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

Abstract

The information terminal acquires a plurality of abnormal state items indicating a state item in which an abnormal value has been detected, from among a plurality of state items indicating a plurality of states of the plurality of batteries, and if a selection of one abnormal state item of one battery from among the plurality of acquired abnormal state items is accepted, determines that an abnormal value has been detected. A related state item indicating a state item related to the selected one abnormal state item among a plurality of state items of the one battery is acquired, and an operation history of the acquired related state item is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for displaying the operational history of a battery that has detected outliers. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following: based on the battery's operating history and model diagnosis of abnormally deteriorated batteries, the coefficients of items that deviate from the constraints are highlighted.

[0003] There are multiple types of errors in batteries, so managers need to identify not only the items that are deemed abnormal, but also other items related to that item.

[0004] However, the aforementioned prior art only highlighted items that were deemed abnormal, which requires further improvement.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169161 Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that supports the user's judgment of what kind of error has occurred in the battery.

[0009] The information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method in a computer. In the information processing method, multiple abnormal state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries and state items representing detected abnormal values ​​are obtained. When a selection of an abnormal state item of a battery is received from the multiple abnormal state items, an associated state item representing a state item associated with the selected abnormal state item is obtained from the multiple state items of the battery, and the action history of the obtained associated state item is displayed.

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to support the user's judgment on what kind of error has occurred in the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the battery management system in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the battery management system in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormal status item display screen that shows multiple abnormal status items at a glance in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of an abnormal status item display screen that displays multiple abnormal status items in a single view in a variation of Example 1 of this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of an abnormal status item display screen that displays multiple abnormal status items in a single view in a variation of Example 2 of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen showing the action history of associated status items in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of extracting associated status items of a server in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an associated status item table pre-stored in memory in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the server's anomaly assignment process in Variation 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the first method of assigning anomaly degree in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the second method for assigning anomalies in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate the degree of abnormality of multiple state items assigned to a battery in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the server's associated status item extraction process in Variation 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the table update process of the server in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the updating of the associated status item table in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the server's associated status item extraction process in Variation 4 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction error table in Variation 4 of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the server's associated status item extraction process in Variation 5 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 5 of this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 5 of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in Variation 5 of this embodiment, in which the values ​​of the associated status items of one battery and the associated status items of other batteries are displayed.

[0033] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the error information assignment process of the server in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the server's associated status item extraction process in Variation 6 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation of this embodiment, 6. Detailed Implementation

[0036] (The understanding that forms the basis of this disclosure)

[0037] As mentioned above, in previous technologies, only items deemed abnormal were highlighted. Therefore, it was difficult to support managers' judgments regarding the types of errors occurring in the battery, and difficult to provide support for enabling managers to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of errors occurring in the battery.

[0038] To address the above issues, the following technology has been disclosed.

[0039] (1) The information processing method involved in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer. In the information processing method, a plurality of abnormal state items representing a state item that indicates an abnormal value is obtained from a plurality of state items representing a plurality of states of a plurality of batteries. When a selection of an abnormal state item of a battery from the plurality of obtained abnormal state items is received, an associated state item representing a state item associated with the selected abnormal state item from the plurality of state items of the battery is obtained, and the action history of the obtained associated state item is displayed.

[0040] According to this structure, not only is the action history of an abnormal state item among multiple state items of a battery, which was found to have an outlier, displayed, but the action history of associated state items related to an abnormal state item is also displayed.

[0041] Therefore, by observing not only the action history of an abnormal state item, but also the action history of associated state items related to an abnormal state item, users can determine what kind of error has occurred in the battery, thus supporting users' judgment on what kind of error has occurred in the battery.

[0042] Furthermore, conventional technologies only emphasize displaying the action history of abnormal state items. In conventional technologies, to determine what kind of error occurred in the battery and display the action history of associated state items, it is necessary to display the action history of all state items for a battery. From this, the user selects the state items associated with the abnormal state item, determines the state items to display based on that selection, and then displays the action history of those state items again. In contrast, the structure described above displays not only the action history of abnormal state items but also the action history of their corresponding associated state items. Therefore, the processing sequence can be omitted in the above structure. Thus, by omitting the processing sequence, computer resources are reduced.

[0043] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, it is also possible to further obtain the action history of the plurality of state items of the battery, display the obtained action history of the plurality of state items in the display of the action history, and display the obtained action history of the associated state item in a manner different from the action history of other state items besides the associated state item.

[0044] According to this structure, the action history of multiple state items of a battery is displayed, and the action history of the associated state items is displayed in a different way than the action history of other state items except for the associated state items. Therefore, the user can easily investigate the associated state items needed to make a judgment about an error in the battery from the multiple state items of a battery that are displayed.

[0045] (3) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, it is also possible to obtain the associated status item by pre-establishing a table corresponding to the multiple abnormal status items and the associated status items, extracting the associated status item corresponding to the selected abnormal status item, and obtaining the extracted associated status item.

[0046] Based on this structure, since the associated state items corresponding to an abnormal state item are extracted from the table, it is easy to determine the associated state items associated with an abnormal state item.

[0047] (4) In the information processing method described in (3) above, it is also possible to further update the table when a change is received that corresponds to the associated status item of the abnormal status item, so that the current associated status item is changed to the new associated status item.

[0048] Based on this structure, it is possible to delete unnecessary associated state entries from the table when judging errors generated in the battery, and to add necessary associated state entries to the table.

[0049] (5) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4) above, it is also possible that, in the acquisition of the associated state item, if there are other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as the associated state item, and the extracted associated state item is obtained.

[0050] According to this structure, when there are other abnormal state items that are different from an abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as associated state items, and the extracted associated state items are obtained.

[0051] Therefore, by displaying the action history of other abnormal status items that are different from one abnormal status item, users can confirm other abnormal status items that have detected abnormal values ​​and more accurately determine what kind of error has occurred in the battery.

[0052] (6) In the information processing method described in (5) above, the abnormal state item is also associated with an abnormality degree that indicates the degree to which the action history exceeds the threshold. In the acquisition of the associated state item, if there are multiple other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the multiple other abnormal state items are extracted as multiple associated state items based on the abnormality degree that is established with the multiple other abnormal state items respectively, and the extracted multiple associated state items are obtained.

[0053] According to this structure, anomaly status items are associated with anomaly scores representing the degree to which the action history exceeds a threshold. When multiple other anomalous status items exist among the multiple status items of a battery, differing from a single anomalous status item, the multiple other anomalous status items are extracted as multiple associated status items based on the anomaly scores established for each of these multiple anomalous status items, thus obtaining the extracted multiple associated status items.

[0054] Therefore, for example, by extracting other abnormal state items with higher abnormality as associated state items, instead of extracting other abnormal state items with lower abnormality as associated state items, it is possible to reduce the number of associated state items required to determine errors generated in the battery.

[0055] (7) In the information processing method described in (6) above, the action history of each of the multiple associated state items can be displayed in different ways according to the abnormality degree established with respect to the multiple other abnormal state items.

[0056] According to this structure, anomalies are established for each of the associated abnormal state items, and the action history of each associated state item is displayed in a manner different from the others. Therefore, for example, by displaying the action history of other abnormal state items with higher anomalies more prominently than those with lower anomalies, users can easily identify other abnormal state items with higher anomalies, supporting user judgment on the type of error that occurred in the battery.

[0057] (8) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4) above, it may also be that, in the acquisition of the associated state item, if there are other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as associated state items, and based on the combination of the one abnormal state item and the other abnormal state items, the error generated in the battery is predicted, the extracted associated state item and the error item representing the predicted error are obtained, and in the display of the action history, the action history of the associated state item and the error item are displayed.

