Information processing apparatus

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with a control unit that is configured so as to execute: acquiring first information relating to a battery required by a first user who secondarily uses the battery, the first information including at least information relating to the shape of the battery; acquiring second information related to the batteries used by a plurality of second users, wherein the second information at least comprises information related to the shapes of the batteries; and transmitting, on the basis of the first information and the second information, a notification relating to the provision of the battery to a terminal of a second user corresponding to a battery having a shape consistent with the shape of the battery required by the first user among the batteries used by the plurality of second users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device. Background Technology

[0002] International Patent Publication No. 2015 / 12144 discloses a technology that determines the secondary use destination of a battery before the end of its service life based on a predicted end-of-use time. Related technologies are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2021-131671, 2021-136828, and 2020-119369. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to quickly collect batteries for reuse.

[0004] One of the technical solutions of the present invention is an information processing device, which includes a control unit.

[0005] The control unit is configured to perform the following processing:

[0006] Obtain first information, which is information related to the battery needed by a first user who wants to reuse the battery, and the first information includes at least information related to the shape of the battery.

[0007] Obtain second information, the second information being information relating to the battery in use by a plurality of second users, the second information including at least information relating to the shape of the battery; and

[0008] Based on the first information and the second information, a notification related to the provision of the battery is sent to the terminal of the second user corresponding to the battery among the batteries used by the plurality of second users that has a shape consistent with the shape of the battery required by the first user.

[0009] In addition, another technical solution of the present invention is an information processing method for causing a computer to perform the above-described information processing, a program for causing a computer to perform the information processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing the program non-transitory.

[0010] According to the present invention, batteries can be collected quickly for reuse. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1This is a block diagram that roughly illustrates an example of the configuration of the vehicle, the first user terminal, the server, and the second user terminal that constitute the system involved in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram illustrating the overall processing of the system when entrusting the provision of batteries to a second user according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of entrusting a second user to provide a battery in a server according to the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of requesting the provision of a battery to a second user in a server, according to the second embodiment; and

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of entrusting a second user to provide a battery in a server, according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This also considers the situation where the required number of batteries cannot be collected when reusing (also known as secondary use) the batteries. Here, we envision reusing vehicle batteries (hereinafter referred to as on-board batteries) as batteries for fixed-location (placed in a specific location) (hereinafter referred to as fixed-location batteries). Sometimes, multiple on-board batteries are needed for fixed-location batteries. In this case, multiple on-board batteries need to be collected from multiple vehicles. Furthermore, although called on-board batteries, their shape sometimes varies depending on the vehicle. For example, if there are limitations on the dimensions (width, height, depth) of the battery that can be housed in the casing of a fixed-location battery, even if an on-board battery is collected whose width, height, or depth exceeds the dimensions of the battery that can be housed in the casing, it cannot be reused for that fixed-location battery. Additionally, the quality of an on-board battery can only be maintained for about 3 months after being removed from a vehicle. Therefore, if a user does not collect the required number of batteries within, for example, 3 months after obtaining the initial on-board battery, the user can no longer utilize the initially obtained on-board battery. In this way, the batteries collected by users can sometimes become useless.

[0018] To address this problem, as one of the technical solutions disclosed herein, the control unit of the information processing device acquires first information. This first information is related to the battery required by a first user who intends to reuse the battery. The first information includes at least information related to the shape of the battery. The first user is, for example, an operator reusing the battery. The battery is one that has been previously used elsewhere and is intended for reuse. The battery may be, for example, a battery used in a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The information related to the shape of the battery may be, for example, information related to its dimensions (width, height, depth) or information related to the location of fixing points (which may be fastening connection points) when configuring a battery pack. Additionally, the information related to the shape of the battery may be information that allows determination of whether it can be housed in a battery casing. As another example, the product number of the battery casing to be used by the first user can be acquired as information related to the shape of the battery. In this case, the relationship between the product number of the battery casing and the dimensions of the battery that can be housed or the location of the fixing points (which may be fastening connection points) when configuring a battery pack can be stored in the storage unit of the information processing device. The control unit can determine the shape of the battery to be collected by acquiring the first information. Additionally, the first information may include information related to the period for battery collection, first location information related to the location where the battery will be used, or first material information related to the material of the battery required by the first user. Furthermore, the first information may also include information related to the degree of battery degradation permitted by the first user. The first information can be transmitted from the first user's terminal.

