information representing the confirmed temporary recycling plan, and stores it in the recycling plan information storage unit 225.

[0138] Next, the processing of server 2 will be explained. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of server 2.

[0139] In server 2, if communication unit 21 receives recycling object information from recycler terminal 1, then second acquisition unit 202 acquires the recycling object information (step S21). Step S21 and Figure 5 The step S4 shown corresponds to this.

[0140] Next, the determination unit 204 determines whether the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 based on the recycling status information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling target information obtained in step S21 (step S22). If the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recovered from the recycling site 30 (yes in step S23), it formulates a recycling plan for recovering the target battery from the recycling site 30, sends the recycling plan information representing the recycling plan to the recycler terminal 1, and stores it in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S24). Steps S22 to S24 are related to... Figure 5 The steps S5 to S6 shown correspond to each other.

[0141] After step S24, a given termination process is performed to confirm or cancel the recovery plan or temporary recovery plan formulated by the determination unit 204 (step S25).

[0142] During the final processing, the output unit 206 stands still until the plan confirmation period included in the recycling plan or recycling temporary plan represented by the recycling plan information or recycling temporary plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 has expired (No in step S251).

[0143] If the planned confirmation period is exceeded (Yes in step S251), the output unit 206 deletes the recycling plan information or temporary recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225. Thus, the output unit 206 cancels the recycling plan or temporary recycling plan represented by the recycling plan information or temporary recycling plan information (step S252).

[0144] Furthermore, during the final processing, the output unit 206 goes into standby mode before the communication unit 21 receives the plan confirmation request information (No in step S253).

[0145] If the communication unit 21 receives the plan confirmation request information (Yes in step S253), then the output unit 206 confirms the recycling plan represented by the recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S26). Step S253 and Figure 5 The steps S14 and S26 shown correspond to each other. Figure 5 The step S15 shown corresponds to this.

[0146] On the other hand, such as Figure 7As shown, if the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the recovery point 30 (No in step S23), it formulates a temporary recovery plan for recovering the target battery from the recovery point 30 (step S30).

[0147] After step S30, step S25 is performed in parallel. Figure 7 (and the processing after step S31).

[0148] In step S31, the generation unit 205 determines one or more target users who own target batteries based on the user battery information stored in the battery information storage unit 224, and generates suggestion information (step S31). The output unit 206 sends the suggestion information generated in step S31 to the user terminals 6 used by each of the one or more target users (step S32). Steps S31 to S32 are related to... Figure 5 The steps S8 to S9 shown correspond to each other.

[0149] Subsequently, if the target battery is replaced at the recycling point 30 and the communication unit 21 receives recycling status information related to the target battery, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the recycling status information from the communication unit 21 and stores it in the recycling status information storage unit 223 (step S33).

[0150] In this case, the determination unit 204 updates the object temporary plan represented by the temporary recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S34). Step S34 and Figure 5 This corresponds to step S12 shown. That is, in step S34, the determination unit 204 determines the recycling status information stored in the recycling status information storage unit 223 and step S21 ( Figure 6 Based on the information on the objects to be recycled obtained from the recycling site, determine whether the object batteries can be recycled from the recycling site 30, and formulate a recycling plan or a temporary recycling plan.

[0151] Next, the output unit 206 determines whether the temporary plan for the object has been improved (step S35). Specifically, if a recycling plan was formulated in step S34, the output unit 206 determines that the temporary plan for the object has been improved (yes in step S35). In this case, the output unit 206 stores the recycling plan information representing the recycling plan in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and deletes the temporary recycling plan information representing the temporary plan for the object stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225. Furthermore, the output unit 206 sends the recycling plan information along with the plan improvement information to the recycler terminal 1 (step S36).

[0152] On the other hand, if a temporary recycling plan is formulated in step S34, the output unit 206 compares the content of the temporary recycling plan with the content of the target temporary plan. If the content of the temporary recycling plan and the content of the target temporary plan are different, the output unit 206 also determines that the target temporary plan has been improved (Yes in step S35). In this case, the output unit 206 updates the temporary recycling plan information representing the target temporary plan stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 using the temporary recycling plan information representing the temporary recycling plan, and sends the temporary recycling plan information along with the plan improvement information to the recycler terminal 1 (step S36).

[0153] Furthermore, if the output unit 206 formulates a temporary recovery plan in step S34, but the content of the temporary recovery plan is the same as the content of the target temporary plan, it determines that the target temporary plan has not been improved (No in step S35). In this case, the output unit 206 does not proceed to step S36.

[0154] Suppose that the output unit 206 does not perform step S36, or that in step S36 the output unit 206 sends temporary recycling plan information instead of recycling plan information. In this case, the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recycled from the recycling site 30, and accordingly, repeats the processing after step S33 until the output unit 206 sends recycling plan information indicating the recycling plan (No in step S37).