[0058] Based on this structure, errors occurring in a battery are predicted based on a combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items. The predicted error item is then displayed along with the action history of the associated state items. Therefore, this allows users to quickly determine what kind of error occurred in the battery.

[0059] (9) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4) above, in the acquisition of the associated state item, it is further possible to determine other batteries among the plurality of batteries that are similar to the one battery, acquire the action history of the state item that is the same as the associated state item among the plurality of state items of the determined other batteries, and display the action history of the associated state item in the display of the action history, and display the action history of the state item of the other battery that is the same as the associated state item of the one battery.

[0060] Based on this structure, other batteries similar to a given battery are identified, and the action history of the associated state items of the given battery is displayed. Furthermore, the action history of the state items of other batteries with the same associated state items as the given battery is also displayed. Therefore, since the action history of the associated state items of a given battery and the action history of the state items of other batteries with the same associated state items are presented to the user in a comparative manner, it is possible to support the user's judgment regarding the type of error that has occurred in the battery.

[0061] (10) In the information processing method described in (9) above, it is also possible that, in determining the other batteries, the batteries having the same abnormal state items as the one battery, the batteries of the same type as the one battery, the batteries mounted on the same type of device as the device mounted on the one battery, or the batteries used in an environment similar to the one battery are determined as the other batteries.

[0062] According to this structure, since batteries with the same abnormal state items as a battery, batteries of the same type as a battery, batteries mounted in devices of the same type as devices mounted with a battery, or batteries used in environments similar to a battery are identified as other batteries, it is easy to identify other batteries similar to a battery.

[0063] (11) In the information processing method described in (9) above, it is also possible that, in the acquisition of the associated state items, if there are other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the one battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as associated state items, and based on the combination of the one abnormal state item and the other abnormal state items, the error generated in the one battery is predicted, and the battery among the multiple batteries that has generated the same error as the predicted error in the past is identified as the other battery.

[0064] According to this structure, since a battery that has produced the same error as the one produced in a battery in the past is identified as another battery similar to the one produced in a battery, it is easy to identify other batteries similar to the one produced in a battery.

[0065] (12) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (4) above, it may also be that, in the acquisition of the associated state items, a table corresponding to the multiple abnormal state items and the associated state items is pre-established, the associated state item corresponding to the selected one abnormal state item is extracted, the feature quantity is calculated based on the action history of the associated state item, the action history of the multiple state items of each of the multiple batteries in the past is used as a dataset and clustering is performed, the clustering result is mapped on a two-dimensional space and a mapping image is created to draw the feature quantity on the two-dimensional space, the extracted associated state item and the created mapping image are obtained, and the action history of the associated state item and the mapping image are displayed in the display of the action history.

[0066] Based on this structure, feature quantities are calculated based on the action history of associated state items. The action history of multiple past state items for each of the multiple batteries is used as a dataset and clustering is performed. Furthermore, the clustering results are mapped onto a two-dimensional space, creating a mapping image that plots the feature quantities in two-dimensional space. Finally, the action history of associated state items and the mapping image are displayed.

[0067] Therefore, by identifying the locations of multiple clusters in the mapped image that classify the action history of multiple past state items of multiple batteries, and the locations of feature quantities calculated based on the action history of associated state items, users can predict errors that occur in a battery.

[0068] Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented not only as an information processing method that performs the aforementioned characteristic processing, but also as an information processing apparatus having a characteristic structure corresponding to the characteristic processing performed by the information processing method. Alternatively, it can be implemented as a computer program that enables a computer to execute the characteristic processing included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the following other methods can also achieve the same effect as the information processing method described above.

[0069] (13) The information processing apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a first acquisition unit, which acquires a plurality of abnormal state items representing a state item that detects an abnormal value from among a plurality of state items representing a plurality of states of a plurality of batteries; a second acquisition unit, which, upon receiving a selection of an abnormal state item of a battery from among the acquired plurality of abnormal state items, acquires an associated state item representing a state item associated with the selected abnormal state item from among the plurality of state items of the battery; and a display unit, which displays the operation history of the acquired associated state item.

[0070] (14) The information processing program involved in other aspects of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: acquire multiple abnormal state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries, among which a state item representing a detected abnormal value is acquired; when a selection of an abnormal state item of a battery among the acquired multiple abnormal state items is received, acquire an associated state item representing a state item associated with the selected abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, and display the action history of the acquired associated state item.

[0071] (15) The computer-readable recording medium involved in other aspects of this disclosure records an information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following functions: acquire multiple abnormal state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries, including a state item representing a detected abnormal value; when receiving a selection of an abnormal state item of a battery among the acquired multiple abnormal state items, acquire an associated state item representing a state item associated with the selected abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, and display the action history of the acquired associated state item.

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below represent specific examples of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, structural elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Additionally, structural elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary structural elements. Furthermore, the various contents can be combined in all embodiments.

[0073] (Implementation Method)

[0074] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the battery management system in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0075] Figure 1 The battery management system shown has multiple batteries 1, a server 2, and an information terminal 3.

[0076] Battery 1 comprises multiple secondary batteries that store electricity through charging and supply electricity through discharging. These secondary batteries are, for example, lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Battery 1 is a battery pack composed of multiple individual battery cells. Battery 1 serves as a power source in various devices. For example, battery 1 is installed in electric vehicles and other electrically powered vehicles.

[0077] Furthermore, battery 1 is not limited to vehicle batteries installed in electric vehicles, but can also be stationary batteries, fuel cells, or solar cells used in energy management projects, etc.

[0078] Battery 1 includes: a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a measurement unit 14.

[0079] The measurement unit 14 measures multiple state parameters of the battery 1. For example, the measurement unit 14 measures multiple state parameters such as FET (Field Effect Transistor) temperature, individual cell temperature, battery pack temperature, ambient temperature, individual cell current, individual cell voltage, battery pack current, battery pack voltage, battery pack resistance, number of charge cycles, cumulative charge, cumulative discharge, battery pack full charge, and SOC (State of Charge). The measurement unit 14 stores the measured values ​​of these multiple state parameters in the memory 13. Furthermore, the multiple state parameters are not particularly limited; they may simply be battery temperature, battery current, or battery voltage. Alternatively, they may include the usage time of the battery 1 or the travel distance of an electric vehicle equipped with the battery 1. Additionally, if the battery 1 is a fuel cell or a solar cell, the battery pack current, battery pack voltage, and number of charge cycles may also be the output current, output voltage, and number of output cycles.

[0080] The memory 13 is, for example, a storage device capable of storing various information, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The memory 13 stores the operation history of multiple state items measured by the measurement unit 14.

[0081] The control unit 12, for example, is a central processing unit (CPU). It reads the operation history of multiple status items from the memory 13 and creates battery log information, which includes the battery ID used to identify battery 1 and the operation history of the read multiple status items. The control unit 12 outputs the created battery log information to the communication unit 11.

[0082] Communication unit 11 sends battery log information of battery 1 to server 2. The battery log information includes the battery ID of battery 1 and the action history of multiple status items of battery 1. Communication unit 11 sends the battery log information to server 2 periodically. For example, communication unit 11 may also send battery log information containing the action history of multiple status items measured within 1 minute to server 2 every 1 minute.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14. However, this disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and a device equipped with the battery 1 may also include a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14.

[0084] Server 2 is communicatively connected to multiple batteries 1 and information terminals 3 via network 4. Network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0085] Server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a memory 23.

[0086] The communication unit 21 receives battery log information sent by battery 1. The communication unit 21 outputs the received battery log information to the control unit 22.

