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

Abstract

The information processing device displays a plurality of abnormal state items of a plurality of batteries in a time series for each battery, and displays a plurality of state items of a battery in which an abnormality indicated by one abnormal state item has occurred when selection of one abnormal state item among the plurality of abnormal state items is sensed. The display of the plurality of state items includes a plurality of pieces of history information corresponding to the plurality of state items within a first period before and after an abnormality occurrence time point at which an abnormality indicated by one abnormal state item has occurred.

Description

Information processing methods, information processing devices, and information processing programs Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for displaying historical information about batteries that have been found to have outliers. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a battery degradation diagnosis system that displays historical information such as internal resistance or charging capacity of batteries that have experienced abnormalities in a time series.

[0003] When analyzing the cause of battery abnormalities, users need to check not only the items identified as abnormal, but also other items.

[0004] However, the aforementioned existing technologies only display historical information for items judged as abnormal, which presents a problem of increasing the burden on users in order to conduct more detailed analysis.

[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 technique that can reduce the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions in detail.

[0009] The information processing method in one aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method in a computer. It displays multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery. When the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items is sensed, it displays multiple state items of the battery that has experienced the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item. The display of the multiple state items includes: displaying multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items within a first period before and after the time point of the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item.

[0010] According to this disclosure, the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions in detail can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the battery management system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a timing diagram of the battery management system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the historical information extraction and processing shown in step S7 of Figure 2.

[0014] Figure 4 is an example of a first dashboard screen.

[0015] Figure 5 is an example of a second dashboard screen.

[0016] Figure 6 is a graph showing the historical information of the battery pack current over time.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the historical information extraction and processing in Implementation Method 3.

[0018] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second dashboard screen in Embodiment 3.

[0019] Figure 9 is a graph showing the passage of time of the historical information displayed on the second dashboard screen in Embodiment 4.

[0020] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second dashboard screen in Embodiment 5. Detailed Implementation

[0021] (Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure)

[0022] As mentioned above, when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions, users need to confirm not only the items identified as malfunctioning but also other items. Therefore, displaying historical information for other items should be considered.

[0023] In order to analyze the cause of battery malfunctions, historical battery information before and after the time of the malfunction becomes important. Therefore, if the historical information of other items is not included when the time of the malfunction occurs, the user cannot fully analyze the cause of the battery malfunction.

[0024] The technology in Patent Document 1 only displays historical information about abnormal status items, and therefore lacks consideration of how to display historical information about other status items. Therefore, the technology in Patent Document 1 is insufficient to alleviate the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery abnormalities in detail.

[0025] This disclosure was made to address the aforementioned issues.

[0026] (1) The information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, which displays multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery, and when the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items is sensed, displays multiple state items of the battery that has experienced the abnormality shown by the one abnormal state item, and the display of the multiple state items includes: displaying multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items within a first period before and after the time point of the abnormality that occurred shown by the one abnormal state item.

[0027] According to this structure, if one abnormal state item is selected from multiple abnormal state items, multiple historical information items corresponding to those items are displayed. The displayed historical information includes a first period before and after the time the abnormality occurred. Thus, users can confirm multiple historical information items including the time the abnormality occurred and analyze the cause of the battery abnormality in detail. Therefore, this structure can reduce the burden on users when analyzing the cause of battery abnormalities in detail.

[0028] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the display of the time series of each battery of the plurality of abnormal state items may also include: displaying a benchmark index representing the time point when the abnormality occurred.

[0029] In this case, in a display screen showing multiple abnormal status items in time sequence for each battery, the user can easily identify which location corresponds to each abnormal status item.

[0030] (3) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, the display of the plurality of status items may also include: each display of the plurality of historical information represents a benchmark index at the time point of the occurrence of the anomaly.

[0031] The frequency of historical information retrieval varies depending on the number of status items. In this case, it is possible to display multiple pieces of historical information within different time ranges. This makes it difficult for users to identify the key time points within the multiple historical information sets. Furthermore, if users need to input various operations to display the key time points within the multiple historical information sets, the number of processing steps increases. In this structure, each display of multiple pieces of historical information represents a benchmark indicator of the time when the anomaly occurred. Therefore, users can easily identify which time point within the multiple historical information sets was the time when the anomaly occurred. This allows users to easily identify the key time points within the multiple historical information sets, further reducing the burden when analyzing the causes of battery anomalies. Additionally, users do not need to input unnecessary operations, reducing the required computer processing steps.

[0032] (4) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (3) above, the display of the plurality of status items may also include: determining the abnormal values ​​contained in each of the plurality of historical information based on the plurality of historical information; and setting the first period to include the abnormal values.

[0033] Based on this structure, users can see outliers in the historical information, which can further reduce the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions in detail.

[0034] (5) In the information processing method described in (4) above, the first period may also include one or more unit periods in which the index of the outlier exceeds the threshold.

[0035] This structure displays historical information about periods when outlier indicators exceeded thresholds, allowing users to focus their analysis on periods when anomalies were observed.

[0036] (6) In the information processing method described in (4) above, the display of the multiple status items may also include: determining the status item among the multiple status items that is associated with the one abnormal status item; highlighting the display of historical information of the status item associated with the one abnormal status item.

[0037] Based on this structure, users can quickly identify the status item associated with a single status item.

[0038] (7) In the information processing method described in (4) above, the display of the multiple status items may also include: highlighting the abnormal value.