[0019] Additionally, the control unit acquires second information related to the battery being used by multiple second users. This second information includes at least information related to the shape of the battery. The shape of the battery can be that of a battery cell, battery stack, or battery pack. Information related to the battery shape can be, for example, information related to dimensions (width, height, depth) or information related to the location of the mounting point (which can be a fastening connection point) when the battery pack is installed in the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle identification number (VIN) or model number of the vehicle used by the second user can be acquired as information related to the battery shape. In this case, the relationship between the vehicle VIN or model number and the size of the battery corresponding to that VIN or model number, or the location of the mounting point (which can be a fastening connection point) when the battery pack is installed in the vehicle, can be stored in the storage unit of the information processing device. Furthermore, the second information may include second location information related to the location where the battery is used, second material information related to the battery material, or information related to the degree of battery degradation. The battery used by the second user is a battery that the first user may reuse. The second information can be obtained from the second user's terminal or from, for example, the vehicle using the battery.

[0020] Based on the first information and the second information, the control unit sends a notification related to the provision of the battery to the terminal of the second user corresponding to the battery among the batteries used by the plurality of second users that has a shape consistent with the shape of the battery required by the first user. The notification related to the provision of the battery may include a notification of intent to purchase the battery, or information related to the consideration (e.g., the purchase price of the battery). "A battery having a shape consistent with the shape of the battery required by the first user" can be a battery among the batteries used by the second user that can be housed in the casing of the battery used by the first user. As another example, "a battery having a shape consistent with the shape of the battery required by the first user" can be a battery whose fixing point (which can be a fastening connection point) when the battery pack is installed in the vehicle is located at the same location as the fixing point (which can be a fastening connection point) of the battery pack installed in the casing of the battery used by the first user. By sending a notification to the terminal of the second user, batteries with the shape required by the first user can be quickly collected.

[0021] If the control unit does not receive the battery required by the first user within a predetermined period, it can send a notification related to the supply of the battery to the terminal of the second user corresponding to the battery among the batteries used by the plurality of second users that has a shape smaller than that of the battery required by the first user, based on the first information and the second information. The predetermined period here can be a period during which it is considered impossible to obtain a battery from the second user even if waiting continues. Alternatively, the predetermined period can be set according to the period during which the first user collects batteries. Here, when multiple batteries are stored in a casing for reuse as a single battery, any battery that can be stored in the casing can be used. That is, even if the size of the battery used by the second user is smaller than that required by the first user, it can still be placed in the casing of the battery used by the first user. If a battery with the shape required by the first user is not collected, it can be replaced by a smaller battery, thereby preventing the collected batteries from becoming useless. In this way, the control unit relaxes the shape requirements according to the period. On the other hand, if a small battery is used, the capacity may be smaller, so if it is set not to collect small batteries outside the predetermined period, the situation where the capacity becomes too small can be prevented. In addition, the control unit can also reduce the size of the batteries to be collected in stages.

[0022] Additionally, the control unit may include information related to the price offered for the battery in the notification. It is believed that by informing the second user of the price offered for the battery, the number of second users requesting batteries will increase, thus making battery collection easier.

[0023] The control unit may also be configured to perform the following processing: acquiring information related to the lifespan of the vehicle used by the second user and equipped with the battery; and sending the notification to the terminal of the second user corresponding to the vehicle whose lifespan is within a predetermined period. The predetermined period here refers to a period during which the likelihood of replacing the vehicle is high, based on its lifespan. Information related to the vehicle's lifespan may be, for example, information related to the vehicle's own service life or information related to the battery's service life. The information related to the vehicle's lifespan can be stored in the storage unit of the information processing device in association with each vehicle. Even after the vehicle's service life has expired, battery reuse is possible. Second users of vehicles nearing the end of their lifespan sometimes consider replacing the vehicle. At this time, the likelihood of the second user who receives the notification replacing the vehicle at that time increases. Therefore, it becomes easier to collect batteries of the desired shape.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined in various ways.