[0087] The memory 23 is a storage device capable of storing various information, such as RAM, SSD, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or flash memory. The memory 23 stores battery log information. The memory 23 establishes a mapping between the action history of multiple status items and the battery ID and stores it. The memory 23 stores the action history of multiple status items for each of the multiple batteries 1.

[0088] Additionally, memory 23 stores a pre-established table of associated state items, which represents state items indicating detected outliers, and associated state items representing state items associated with the outlier state items. Outliers are values ​​exceeding a threshold. The threshold varies depending on the state item.

[0089] The communication unit 21 sends to the information terminal 3 a number of abnormal status items among the multiple status items representing multiple states of multiple batteries 1, including the status item representing the detection of an abnormal value.

[0090] Additionally, the communication unit 21 receives a data request sent by the information terminal 3. The data request contains an abnormal status item for a battery selected by the user.

[0091] The control unit 22 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 22 stores the battery log information received by the communication unit 21 in the memory 23. The control unit 22 extracts, from among multiple status items of a battery included in a data request received by the communication unit 21, an associated status item representing a status item associated with an abnormal status item included in the data request. The control unit 22 extracts an associated status item corresponding to a selected abnormal status item from a pre-established associated status item table that maps multiple abnormal status items to associated status items.

[0092] The communication unit 21 sends the associated status items extracted by the control unit 22 to the information terminal 3. Additionally, the communication unit 21 sends to the information terminal 3 the complete operation history of multiple status items for a battery contained in the data request received by the communication unit 21.

[0093] In addition, when the control unit 22 receives a change to the associated status item corresponding to the abnormal status item, it updates the associated status item table stored in the memory 23, so that the current associated status item is changed to the new associated status item.

[0094] The information terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer, and is used by an administrator who manages multiple batteries 1.

[0095] The information terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a memory 33, and a display unit 34.

[0096] The communication unit 31 receives multiple abnormal status items sent by the server 2. That is, the communication unit 31 acquires multiple abnormal status items that represent the detected abnormal values ​​among the multiple status items representing multiple states of multiple batteries 1.

[0097] The control unit 32 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 to display a list of multiple abnormal status items received by the communication unit 31.

[0098] Display unit 34, for example, is a touch panel, which displays a list of multiple abnormal status items received by communication unit 31. At this time, display unit 34 is affected by the user's selection of one abnormal status item for a battery from among the multiple abnormal status items received by communication unit 31.

[0099] Communication unit 31 sends a data request to server 2 for requesting an associated status item related to an abnormal status item of a selected battery. Additionally, communication unit 31 receives the associated status item sent by server 2. That is, when communication unit 31 receives a selection of an abnormal status item for a battery from among multiple acquired abnormal status items, it acquires the associated status item representing the status item associated with the selected abnormal status item from among the multiple status items of a battery. Furthermore, communication unit 31 receives the complete action history of the multiple status items of a battery sent by server 2. That is, communication unit 31 acquires the action history of the multiple status items of a battery.

[0100] The memory 33 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as RAM, SSD, HDD, or flash memory. The memory 33 stores the operation history of multiple state items of a battery received by the communication unit 31.

[0101] The control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 to display the associated status items received by the communication unit 31. The display unit 34 displays the operation history of the acquired associated status items. Here, the display unit 34 displays the operation history of multiple status items of a battery, and displays the operation history of the acquired associated status items in a different manner than the operation history of other status items.

[0102] Furthermore, the battery management system in this embodiment includes multiple batteries 1, a server 2, and an information terminal 3. However, this disclosure is not particularly limited to this; the battery management system may also have multiple batteries 1 and an information terminal 3 without a server 2. In this case, the information terminal 3 has the functions of the server 2.

[0103] Next, the operation of the battery management system in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0104] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the battery management system in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0105] First, in step S11, the control unit 12 of battery 1 creates battery log information that includes the battery ID and the action history of multiple status items.

[0106] Next, in step S12, the communication unit 11 of battery 1 sends the battery log information of battery 1 created by the control unit 12 to the server 2. The battery management system has multiple batteries 1. Therefore, each of the multiple batteries 1 sends its own battery log information to the server 2.

[0107] Next, in step S21, the communication unit 21 of server 2 receives battery log information sent by battery 1. The communication unit 21 receives multiple battery log messages sent by multiple batteries 1.

[0108] Next, in step S22, the control unit 22 of server 2 stores the battery log information received by the communication unit 21 in the memory 23. The control unit 22 stores the battery log information of multiple batteries 1 in the memory 23.

[0109] Next, in step S23, the communication unit 21 sends multiple abnormal status items from among the multiple status items that have detected abnormal values ​​to the information terminal 3. At this time, the control unit 22 extracts multiple abnormal status items from among the multiple status items containing abnormal values ​​stored in the battery log information in the memory 23, and outputs the extracted multiple abnormal status items to the communication unit 21. In addition, each of the multiple abnormal status items is associated with a specific battery's abnormal status item.

[0110] Furthermore, the time range for extracting multiple abnormal status items from battery log information can be changed, and can also be changed by the user. For example, if an error occurred in December, it is more likely that data from March is not needed. Therefore, control unit 22 can also extract multiple abnormal status items from battery log information from the most recent October to December.

[0111] Next, in step S31, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 receives multiple abnormal status items sent by the server 2.

[0112] Next, in step S32, the display unit 34 will display a list of multiple abnormal status items received by the communication unit 31.

[0113] Next, in step S33, the display unit 34 receives a selection of one of the battery's abnormal status items from a plurality of abnormal status items received by the communication unit 31, made by the user.

[0114] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormal status item display screen that shows multiple abnormal status items at a glance in this embodiment.

[0115] Display unit 34 displays Figure 3The screen shown displays the abnormal status items. The abnormal status item display contains a bar chart representing the number of abnormal status items that occurred within a given period. The vertical axis represents the number of abnormal status items, and the horizontal axis represents the year, month, and day. The bars are stacked according to color based on the abnormal status items.

[0116] For example, abnormal status items include: group current, cumulative charge, group voltage, cumulative discharge, group temperature, FET temperature, group resistance, group full charge, number of charge cycles, and state of charge (SOC). The horizontal axis of the bar chart displays a color-coded legend to indicate the corresponding abnormal status item. For example, blue corresponds to group current, red to cumulative charge, green to group voltage, and yellow to cumulative discharge.

[0117] The stacked bar charts can be selected. For example, the user moves the pointer 341 on the screen using a mouse (not shown) and clicks on the desired bar chart. Or, for example, if the display 34 is a touch panel, the user touches on the desired bar chart. By selecting one part of the desired bar chart, a battery abnormality item is selected.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 34 displays multiple abnormal status items in a stacked bar chart, but this disclosure is not particularly limited to this. In a variation of this embodiment, the display unit 34 may also display multiple abnormal status items in a pie chart.

[0119] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of an abnormal status item display screen that displays multiple abnormal status items in a single view in a variation of Example 1 of this embodiment.

[0120] Display unit 34 can also display Figure 4 The anomaly status display screen shows the percentage of each anomaly status item relative to the total number of anomaly status items that occurred during a given period. The pie chart is color-coded according to the anomaly status item, representing the proportion of anomaly status items that occurred within the given period.

[0121] For example, abnormal status items include group current, cumulative charge, group voltage, cumulative discharge, group temperature, FET temperature, group resistance, group full charge, number of charge cycles, and state of charge (SOC). A legend is displayed horizontally on the pie chart to indicate the color corresponding to each abnormal status item. For example, blue corresponds to group current, red to cumulative charge, green to group voltage, and yellow to cumulative discharge.

[0122] The donut chart can be selected. For example, the user moves the pointer 341 on the screen using a mouse (not shown) and clicks on the desired donut chart. Or, for example, if the display unit 34 is a touch panel, the user touches the desired donut chart. By selecting one part of the desired donut chart, an abnormal status item of the battery is selected.