[0155] On the other hand, if the determination unit 204 determines that the target battery can be recovered from the recovery point 30 and the output unit 206 sends recovery plan information accordingly (Yes in step S37), step S25 is performed. Figure 7 In step S25 () Figure 7 In step S253, if the communications department 21 receives the plan confirmation entrustment information, then... Figure 7 If the condition is met (as in step S30), then proceed to step S38. Furthermore, in step S25 following step S30... Figure 7 In step S253, if the communications department 21 receives the plan confirmation entrustment information, then... Figure 7 If the value in the text is ), then proceed to step S38.

[0156] In step S38, the output unit 206 confirms the temporary recycling plan represented by the temporary recycling plan information stored in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 (step S38). Step S38 and Figure 5 The step S15 shown corresponds to this.

[0157] Next, the suggestion information generated by the generation unit 205 will be explained. After identifying one or more target users who own the target battery, the generation unit 205 generates suggestion information to be sent to the user terminal 6 used by each target user. The generation unit 205 generates suggestion information by referring to the recycling target information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202, the recycling temporary plan information stored by the determination unit 204 in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and the information stored in the map information storage unit 221, the main information storage unit 222, and the battery information storage unit 224.

[0158] The suggested information includes information on the compensation given to each target user when the target battery is replaced at recycling point 30 (hereinafter referred to as compensation information).

[0159] Specifically, the generation unit 205 calculates the reward (hereinafter, the first reward) as the degree of consistency between the recycling object information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202 and the information related to the object battery owned by each object user stored in the battery information storage unit 224 is higher.

[0160] For example, the generation unit 205 calculates the first reward based on the SOH (hereinafter, object SOH) of the object batteries owned by each object user stored in the battery information storage unit 224, which falls within the range of the object battery SOH included in the recycling object information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202, and the closer the SOH is to the upper limit of that range. For example, the generation unit 205 uses the following formula to calculate the first reward.

[0161] [Number 1]

[0162]

[0163] In the above formula, x is the target SOH, and I(x) represents the first reward when the target SOH is x. pmin is a constant representing the lower limit of the reward, and pmax is a constant representing the upper limit of the reward. xmin is the lower limit of the range of the target battery's SOH, and xmax is the upper limit of the range. For ease of explanation, in the following description, pmin is assumed to be 1 and pmax to be 100. However, pmin is not limited to 1, and pmax is not limited to 100. It is acceptable as long as pmin and pmax are positive numbers and pmin is less than pmax.

[0164] Therefore, if the target SOH is outside the range of the target battery's SOH included in the recycling target information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202, the generation unit 205 calculates the first reward as "0". However, the first reward calculated by the generation unit 205 when the target SOH is outside the range of the target battery's SOH included in the recycling target information obtained by the second acquisition unit 202 is not limited to "0". For example, it may be a value less than the minimum value of the first reward calculated when the target SOH is within that range.

[0165] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process when the output includes suggested information for the first reward. Figure 8 It is recorded in Figure 5 This is part of the process shown. For example, suppose that in step S4, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires recycling target information including the target battery model "Battery A", the target battery's SOH range "50-70%", and the number of target batteries "10". That is, suppose the recycling practitioner 300 wants to recycle "10" target batteries of model "Battery A" with an SOH range of "50-70%".

[0166] Therefore, assuming that in step S7, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recycling plan to recycle target batteries of type "Battery A" with a SOH range of "50-70%" from recycling point 30, with a total recycling quantity of "8". Furthermore, assuming that the determination unit 204 stores the temporary recycling plan information representing this temporary recycling plan in the recycling plan information storage unit 225, and sends the temporary recycling plan information to the recycler terminal 1.

[0167] Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6A in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "50%". Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6B in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "70%". Therefore, assuming that in step S8, the generation unit 205 determines the user 600 of user terminal 6A and user terminal 6B as the target user.

[0168] In this case, the target SOH "50%" included in the user battery information obtained from the user terminal 6A is within the range of "50-70%" of the target battery SOH included in the recycling target information. Therefore, the generation unit 205 substitutes "50" for x, "50" for xmin, and "70" for xmax in the above formula, and calculates the first reward I (50) included in the suggestion information sent to the user terminal 6A as "1 (=1+(50-50)*(100-1) / (70-50))".

[0169] Furthermore, the target SOH "70%" included in the user battery information obtained from the user terminal 6B is within the range of "50-70%" of the target battery SOH included in the recycling target information. Therefore, the generation unit 205 substitutes "70" for x, "50" for xmin, and "70" for xmax in the above formula, and calculates the first reward I (70) included in the suggestion information sent to the user terminal 6B as "100 (=1+(70-50)*(100-1) / (70-50))".

[0170] In this case, for example, in step S9, suggestion information including reward information "reward points 1" representing the first reward "1" is sent to user terminal 6A, and suggestion information including reward information "reward points 100" representing the first reward "100" is sent to user terminal 6B.

[0171] Therefore, it is possible to notify the object user whose object battery's SOH is within the range of the object battery's SOH included in the recycling object information, and whose SOH is closer to the upper limit of the range, that a higher first reward will be given if the object battery has been replaced at the recycling point 30.