[0025] Implementation Method 1

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram that roughly illustrates an example of the configuration of the vehicle 10, the first user terminal 20, the server 30, and the second user terminal 40 constituting the system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 In the example shown, system 1 includes a vehicle 10 equipped with a battery 15, a first user terminal 20 used by a first user who collects and reuses the battery, a server 30, and a second user terminal 40 used by a second user who is a user of vehicle 10. Multiple vehicles 10, first user terminals 20, and second user terminals 40 may exist. Vehicles 10, first user terminals 20, server 30, and second user terminals 40 are interconnected via network N1. Furthermore, network N1 may be, for example, a global public communication network such as the Internet, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication network. Additionally, network N1 may include telephone communication networks such as mobile phones, and wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0027] Vehicle 10 is, for example, a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with battery 15. Battery 15 supplies power to the electric motor that drives vehicle 10. Battery 15 is a reusable battery. Vehicle 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication module 13, a position information sensor 14, and battery 15. Control unit 11 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of vehicle 10. Control unit 11 can be implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU. Storage unit 12 is a unit for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, disk, and flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores the program executed by control unit 11, the data used by the program, etc.

[0028] Communication module 13 is a communication unit used to connect vehicle 10 to network N1. In this embodiment, vehicle 10 can utilize mobile communication services such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G to communicate with other devices (e.g., server 30) via network N1. Location information sensor 14 acquires location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) at predetermined intervals. Location information sensor 14 may be, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a wireless communication unit, etc.

[0029] The control unit 11 of vehicle 10 sends vehicle information, including information related to the state of battery 15, to server 30 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be when vehicle 10 is started or parked, or at predetermined intervals. For example, control unit 11 can calculate the State of Health (SOH) and send it to server 30. Alternatively, control unit 11 can obtain the SOH using known methods. Furthermore, the information related to the state of battery 15 sent by control unit 11 to server 30 is not limited to SOH. For example, control unit 11 can send the State of Charge (SOC) or lithium deposition level to server 30. Control unit 11 sends vehicle information to server 30. This vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle ID, user ID, battery ID, second location information related to the location where battery 15 is used, second material information related to the material of battery 15, date and time information, and information related to the degradation degree of battery 15 (e.g., SOH information). Furthermore, battery 15 can be reused, for example, in units such as battery cells, battery stacks, or battery packs. The control unit 11 of vehicle 10 can also detect the deterioration status on a per-unit basis, such as each battery cell, each battery stack, or each battery pack, and send the result to server 30. Additionally, the vehicle information may include information related to the shape of battery 15. The shape of battery 15 can also be the shape of each per-unit, such as each battery cell, each battery stack, or each battery pack. Furthermore, as another example, the relationship between battery ID or vehicle ID and information about the shape of battery 15 can be stored in the storage unit 32 of server 30, as described later.

[0030] The first user terminal 20 is a terminal used by a first user, such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). The first user may be an operator that recycles battery 15. The first user terminal 20 is equipped with application software or a web browser for collecting batteries. The first user terminal 20 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication module 23, a location information sensor 24, an input unit 25, and an output unit 26. The control unit 21 of the first user terminal 20 can be implemented, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 22 is a unit for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, disk, or flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores the program executed by the control unit 21, the data used by that program, etc. The communication module 23 and the location information sensor 24 of the first user terminal 20 have the same configuration as the communication module 13 and the location information sensor 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0031] Input unit 25 is a unit that accepts user input operations, such as touch panel, mouse, keyboard, or microphone. Output unit 26 is a unit that provides prompts to the user, and may include, for example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), EL (Electroluminescence) panel, speaker, lamp, etc. Furthermore, input unit 25 and output unit 26 can also be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0032] The control unit 21 of the first user terminal 20 accepts input of information related to the battery 15 collected for secondary use (reuse) (hereinafter also referred to as secondary battery information). The first user inputs the secondary battery information via the input unit 25. The secondary battery information includes a user ID, information related to the specifications of the battery 15 required by the first user, first location information related to the location where the battery 15 is used, first material information related to the material of the battery 15 required by the first user, information related to the permissible degree of degradation of the battery 15, information related to the permissible amount of consideration, information related to the period for collecting the battery 15, and information related to the shape of the required battery (hereinafter also referred to as first shape information). In addition, the first user may also pre-register with the server 30 via the input unit 25 of the first user terminal 20. The first shape information may also be information related to the product number of the casing associated with the shape of the battery.