[0123] Furthermore, in Variation 1 of this embodiment, multiple abnormal status items are displayed in a pie chart, but multiple abnormal status items can also be displayed in a pie chart.

[0124] In addition, in a modified example 2 of this embodiment, the display unit 34 can also display multiple abnormal status items in a table.

[0125] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of an abnormal status item display screen that displays multiple abnormal status items in a single view in a variation of Example 2 of this embodiment.

[0126] Display unit 34 can also display Figure 5 The screen shown displays the abnormal status items. This screen contains a table that maps the number of abnormal values ​​generated for each of the multiple abnormal status items within a given period to the battery ID. The row labels on the vertical axis represent the battery group ID, the column labels on the horizontal axis represent the abnormal status items, and the value range represents the number of abnormal values ​​generated for each abnormal status item within the given period.

[0127] For example, abnormal status items include group current, cumulative charge, group voltage, cumulative discharge, group temperature, FET temperature, group resistance, group full charge, number of charge cycles, and state of charge (SOC). For instance, for a battery with battery ID "1", the number of abnormal cumulative discharge values ​​generated within a given period is 3; for a battery with battery ID "6", the number of abnormal group current values ​​generated within a given period is 403; and the number of abnormal group full charge values ​​generated within a given period is 145.

[0128] The table can be selected. For example, the user moves the pointer 341 on the screen using a mouse (not shown) and clicks on the desired field in the table. Or, for example, if the display unit 34 is a touch panel, the user touches the desired field in the table. By selecting the desired field, an abnormal status item of the battery is selected.

[0129] Return to Figure 2 Next, in step S34, the communication unit 31 sends a data request to the server 2 to request an associated status item related to an abnormal status item of the selected battery. The data request includes information representing a battery selected by the user (battery ID) and information representing an abnormal status item.

[0130] Next, in step S24, the communication unit 21 of server 2 receives a data request sent by information terminal 3.

[0131] Next, in step S25, the control unit 22 performs an associated status item extraction process. In this process, it extracts associated status items from among the multiple status items of a battery included in the data request received by the communication unit 21, indicating a status item associated with an abnormal status item included in the data request. The associated status item extraction process will be described later.

[0132] Next, in step S26, the communication unit 21 sends to the information terminal 3 the associated status items extracted by the control unit 22 and the complete action history of multiple status items of a battery included in the data request.

[0133] Next, in step S35, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 receives the associated status items and the complete action history of multiple status items of a battery sent by the server 2.

[0134] Next, in step S36, the display unit 34 displays the operation history of the associated status items received by the communication unit 31. Here, the display unit 34 displays the operation history of multiple status items of a battery, and displays the operation history of the associated status items in a different manner than the operation history of other status items besides the associated status items.

[0135] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen showing the action history of associated status items in this embodiment.

[0136] Display unit 34 displays the operation history of multiple state items of a battery, and emphasizes the operation history of related state items among the multiple state items. Figure 6 In the display, group current, group voltage, and cumulative charge amount are associated status items. Other status items include group temperature, cumulative discharge amount, FET temperature, group resistance, group full charge amount, number of charge cycles, and charge state of charge (SOC). The display unit 34 surrounds the operation history of these three associated status items with a frame of a given color, thereby emphasizing the operation history of the associated status items. The given color is, for example, red, and the color of the frame surrounding the operation history of the associated status items is different from the color of the frames surrounding the operation history of the other status items. Alternatively, the display unit 34 may display the frame surrounding the operation history of the associated status items in a thicker shade than the frames surrounding the operation history of the other status items.

[0137] Furthermore, the display unit 34 can also change the order in which the operation history of the associated state items is displayed. For example, the display unit 34 can display the operation history of the associated state items in a priority order over the operation history of other state items. Additionally, the display unit 34 can also change the position where the operation history of the associated state items is displayed. Furthermore, the display unit 34 can also change the size of the operation history of the associated state items. For example, the display unit 34 can display the operation history of the associated state items in a larger size than the operation history of other state items.

[0138] Alternatively, the display unit 34 may display only the operation history of the associated status item. Furthermore, the display unit 34 may make the brightness of the displayed operation history of the associated status item higher than the brightness of the operation history of other status items. Additionally, the display unit 34 may display the operation history of an abnormal status item included in the data request received in step S24, in a manner different from the operation history of other associated status items. Thus, it can be determined which of the multiple associated status items was selected by the user.

[0139] In this way, it not only displays the action history of an abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery that detected an outlier, but also displays the action history of associated state items related to an abnormal state item.

[0140] Therefore, by observing not only the action history of an abnormal state item, but also the action history of associated state items related to an abnormal state item, users who manage multiple batteries 1 can determine what kind of error has occurred in battery 1, thus supporting users' judgment on what kind of error has occurred in battery 1.

[0141] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if user selections or updates to the displayed content are not processed for the purpose of displaying the action history of associated status items, the action history of not only abnormal status items is displayed, but also the action history of the corresponding associated status items. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared with conventional techniques, the processing sequence can be omitted. Thus, by omitting the processing sequence, the effect of reducing computer resources is achieved.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in step S26, the communication unit 21 sends the complete operation history of multiple status items of a battery included in the data request to the information terminal 3, but this disclosure is not particularly limited to this. Alternatively, between steps S22 and S23, or in step S23, the communication unit 21 may send the complete operation history of multiple status items of each of the multiple batteries 1 to the information terminal 3. In this case, in step S26, the communication unit 21 may not send the complete operation history of multiple status items of a battery to the information terminal 3. Additionally, after receiving a selection of an abnormal status item by the user in step S33, the display unit 34 may also display the complete operation history of multiple status items of a battery. Furthermore, after receiving an associated status item in step S35, the display unit 34 may also emphasize the operation history of the associated status item among the displayed multiple status items.

[0143] Next, the process of extracting associated status items of server 2 in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0144] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of extracting associated status items from server 2 in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0145] First, in step S41, the control unit 22 acquires an abnormal status item contained in the data request received by the communication unit 21.

[0146] Next, in step S42, the control unit 22 extracts the associated status item corresponding to an abnormal status item from the associated status item table.

[0147] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an associated status item table pre-stored in memory 23 in this embodiment.

[0148] The associated status item table is a table that establishes a correspondence between multiple abnormal status items and associated status items.

[0149] exist Figure 8 In the diagram, the row labels on the vertical axis represent abnormal status items, and the column labels on the horizontal axis represent associated status items.

[0150] For example, if an abnormal state item is FET temperature, the control unit 22 extracts the FET temperature, individual cell temperature, group temperature, individual cell current, group current, number of charge cycles, and ambient temperature from the associated state item table as associated state items. Furthermore, the associated state items may also include an abnormal state item.

[0151] In addition, the control unit 22 extracts all of the multiple associated state items corresponding to one abnormal state item, but this disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and may also extract a portion of the multiple associated state items corresponding to one abnormal state item. For example, the control unit 22 may also extract one of the temperature-related state items (FET temperature, individual cell temperature, group temperature, and ambient temperature), or one of the current-related state items (individual cell current and group current).

[0152] Return to Figure 7 In step S43, the control unit 22 outputs the associated status items extracted from the associated status item table to the communication unit 21.

[0153] Next, the abnormality assignment processing and associated state item extraction processing of server 2 in variant example 3 of this embodiment will be described. Abnormal state items can also be associated with an abnormality degree indicating the extent to which the action history exceeds a threshold. If the control unit 22 of server 2 has multiple other abnormal state items that differ from a single abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery, it can also extract these multiple other abnormal state items as multiple associated state items based on an abnormality degree corresponding to each of the multiple other abnormal state items. The communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 can also acquire the extracted multiple associated state items.