[0039] This structure emphasizes the display of outliers, allowing users to quickly identify outliers contained in historical information.

[0040] (8) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (7) above, the display of the plurality of status items may also include: determining a first usage period in which the battery is in use based on the plurality of historical information of the battery corresponding to the one abnormal status item; and setting the first period as the first usage period.

[0041] In this case, time periods that are less important to analyzing the cause of battery abnormalities can be omitted, and then historical information can be displayed.

[0042] (9) In the information processing method described in (8) above, the first usage period may also include: multiple second usage periods during which the battery is in the usage state.

[0043] In this case, historical information from multiple second usage periods is displayed, allowing users to confirm historical information over a longer period and enabling more accurate analysis.

[0044] (10) In any of the information processing methods described in (1) to (9) above, the display of the plurality of status items may also include: determining a cycle period that includes the time point of occurrence of the abnormality and is the charging and discharging of the battery based on the plurality of historical information of the battery corresponding to the abnormal status item; and setting the first period as the cycle period.

[0045] In this case, the historical information during one charge-discharge cycle can be confirmed, thus allowing for a more accurate analysis of the cause of battery abnormalities.

[0046] (11) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (10) above, the display of the plurality of status items may also include: displaying the historical information of the one abnormal status item during the first period, namely the first historical information; displaying the historical information of the one abnormal status item during a second period that is different from the first period and has the same time width as the first period together with the first historical information, wherein an abnormality identical to the abnormality shown by the one abnormal status item occurred during the second period.

[0047] In this case, first historical information and second historical information showing an anomaly identical to the one indicated by the anomaly status item are displayed, allowing the user to confirm the pattern of the historical information for that anomaly. Furthermore, the first and second historical information have the same time span, and are displayed together, making comparison between the two pieces of information easy.

[0048] (12) In the information processing method described in (11) above, the first historical information and the second historical information may also include: the historical information of the battery corresponding to the one abnormal state item and the historical information of the battery different from the one battery.

[0049] In this case, the user can not only confirm the battery corresponding to the abnormal status item, but also confirm the first and second historical information for other batteries.

[0050] (13) In another aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device is an information processing device equipped with a processor, wherein the processor displays multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery, and when the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items is sensed, multiple state items of the battery in which the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item has occurred are displayed, and in the display of the multiple state items, multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items within a first period before and after the time point of the occurrence of the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item is displayed.

[0051] Based on this structure, an information processing device can be provided that can reduce the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions in detail.

[0052] (14) In another embodiment of this disclosure, the information processing program causes a computer to perform the following processes:

[0053] For each battery, multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries are displayed in time sequence. When the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items is sensed, multiple state items of the battery that has experienced the abnormality shown by the one abnormal state item are displayed. In the display of the multiple state items, multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items within a first period before and after the time point of the abnormality shown by the one abnormal state item is displayed.

[0054] Based on this structure, an information processing program can be provided that reduces the burden on users when analyzing the causes of battery malfunctions in detail.

[0055] This disclosure can also be implemented as an information system operating according to the information processing procedure described above. Furthermore, it is also possible to distribute such computer programs via computer-readable non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs or communication networks such as the Internet.

[0056] It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, structural elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, structural elements among the structural elements in the following embodiments that represent the highest-level concept but are not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary structural elements. Furthermore, the various contents can be combined in all embodiments.

[0057] (Implementation Method 1)

[0058] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the battery management system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0059] The battery management system shown in Figure 1 includes multiple batteries 1, a server 2, and an information terminal 3. The server 2 is an example of an information processing device.

[0060] Battery 1 comprises multiple secondary batteries that store electricity through charging and supply electricity through discharging. The secondary batteries are, for example, lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Battery 1 is a battery pack composed of multiple individual cells. Battery 1 is used as a power source in various devices. For example, battery 1 is used in electric vehicles and other electrically powered vehicles.

[0061] Battery 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14.

[0062] The measurement unit 14 includes, for example, sensors such as a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor; and a processor that processes the measurement data measured by these sensors. The measurement unit 14 measures multiple state items of the battery 1. For example, the measurement unit 14 measures multiple state items such as FET (Field Effect Transistor) temperature, single cell temperature, battery pack temperature, ambient temperature, single cell current, single cell voltage, battery pack current, battery pack voltage, battery pack resistance, number of charging cycles, cumulative charge, cumulative discharge, battery pack full charge, and SOC (State of Charge). The measurement unit 14 stores the measured values ​​of multiple state items in the memory 13. It should be noted that the multiple state items are not particularly limited to these; they may only be battery temperature, battery current, or battery voltage. In addition, they may also be the usage time of the battery 1 or the travel distance of the electric vehicle equipped with the battery 1.

[0063] The memory 13 is composed of 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 historical information of multiple status items measured by the measurement unit 14.

[0064] The control unit 12 is configured with a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 12 reads historical information of multiple status items from the memory 13 and generates battery log information, including a battery ID used to identify battery 1 and the historical information of the read status items. The control unit 12 outputs the generated battery log information to the communication unit 11.

[0065] The communication unit 11 consists of a communication device that connects the battery 1 to the network 4. The communication unit 11 sends battery log information of the battery 1 to the server 2. The battery log information includes the battery ID of the battery 1 and historical information on multiple status items of the battery 1. The communication unit 11 sends the battery log information to the server 2 periodically. For example, the communication unit 11 may also send battery log information, including historical information on multiple status items measured within one minute, to the server 2 every minute.

