Monitoring device and operation method thereof

Abstract

A monitoring device according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a communication circuit, a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the monitoring device to acquire, via the communication circuit, an image of a core including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, starting points of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are detected from the image, and the putting amount of the positive electrode and the negative electrode included in the winding core is calculated based on the starting points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0040805, filed on March 28, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to monitoring devices and their operating methods. Background Technology

[0005] Recently, research and development of rechargeable batteries have been actively pursued. Here, rechargeable batteries are batteries capable of being charged and discharged, and include all recent lithium-ion batteries, such as conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. Among rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of significantly higher energy density than conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries can be manufactured in a compact and lightweight form, making them suitable for use as power sources in mobile devices. Moreover, with their application expanding to power electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are attracting attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0006] Secondary batteries are typically used as battery packs comprising battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel. Furthermore, secondary batteries can be used as battery holders comprising multiple battery modules and as holder frames to house the battery modules.

[0007] Here, a battery cell can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly within a battery casing and injecting an electrolyte solution into the battery casing. Battery cells are categorized into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch types based on the type of battery casing. A cylindrical battery cell may include an electrode assembly, a battery casing containing the electrode assembly and electrolyte solution in a cylindrical metal can, and a cap assembly assembled on top of the cylindrical can.

[0008] In the manufacturing of such cylindrical battery cells, the amount of core material containing the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode may be an important factor in determining whether the battery cell has failed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] A camera module can be used to check for core failure. However, due to interference with the diaphragm and poor initial visibility of the positive and negative electrodes, accurately measuring the amount of positive and negative electrodes deposited can consume significant resources. Therefore, a method may be needed to reduce the resources consumed in identifying the amount of core by minimizing user input.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] A monitoring device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include: a communication circuit; a processor; and a memory configured to store instructions, wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions enable the monitoring device to: acquire an image of a core including a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode via the communication circuit; detect the starting points of the positive and negative electrodes from the image; and calculate the amount of the positive and negative electrodes included in the core based on the starting points.

[0014] A method for operating a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: acquiring an image of a core including a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode; detecting the starting points of the positive electrode and the negative electrode from the image; and calculating the amount of the positive electrode and the negative electrode included in the core based on the starting points.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] According to the monitoring device and its operation method disclosed in this article, the amount of core loaded can be checked by the core image.

[0017] The effects of the monitoring device and its operating method disclosed in this document are not limited to the effects described above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the disclosure of this document. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 An image of a winding core according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 Image processing of a core image according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] In the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, but rather to include various variations, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of the invention.

[0024] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but rather to include various variations, equivalents, or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related parts. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the relevant context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0025] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used simply to distinguish a corresponding component from another component and, in another respect (e.g., importance or order), do not limit the corresponding component.

[0026] When a component (e.g., the first component) is described as “connected,” “linked,” or “joined” to another component (e.g., the second component), whether or not terms such as “functionally,” “communically,” “linked,” or “connected” are used, it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via wired or wireless) or indirectly (e.g., via a third component).

[0027] The methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed through an app store (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or directly distributed online between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least some of the computer program product can be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a device-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server).

[0028] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single object or multiple objects, and some of the multiple objects may be separately located in another component. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more components or operations in the corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components, which are the same as or similar to the functions performed by the corresponding components in the multiple components before integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or performed in a different order, or one or more operations may be omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 The monitoring device 101 may include a communication circuit 120, a memory 140, and a processor 150. According to this embodiment, Figure 1 The monitoring device 101 shown may also include, in addition to Figure 1 At least one component other than the components shown (e.g., a display, input device, or output device).

[0030] In one embodiment, the communication circuit 120 can establish a wired communication channel and / or a wireless communication channel between the monitoring device 101 and the image acquisition device 103 and / or the user terminal 105, and send and receive data from the image acquisition device 103 and / or the user terminal 105 via the established communication channel. In one embodiment, the communication circuit 120 can acquire an image of the battery cell 115 from the image acquisition device 103. In one embodiment, the battery cell 115 can be a core wound with a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and a separator.

[0031] In one embodiment, memory 140 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0032] In one embodiment, memory 140 may store data used by at least one component of monitoring device 101 (e.g., processor 150). For example, the data may include program 130 (or instructions associated therewith), input data, or output data. In one embodiment, instructions, when executed by processor 150, may allow monitoring device 101 to perform operations defined by the instructions.

[0033] In one embodiment, the memory 140 may include a program 130 (e.g., an artificial intelligence model learning unit 131, an artificial intelligence model 135, an image acquisition unit 141, a parameter extraction unit 143, and a delivery volume calculation unit 145).