[0154] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the anomaly degree assignment process of server 2 in Modified Example 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the anomaly degree assignment process can also be performed in... Figure 2 The process can be performed between steps S22 and S23, or it can be done in... Figure 2 The process is performed between steps S23 and S24.

[0155] First, in step S51, the control unit 22 retrieves the action history of a status item from the battery log information stored in the memory 23. At this time, the control unit 22 retrieves the action history of a given period for a status item.

[0156] Next, in step S52, the control unit 22 determines whether the acquired action history exceeds a threshold. Here, if it is determined that the action history does not exceed the threshold (no in step S52), the process proceeds to step S55.

[0157] On the other hand, if it is determined that the action history exceeds the threshold (yes in step S52), in step S53, the control unit 22 assigns an abnormality degree to a status item.

[0158] Furthermore, the method for assigning anomaly values ​​can vary for each state item. Here, the method for assigning anomaly values ​​will be explained.

[0159] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the first method of assigning anomaly degree in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0160] In the first assignment method, it is important whether the action history of the state item exceeds a threshold. If it is determined that the action history exceeds the threshold, the control unit 22 assigns a given degree of abnormality to the state item. For example... Figure 10 As shown, when the peak value of the action history (represented by the solid line) exceeds the threshold value (represented by the dashed line), the control unit 22 assigns a given anomaly level (e.g., +5) to the status item. On the other hand, when the peak value of the action history does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 22 does not assign a given anomaly level to the status item.

[0161] Furthermore, if the peak value of the motion history does not exceed the threshold, the control unit 22 may, for example, assign an anomaly level of 0 to the status item. Alternatively, if an anomaly level of 0 is pre-assigned to the status item, and the peak value of the motion history exceeds the threshold, the control unit 22 may assign a given anomaly level (e.g., +5) to the status item. The threshold value can be preset by the user or set based on the average or variance of the status item's motion history.

[0162] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the second method for assigning anomalies in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0163] In the second assignment method, the extent to which the action history of the state item exceeds a threshold is important. If it is determined that the action history exceeds the threshold, the control unit 22 assigns an anomaly level corresponding to the degree of exceeding the threshold to the state item. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the control unit 22 determines whether the peak value of the motion history (represented by the solid line) exceeds the lowest first threshold (represented by the dashed line). If the peak value of the motion history exceeds the first threshold, the control unit 22 determines whether the peak value of the motion history exceeds a second threshold higher than the first threshold. Here, if the peak value of the motion history does not exceed the second threshold, the control unit 22 assigns a first anomaly level (e.g., +1) to the status item. On the other hand, if the peak value of the motion history exceeds the second threshold, the control unit 22 determines whether the peak value of the motion history exceeds a third threshold higher than the second threshold. Here, if the peak value of the motion history does not exceed the third threshold, the control unit 22 assigns a second anomaly level (e.g., +2) higher than the first anomaly level to the status item. On the other hand, if the peak value of the motion history exceeds the third threshold, the control unit 22 assigns a third anomaly level (e.g., +4) higher than the second anomaly level to the status item. Furthermore, if the peak value of the motion history does not exceed the first threshold, the control unit 22 does not assign the given anomaly level to the status item.

[0164] Furthermore, if the peak value of the motion history does not exceed the first threshold, the control unit 22 may, for example, assign an anomaly level of 0 to the status item. Alternatively, if an anomaly level of 0 is pre-assigned to the status item, and the peak value of the motion history exceeds the first, second, or third threshold, the control unit 22 may assign the first, second, or third anomaly level to the status item. The first, second, and third thresholds can be preset by the user or set based on the average or variance of the status item's motion history.

[0165] Additionally, the control unit 22 can assign an abnormality level based on the period during which the action history exceeds the threshold. For example, if the value of the action history continuously exceeds the second threshold for a given period (e.g., 10 minutes), the control unit 22 can also assign a second abnormality level.

[0166] In addition, the control unit 22 can also add up the abnormality level based on the number of times the action history exceeds the threshold. For example, if an abnormality level of +3 is assigned three times consecutively, the control unit 22 can further add +1 to the abnormality level.

[0167] Return to Figure 9 Next, in step S54, the control unit 22 establishes a correspondence between the status item and the degree of abnormality and stores it in the memory 23.

[0168] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate the degree of abnormality of multiple state items assigned to a battery in Variation 3 of this embodiment.

[0169] like Figure 12 As shown, an anomalousness level is assigned to multiple state items of a battery. For example, an anomalousness level of "3" is assigned to the FET temperature where an anomalous value is detected, an anomalousness level of "3" is assigned to the individual cell temperature where an anomalous value is detected, an anomalousness level of "2" is assigned to the group temperature where an anomalous value is detected, and an anomalousness level of "4" is assigned to the individual cell current where an anomalous value is detected. On the other hand, for example, an anomalousness level of "0" is assigned to the group current, number of charge cycles, and ambient temperature where no anomalous values ​​are detected.

[0170] Return to Figure 9Next, in step S55, the control unit 22 determines whether the action history of all status items contained in the battery log information has been obtained. If it is determined that the action history of all status items has been obtained (yes in step S55), the anomaly assessment process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the action history of not all status items has been obtained (no in step S55), the process returns to step S51, and the control unit 22 retrieves the action history of other status items that have not yet been obtained from the battery log information stored in the memory 23.

[0171] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the associated status item extraction process of server 2 in Variation 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0172] Processing in step S61 and Figure 7 The process of step S41 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0173] Next, in step S62, the control unit 22 determines whether there are any other abnormal state items different from the abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery. Here, if it is determined that there are no other abnormal state items different from the abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery, that is, if only one abnormal state item exists among the multiple state items of a battery (not in step S62), in step S63, the control unit 22 extracts the associated state item corresponding to the abnormal state item from the associated state item table. Furthermore, the processing in step S63 is similar to... Figure 7 The process of step S42 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0174] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are other abnormal state items that are different from one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery (yes in step S62), in step S64, the control unit 22 extracts the other abnormal state items as associated state items.

[0175] At this point, an abnormal state item is associated with an abnormality level, which indicates the degree to which the action history exceeds a threshold. If multiple other abnormal state items exist among the multiple state items of a battery, differing from a single abnormal state item, the control unit 22 can also extract these other abnormal state items as multiple associated state items based on the abnormality levels corresponding to each of the multiple abnormal state items. For example, the control unit 22 can also extract other abnormal state items with an abnormality level not equal to 0 as associated state items. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 22 can also extract other abnormal state items with an abnormality level above a threshold as associated state items.

[0176] Next, in step S65, the control unit 22 outputs the associated status items extracted from the associated status item table or the associated status items that are other abnormal status items to the communication unit 21.

[0177] In addition, the display unit 34 can also establish corresponding abnormality degrees with multiple other abnormal state items, and display the action history of each of the multiple related state items in different ways.

[0178] In addition, if there are multiple other abnormal state items that are different from one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery, the control unit 22 can also extract the multiple other abnormal state items as multiple associated state items, and further extract the associated state items corresponding to one abnormal state item from the associated state item table.

[0179] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 3 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0180] The display unit 34 can also display the action history of the associated state items differently based on the degree of anomalousness of the associated state items. For example, the display unit 34 can display the action history of the associated state items in descending order of anomalousness. For example, the display unit 34 can also use different colors for the borders surrounding the action history of the associated state items based on the degree of anomalousness of the associated state items. For example, the display unit 34 can also use different thicknesses for the borders surrounding the action history of the associated state items based on the degree of anomalousness of the associated state items. The display unit 34 can also use different sizes for the displayed action history of the associated state items based on the degree of anomalousness of the associated state items.