[0066] It should be noted that 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 specifically 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.

[0067] Server 2 can communicate with multiple batteries 1 and information terminals 3 via network 4. Network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0068] Server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a memory 23.

[0069] The communication unit 21 consists of a communication device that connects the battery 1 to the network 4. The communication unit 21 receives battery log information transmitted through the battery 1.

[0070] 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 stores historical information for multiple status items in a corresponding manner with the battery ID. The memory 23 stores historical information for multiple status items for each of the multiple batteries 1.

[0071] Furthermore, memory 23 stores a pre-established table of associated state items, representing each of multiple abnormal state items indicating detected outliers, and associated state items representing state items associated with the abnormal state items. An outlier is a value exceeding a threshold. The threshold varies depending on the state item.

[0072] The communication unit 21 consists of a communication device that connects the server 2 to the network 4. The communication unit 21 sends the display data of the first and second instrument panel screens, described later, to the information terminal 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the communications unit 21 receives a selection instruction sent via the information terminal 3. The selection instruction indicates an abnormal status item of a battery selected by the user via the first instrument panel screen 40.

[0074] The control unit 22 is, for example, composed of a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 22 stores the battery log information received from the communication unit 21 in the memory 23. The control unit 22 generates display data for displaying a first instrument panel screen 40 (see Figure 4), which displays multiple abnormal status items of each of the multiple batteries 1 in a time sequence, and sends the generated display data to the information terminal 3 using the communication unit 21. Thus, the first instrument panel screen 40 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the information terminal 3.

[0075] Upon sensing the selection of one of a plurality of abnormal status items, the control unit 22 generates display data for displaying a second instrument panel screen 50 (see Figure 5). This second instrument panel screen 50 displays multiple status items indicating that the battery 1 has experienced an abnormality, and the control unit 22 transmits the generated display data to the information terminal 3 using the communication unit 21. Consequently, the second instrument panel screen 50 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the information terminal 3. The control unit 22 senses the selection of an abnormal status item by receiving a selection instruction from the communication unit 21.

[0076] The control unit 22 causes the second instrument panel screen 50 to display multiple historical information corresponding to multiple status items within a first period before and after the time point of the occurrence of the abnormality indicated by one abnormal status item. Here, the multiple status items displayed on the second instrument panel screen 50 include not only associated status items related to the one abnormal status item, but also status items not associated with the one abnormal status item.

[0077] The control unit 22 displays the reference index 401 (see Figure 4) indicating the time point when the abnormality occurred on the first instrument panel screen 40.

[0078] The control unit 22 displays the reference index 501 (see Figure 5) representing the time point of the anomaly occurrence of multiple historical information on the second instrument panel screen 50.

[0079] Based on multiple historical information corresponding to multiple status items, the control unit 22 determines the outliers contained in each of the multiple historical information items, and sets a first period for the multiple historical information items to include the determined outliers. Here, the first period is the period that determines the display range of the timeline of the multiple historical information items. The first period can be of different lengths for each of the multiple historical information items, or it can be of the same length.

[0080] Information terminal 3 may consist of portable information terminals such as smartphones and tablet computers, or fixed information terminals such as desktop computers. Information terminal 3 is used by a user who manages multiple batteries 1.

[0081] The information terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a memory 33, and a display unit 34.

[0082] The communication unit 31 is composed of a communication device that connects the information terminal 3 to the network 4. The communication unit 31 receives display data from the first instrument panel screen 40 and the second instrument panel screen 50 sent through the server 2. The communication unit 31 sends a selection instruction to the server 2.

[0083] The control unit 32 is composed of a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 32 uses the display data received through the communication unit 31 to display the first instrument panel screen 40 on the display unit 34, and uses the display data to display the second instrument panel screen 50 on the display unit 34.

[0084] The display unit 34 is composed of a display device such as a touch panel. The display unit 34 receives user selection instructions on the first instrument panel screen 40 for selecting an abnormal status item of a battery.

[0085] The memory 33 is composed of a storage device capable of storing various information, such as RAM, SSD, HDD or flash memory.

[0086] It should be noted that the battery management system in this embodiment includes multiple batteries 1, a server 2, and an information terminal 3. However, this disclosure is not specifically limited to this, and 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.

[0087] Next, the operation of the battery management system in Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0088] Figure 2 is a timing diagram of the battery management system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0089] First, in step S1, the control unit 12 of battery 1 generates battery log information, including battery ID and historical information of multiple status items, and sends the generated battery log information to server 2 using the communication unit 11. The battery management system has multiple batteries 1. Therefore, battery log information is sent from multiple batteries 1 to server 2 respectively.

[0090] Next, in step S2, the control unit 22 of server 2 uses the communication unit 21 to obtain the battery log information sent by battery 1, and stores the obtained battery log information in memory 23. The control unit 22 stores the battery log information of multiple batteries 1 in memory 23. The processing of steps S1 and S2 is repeated periodically.

[0091] Next, in step S3, the control unit 32 of the information terminal 3 sends a display request for the first dashboard screen 40 to the server 2 using the communication unit 31. This display request is sent based on the display instructions input by the user using the display unit 34.