[0034] In one embodiment, processor 150 may include a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

[0035] In one implementation, the processor 150 can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the monitoring device 101 connected to the processor 150 and perform various data processing or calculations by executing the program 130 (e.g., artificial intelligence model learning unit 131, artificial intelligence model 135, image acquisition unit 141, parameter extraction unit 143 and delivery calculation unit 145).

[0036] The following text will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method described in detail allows the monitoring device 101 to determine the dosage of the positive and negative electrodes through the artificial intelligence model learning unit 131, the artificial intelligence model 135, the image acquisition unit 141, the parameter extraction unit 143, and the dosage calculation unit 145.

[0037] Learning of artificial intelligence models

[0038] In one implementation, the artificial intelligence model learning unit 131 can train the artificial intelligence model 135 based on the acquired image 210 of the core. Image 210 can be an image used to classify at least the starting points 211 and 215 of the positive and negative electrodes included in the core. Furthermore, image 210 can be an image used to classify at least the regions 221 and 225 of the positive and negative electrodes included in the core.

[0039] In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence model 135 may be a model capable of feature point extraction. In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence model 135 may be trained to extract specified feature points based on a previously acquired image 210 of the core. In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence model 135 may be trained to extract the starting point 211 of the positive electrode and the starting point 215 of the negative electrode based on image 210. In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence model 135 may be trained to extract the region 221 of the positive electrode and the region 225 of the negative electrode based on image 210. In another embodiment, the artificial intelligence model 135 may be trained to extract the positive electrode, diaphragm, negative electrode, and diaphragm included in the core based on image 210.

[0040] In one implementation, the artificial intelligence model 135 may include an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. Here, the input layer may receive an image of a previously acquired image core. The hidden layer may have a structure of multiple layers connected sequentially. The output layer may be a layer for outputting information about feature points included in the image (e.g., location and region).

[0041] In one implementation, the AI ​​model learning unit 141 can adjust the parameters of the hidden layer by inputting image 210 into the AI ​​model 135, such that the pre-classification result regarding the acquired feature points matches or is less than the reference difference in image 210. Here, the pre-classification result may indicate information about feature points previously marked by the administrator relative to the previously acquired image 210 of the core. For example, the pre-classification result may include information about the starting point 211 of the positive electrode and the starting point 215 of the negative electrode and / or information about the region 221 of the positive electrode and the region 225 of the negative electrode.

[0042] Determine the dosage of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0043] In one embodiment, the image acquisition unit 141 can acquire an image of the battery cell 115 from the image acquisition device 103. In another embodiment, the image acquisition unit 141 can acquire an image of the battery cell 115 from the image acquisition device 103 via the communication circuit 120. Here, the battery cell 115 may be a core wound with a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and a separator. Hereinafter, the image of the battery cell 115 may be referred to as a core image.

[0044] In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can obtain core-related parameters from the core image 310. Here, the core-related parameters may be related to the starting point of the electrode, the area of ​​the electrode, and / or the thickness of the electrode.

[0045] In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 may input the core image 310 into the artificial intelligence model 135 to obtain core-related parameters from the core image 310. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the parameter extraction unit 143 obtaining parameters of the starting points 311 and 315 of the electrodes by inputting the core image 310 into the artificial intelligence model 135 will be described.

[0046] In one implementation, the parameter extraction unit 143 may apply a specified image processing algorithm to the core image 310 to additionally obtain core-related parameters from the core image 310. For example, the specified image processing algorithm may include a noise filtering algorithm and a distance map extraction algorithm.

[0047] In one implementation, reference Figure 3The parameter extraction unit 143 can generate a core image 330 by applying a noise filtering algorithm to the core image 310. Comparing the core image 310 and the core image 330, it can be seen that noise included in the region between the contours of the core image 310 has been removed from the core image 330. The contours identified from the core images 310 and 330 can indicate the diaphragm. Therefore, the region between the contours of the core images 310 and 330 can indicate the positive or negative electrode.

[0048] In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can extract two regions separated by a diaphragm from core image 310 (or core image 330). In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can extract parameters from each of the two regions.

[0049] In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can extract thickness information for each of the two regions. For example, the parameter extraction unit 143 can extract the minimum thickness, maximum thickness, and average thickness of each of the two regions. In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can classify the two regions as negative or positive regions based on the thickness information. For example, the parameter extraction unit 143 can classify the region with a relatively large maximum or average thickness as a negative region. For example, the parameter extraction unit 143 can classify the region with a relatively small maximum or average thickness as a positive region.