[0172] Alternatively, for example, the user battery information may include other information related to the battery 11 owned by the user 600, and the recycling object information may include information that can be compared with this other information. Correspondingly, the generation unit 205 may calculate a higher first reward if the degree of consistency between the other information and the comparable information is higher.

[0173] Furthermore, the generation unit 205 can also generate a map image as suggestion information, which displays: the current location of the target user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the target user's current location among the one or more recycling points 30, the recycling date of the target battery, the model of the target battery, the aforementioned first reward, an icon representing the display point among the one or more display points closest to each target user's current location, and an icon representing the group of display points among the one or more display points that provides rewards to the target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0174] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image 901 including the first reward 91. For example, the generation unit 205 generates... Figure 9 Map image 901 is shown as an example of a map image that overlays the following information onto a range within a given distance from the target user's current location 60: the target user's current location 60, the locations 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d of four display points within a given distance from the target user's current location 60, the target battery's recycling date 97, the target battery's model 96, the first reward 91, an icon 98 indicating the display point closest to each target user's current location 60, and an icon 99 indicating the group of display points to which the target user receives a reward for replacing the target battery.

[0175] In this case, the target user can determine, by referring to the map image 901 on the user terminal 6, which recycling point 30 within a given distance is available to replace which battery 11 in order to obtain the first reward 91 with the least amount of movement.

[0176] Additionally, the generation unit 205 can simplify the map image 901. For example, the generation unit 205 can also make the map image 901 display one or more of the following: the battery recycling date 97, the battery model 96, and an icon 98 indicating the nearest location to each user's current location 60. In this case, the user can refer to the map image on the user terminal 6 to determine which recycling location 30, at least within a given distance, is the best place to replace the battery 11 and receive the first reward 91.

[0177] Alternatively, the generation unit 205 can replace the icon 99 representing the group of display points that provide rewards to target users through the replacement of target batteries, and display, for example, the message "The recycling points that provide the first reward '0OP' are 'Recycling Point 1, Recycling Point 2, Recycling Point 3, Recycling Point 4'" in the map image 901, indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the first reward to each target user through the replacement of target batteries.

[0178] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to determine whether a target battery can be recovered from the recycling center 30 by considering the batteries 11 that have been recycled to the recycling center 30. Furthermore, if a target battery cannot be recovered from the recycling center 30, a target user possessing the target battery is identified based on user battery information obtained from the user terminal 6, and suggestion information is output to the user terminal 6 used by the target user. Therefore, by considering not only the batteries 11 recycled to the recycling center 30, but also the batteries 11 owned by the user 600, the likelihood of the user 600 replacing the target battery at the recycling center 30 can be increased. Thus, the likelihood of recovering the target battery at the recycling center 30 can be increased, and the target battery can be recovered efficiently.

[0179] (Implementation Method 2)

[0180] Regarding Implementation 1, the higher the degree of consistency between the recycling target information acquired by the second acquisition unit 202 and the information related to the target battery owned by each target user stored in the battery information storage unit 224, the higher the first reward will be included in the recommendation information.

[0181] In Embodiment 2, the recommended information includes a second reward given to each target user when the target battery is replaced at a location included in the temporary recycling plan. Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below. Furthermore, in this Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted.

[0182] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process when the output includes suggested information about the second reward. Figure 10 It is recorded in Figure 5 This is part of the process shown. For example, suppose that in step S4, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires recycling target information including the target battery model "Battery A", the target battery's SOH range "50-70%" and the number of target batteries "10".

[0183] Therefore, assuming that in step S7, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recycling plan to sequentially visit three recycling sites, "Recycling Site 1", "Recycling Site 2", and "Recycling Site 3", in order to recycle a total of "8" target batteries of type "Battery A" with a SOH range of "50-70%". Furthermore, assuming that the determination unit 204 stores the temporary recycling plan information representing this temporary recycling plan in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 and sends the temporary recycling plan information to the recycler terminal 1.

[0184] Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6A in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "50%". Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6B in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "70%". Therefore, assuming that in step S8, the generation unit 205 determines user 600 of user terminals 6A and 6B as the target user.

[0185] In this case, the generation unit 205 will set the second reward given to each target user as a given value "100" when the target battery is replaced at the three transit points "recycling point 1", "recycling point 2" and "recycling point 3" for recycling the target battery.

[0186] In this case, for example, in step S9, suggestion information including the following is sent to user terminal 6A and user terminal 6B: a second reward of "100" is given to each target user if the target battery is replaced at one of the three recycling points "Recycling Point 1", "Recycling Point 2", and "Recycling Point 3", and the reward information is "If the battery is replaced at Recycling Points 1, 2, or 3, the reward points are 100". Thus, the target user is notified that the second reward of "100" is given if the target battery is replaced at more than one recycling point in order to recycle the total number of target batteries.