[0092] Next, in step S4, the control unit 22 extracts multiple abnormal status items with detected abnormal values ​​from the battery log information stored in the memory 23, and uses the extracted multiple abnormal status items to generate display data for the first dashboard screen 40. The communication unit 21 then sends the generated display data to the information terminal 3. Thus, the first dashboard screen 40 is displayed on the display unit 34 of the information terminal 3. It should be noted that a correspondence is established between the battery ID and each of the multiple abnormal status items, thus enabling identification of which battery's abnormal status item belongs to.

[0093] Users can arbitrarily set the display range of the time axis included in the first dashboard screen 40. For example, if an error occurs in December, the data for March is more likely to be unnecessary. In this case, the control unit 22 can also extract multiple abnormal status items from the battery log information from the most recent October to December, and generate the display data of the first dashboard screen 40 based on the extracted multiple abnormal status items.

[0094] Next, in step S5, the control unit 32 obtains a selection instruction from the first instrument panel screen 40, specifying a fault status item of a battery selected by the user using the display unit 34, and sends the obtained selection instruction to the server 2 using the communication unit 21.

[0095] Next, in step S6, the control unit 22 of server 2 determines the time point of the anomaly based on the selection instruction obtained in step S5. The selection instruction contains time point information indicating the time point of the anomaly, so the control unit 22 only needs to determine the time point of the anomaly based on this time point information.

[0096] Next, in step S7, the control unit 22 of server 2 performs historical information extraction processing. Details of this processing will be described later.

[0097] Next, in step S8, the control unit 22 of server 2 generates display data for the second dashboard screen 50 based on the historical information extracted in step S7.

[0098] Next, in step S9, the control unit 22 of server 2 sends the generated display data to information terminal 3 using the communication unit 21.

[0099] Figure 4 is an example of a first instrument panel screen 40.

[0100] The first dashboard screen 40 includes a chart display bar 41 and a legend display bar 42. The chart display bar 41 displays a bar chart showing the number of abnormal status items that occurred within a given period, expressed as a time series. In the chart display bar 41, the vertical axis represents the number of abnormal status items, and the horizontal axis is the time axis.

[0101] For example, abnormal status items include battery pack current, cumulative charge, battery pack voltage, cumulative discharge, battery pack temperature, FET temperature, battery pack resistance, battery pack full charge, number of charge cycles, and state of charge (SOC). For instance, the color corresponding to battery pack current is blue, cumulative charge is red, battery pack voltage is green, and cumulative discharge is yellow. Thus, an abnormal status item and color are pre-established. The bar chart is constructed by stacking color blocks 402. For each color block 402, a correspondence is established between one battery, one abnormal status item, and one time point. The color blocks 402 are distinguished by color according to the abnormal status item.

[0102] For example, at a certain point in time on the horizontal axis, m anomalies occurred out of n batteries relative to a specific anomalous state item. In this case, the bar corresponding to that point in time contains n×m blocks of the same color as the anomalous state item.

[0103] Legend display bar 42 displays a legend with colors used to indicate the abnormal status items. For example, the first legend displayed in legend display bar 42 shows "0". This indicates that the total number of abnormal status items corresponding to this legend during a given period is 0.

[0104] The bar chart can be selected in units of color blocks 402. For example, the user can move the pointer 403 on the screen by operating a mouse (not shown) and click on the desired location on the bar chart. Alternatively, if the display unit 34 is a touch panel, the user can touch the desired location on the bar chart. If the desired location on the bar chart is selected, the abnormal status item of one battery corresponding to the color block 402 displayed at that location is selected.

[0105] If the user selects color block 402, the display unit 34 displays a reference index 401 indicating the time point of the anomaly corresponding to color block 402. The reference index 401 is a display target indicating the time point of the anomaly occurrence for the anomaly status item selected by the user. In this example, the reference index 401 is composed of a straight line parallel to the vertical axis. The reference index 401 can also be highlighted using a different color than the bar chart. The display unit 34 can also highlight the selected color block 402 by displaying a frame surrounding it. Thus, by displaying the reference index 401, the user can easily confirm the time point of the anomaly.

[0106] Figure 5 is an example of a second instrument panel screen 50.

[0107] The second instrument panel 50 includes multiple historical information display bars 51. The historical information display bars 51 display graphs representing historical information of the status items of one battery corresponding to the color block 402 selected in the first instrument panel 40, in a time sequence. In Figure 5, battery 1 with battery ID "12" is selected as one battery, therefore the second instrument panel 50 displays battery ID "12" at the top. For ease of explanation, Figure 5 shows a graph representing historical information only for the battery pack current; graphs for other status items are omitted. In the historical information display bars 51, the vertical axis represents the value of the historical information corresponding to each status item, and the horizontal axis is the time axis. Hereinafter, the values ​​of the historical information will be referred to as status values.

[0108] In Figure 5, the second instrument panel 50 includes 10 historical information display columns 51 corresponding to 10 status items: battery pack current, battery pack voltage, battery pack temperature, cumulative charge, cumulative discharge, FET temperature, battery pack resistance, battery pack full charge, number of charge cycles, and state of charge (SOC). This is just one example; the second instrument panel 50 may also display historical information for other status items besides these 10. Furthermore, the number of status items displayed on the second instrument panel 50 is not limited to 10; a suitable number beyond 10 may be used.