[0033] The second user terminal 40 is a terminal used by a second user, such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the second user terminal 40 may be a terminal mounted on the vehicle 10. The second user terminal 40 may have application software or a web browser installed to receive notifications from the server 30. The second user terminal 40 is configured to include a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication module 43, a location information sensor 44, an input unit 45, and an output unit 46. The control unit 41 of the second user terminal 40 may be implemented using a hardware processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 42 is a unit for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, disk, or flash memory. The storage unit 42 stores the program executed by the control unit 41 and the data used by that program. The communication module 43, location information sensor 44, input unit 45, and output unit 46 of the second user terminal 40 have the same configuration as the communication module 23, location information sensor 24, input unit 25, and output unit 26 of the first user terminal 20.

[0034] When the control unit 41 of the second user terminal 40 receives a notification from the server 30 related to a request to provide battery 15, it causes the display of the output unit 46 to display an image corresponding to the notification. The second user who sees the notification inputs a response via the input unit 45 of the second user terminal 40. The control unit 41, having received the response, sends information related to the response to the server 30.

[0035] Server 30 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), main storage (RAM, ROM, etc.), and auxiliary storage (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary storage stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet a predetermined purpose can be achieved. Server 30 has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication module 33.

[0036] The control unit 31 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to implement various functions of the server 30. The control unit 31 can be implemented using a hardware processor such as a CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 31 can be configured to include RAM, ROM, cache memory, etc. Details of the control unit 31 will be described later.

[0037] Storage unit 32 is a unit for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, disk, and flash memory. Storage unit 32 stores programs executed by control unit 31, data used by those programs, etc. Furthermore, a database (vehicle information DB321 and secondary battery information DB322) is constructed in storage unit 32, storing information collected from each vehicle 10 and information collected from each first user terminal 20.

[0038] Vehicle information received from vehicle 10 is stored in vehicle information DB321. This vehicle information includes vehicle ID, user ID, battery ID, second location information, second material information, date and time information, state of equilibrium (SOH) information, and second shape information. The vehicle ID is identification information inherent to vehicle 10. The user ID is identification information inherent to the second user or second user terminal 40. The battery ID is identification information inherent to battery 15. Alternatively, the battery ID can be assigned per unit for reuse, for example. The second location information is information related to the position of vehicle 10 when information is transmitted from vehicle 10, such as information represented by coordinates. The second material information is information related to the material of battery 15. The date and time information is information related to the date and time when SOH information is transmitted from vehicle 10. The SOH information is information related to the state of equilibrium (SOH) of battery 15. The second shape information is information related to the shape of battery 15 mounted on vehicle 10. This second shape information includes, for example, information related to dimensions such as width, height, and depth. Furthermore, the relationship between the second shape information and the battery ID or vehicle ID can be pre-stored in storage unit 32. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can also compare the vehicle ID or battery ID received from the vehicle 10 with the information stored in the storage unit 32 to determine the second shape information. The control unit 31 stores the vehicle information received from the vehicle 10 in the vehicle information DB321.

[0039] Information related to the battery 15 required by the first user is stored in the secondary battery information DB322. Information related to the shape of the battery 15 required by the first user (i.e., first shape information) is stored in the secondary battery information DB322 in association with the user ID. The secondary battery information DB322 includes information related to the specifications of the battery 15 required by the first user, first location information related to the location where the battery 15 is used, first material information related to the material of the battery 15 required by the first user, information related to the permissible degree of degradation of the battery 15, information related to the permissible amount of consideration, and information related to the period for collecting the battery 15. The control unit 31 stores the secondary battery information received from the first user terminal 20 in the secondary battery information DB322.

[0040] The communication module 33 is a communication interface used to connect the server 30 to the network N1. The communication module 33 may be configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. The server 30 can communicate data with the vehicle 10, the first user terminal 20, and the second user terminal 40 via the communication module 33.