[0050] In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can determine the starting point of the region determined to be the positive electrode as the starting point of the positive electrode, and the starting point of the region determined to be the negative electrode as the starting point of the negative electrode. In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can determine the starting points 315, 335, and 355 of the region determined to be the negative electrode as the starting points of the negative electrode. In one embodiment, the parameter extraction unit 143 can determine the starting points 311, 331, and 351 of the region determined to be the positive electrode as the starting points of the positive electrode.

[0051] In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can extract winding information for each of the two regions. In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can extract the line segment extending from the center point of the thickness of the negative electrode region in the core image 310 (or core image 330) as the winding path of the negative electrode. In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can extract the line segment extending from the center point of the thickness of the positive electrode region in the core image 310 (or core image 330) as the winding path of the positive electrode. In one embodiment, parameter extraction unit 143 can generate a distance map 350 that includes only the winding paths of the negative and positive electrodes.

[0052] In one embodiment, the dosage calculation unit 145 can calculate the positive electrode dosage and / or negative electrode dosage of the battery unit 115 based on the parameters of the core image extracted from the parameter extraction unit 143.

[0053] In one embodiment, the dosage calculation unit 145 can calculate a first winding length extending from the starting point of the positive electrode region. In one embodiment, the first winding length can be the length of a first turn extending from the starting point of the positive electrode region. Here, the first turn can indicate one rotation along the winding direction from the starting points 311, 331, and 351 of the positive electrode.

[0054] In one embodiment, the dosage calculation unit 145 can calculate a second winding length extending from the starting point of the negative electrode region. In one embodiment, the second winding length can be the length of a first turn extending from the starting point of the negative electrode region. Here, the first turn can indicate one rotation along the winding direction from the starting points 315, 335, and 355 of the negative electrode.

[0055] In one embodiment, the quantity calculation unit 145 can calculate the first winding length of the positive electrode and the second winding length of the negative electrode based on the distance diagram 350.

[0056] In one embodiment, the quantity calculation unit 145 can calculate the quantity of positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cell 115 based on the first winding length and the second winding length. Here, the quantity calculation unit 145 can calculate the quantity of positive and negative electrodes based on information that the quantity of positive and negative electrodes is proportional to the winding length. In one embodiment, the proportional constant between the quantity and the winding length can be predetermined.

[0057] Furthermore, the dosage calculation unit 145 can compare the starting point of the positive electrode region with the starting point of the negative electrode region and determine whether the positive and negative electrodes are reversed. For example, when the starting point of the positive electrode region is earlier than the starting point of the negative electrode region, the dosage calculation unit 145 can determine that the positive and negative electrodes are reversed.

[0058] In one embodiment, when the amount of negative and positive electrodes wound on the battery cell 115 is inappropriate, the amount calculation unit 145 may provide a notification to the user terminal 105. In another embodiment, when the negative and positive electrodes wound in the battery cell 115 are reversed, the amount calculation unit 145 may provide a notification to the user terminal 105.

[0059] exist Figure 1 Although the monitoring device 101 and the image acquisition device 103 are shown as separate devices in this embodiment, this is only illustrative. According to this embodiment, the monitoring device 101 and the image acquisition device 103 can be implemented as the same device.

[0060] The above references Figures 1 to 3 In the description, the parameters obtained by inputting into the artificial intelligence model 135 are limited to the starting points 311 and 315 of the electrodes, but this is only an example. According to the implementation, the artificial intelligence model 135 can be pre-trained to further obtain information based on the core image, not only about the starting points of the electrodes but also about the area, thickness, and winding path of the electrodes. In this case, the parameter extraction unit 143 may not perform the image processing algorithms required to further obtain additional information. Furthermore, the dosage calculation unit 145 can calculate the dosage of the positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cell 115 based on the information about the starting points and winding paths of the electrodes obtained via the artificial intelligence model 135. Finally, the dosage calculation unit 145 can determine whether the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 115 are reversed based on the information about the starting points of the electrodes obtained via the artificial intelligence model 135.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a monitoring apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. See also... Figures 1 to 3 describe Figure 4 .

[0062] refer to Figure 4 In operation 410, monitoring device 101 can acquire an image of a core including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode. In one embodiment, monitoring device 101 can acquire an image of battery cell 115 from image acquisition device 103 via communication circuit 120. Here, battery cell 115 can be a core wound with a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode.

[0063] In operation 420, monitoring device 101 can detect the starting points of the positive and negative electrodes from the image. In one embodiment, monitoring device 101 can detect the starting point 311 of the positive electrode and the starting point 315 of the negative electrode by inputting the core image 310 into artificial intelligence model 135.

[0064] In operation 430, the monitoring device 101 can calculate the amount of positive and negative electrodes included in the core based on the starting point.