[0109] The historical information display bar 51 displays baseline indicator 501. Baseline indicator 501 represents the time point of occurrence of an anomaly corresponding to the selected color block 402 in the first dashboard screen 40. That is, baseline indicator 501 represents the same time point as baseline indicator 401. Like baseline indicator 401, baseline indicator 501 is a straight line representing the time point of occurrence of the anomaly, parallel to the vertical axis of the historical information display bar 51. Baseline indicator 501 can also be highlighted using a different color than the historical information chart.

[0110] The timeline displayed in the historical information display bar 51 covers the first period before and after the point in time when the anomaly occurred. Here, the frequency of historical information retrieval varies depending on the status item. Therefore, in the example in Figure 5, the first period varies depending on the status item to balance fluctuations in data volume. This is just one example; the first period can also be the same in all historical information display bars 51.

[0111] In this way, by displaying the benchmark indicator 501, the user can easily identify the time point of the anomaly corresponding to the selected color block 402 in the first dashboard screen 40 in each historical information display bar 51. In particular, the benchmark indicator 501 becomes a useful marker for identifying the time point of the anomaly, depending on the status item during the first period.

[0112] The historical information display bar 51 can also display the first period to include outliers contained in the historical information. In this case, the historical information display bar 51 can also use an emphasis target object 502 to highlight the outliers. In this example, the emphasis target object 502 is composed of an ellipse or circle surrounding the outlier. Thus, the user can easily identify which state item generated the outlier in the first period, making analysis of a single outlier state item easier.

[0113] The second dashboard screen 50 can also emphasize related status items in the historical information display bar 51 that are associated with an abnormal status item. In the example of Figure 5, the related status item is emphasized by surrounding the historical information display bar 51 corresponding to the related status item with a different color than other historical information display bars 51. Here, battery pack current, battery pack voltage, and cumulative charge are related status items, so their corresponding historical information display bars 51 are emphasized. The method of emphasizing the related status item can also be to replace the color of the change box, or to display it with a thicker box than the boxes of other historical information display bars 51, based on the color of the change box.

[0114] To emphasize the display of related status items, one could, for example, display the history information display bar 51 of the related status item in a higher order than the history information display bars 51 of other status items. For example, the display order could be such that items facing left and up are placed in a higher position. Alternatively, emphasizing the display of related status items could also be achieved by making the size of the history information display bar 51 corresponding to the related status item larger than the history information display bars 51 corresponding to other status items.

[0115] The second dashboard screen 50 can also display only the historical information of the associated status items. The brightness of the second dashboard screen 50 can also make the historical information display bar 51 for the associated status items brighter than the historical information display bars 51 for other status items. The second dashboard screen 50 can also display the historical information display bar 51 of the selected abnormal status item from the first dashboard screen 40 in a different way than the historical information of other associated status items. This allows the user to easily confirm which status item has been selected.

[0116] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the historical information extraction process shown in step S7 of Figure 2. In Figure 3, steps S101 to S103 are the process of setting the period before the first period, and steps S104 to S106 are the process of setting the period after the first period. The two processes are performed in parallel.

[0117] First, the processing for the period preceding the first period will be explained. In step S101, the control unit 22 of server 2 determines whether historical information satisfying the extraction conditions exists before the time of the anomaly by referring to the battery log information stored in memory 23. Here, the extraction conditions may be, for example, the existence of historical information containing at least one outlier value in at least one status item. For example, the control unit 22 retrieves outlier values ​​from battery log information that is past the time of acquisition compared to the time of the anomaly, for each of multiple status items. Moreover, if an outlier value can be retrieved, the control unit 22 determines "yes" in step S101. On the other hand, if the control unit 22 fails to retrieve an outlier value in all status items, it determines "no" in step S101.

[0118] For example, the control unit 22 calculates the average value μ and standard deviation σ of historical information for each status item. If there is a status value that deviates from the average value μ by more than 2σ before the time of the anomaly, then the status value can be identified as an anomaly. Here, the selection benchmark for an anomaly is set to 2σ, but this is only one example, and appropriate values ​​such as 1σ or 3σ can be used.

[0119] Next, in step S102, the control unit 22 sets a preceding period to satisfy the extraction conditions. For example, the control unit 22 can simply set the preceding period from the time point when the retrieved outlier was obtained back to the time point when the outlier occurred, up to a given surplus period in the past.

[0120] It should be noted that if the preceding period is shorter than the allowable upper limit period, the control unit 22 can further backtrack to retrieve outliers. If an outlier is found, the preceding period is set as the time from the point when the outlier was acquired back to the point when the outlier occurred, up to a given margin of error. That is, under the constraint that the preceding period is less than the allowable upper limit period, the control unit 22 only needs to extend the preceding period back. Therefore, the control unit 22 can make the preceding period include multiple outliers.

[0121] Here, when the preceding periods differ for multiple status items, the control unit 22 can either retain these preceding periods as they are, or determine one preceding period from among the multiple preceding periods and unify the remaining preceding periods into the determined one preceding period. Furthermore, for status items where no outlier was found, the control unit 22 can simply set the preceding period to the same length as one preceding period. For example, the control unit 22 can simply determine the preceding period of the one outlier status item selected by the user as one preceding period.

[0122] Next, in step S103, the control unit 22 sets the preceding period for all status items to a given length. The given length of the preceding period can be, for example, a value predetermined by the user or the battery management system.