[0041] Next, the control unit 31 of the server 30 will be described in detail. The control unit 31 of the server 30 obtains secondary battery information from the first user terminal 20. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can directly obtain information related to the shape of the battery 15 from the first user terminal 20 as first shape information. Additionally, the control unit 31 can also obtain first location information and first material information from the first user terminal 20. For example, if the location where the first user reuses the battery 15 is close to the location where the second user uses the battery 15, the distance for transporting the battery during reuse is shortened, thus reducing transportation costs. Therefore, by obtaining the first location information in advance by the control unit 31, costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the battery 15 can be made of various materials. Examples of materials for the battery 15 include LFP and ternary lithium batteries. When using multiple batteries 15, there is a requirement to use the same material; therefore, by obtaining the first material information in advance by the control unit 31, this requirement can be met.

[0042] The second location information is the location of the vehicle 10 obtained by the location information sensor 14 of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the second location information may be related to either the location of the second user terminal 40 obtained by the location information sensor 44 of the second user terminal 40, or the location input by the second user to the second user terminal 40 via the input unit 45. Furthermore, the second material information is simply information that can determine the material of the battery 15 used in the vehicle 10; for example, it may be information related to the vehicle 10's vehicle identification number (VIN) or vehicle model. The control unit 31 of the server 30 may, for example, determine the material of the battery 15 mounted on the vehicle 10 based on the VIN or vehicle model and information stored in the storage unit 32. Additionally, the degree of degradation of the battery 15 can be calculated by the control unit 11 of the vehicle 10, or by the control unit 31 of the server 30 based on data sent from the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the second shape information is simply information that can determine the shape of the battery 15 used in the vehicle 10; for example, it may be information related to the vehicle 10's VIN or vehicle model. The control unit 31 of the server 30 may, for example, determine the shape of the battery 15 mounted on the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle number or vehicle model and information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0043] Figure 2This is a timing diagram illustrating the overall processing of System 1 when entrusting the provision of battery 15 to a second user according to the embodiment. The control unit 11 of vehicle 10 sends vehicle information to server 30 at a predetermined time (S01). Upon receiving the vehicle information, the control unit 31 of server 30 updates vehicle information DB321 by storing the vehicle information in vehicle information DB321 (S02). The processing in S01 and S02 is performed on multiple vehicles 10 respectively. Furthermore, when the control unit 21 of first user terminal 20 receives predetermined input from the first user, it generates secondary battery information and sends it to server 30 (S03). The control unit 31 of server 30 updates secondary battery information DB322 by storing the secondary battery information in secondary battery information DB322 (S04). Then, the control unit 31 of server 30 determines the conditions for collecting battery 15 (hereinafter also referred to as battery collection conditions) based on the received secondary battery information (S05). These battery collection conditions include conditions related to the shape of the battery 15 to be collected. Furthermore, the battery collection conditions include, for example, conditions such as collecting batteries 15 from a predetermined area, collecting batteries 15 with a degradation level below a threshold, or collecting batteries 15 made of predetermined materials, as well as conditions related to the price. Additionally, the control unit 31 of the server 30 determines the second user terminal 40 corresponding to the battery collection conditions (S06). The control unit 31 sends a notification related to the provision of batteries 15 to the determined second user terminal 40 (S07). Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 41 of the second user terminal 40 outputs an image corresponding to the notification to the display of the output unit 46. At this time, the control unit 41 of the second user terminal 40 outputs a user interface for inputting a response to the notification. Then, when the second user inputs a response via the input unit 45, the control unit 41 of the second user terminal 40 sends the response to the server 30 (S08).

[0044] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of entrusting a second user to provide battery 15 in server 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The flowchart shown is executed on server 30 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, it is explained that "the required information is stored in vehicle information DB321".

[0045] In S101, the control unit 31 determines whether it has received secondary battery information from the first user terminal 20. The secondary battery information includes first shape information related to the shape of the battery 15 required by the first user, period information related to the period during which the first user collects the battery 15, first location information related to the location where the battery 15 is used, and first material information related to the material of the battery 15 required by the first user. Additionally, the secondary battery information may also include, for example, information related to the amount of consideration allowed by the first user. Furthermore, the secondary battery information may also include, for example, information related to the degree of degradation of the battery 15 allowed by the first user. If the control unit 31 determines yes in S101, the process proceeds to S102; otherwise, the procedure ends. In S102, the control unit 31 updates the secondary battery information DB322 based on the received secondary battery information.