[0181] exist Figure 14 In the data structure, group current, group temperature, group voltage, and FET temperature are associated status items. The anomaly level of group current is 4, group temperature is 4, group voltage is 2, and FET temperature is 1. Additionally, group resistance, group full charge, and number of charge cycles are other status items.

[0182] like Figure 14 As shown, the action history of the associated state item with the highest anomaly is surrounded by a red box, the action history of the associated state item with the second highest anomaly is surrounded by a blue box, and the action history of the associated state item with the third highest anomaly is surrounded by a yellow box. Furthermore, the action history of the associated state item with the highest anomaly is shown to be longer than that of the associated state item with the second highest anomaly, and the action history of the associated state item with the second highest anomaly is shown to be longer than that of the associated state item with the third highest anomaly.

[0183] Next, the table update process in this embodiment will be explained.

[0184] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the table update process of server 2 in embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the table update process is... Figure 2 This is performed after step S26.

[0185] First, in step S71, the control unit 22 determines whether table update information for updating the associated status item table has been received. The user can also check the action history of the associated status items displayed on the display unit 34 of the information terminal 3 to determine whether the associated status item for an abnormal status item is correct. Furthermore, the display unit 34 can also accept changes to the associated status items made by the user. The display unit 34 accepts user input for the status item to be changed and the changed status item among the displayed associated status items. The communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 sends table update information containing the status item to be changed and the changed status item to the server 2.

[0186] Here, if it is determined that no table update information has been received (no in step S71), the process of step S71 is repeated until table update information is received.

[0187] On the other hand, if it is determined that table update information has been received (yes in step S71), in step S72, the control unit 22 acquires the table update information received by the communication unit 21.

[0188] Next, in step S73, the control unit 22 updates the associated status item table stored in the memory 23 based on the status items of the changed objects and the changed status items contained in the table update information. The control unit 22 changes the status items of the changed objects in the associated status item table stored in the memory 23 to the changed status items. In addition, the control unit 22 can not only rewrite the status items contained in the associated status items, but also delete or add the status items contained in the associated status items.

[0189] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the updating of the associated status item table in this embodiment.

[0190] like Figure 16As shown, in the previous associated status item table, abnormal status items such as FET temperature were associated with associated status items such as FET temperature, individual cell temperature, group temperature, individual cell current, group current, charge cycles, and ambient temperature. Conversely, in the updated associated status item table, abnormal status items such as FET temperature are associated with associated status items such as FET temperature, individual cell temperature, group temperature, individual cell current, group current, block temperature, and ambient temperature. In this case, for FET temperature, since block temperature is more important than charge cycles, the charge cycles in the associated status item table are changed to block temperature.

[0191] In this way, user feedback on the displayed associated status items is received and reflected in the associated status item table, thereby enabling the display of the action history of the associated status items through an abnormal status item.

[0192] Furthermore, a mapping can be established between status items contained in the associated status items table and weight values. The control unit 22 can also extract associated status items based on the weight values ​​corresponding to the status items. Additionally, the control unit 22 can modify the extracted associated status items by decreasing the weight value of the status item in the associated status item table that represents the change and increasing the weight value of the changed status item.

[0193] Next, the associated state item extraction process of server 2 in variant example 4 of this embodiment will be described. When there are other abnormal state items different from an abnormal state item among the multiple state items of a battery, the control unit 22 of server 2 can also extract the other abnormal state items as associated state items. Furthermore, the control unit 22 can also predict errors occurring in a battery based on the combination of an abnormal state item and other abnormal state items.

[0194] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the associated status item extraction process of server 2 in Variation 4 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0195] Processing in steps S81 to S84 Figure 13 The processes in steps S61 to S64 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0196] Next, in step S85, the control unit 22 determines whether error prediction can be performed based on a combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items. The memory 23 pre-stores a prediction error table that establishes a correspondence between combinations of multiple abnormal state items and error items representing errors predicted based on combinations of multiple abnormal state items. The control unit 22 refers to the prediction error table pre-stored in the memory 23 to determine whether there exists an error corresponding to a combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items. If an error corresponding to a combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items exists, the control unit 22 determines that error prediction can be performed. Conversely, if no error corresponding to a combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items exists, the control unit 22 determines that error prediction cannot be performed.

[0197] Here, if it is determined that an error cannot be predicted based on the combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items (no in step S85), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0198] On the other hand, if it is determined that an error can be predicted based on the combination of an abnormal state item and other abnormal state items (yes in step S85), in step S86, the control unit 22 predicts the error generated in a battery.

[0199] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction error table in Variation 4 of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] like Figure 18 As shown, the prediction error table establishes a correspondence between combinations of multiple abnormal state items and predicted error items. For example, a combination of two abnormal state items, such as cell temperature and cell current, is corresponded to a battery error item such as "cell error XX".

[0201] The control unit 22 refers to the prediction error table pre-stored in the memory 23 and extracts the corresponding error based on the combination of an abnormal state item and other abnormal state items.

[0202] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 extracts an error corresponding to a combination of an abnormal state item and other abnormal state items from a prediction error table pre-stored in the memory 23, thereby predicting errors generated in a battery. However, this disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The control unit 22 may also input an abnormal state item and other abnormal state items into a prediction model to predict errors generated in a battery. When multiple abnormal state items are input, the prediction model outputs an error prediction result. The prediction model is created through pre-processing machine learning.

[0203] Return to Figure 17 Next, in step S87, the control unit 22 outputs the extracted associated status items and error items indicating the predicted errors to the communication unit 21.

[0204] Furthermore, the processing in step S88 and Figure 7 The process of step S43 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0205] The communication unit 21 of server 2 sends the associated status items and error items output from control unit 22 to information terminal 3. The communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 receives the associated status items and error items sent by server 2. That is, the communication unit 31 acquires the extracted associated status items and the error items indicating the predicted errors. The display unit 34 displays the action history of the associated status items and the predicted error items.

[0206] Next, the process of extracting associated status items from server 2 in variation 5 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 22 of server 2 can also identify other batteries similar to one of the plurality of batteries 1, and obtain the operation history of the status items that are identical to the associated status items among the plurality of status items of the identified other batteries. The display unit 34 of information terminal 3 can also display the operation history of the associated status items, and display the operation history of the status items of other batteries that are identical to the associated status items of one battery.

[0207] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the associated status item extraction process of server 2 in Variation 5 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0208] The processing of steps S91 and S92 Figure 7 The processes in steps S41 and S42 shown are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0209] Next, in step S93, the control unit 22 of server 2 determines whether similar conditions for identifying other batteries similar to one battery are set. These similar conditions are input by the user. If it is determined that no similar conditions are set (no in step S93), the process proceeds to step S97.

[0210] On the other hand, if it is determined that similar conditions are set (yes in step S93), in step S94, the control unit 22 determines other batteries among the plurality of batteries 1 that meet similar conditions. Here, similar conditions are: having the same abnormal state items as a battery, being the same type as a battery, being mounted on a device of the same type as a device that mounts a battery, or being used in an environment similar to that of a battery.

[0211] When a battery exhibits the same abnormal condition as another battery, the control unit 22 identifies the battery as another battery. Similarly, when a battery is of the same type as another battery, the control unit 22 identifies the battery of the same type as another battery. Furthermore, "battery of the same type as another battery" may refer to a battery from the same manufacturer or with the same product number as another battery.

[0212] In cases where the device is of the same type as a device that has one battery, the control unit 22 will identify the battery in the device of the same type as the device that has one battery as another battery.