[0123] Next, the processing of the subsequent period after the first period will be explained. In step S104, the control unit 22 determines whether there is historical information that meets the extraction conditions after the time point of the anomaly by referring to the battery log information stored in the memory 23. The extraction conditions are those explained in step S101. If the control unit 22 can retrieve at least one anomaly value in at least one state item in the future of the time point of the anomaly, it determines "yes" in step S104. On the other hand, if the control unit 22 cannot retrieve any anomaly value in any state item in the future of the time point of the anomaly, it determines "no" in step S104.

[0124] Next, in step S105, the control unit 22 sets a subsequent period to satisfy the extraction conditions. For example, the control unit 22 can simply set the subsequent period of the first period to be the time from the point in time when the retrieved outlier value was obtained to the point in time when the outlier occurred. It should be noted that, similar to step S102, the control unit 22 can also extend the subsequent period into the future under the constraint that the subsequent period is below the allowed upper limit period. In addition, when the subsequent periods are different for multiple state items, the control unit 22 can simply use the same method as the previous period to set the subsequent period for each state item.

[0125] Next, in step S106, the control unit 22 sets the end period of all status items to a given length. The given length of the end period can be, for example, a value predetermined by the user or the battery management system.

[0126] Next, in step S107, the control unit 22 sets the period consisting of the preceding period and the following period as the first period. Thus, as shown in FIG5, the display range of the time axis in the all-historical information display bar 51 is set to include the display range of the time point where the anomaly occurred. If the processing in step S107 is completed, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG2.

[0127] Thus, according to Embodiment 1, if a color block 402 is selected from the bar chart displayed on the first instrument panel screen 40, a historical information display bar 51 is displayed, representing historical information corresponding to multiple status items of the battery corresponding to that color block 402. The display range of the time axis of the entire historical information display bar 51 is set to a first period before and after the time point of the anomaly occurrence. Therefore, the user can confirm multiple historical information including the time point of the anomaly occurrence and analyze the cause of the battery 1's anomaly in detail. This reduces the burden on the user when analyzing the cause of the battery's anomaly in detail.

[0128] (Implementation Method 2)

[0129] In Embodiment 2, the first period for defining the display range of the time axis of the historical information display bar 51 is set to the usage period of one battery (an example of the first usage period). It should be noted that in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structural elements identical to those in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the block diagram, timing diagram, and flowchart are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

[0130] Referring to Figure 3. In Embodiment 2, the extraction conditions shown in steps S101 and S104 employ conditions regarding the existence of historical information about the selected battery during its usage period.

[0131] In step S101, the control unit 22 determines whether the start time of use for one battery can be determined based on the battery log information before the time of the abnormality. If the start time of use for one battery can be determined (step S101 is "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S102. Here, the control unit 22 can determine the start time of use, for example, simply based on the historical information of the battery pack current. It should be noted that when determining the battery usage period, a state item different from the battery pack current can also be used. For example, the usage period can also be determined based on the battery pack voltage or the battery pack temperature.

[0132] Figure 6 is a graph showing the historical information of the battery pack current over time. In Figure 6, the vertical axis represents the value of the battery pack current, and the horizontal axis is the time axis. The control unit 22 traces back from the time point 600 when the abnormality occurred and determines the time point when the value of the battery pack current initially became 0 as the start time point 601.

[0133] On the other hand, if the control unit 22 cannot determine the start time point 601 of use based on the battery log information (step S101 is "No"), the process proceeds to step S103. For example, a situation where the start time point 601 of use cannot be determined corresponds to a situation where, due to communication failures, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information about the battery pack current of one battery during a fixed period in the past, tracing back from the time point 600 of the abnormality.

[0134] In step S102, the control unit 22 sets the period from the start time 601 of use to the time 600 of the abnormality occurrence as the preceding period of the first period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the preceding period based on the historical information of the battery pack current as the preceding period of the historical information of all status items.

[0135] The process of step S103 is the same as that of implementation method 1.

[0136] In step S104, the control unit 22 determines whether the end-of-use time of a battery can be determined based on the battery log information after the abnormality occurrence time 600. If the end-of-use time of a battery can be determined (step S104 is "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S105. Here, the control unit 22 can determine the start-of-use time simply based on the historical information of the battery pack current. Referring to Figure 6, the control unit 22 determines the end-of-use time 602 as the time when the value of the battery pack current initially becomes 0, sometime after the abnormality occurrence time 600.

[0137] On the other hand, if the control unit 22 cannot determine the end-of-use time point 602 based on the battery log information (step S101 is "No"), the process proceeds to step S106. For example, the case where the end-of-use time point 602 cannot be determined corresponds to a situation where, due to communication failures or other reasons, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information about the battery pack current of one battery from the time of the abnormality 600 until a fixed future period.

[0138] In step S105, the control unit 22 sets the period from the time of the abnormality occurrence 600 to the time of the end of use 602 as the later period of the first period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the later period set according to the battery pack current as the later period of the historical information of all status items.

[0139] The processing of step S106 is the same as that in implementation method 1.

[0140] The process in step S107 is the same as in implementation method 1.

[0141] Thus, according to embodiment 2, historical information can be displayed on the second instrument panel screen 50 without omitting periods that are not particularly important for analyzing the cause of battery abnormalities.

[0142] (Implementation Method 3)

[0143] Embodiment 3 shows multiple usage periods as shown in Embodiment 2. The multiple usage periods shown are an example of a second usage period. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structural elements that are the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, and descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the block diagram and timing diagram are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

[0144] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the historical information extraction process in Embodiment 3. The processes of steps S201 to S207 are the same as those of steps S101 to S107 shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the extraction conditions for steps S201 and S204 are the same as in Embodiment 2, using the following condition: historical information exists for the selected battery during its usage period. Furthermore, in step S207, instead of setting a first period, the usage period is set.