[0187] The generation unit 205 further generates a map image as suggestion information, which displays: the current location of the target user, the location of one or more display points within one or more recycling points 30 existing in the information processing system 1000 at a given distance from the target user's current location, the recycling date of the target battery, the model of the target battery, the aforementioned second reward, the path (recycling path) to visit the one or more display points that is also included in the one or more display points via each display point, an icon indicating the display point closest to each target user's current location, and an icon indicating the group of display points within the one or more display points that provides rewards to the target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0188] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image 902 including the second reward 92. For example, the generation unit 205 generates... Figure 11Map image 902 is shown. Map image 902 illustrates an example of displaying the following overlaid on a map image covering a range from the target user's current location 60: the target user's current location 60, the locations 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d of four display points within a given distance from the target user's current location 60, the target battery's recycling date 97, the target battery's model 96, the second reward 92, the path 95 to visit each of the four display points (which is also included in the first or more display points), an icon 98 indicating the display point closest to each target user's current location 60, and an icon 99 indicating the group of display points to which the target user receives a reward for replacing the target battery.

[0189] In this case, the target user can determine, by referring to map image 902 in user terminal 6, which recycling point 30 on the movement path for recycling battery 11 to replace which battery 11 in order to obtain the second reward 92 with the least amount of movement.

[0190] Alternatively, the generation unit 205 may set the second reward to the same value as the first reward described in Embodiment 1 instead of setting the second reward to a given value, or set it to the sum or product of the first reward and the given value.

[0191] Furthermore, the generation unit 205 can also simplify the map image 902. For example, the generation unit 205 can also omit one or more of the following from the map image 902: the battery recycling date 97, the battery model 96, and the icon 98 indicating the nearest location 60 to each user's current location. In this case, the user can refer to the map image to determine which recycling location 30 on the path shown in the map image is best for replacing the battery 11 to receive the second reward 92.

[0192] Furthermore, the generation unit 205 can also replace the icon 99 of the display base group indicating that the reward is given to the target user through the replacement of the target battery with the icon 99 of the second reward. For example, the map image 902 can display the message "The recycling bases that give the second reward '0OP' are 'Recycling Base 1, Recycling Base 2, Recycling Base 3', etc., indicating whether each display base is a base that gives the second reward to each target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0193] (Implementation Method 3)

[0194] In Embodiment 3, unlike Embodiments 1 and 2, the recommended information includes a third reward given to each target user when the target battery is replaced at a group of recycling points that has been calculated to meet a given operating rate. The operating rate refers to the ratio of the number of batteries 11 recovered at each recycling point 30 to the total number of batteries 11 that can be recovered at each recycling point 30. Embodiment 3 will be described in detail below. Furthermore, in this Embodiment 3, the same symbols are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted.

[0195] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing when the output includes suggested information about the third reward. Figure 12 It is recorded in Figure 5 This is part of the process shown. For example, suppose that in step S4, the second acquisition unit 202 acquires recycling target information including the target battery model "Battery A", the target battery's SOH range "50-70%", and the number of target batteries "10". Furthermore, suppose that there are three recycling points 30 "Recycling Point 1", "Recycling Point 2", and "Recycling Point 3" in the information processing system 1000.

[0196] Therefore, assuming that in step S7, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recycling plan to sequentially visit two of the more than one recycling locations 30, namely "Recycling Location 2" and "Recycling Location 3", in order to recycle a total of "8" target batteries of type "Battery A" with a SOH range of "50-70%". Furthermore, assuming that the determination unit 204 stores the temporary recycling plan information representing this temporary recycling plan in the recycling plan information storage unit 225 and sends the temporary recycling plan information to the recycler terminal 1.

[0197] Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6A in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "50%". Furthermore, assuming that in step S2, the third acquisition unit 203 acquires and stores user battery information from user terminal 6B in the battery information storage unit 224, including the target battery model "Battery A" and the target SOH "70%". Therefore, assuming that in step S8, the generation unit 205 determines user 600 of user terminals 6A and 6B as the target user.

[0198] Furthermore, assuming that in step S11, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires and stores the recycling status information in the recycling status information storage unit 223 from the base terminal 3A of the recycling base 30 "Recycling Base 1", including the number of batteries 11 recycled to the recycling base 30 "10" and the total number of batteries 11 that can be recycled at the recycling base 30 "100". In this case, the generation unit 205 calculates the operation rate of the recycling base 30 "Recycling Base 1" as "10 / 100". Similarly, the generation unit 205 calculates the operation rate of the recycling base 30 "Recycling Base 2" as "70 / 100" and the operation rate of the recycling base 30 "Recycling Base 3" as "90 / 100".

[0199] In this case, the generation unit 205, for example, sets the third reward given to each target user to a given value "100" when the target battery is replaced at the target recycling point 30 "Recycling Point 1", which has a recycling point 30 whose recycling point 30 has a recycling point 30 with the lowest operating rate among the more than one recycling points 30 existing in the information processing system 1000.