[0046] In S103, the control unit 31 determines the location where the first user reuses the battery 15 (hereinafter also referred to as the secondary battery usage location). This location can be the location input by the first user via the input unit 25 of the first user terminal 20, or it can be the location indicated by the location information of the first user terminal 20. The secondary battery usage location is determined based on the first location information. In S104, the control unit 31 determines the user's terminal or the vehicle 10 equipped with a battery 15 having a shape consistent with the shape of the battery 15 required by the first user. At this time, the control unit 31 compares the first shape information with the second shape information. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may limit the determination to a second user terminal 40 located within a predetermined distance from the secondary battery usage location. Alternatively, as another example, the control unit 31 may also determine the vehicle 10 located within a predetermined distance from the secondary battery usage location. The locations of the second user terminal 40 and the vehicle 10 are sent from the second user terminal 40 and the vehicle 10 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, as another example, the control unit 31 can also determine the second user terminal 40 or vehicle 10 located within a predetermined distance from the location where the secondary battery is used, based on the region and address associated with the vehicle 10 registered with the second user.

[0047] Furthermore, the farther away from the location where the secondary battery is used, the higher the cost of transporting the battery 15. Therefore, a predetermined distance can be set, for example, based on the transportation cost allowed by the first user. Additionally, in this S104, the control unit 31 can also limit its determination to the material and type of the battery 15 being mounted, the vehicle 10 with the same material and type of the collected batteries 15, and the second user terminal 40 corresponding to that vehicle 10. Furthermore, as another example, in this S104, the control unit 31 can also limit its determination to the material and type of the battery 15 being mounted, the vehicle 10 with the same material and type of the battery 15 desired by the first user, and the second user terminal 40 corresponding to that vehicle 10. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can omit the processing in S103 and S104. In this case, the control unit 31 can determine all the second user terminals 40 or all the vehicles 10.

[0048] In S105, the control unit 31 sends a notification related to the provision of battery 15 to the second user terminal 40 determined in S104. The notification includes information related to the request to provide battery 15 and the amount of consideration to be given to the second user. Furthermore, the notification includes an instruction to cause the display of the output unit 46 of the second user terminal 40 to display the request to provide battery 15 and the amount of consideration to be given to the second user.

[0049] In S106, the control unit 31 determines whether it has received a response from the second user terminal 40 indicating its intention to provide the battery 15. If the control unit 31 determines yes in S106, the process proceeds to S107; if it determines no, the process proceeds to S108. In S107, the control unit 31 performs processing to enter into a contract with the second user regarding the provision of the battery 15.

[0050] On the other hand, in S108, the control unit 31 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the completion of the processing in S105. This predetermined period is the period during which it is believed that no response can be received from the second user terminal 40 even if the process continues to wait. If the control unit 31 determines yes in S108, the process proceeds to S109; if it determines no, the process returns to S106. In S109, the control unit 31 determines whether the deadline for collecting the battery 15 has been exceeded. This deadline can be, for example, a deadline specified by the first user via the input unit 25 of the first user terminal 20, or a predetermined fixed deadline. If the control unit 31 determines yes in S109, the process proceeds to S110; if it determines no, the process returns to S104. In S110, the control unit 31 notifies the first user terminal 20 that the battery 15 has not been collected. Alternatively, if the deadline has not been exceeded, the control unit 31 can limit the determination to the second user terminal 40, which has not yet sent a notification, in S104.

[0051] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 31 is able to collect batteries 15 of the shape required by the first user. That is, it is able to quickly collect batteries 15 that the first user intends to reuse.

[0052] Implementation Method 2

[0053] In the second embodiment, a notification is sent to a second user terminal 40 corresponding to a battery 15 having a shape smaller than that required by the first user, based on the period up to the deadline for collecting the battery 15. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of entrusting a second user to provide battery 15 in server 30 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 The flowchart shown is executed at predetermined intervals on server 30. Furthermore, it is assumed that the necessary information is stored in vehicle information DB321 for illustration. (Details regarding execution are omitted.) Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates the same processing steps.