[0145] Steps S208 to S210 are processes that set usage periods in the past compared to the usage periods set in step S207. Steps S211 to S213 are processes that set usage periods in the future compared to the usage periods set in step S207. The two processes are executed in parallel.

[0146] In step S208, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a usage end time 602' before the usage start time 601 set in step S207. If the usage end time 602' can be determined ("Yes" in step S208), the control unit 22 sets the previous usage period based on the usage end time 602' (step S209). Specifically, the control unit 22 determines the time when the battery pack current value first becomes 0 before the usage end time 602' as the usage start time 601' of the previous usage period. Moreover, the control unit 22 sets the period from the usage start time 601' to the usage end time 602' as the previous usage period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the previous usage period set based on the historical information of the battery pack current as the previous usage period of the historical information of all status items.

[0147] On the other hand, if the end time point 602' of use cannot be determined ("No" in step S208), the process proceeds to step S8 in Figure 2. Here, the case where the end time point 602' of use cannot be determined corresponds to, for example, the case where, due to communication failure or other reasons, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information on the battery pack current of one battery during a fixed period in the past from the start time point 601 of use.

[0148] In step S210, the control unit 22 determines whether the loop of steps S208 to S210 has been repeated N times. If the loop of steps S208 to S210 has been repeated N times ("Yes" in step S210), the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG2. Thus, N usage periods are set back from the point of use, including the time when the abnormality occurred. On the other hand, if the loop of steps S208 to S210 has not been repeated N times ("No" in step S210), the process returns to step S208.

[0149] In step S211, the control unit 22 determines whether there is a usage start time 601'' after the usage end time 602 set in step S207. If the usage start time 601'' can be determined (yes in step S211), the control unit 22 sets the next usage period based on the usage start time 601'' (step S212). Specifically, the control unit 22 determines the time when the value of the battery pack current in the future becomes 0 from the usage start time 601'' as the usage end time 602'' of the next usage period. Moreover, the control unit 22 sets the period from the usage start time 601'' to the usage end time 602'' as the next usage period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the next usage period set based on the historical information of the battery pack current as the next usage period of the historical information of all status items.

[0150] On the other hand, if the start time point 601'' cannot be determined ("No" in step S211), the process proceeds to step S8 in Figure 2. Here, the case where the start time point 601'' cannot be determined corresponds to, for example, the case where, due to communication failure or the like, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information on the battery pack current of one battery from the end time point 602 in the future for a fixed period.

[0151] In step S213, the control unit 22 determines whether the loop of steps S211 to S213 has been repeated N times. If the loop of steps S211 to S213 has been repeated N times ("Yes" in step S213), the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG2. Thus, N usage periods are set for the future of the usage period, including the time when the abnormality occurred. Furthermore, if the loop of steps S211 to S213 has not been repeated N times ("No" in step S213), the process returns to step S211.

[0152] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second dashboard screen 700 in Embodiment 3. The second dashboard screen 700 includes a preceding display bar 710, a central display bar 720, and a following display bar 730. The central display bar 720 displays historical information for each status item during use, including the time point when the anomaly occurred. Here, the central display bar 720 displays historical information for the use period including the time point when the anomaly occurred, and therefore displays the title "Selected Anomaly Occurrence Time Point". In the central display bar 720, historical information for each status item is displayed in a vertical column.

[0153] Following the previous display bar 710, the historical information of each status item during the usage period displayed in the central display bar 720 is displayed. Here, following the previous display bar 710, the historical information of each status item is displayed in a vertical column.

[0154] Immediately following, display bar 730 displays the historical information of each status item during the period of use immediately following the historical information displayed in central display bar 720. Here, in display bar 730, the historical information of each status item is displayed in a vertical column.

[0155] In addition, the previous display bar 710, the central display bar 720, and the following display bar 730 all display the same historical information for the status item in the same row.

[0156] Following the previous display bar 710, the central display bar 720, and the immediately following display bar 730, the usage date and usage period are displayed respectively. The usage date indicates the year, month, and day of the usage period. The usage period indicates the start and end times of the usage.

[0157] In the example of Figure 8, the central display bar 720 is highlighted compared to the display bar 710 immediately preceding it and the display bar 730 immediately following it. Examples of highlighting include using contrasting colors, increasing the thickness of lines and text, etc.

[0158] A return button 701 is provided at the boundary between the previous display bar 710 and the central display bar 720. If the user inputs a selection instruction via the return button 701, the control unit 22 switches the currently displayed historical information in each of the previous, central, and subsequent display bars 730 to historical information from the period immediately preceding the incident. Thus, the previous display bar 710 displays historical information from the two preceding periods of use, including the period from which the incident occurred; the central display bar 720 displays historical information from the period preceding the period from which the incident occurred; and the subsequent display bar 730 displays historical information from the period from which the incident occurred.

[0159] Each time a selection instruction is input for the return button 701, the control unit 22 switches the currently displayed historical information to the historical information from the previous usage period in each of the following display bars 710, 720, and 730. It should be noted that in the flowchart of Figure 7, N consecutive usage periods are set. Therefore, for each of the following display bars 710, 720, and 730, the control unit 22 can rewind from the default displayed historical information usage period and display the historical information up to the previous N-1 periods.