[0200] In this case, in step S9, for example, a suggestion message including a reward message "If the battery is replaced at recycling point 1, the reward points are 100" indicating that a third reward of "100" will be given to each target user if the target battery is replaced at recycling point 30 "recycling point 1" can be sent to user terminal 6A and user terminal 6B. Thus, the target user can be notified that a third reward of "100" will be given if the target battery is replaced at recycling point 30 "recycling point 1", which has been calculated to have the lowest operating rate.

[0201] in addition, Figure 12 This example illustrates how, after sending the aforementioned suggestion information, user 600 (user terminal 6A and user terminal 6B) replaced the target battery at recycling point 30 "Recycling Point 1". Specifically, the recycling status information obtained by the first acquisition unit 201 from the point terminal 3A at recycling point 30 "Recycling Point 1" in step S11 includes the number of batteries 11 recycled to recycling point 30 "12" and the total number of batteries 11 that can be recycled at recycling point 30 "100". In this case, the operating rate of recycling point 30 "Recycling Point 1" is updated to "12 / 100".

[0202] Furthermore, in step S12 ( Figure 5 In this document, a recycling plan was devised to sequentially visit three recycling sites, namely "Recycling Site 1", "Recycling Site 2", and "Recycling Site 3", to recycle "10" target batteries of model "Battery A" with a SOH range of "50-70%". Furthermore, the recycling plan information was sent to the recycler terminal 1.

[0203] The generation unit 205 further generates a map image and uses the map image as suggestion information. The map image displays: the current location of the target user, the location of more than one display point within one or more recycling points 30 in the information processing system 1000 at a given distance from the target user's current location, the recycling date of the target battery, the model of the target battery, the aforementioned third reward, the operating rate calculated for each of the one or more display points, an icon representing the display point closest to each target user's current location, and an icon representing the group of display points among the one or more display points that provide rewards to the target user through the replacement of the target battery.

[0204] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image 903 including the third reward 93. For example, the generation unit 205 generates... Figure 13 Map image 903 is shown. Map image 903 illustrates an example of displaying the following overlaid on a map image covering a range within a given distance from the target user's current location 60: the target user's current location 60, the locations 90a, 90b, and 90c of three display points within a given distance from the target user's current location 60, the target battery's recycling date 97, the target battery's model 96, the third reward 93, the operating rates 94a, 94b, and 94c calculated for the three display points respectively, an icon 98 representing the display point closest to each target user's current location 60, and an icon 99 representing the group of display points for which rewards are given to the target user through target battery replacement.

[0205] In this case, the target user can determine, by referring to map image 903, when and at what level of operation at the recycling point 30 which battery 11 should be replaced in order to obtain the third reward 93 with the least amount of movement.

[0206] Alternatively, the generation unit 205 may set the third reward to the same value as the first reward described in Embodiment 1, or the same value as the second reward described in Embodiment 2, instead of setting the third reward to a given value. Alternatively, the generation unit 205 may set the third reward to the sum or product of the first reward and the given value, or the sum or product of the second reward and the given value. Alternatively, the generation unit 205 may set the third reward to the sum or product of the first reward and the second reward, or the sum or product of the given value.

[0207] Furthermore, the generation unit 205 can also simplify the map image 903. For example, the generation unit 205 can also display one or more of the following: the battery recycling date 97, the battery model 96, and an icon 98 indicating the nearest location 60 to each user's current location. In this case, the user can refer to the map image to determine at least what level of recycling location 30, with which they can replace the battery 11 to receive the third reward 93.

[0208] Furthermore, the generation unit 205 can also replace the icon 99 of the display base group that represents the reward given to the target user through the replacement of the target battery, and display, for example, the message "The recycling base that gives the third reward '0OP' is 'Recycling Base 1'." and information indicating whether each display base is a base that gives the second reward to each target user through the replacement of the target battery on the map image 903.

[0209] Furthermore, the given condition used by the generation unit 205 when setting the third reward is not limited to the given condition "the operating rate is the lowest among the more than one recycling point 30 existing in the information processing system 1000". For example, the given condition could also be "the operating rate is the lowest among the more than one transit point included in the recycling temporary plan for recycling the target batteries of the total number of recyclings".

[0210] For example, in Figure 12 In the example, in step S7, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recovery plan to visit two transit points, "Recovery Point 2" and "Recovery Point 3" in sequence. Therefore, the generation unit 205 can also set the reward given to each target user as the third reward if the target battery is replaced at Recovery Point 30 "Recovery Point 2", which has the lowest operating rate among the two transit points "Recovery Point 2" and "Recovery Point 3".

[0211] Alternatively, the given condition could be: "The operating rate is the lowest among the group of recycling sites within a given distance from one or more recycling sites 30 in the temporary plan for recycling the total number of target batteries to be recycled, which are included in the recycling plan."

[0212] For example, in Figure 12 In the example, assume that from the path that sequentially visits two points "Reclaim Point 2" and "Reclaim Point 3", there exists a reclamation point 30 "Reclaim Point 1" within a given distance. Furthermore, in Figure 12In the example, suppose that in step S7, the determination unit 204 formulates a temporary recovery plan to visit two recycling points, "Recycling Point 2" and "Recycling Point 3", in sequence. Therefore, the generation unit 205 may also set the reward given to each target user as the third reward if the target battery is replaced at the recycling point group "Recycling Point 1" which is within a given distance from the path of visiting the two recycling points "Recycling Point 2" and "Recycling Point 3" in sequence.