[0065] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 can calculate a first winding length extending from the starting point of the positive electrode region. In one embodiment, the first winding length may be the length of the first turn extending from the starting point of the positive electrode region. Here, the first turn may indicate one rotation in the winding direction from the starting points 311, 331, and 351 of the positive electrode.

[0066] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 can calculate a second winding length extending from the starting point of the negative electrode region. In one embodiment, the second winding length can be the length of a first turn extending from the starting point of the negative electrode region. Here, the first turn can indicate one rotation in the winding direction from the starting points 315, 335, and 355 of the negative electrode.

[0067] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 can calculate the second winding length of the positive electrode and the second winding length of the negative electrode based on the distance diagram 350. In another embodiment, the monitoring device 101 can calculate the amount of positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cell 115 based on the first winding length and the second winding length.

[0068] In addition, the monitoring device 101 can compare the starting point of the positive electrode region with the starting point of the negative electrode region and determine whether the positive and negative electrodes are reversed. For example, when the starting point of the positive electrode region is earlier than the starting point of the negative electrode region, the monitoring device 101 can determine that the positive and negative electrodes are reversed.

[0069] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 may provide a notification to the user terminal 105 when the amount of negative and positive electrodes wound on the battery cell 115 is inappropriate. In another embodiment, the monitoring device 101 may provide a notification to the user terminal 105 when the negative and positive electrodes wound in the battery cell 115 are reversed.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the monitoring device 101 can also use the artificial intelligence model 135 to acquire information not only about the starting point of the electrode but also about the area, thickness, and winding path of the electrode. Furthermore, the monitoring device 101 can calculate the amount of positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cell 115 based on the information about the starting point and winding path of the electrodes acquired through the artificial intelligence model 135. Finally, the monitoring device 101 can determine whether the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 115 are reversed based on the information about the starting point of the electrodes acquired through the artificial intelligence model 135.

Claims

1. A monitoring device, the monitoring device comprising: Communication circuits; processor; as well as A memory configured to store instructions, wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to: Images of the winding core, including the positive electrode, the diaphragm, and the negative electrode, are acquired via the communication circuit. Detect the starting points of the positive and negative electrodes from the image; and The amount of the positive and negative electrodes included in the core is calculated based on the starting point.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to: Calculate the first winding length of the positive electrode extending from the starting point of the positive electrode; Calculate the second winding length of the negative electrode extending from its starting point; and The amount of the positive electrode and the negative electrode applied is calculated based on the first winding length and the second winding length.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to: Identify the regions between contours extending from each of the starting points included in the image; as well as Extract the thickness information of the region; Based on the thickness information, the region is determined to be the positive electrode or the negative electrode; The starting point of the region to be identified as the positive electrode is determined as the starting point of the positive electrode; as well as The starting point of the region to be identified as the negative electrode is determined as the starting point of the negative electrode.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to: The region with a relatively large average thickness in the specified area is identified as the negative electrode; and The region with a relatively small average thickness is identified as the positive electrode.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to compare the starting point of the positive electrode with the starting point of the negative electrode and determine whether the positive and negative electrodes are reversed.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instructions allow the monitoring device to detect the starting point by inputting the image into a pre-trained artificial intelligence model to detect the starting point of the positive electrode and the starting point of the negative electrode based on a reference image of a reference core.

7. A method for operating a monitoring device, the method comprising: The operation of acquiring images of the winding core, including the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode; The operation of detecting the starting points of the positive and negative electrodes from the image; as well as The operation of calculating the amount of the positive and negative electrodes included in the core based on the starting point.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The calculation of the delivery volume includes: The operation of calculating the first winding length of the positive electrode extending from the starting point of the positive electrode; The operation of calculating the second winding length of the negative electrode extending from the starting point of the negative electrode; and The operation of calculating the amount of the positive electrode and the negative electrode to be applied based on the first winding length and the second winding length.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The calculation of the starting points for the positive and negative electrodes includes: The operation of identifying regions between contours extending from each of the starting points in the image; The operation of extracting the thickness information of the region; The operation of determining whether the region is the positive electrode or the negative electrode based on the thickness information; The operation of determining the starting point of the region identified as the positive electrode as the starting point of the positive electrode; and The operation of determining the starting point of the region that is identified as the negative electrode as the starting point of the negative electrode.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The operation of determining whether the region is the positive electrode or the negative electrode includes: The operation of identifying the region with a relatively large average thickness as the negative electrode; and The operation of identifying the region with a relatively small average thickness as the positive electrode.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising comparing the starting point of the positive electrode with the starting point of the negative electrode and determining whether the positive electrode and the negative electrode are reversed.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Detecting the starting point includes the operation of detecting the starting point by inputting the image into a pre-trained artificial intelligence model to detect the starting points of the positive and negative electrodes based on a reference image of a reference core.

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