[0213] When used under similar conditions to a battery in an environment similar to that of a battery, the control unit 22 will identify the battery used in such an environment as another battery. Furthermore, "used in an environment similar to that of a battery" can mean, for example, a battery used in the same area as a battery, or a battery used for the same period of time as a battery.

[0214] In addition, one or more similar conditions can be set. If multiple similar conditions are set, other batteries that meet all of the similar conditions are identified.

[0215] Furthermore, when an abnormality level is assigned to a status item, a similar condition could be an abnormal status item with the same abnormality level as a battery. In the case of an abnormal status item with the same abnormality level as a battery, the control unit 22 can also identify a battery with the same abnormality level as a battery as another battery.

[0216] Next, in step S95, the control unit 22 acquires the operation history of the state item that is the same as the associated state item among the multiple state items of the other determined batteries.

[0217] Next, in step S96, the control unit 22 outputs the extracted associated status items and the operation history of other battery status items to the communication unit 21.

[0218] Furthermore, the processing in step S97 and Figure 7 The process of step S43 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0219] The communication unit 21 of server 2 sends the associated status items and the operation history of other battery status items output from control unit 22 to information terminal 3. The communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 receives the associated status items and the operation history of other battery status items sent by server 2. That is, the communication unit 31 acquires the operation history of the extracted associated status items and the status items of other determined batteries that are the same as the associated status items. The display unit 34 displays the operation history of the associated status items of one battery and displays the operation history of the status items of other batteries that are the same as the associated status items of one battery.

[0220] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 5 of this embodiment.

[0221] Display unit 34 displays the operation history of the associated status items of one battery, and also displays the operation history of the status items of other batteries that have the same associated status items as one battery. Figure 20 In this context, FET temperature, group temperature, number of charge cycles, and group current are associated status items. Other batteries similar to battery ID "12" are identified, such as battery ID "28".

[0222] In this way, other batteries similar to the first battery are identified, and the action history of the associated state items of the first battery is displayed, along with the action history of the state items of the other batteries that have the same associated state items. Therefore, by comparing and presenting the action history of the associated state items of the first battery with the action history of the state items of the other batteries that have the same associated state items, the user can determine what kind of error has occurred in the battery. Furthermore, among similar batteries, the user can also determine whether the same error has occurred as the first battery, or predict the likelihood of the same error occurring.

[0223] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation 5 of this embodiment.

[0224] like Figure 21 As shown, the display unit 34 can also display the abnormality 342 of the associated status item of a battery and the abnormality 343 of the associated status item of other batteries in a table format.

[0225] Figure 22This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the values ​​of the associated status items of one battery and the associated status items of other batteries in a variation 5 of this embodiment.

[0226] Display unit 34 can also display a mapping image 344 that maps the values ​​of the associated status items of one battery and the values ​​of the associated status items of other batteries onto two-dimensional coordinates.

[0227] exist Figure 22 In the mapped image 344, the individual cell temperature values ​​are mapped onto a two-dimensional coordinate system. Hollow dots represent the individual cell temperature values ​​of a selected battery, while solid dots represent the individual cell temperature values ​​of multiple other batteries similar to a single battery.

[0228] In this way, by mapping the values ​​of the associated status items of one battery to the values ​​of the associated status items of other batteries on a two-dimensional coordinate system, it is possible to compare the values ​​of the associated status items of one battery with the values ​​of the associated status items of other batteries. Based on the comparison results, it is possible to determine whether the value of the associated status item of one battery is an outlier.

[0229] Furthermore, in Variation 5 of this embodiment, if there are other abnormal state items among the multiple state items of a battery that are different from one abnormal state item, the control unit 22 can also extract the other abnormal state items as associated state items. Furthermore, the control unit 22 can also predict the error generated in a battery based on the combination of one abnormal state item and other abnormal state items. Moreover, the control unit 22 can also identify batteries among the multiple batteries 1 that have previously generated errors identical to the predicted error as other batteries. That is, when an error generated in a battery is predicted, a similar condition could be that an error identical to the predicted error of a battery was generated in the past. If a similar condition is that an error identical to the predicted error of a battery was generated in the past, the control unit 22 can also identify batteries that have previously generated errors identical to the predicted error as other batteries.

[0230] In addition, if the user determines that an error has occurred in battery 1, the abnormal status item is mapped to the determined error and stored, thereby enabling the identification of other batteries that have previously produced the same error as the predicted error of one battery.

[0231] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the error message assignment process of server 2 in embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the error message assignment process is... Figure 2 This is performed after step S26.

[0232] First, in step S101, the control unit 22 determines whether it has received error input information to determine what kind of error occurred in a battery. The user can also check the operation history of the associated status items displayed on the display unit 34 of the information terminal 3 to determine what kind of error occurred in a battery. Furthermore, the display unit 34 can also accept user input regarding the error that occurred in a battery. The communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 sends error input information containing the error entered by the user to the server 2.

[0233] Furthermore, there are situations where the user cannot determine what kind of error has occurred in a battery, and it is not limited to the user having to identify the error. Even when the user is unaware of the type of error in a battery, the display unit 34 can also accept user input indicating that an error in a battery has not been identified. The communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 can also send error input information to the server 2, including information indicating that an error has not been identified and whether further confirmation is needed.

[0234] Here, if it is determined that no erroneous input information has been received (no in step S101), the process of step S101 is repeated until erroneous input information is received.

[0235] On the other hand, if it is determined that erroneous input information has been received (yes in step S101), in step S102, the control unit 22 determines whether an error has been identified.

[0236] Here, if it is determined that an error has been identified (yes in step S102), in step S103, the control unit 22 assigns an error resolution completion flag to the abnormal status item.

[0237] Next, in step S104, the control unit 22 establishes a correspondence between the error information indicating what kind of error occurred and the action history of the abnormal state item, and stores it in the memory 23. Furthermore, the control unit 22 may also establish a correspondence between the error information and the abnormality level of the abnormal state item, and store it in the memory 23.

[0238] On the other hand, if it is determined that no error has been identified (No in step S102), in step S105, the control unit 22 determines whether it is necessary to continue confirming the abnormal status item. If the information indicating that further confirmation is needed is included in the error input information, the control unit 22 determines that it is necessary to continue confirming the abnormal status item.

[0239] Here, if it is determined that there is no need to continue confirming the abnormal status items (No in step S105), the process ends.

[0240] On the other hand, if it is determined that further confirmation of the abnormal status item is needed (yes in step S105), in step S106, the control unit 22 assigns an unresolved error flag to the abnormal status item. Furthermore, when multiple abnormal status items are displayed at a glance, the control unit 32 of the information terminal 3 can also determine whether each of the multiple abnormal status items has been assigned either an error resolved flag or an unresolved error flag. The control unit 32 can also display multiple abnormal status items at a glance, enabling it to identify whether an error has been determined.

[0241] Furthermore, since the error information is associated with the action history of the abnormal state item and stored in memory 23, it is possible to identify batteries that have produced the same error as the predicted error in the past as other batteries.

[0242] Next, the process of extracting associated state items from server 2 in variant 6 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 22 of server 2 can extract associated state items corresponding to a selected abnormal state item from a pre-established table that maps multiple abnormal state items to associated state items. Furthermore, the control unit 22 can calculate feature quantities based on the action history of associated state items. Additionally, the control unit 22 can use the action history of multiple past state items of each of the multiple batteries 1 as a dataset and perform clustering, mapping the clustering results onto a two-dimensional space and creating a mapping image that plots the feature quantities in the two-dimensional space. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 can acquire the extracted associated state items and the created mapping image. The display unit 34 of information terminal 3 can also display the action history of associated state items and the mapping image.