[0213] Alternatively, the given condition can be "operation rate below a given value". In this case, the generation unit 205 can also set the third reward to each target user when the target battery is replaced at each recycling point if the calculated operation rate meets the given condition "operation rate below a given value".

[0214] (Implementation Method 4)

[0215] In Embodiments 1 to 3, an example was described where a suggestion message was sent to the user terminal 6 when the second acquisition unit 202 acquired information about a recycling target. In Embodiment 4, a method for displaying multiple map images when the user terminal 6 receives multiple map images showing different recycling days after the current day was described.

[0216] For ease of explanation, the following example illustrates how user terminal 6 displays two map images when it receives two map images that respectively set today and tomorrow as recycling days.

[0217] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image 903a in user terminal 6 that has today set as the recycling day. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image 902a in user terminal 6 that sets tomorrow as the recycling day. Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of a given map image 904a displayed in user terminal 6.

[0218] When user terminal 6 receives a map image 903a (first map image) that displays today (current day) as the recycling day (first recycling day) and a map image 902a (second map image) that displays tomorrow after today as the recycling day (second recycling day), it will display screen 910 on the monitor.

[0219] The display screen 910 includes a label area 911 for switching between three map images 903a, 902a, and 904a. The label area 911 includes a label 911a for displaying map image 903a, a label 911b for displaying map image 902a, and a label 911c for displaying map image 904a.

[0220] Figure 14 An example is shown where screen 910 displays map image 903a when label 911a is selected. Map image 903a is the same as map image 903 described in embodiment 3. Figure 13 The same map image, in the map image of the range within a given distance from the current location 60 of the target user, includes: the current location 60 of the target user, the locations 90e, 90f, and 90g of three display points existing within a given distance from the current location 60 of the target user, the operating rates 94e, 94f, and 94g calculated for the three display points respectively, an icon 98 representing the display point closest to each target user's current location 60, and an icon 99 representing the group of display points to which the target user is rewarded by replacing the target battery.

[0221] When icon 99 is selected, the user terminal 6 sets the label area 911 to be hidden, which is consistent with the map image 903 described in Implementation 3. Figure 13 Similarly, map image 903a shows the object battery recycling date 97 ( Figure 13 The battery model number is 96. Figure 13 ) and the third reward 93 ( Figure 13 User terminal 6 displays the recycling day "Today" on label 911a and an icon 912a indicating the content of the reward included in the map image 903a, namely the third reward 93.

[0222] Figure 15 An example is shown where display screen 910 shows map image 902a when label 911b is selected. Map image 902a is the same as map image 902 described in Embodiment 2. Figure 11 The same map image, in the map image of the range within a given distance from the target user's current location 60, includes: the target user's current location 60, the locations 90e, 90f, and 90g of three display points existing within a given distance from the target user's current location 60, the path 95 to visit the three display points which is also included in the one or more display points via the points, the icon 98 indicating the display point closest to each target user's current location 60, and the icon 99 indicating the group of display points to which the target user is rewarded by replacing the target battery.

[0223] When icon 99 is selected, the user terminal 6 sets the label area 911 to be hidden, which is consistent with the map image 902 described in Embodiment 2. Figure 12 Similarly, map image 902a shows the object battery recycling date 97 ( Figure 11 The battery model number is 96. Figure 11 ) and the second reward 92 ( Figure 11 User terminal 6 displays the recycling day "tomorrow" on label 911b and an icon 912b representing the content of the reward included in map image 902a, namely the second reward 92.

[0224] Figure 16 An example is shown where display screen 910 displays map image 904a when operation 911c is selected. Map image 904a includes the following in a map image covering a range within a given distance from the current location 60 of the target user: the current location 60 of the target user, the positions 90e, 90f, and 90g of three recycling points 30 (i.e., three display points) within a given distance from the current location 60 of the target user among more than one recycling point 30 existing in the information processing system 1000, and an icon 98 indicating the display point closest to the current location 60 of each target user.

[0225] Map image 904a, for example, in step S1 ( Figure 5 In the case of registration for use of the information processing system 1000, etc., the generated image 904a is generated by the generation unit 205 and returned by the output unit 206. Additionally, the generation unit 205 generates the map image 904a with reference to the map information storage unit 221 and the main information storage unit 222. The user terminal 6 displays the recycling date "the day after tomorrow" on the label 911c.

[0226] According to this embodiment 4, the user can switch between map images 903a and 902a while operating the display screen 910 to confirm the reward content. Thus, the user can determine at which display location they can replace the battery and what kind of reward they will receive.

[0227] The following variations are possible with respect to this disclosure.