[0054] exist Figure 4In the flowchart shown, when the processing in S102 is completed, the process proceeds to S201. In S201, the control unit 31 calculates the period from the current time to the expiration date based on the expiration information obtained in S101. Furthermore, in S202, the control unit 31 calculates the shape of the battery 15 based on the period until the expiration date. At this time, the control unit 31 calculates the shape of the battery 15 in such a way that the shorter the period until the expiration date, the smaller the size of the battery 15. The size of the battery 15 is a size in which at least one of the width, height, and depth is smaller than the size of the casing of the battery 15 that is just suitable for the first user. In addition, at this time, the control unit 31 can also calculate the shape of the battery 15 in such a way as to meet the capacity desired by the first user. When the processing in S202 is completed, the process proceeds to S103. Then, if the control unit 31 determines that the process in S109 is not correct, the control unit 31 executes the processing in S202 again, and the control unit 31 can calculate the shape of the battery 15 in such a way as to further reduce the size of the battery 15.

[0055] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 31 shortens the period for collecting the battery 15, thereby reducing the size of the battery 15 to be collected, making it easier to collect the battery 15. That is, it is possible to quickly collect the battery 15 that the first user intends to reuse. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the situation where the battery 15 collected by the first user to date becomes useless.

[0056] Third implementation method

[0057] In the third embodiment, the control unit 31 sends the aforementioned notification to the second user terminal 40 corresponding to the vehicle 10 whose lifespan is within a predetermined period. The lifespan of the vehicle 10 can be calculated, for example, based on the vehicle 10's own service life or the battery 15's service life. Alternatively, the service life of the vehicle 10 can be set as a predetermined number of years elapsed since the vehicle 10's manufacturing date. The vehicle 10's manufacturing date can be associated with a vehicle ID or input by the second user via the input unit 45 of the second user terminal 40. Information related to the lifespan of the vehicle 10 can be calculated by the vehicle 10's control unit 11 or the second user terminal 40's control unit 41 and sent to the server 30, or it can be calculated by the server 30's control unit 31 based on the vehicle 10's manufacturing date associated with the vehicle ID. Furthermore, information related to the vehicle 10's lifespan can also be included in vehicle information sent from the vehicle 10.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of entrusting a second user to provide battery 15 in server 30 according to the third embodiment. Figure 5The flowchart shown is executed at predetermined intervals in server 30. Furthermore, it is assumed that the necessary information is stored in vehicle information DB321. Additionally, it is assumed that control unit 31 has pre-acquired information related to the lifespan of each vehicle 10. Furthermore, details regarding the execution and... Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates the same processing steps.

[0059] exist Figure 5 In the flowchart shown, when the processing in S104 is completed, the process proceeds to S301. In S301, the control unit 31 determines the second user terminal 40 or vehicle 10 identified in S104 that corresponds to the vehicle 10 whose lifespan is within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is preset to a period during which the vehicle 10 is highly likely to be replaced based on its lifespan. When the processing in S301 is completed, the process proceeds to S105.

[0060] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 31 sends a notification related to the supply of battery 15 to the second user terminal 40 corresponding to the vehicle 10 with a short lifespan, so it is easy to collect battery 15.

[0061] Other implementation methods

[0062] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit. The processes and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradictions arise. Furthermore, a process described as "a process performed by one device" can also be performed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as "a process performed by different devices" can also be performed by one device. The hardware configuration (server configuration) used to implement each function in the computer system can be flexibly changed.

[0063] This invention can also be implemented by supplying a computer program with the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors of the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Claims

1.An information processing apparatus comprising a control section, the control section configured to execute the following processes: acquire first information, the first information being information related to a battery required by a first user for secondary use of the battery, the first information including at least information related to a shape of the battery; acquire second information, the second information being information related to the battery in use by a plurality of second users, the second information including at least information related to a shape of the battery; and based on the first information and the second information, transmit a notification related to provision of the battery to a terminal of a second user corresponding to a battery, of the batteries in use by the plurality of second users, having a shape identical to the shape of the battery required by the first user. 2.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the control section, in a case where the battery required by the first user is not obtained within a predetermined period, based on the first information and the second information, transmits a notification related to provision of the battery to a terminal of a second user corresponding to a battery, of the batteries in use by the plurality of second users, having a shape smaller than the shape of the battery required by the first user. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the control section causes information related to consideration for the provision of the battery to be included in the notification. 4.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the control section configured to execute the following processes: acquire information related to a life of a vehicle equipped with the battery and used by the second user; and transmit the notification to a terminal of a second user corresponding to the vehicle whose life is within a predetermined period.

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