[0243] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the associated status item extraction process of server 2 in Variation 6 of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0244] The processing of steps S111 and S112 Figure 7 The processes in steps S41 and S42 shown are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0245] Next, in step S113, the control unit 22 of server 2 determines whether an error prediction request has been entered. The error prediction request is entered by the user. A user who wants to predict errors occurring in a battery enters an error prediction request. If it is determined that no error prediction request has been entered (no in step S113), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0246] Furthermore, the processing in step S114 and Figure 7 The process of step S43 shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0247] On the other hand, if it is determined that an incorrect prediction request has been input (yes in step S113), in step S115, the control unit 22 calculates the feature quantity based on the action history of the extracted associated state items.

[0248] Next, in step S116, the control unit 22 acquires the action history of multiple past state items of each of the multiple batteries 1 as a dataset.

[0249] Next, in step S117, the control unit 22 performs clustering using the acquired dataset. The action history of multiple state items can be classified into similar clusters. The technique for automatically performing this classification is clustering. In variation 6 of this embodiment, clustering is performed using a conventional clustering algorithm. As an example of a clustering algorithm that can be applied, the K-means method is used.

[0250] Next, in step S118, the control unit 22 maps the clustering results onto a two-dimensional space.

[0251] Next, in step S119, the control unit 22 creates a mapping image that plots the calculated feature quantities in the dimensional space.

[0252] Next, in step S120, the control unit 22 outputs the extracted associated status items and the created mapping image to the communication unit 21.

[0253] The communication unit 21 of server 2 sends the associated status items and mapping images output from control unit 22 to information terminal 3. The communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 receives the associated status items and mapping images sent by server 2. That is, the communication unit 31 acquires the extracted associated status items and the created mapping images. The display unit 34 displays the action history and mapping images of the associated status items of a battery.

[0254] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the action history of associated status items in a variation of this embodiment, specifically in variant 6.

[0255] Display unit 34 displays the action history 345 and mapped image 346 of a battery's associated status item. Figure 25 The action history of a battery's associated state item 345 is shown. Figure 6The associated state items of the battery shown have the same action history. In the mapped image 346, the clustering result of the dataset is classified into three clusters: a cluster judged as normal, a cluster judged as XX error, and a cluster judged as YY error. In the mapped image 346, hollow dots represent feature values ​​of the action history of the associated state items. Based on the distance between the feature values ​​and each cluster, the error generated in a battery can be predicted. For example, if the point representing the feature value is closest to the cluster judged as YY error, the error generated in a battery can be predicted as YY error.

[0256] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each structural element can be constructed using dedicated hardware, or implemented by executing software programs suitable for each structural element. Each structural element can also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing software programs recorded on recording media such as hard disks or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program can be implemented via a separate computer system by recording the program on a recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the program via a network.

[0257] The functionality of the devices described in this disclosure is typically implemented, in whole or in part, as integrated circuits, i.e., LSIs (Large Scale Integration). They can be implemented as a single chip, or partially or entirely as a single chip. Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Alternatively, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmable after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the connection and configuration of individual circuit units within the reconfigurable LSI, can be utilized.

[0258] Alternatively, a CPU or other processor can be used to execute programs to achieve some or all of the functions of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0259] Furthermore, the figures used above are illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative figures.

[0260] Furthermore, the execution order of the steps shown in the flowchart above is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and other orders may be used to achieve the same effect. Additionally, some of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0261] Industrial availability

[0262] The technology disclosed herein can support a user's judgment of what kind of error has occurred in the battery, and is therefore useful as a technology for displaying the battery's operation history when an anomaly is detected.

Claims

1. An information processing method, specifically an information processing method in a computer. In the information processing method, Retrieve multiple abnormal state items from multiple state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries, specifically those representing state items where an anomaly value was detected. If, upon receiving a selection of one abnormal state item for a battery from among the acquired plurality of abnormal state items, the associated state item representing the state item associated with the selected abnormal state item is obtained from among the plurality of state items for that battery. Displays the action history of the acquired associated status items.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, Furthermore, Obtain the action history of the multiple state items of the battery. The action history is displayed, showing the action history of the acquired multiple state items, and the action history of the acquired associated state items is displayed in a manner different from the action history of other state items besides the associated state items.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In obtaining the associated status items, a table is pre-established to correspond to the multiple abnormal status items with the associated status items, and the associated status items corresponding to the selected abnormal status items are extracted to obtain the extracted associated status items.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein, Furthermore, upon receiving a change to the associated status item corresponding to the abnormal status item, the table is updated to change the current associated status item to the new associated status item.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In obtaining the associated state item, if there is another abnormal state item that is different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the other abnormal state item is extracted as the associated state item, and the extracted associated state item is obtained.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein, The abnormal status items are associated with an abnormality degree, which indicates the extent to which the action history exceeds a threshold. In the acquisition of the associated state items, if there are multiple other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the multiple other abnormal state items are extracted as multiple associated state items based on the establishment of the corresponding abnormality degree for each of the multiple other abnormal state items, and the extracted multiple associated state items are obtained.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein, In the display of the action history, the action history of each of the multiple associated state items is displayed in a different manner based on the degree of abnormality established with respect to the multiple other abnormal state items.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In obtaining the associated state items, if there are other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as associated state items. Based on the combination of the one abnormal state item and the other abnormal state items, the error generated in the battery is predicted, and the extracted associated state items and the error items representing the predicted error are obtained. The action history display shows the action history of the associated status item and the error item.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In acquiring the associated state item, further, other batteries among the plurality of batteries that are similar to the one battery are identified, and the action history of the state items that are the same as the associated state item among the plurality of state items of the identified other batteries is acquired. The action history is displayed, showing the action history of the associated status item, and also showing the action history of the status items of the other batteries that are the same as the associated status item of the one battery.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, In determining the other batteries, batteries that have the same abnormal condition items as the one battery, batteries of the same type as the one battery, batteries that are mounted on devices of the same type as the device that is mounted on the one battery, or batteries that are used in environments similar to the one battery are determined as the other batteries.

11. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein, In obtaining the associated state items, if there are other abnormal state items that are different from the one abnormal state item among the multiple state items of the one battery, the other abnormal state items are extracted as associated state items. Based on the combination of the one abnormal state item and the other abnormal state items, the error generated in the one battery is predicted. The batteries among the multiple batteries that have generated the same error as the predicted error in the past are identified as the other batteries.

12. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In acquiring the associated state items, a table corresponding to each of the multiple abnormal state items and the associated state items is pre-established. The associated state item corresponding to the selected abnormal state item is extracted. Feature quantities are calculated based on the action history of the associated state items. The past action history of each of the multiple batteries' multiple state items is used as a dataset and clustering is performed. The clustering results are mapped onto a two-dimensional space, and a mapping image is created that plots the feature quantities on the two-dimensional space. The extracted associated state items and the created mapping image are then acquired. The action history display shows the action history and the mapping image of the associated status item.

13. An information processing device, comprising: The first acquisition unit acquires multiple abnormal state items among multiple state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries, including state items representing detected abnormal values. The second acquisition unit, upon receiving a selection of an abnormal state item for a battery from among the acquired plurality of abnormal state items, acquires an associated state item representing the state item associated with the selected abnormal state item from among the plurality of state items for that battery; and The display unit shows the action history of the acquired associated status items.

14. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following functions: Retrieve multiple abnormal state items from multiple state items representing multiple states of multiple batteries, specifically those representing state items where an anomaly value was detected. If, upon receiving a selection of one abnormal state item for a battery from among the acquired plurality of abnormal state items, the associated state item representing the state item associated with the selected abnormal state item is obtained from among the plurality of state items for that battery. Displays the action history of the acquired associated status items.

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