[0228] (1) In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the generation unit 205 may further include in the map image generated as suggestion information the travel time from the current location of each target user to the display point closest to the current location of each target user among the display point group that provides compensation to each target user through the replacement of the target battery. This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0229] The information processing system 1000 learns the relationship between geographical features between two locations within a given region (set as the object) and the travel time of the user 600 between those two locations, and the completed learning model is pre-stored in memory 22. The geographical features between the two locations include, for example, the distance of the shortest path between the two locations and the elevation difference.

[0230] The generation unit 205 calculates the geographic features between each user's current location and the nearest display point in the group of display points that reward users through battery replacement, and the movement path from each user's current location to the nearest display point, based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit 221. The generation unit 205 obtains the movement time output by the learned model by inputting the calculated geographic features into the learned model. Alternatively, the generation unit 205 may calculate the movement time based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit 221 using a different method. The generation unit 205 displays the obtained movement time and the calculated movement path in the map image included in the suggestion information.

[0231] For example, Figure 15 Map image 902a shows a travel path from the user's current location 60 to the nearest display point among a group of display points that offer rewards to the user by replacing the battery, with a travel time of "15 minutes". According to this configuration, the user can determine which display point offers the fastest battery replacement and the least amount of travel time to receive the reward.

[0232] Similarly, the generation unit 205 can further generate a map image 904a (shown in Embodiment 4) covering a range within a given distance from the current location of the target user. Figure 16 The data includes the movement path and movement time from each object user's current location 60 to the nearest display location to each object user's current location 60.

[0233] (2) In a variation of (1) above, the user terminal 6 may also display an icon in the label area 911 representing a map image showing the most recommended replacement method for the battery 11 for the target user. Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 Any tag included in ).

[0234] For example, Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16An example is shown below: User terminal 6 determines map image 902a, which includes the minimum travel time of "15 minutes," as the map image showing the most recommended method for replacing battery 11 for the target user, and displays the icon 913 on the label 911b used for displaying map image 902a. Alternatively, user terminal 6 can also determine the map image showing the most recommended method for replacing battery 11 for the target user using other methods.

[0235] (3) In the above embodiments 1 to 4 and the above variations, the recycling object information may further include the time required for recycling the object battery.

[0236] In this case, the determination unit 204 only needs to refer to the recycling status information storage unit 223 and the recycling plan information storage unit 225 to determine whether the total number of target batteries that can be recycled from one or more recycling locations 30 within the required time included in the recycling target information is greater than or equal to the number of target batteries included in the recycling target information.

[0237] Furthermore, when formulating a recycling plan, the determination unit 204 only needs to determine, using a given algorithm, one or more recycling locations 30 to be visited within the required time frame for recycling the specified number of target batteries, the routes to those recycling locations 30, and the number of target batteries to be recycled at each of the aforementioned recycling locations 30. Similarly, when formulating a temporary recycling plan, the determination unit 204 only needs to determine, using a given algorithm, one or more recycling locations 30 to be visited within the required time frame for recycling the specified total number of target batteries, the routes to those recycling locations 30, and the number of target batteries to be recycled at each of the aforementioned recycling locations 30.

[0238] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the target battery can be recovered from the recycling point 30 by taking into account not only the battery 11 that has been recycled to the recycling point 30, but also the time required for the recovery of the target battery.

[0239] (4) In embodiments 1 to 4 and their variations described above, the suggestion information may be configured to exclude information indicating the reward. Specifically, the generation unit 205 may include, for example, a message recommending the replacement of the target battery at the recycling center 30, such as "Please replace your battery with model XX at the recycling center." Here, XX is the model number of the target battery. Correspondingly, the generation unit 205 may also display the reward in a map image included in the suggestion information.

[0240] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to mobile industry practitioners 301 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 This application scenario involves recycling batteries 11 used in mobile devices or portable devices such as laptops. Energy management practitioners and integrators can also apply this method in scenarios where batteries used in energy management are recycled. Batteries used in energy management include, for example, stationary batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells.

[0241] According to this disclosure, it is possible to efficiently recycle batteries by considering not only the batteries owned by the user, but also information related to the batteries that are recycled to the recycling site, which is useful in the business of battery reuse or recycling.

Claims

1. An information processing method, wherein, The computer performs the following processing: Obtain first information related to the batteries that have been recycled back to the base; Obtain second information related to the object battery of the recycled object; Based on the first information and the second information, determine whether the target battery can be recovered from the base; If it is determined that the target battery cannot be recovered from the location. Obtain third-party information related to the batteries owned by more than one user. Based on the third piece of information, it is determined that there is more than one object user who owns the object battery. The system outputs a fourth message recommending that the battery of the target be replaced at the location to the terminal devices used by each of the more than one target users.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The fourth piece of information includes information indicating the compensation given to each object user when the object's battery is replaced at the location.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, The reward includes a first reward, and the higher the degree of consistency between the second information and the third information regarding the information related to the object battery owned by each object user, the higher the first reward.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein, The second piece of information includes the range of the state of harmonics (SOH) of the target battery. The third piece of information includes the state of health (SOH) of the batteries owned by each user. The higher the consistency is, the closer the object SOH is to the upper limit of the range. The object SOH is the SOH of the object battery owned by each object user included in the third information.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, The base includes one or more recovery bases. Obtain the current location of one or more users and the location of one or more recycling points. The output map image serves as the fourth piece of information. The map image displays: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the more than one recycling points, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

6. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, The reward includes a second reward given to each object user when the object battery is replaced at the location via which the object battery is recycled.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein, The base includes one or more recovery bases. The first piece of information includes the number of batteries that were recycled to each recycling site. The second piece of information includes the number of batteries recovered, which is the number of batteries recovered from the target battery. Furthermore, if the total number of target batteries that can be recovered from the one or more recovery points, i.e., the total number of recoveries, is less than the number of recoveries, then one or more transit points are determined for recovering the target batteries of the total number of recoveries.

8. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein, Obtain the current location of one or more users and the location of one or more recycling points. Output a map image as the fourth information, the map image showing: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the more than one recycling points, the recycling path to the more than one recycling point, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the second reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

9. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, The base includes one or more recovery bases. The first piece of information includes the number of batteries recovered to each recycling site and the total number of batteries that can be recovered at each recycling site. Based on the first piece of information, the operating rate is calculated for each of the one or more recycling sites. The operating rate is the ratio of the number of batteries recycled to each recycling site to the total number of batteries that can be recycled at each recycling site. The reward includes a third reward given to each target user when the target battery is replaced in a group of recycling sites that has been calculated to meet the given conditions for operating rates among the one or more recycling sites.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, The given condition is that the operating rate is the lowest among the more than one recycling sites.

11. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, In the determination, If it is determined that the target battery cannot be recovered from the designated location, further, it is determined that one or more transit points are required to recover the target batteries that can be recovered from the more than one recovery location, i.e., the total number of target batteries recovered. The given condition is that the operating rate is the lowest among the more than one transit points.

12. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, If it is determined that the target battery cannot be recovered from the location. Furthermore, determining the one or more transit points through which the target batteries can be recycled (i.e., the total number of target batteries to be recycled) are located, and deciding the path to visit the one or more transit points. The given condition is that the operating rate is the lowest among the group of recycling points that are within a given distance from the path, among the more than one recycling points.

13. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, Obtain the current location of one or more users and the location of one or more recycling points. The output map image serves as the fourth information, and the map image displays: the current location of each object user, the location of one or more display points within a given distance from the current location of each object user among the more than one recycling points, the operating rate calculated for each of the more than one display points, and information indicating whether each display point is a point that provides the third reward to each object user through the replacement of the object battery.

14. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5, 8, and 13, wherein, The map image further displays the travel time from each user's current location to the nearest display location among the more than one display locations.

15. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The base includes one or more recovery bases. The first piece of information includes the number of batteries recovered to each recycling site and the total number of batteries that can be recovered at each recycling site. The second piece of information includes the number of batteries recovered, which is the number of batteries recovered from the target battery. In the determination, If the total number of the target batteries that can be recovered from one or more recycling locations is greater than or equal to the number of target batteries, then it is determined that the target batteries can be recovered from the recycling location. If it is determined that the target battery can be recovered from the base, Determine one or more transit points through which the target batteries to be recycled are to be identified, and further determine the path to visit one or more transit points. The information, including one or more locations and the path, will be output to the terminal device used by the provider of the second information.

16. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The second piece of information also includes the time required for the recycling of the object's battery.

17. A display method, which is the display method in the terminal device according to any one of claims 5, 8, and 13. Upon receiving a first map image displaying the first recovery day after the current day and a second map image displaying the second recovery day after the first recovery day, a screen is displayed that allows switching between the first map image and the second map image. The screen includes icons representing the contents of the reward included in the first map image and the second map image.

18. An information processing apparatus comprising: The first acquisition unit acquires first information related to the batteries that have been recycled to the base. The second acquisition unit acquires second information related to the object battery of the recycled object; The determination unit determines, based on the first information and the second information, whether the target battery can be recovered from the base. Third Acquisition Department; Determining Department; and Output section If the determination unit determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the base, The third acquisition unit acquires third information related to the batteries owned by each of the more than one users. The determining unit determines, based on the third information, that one or more object users own the object battery. The output unit outputs a fourth message recommending that the battery of the target be replaced at the location to the terminal device used by each of the one or more target users.

19. A control program that causes a computer to function as follows: The first acquisition unit acquires first information related to the batteries that have been recycled to the base. The second acquisition unit acquires second information related to the object battery of the recycled object; The determination unit determines, based on the first information and the second information, whether the target battery can be recovered from the base. Third Acquisition Department; Determining Department; and Output section If the determination unit determines that the target battery cannot be recovered from the base, The third acquisition unit acquires third information related to the batteries owned by each of the more than one users. The determining unit determines, based on the third information, that one or more object users own the object battery. The output unit outputs a fourth message recommending that the battery of the target be replaced at the location to the terminal device used by each of the one or more target users.

Images