[0160] Similarly, a forward button 702 is provided at the boundary between the next display bar 730 and the central display bar 720. If the user inputs a selection instruction via the forward button 702, the control unit 22 switches the currently displayed historical information in each of the previous display bar 710, the central display bar 720, and the next display bar 730 to historical information within the immediately following usage period. Thus, the previous display bar 710 displays historical information within the usage period including the time of the anomaly, the central display bar 720 displays historical information within the next usage period including the time of the anomaly, and the next display bar 730 displays historical information within the two subsequent usage periods including the time of the anomaly.

[0161] Each time a selection instruction is input for the forward button 702, the control unit 22 switches the currently displayed historical information to the historical information within the next usage period in each of the preceding display bar 710, the central display bar 720, and the following display bar 730. It should be noted that in the flowchart of Figure 7, the following usage period is set to N. Therefore, for each of the preceding display bar 710, the central display bar 720, and the following display bar 730, the control unit 22 can display historical information extending N-1 periods into the future than the default historical information displayed.

[0162] Thus, according to Implementation Method 3, historical information during multiple second usage periods is displayed, allowing users to confirm historical information over long periods and perform more accurate analysis.

[0163] (Implementation Method 4)

[0164] In Implementation 4, for one battery corresponding to one abnormal state item, one cycle of charging and discharging, including the time point of the abnormality, is set as the first period. It should be noted that in this implementation, structural elements identical to those in Implementations 1-3 are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in this implementation, the block diagram, timing diagram, and flowchart are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

[0165] Referring to Figure 3. In this embodiment 4, the extraction conditions shown in steps S101 and S104 are as follows: historical information exists for the selected battery during one charge-discharge cycle. One charge-discharge cycle refers to the period from the start of discharge to the end of charging.

[0166] In step S101, before the time point when the abnormality occurs, the control unit 22 determines whether the start time point of the SOC (state of charge) decline of a battery can be determined based on the historical SOC information. If the start time point of the SOC decline of a battery can be determined ("Yes" in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0167] Figure 9 is a graph showing the time progression of historical information displayed on the second instrument panel screen 50 in Embodiment 4. Figure 9 shows historical information on SOC and battery pack current, omitting other historical information. In Figure 9, the vertical axis represents the SOC value, and the horizontal axis is the time axis. The control unit 22 traces back from the time point 810 where the anomaly occurred, determining the time point when the SOC began to decrease as the SOC decrease start time point 811.

[0168] Furthermore, if the control unit 22 cannot determine the SOC decline start time 811 of a battery based on the battery log information (in step S101, this is "No"), the process proceeds to step S103. For example, a situation where the SOC decline start time 811 cannot be determined corresponds to a scenario where, due to communication failure or other reasons, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information about the battery pack current of a battery from the time of the anomaly 810 back to a fixed period in the past.

[0169] In step S102, the control unit 22 sets the period from the start time of the SOC decline 811 to the time of the anomaly occurrence 810 as the preceding period of the first period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the preceding period based on the historical information of the SOC as the preceding period of the historical information of all status items.

[0170] The process of step S103 is the same as that of implementation method 1.

[0171] In step S104, the control unit 22 determines whether the end time of SOC rise for one battery can be determined based on historical SOC information after the anomaly occurrence time 810. If the end time of SOC rise for one battery can be determined ("Yes" in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. Referring to Figure 9, the control unit 22 determines the time when the increase in SOC ends after the anomaly occurrence time 810 as the SOC rise end time point 813.

[0172] On the other hand, if the control unit 22 cannot determine the SOC rise end time point 813 of a battery based on the battery log information (in step S104, it is "No"), the process proceeds to step S106. For example, the case where the SOC rise end time point 813 cannot be determined corresponds to a situation where, due to communication failure or other reasons, the server 2 cannot obtain historical information about the battery pack current of a battery from the time of the abnormality occurrence 810 to a fixed future period.

[0173] In step S105, the control unit 22 sets the period from the time point 810 when the abnormality occurred to the time point 813 when the SOC rise ended as the later period of the first period. In this case, the control unit 22 only needs to set the later period set according to the historical information of SOC as the later period of the historical information of all status items.

[0174] The processing of step S106 is the same as that in implementation method 1.

[0175] The process in step S107 is the same as in implementation method 1.

[0176] As shown in Figure 9, similar to Embodiment 1, the historical information for each state item displays a reference index 814 indicating the time point 810 when the anomaly occurred. If the reference index 814 falls within the period from the start time point 811 of the SOC decrease to the start time point 812 of the SOC increase, the user can determine that an anomaly occurred during discharge, i.e., during load use. Conversely, if the reference index 814 falls within the period from the start time point 812 of the SOC increase to the end time point 813 of the SOC increase, the user can determine that an anomaly occurred during charging. Furthermore, historical information for one charge-discharge cycle is also displayed for other state items such as battery pack current, and the reference index 814 is displayed at the time point 810 when the anomaly occurred. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether the anomaly occurred during load use or during charging for other state items. Thus, according to this embodiment, the progression of historical information during one charge-discharge cycle can be confirmed, thereby enabling a more accurate analysis of the cause of battery anomalies.

[0177] (Implementation Method 5)

[0178] In embodiment 5, the first historical information and the second historical information are displayed together on the second instrument panel screen. The first historical information is the historical information of one abnormal state item within a first period. The second historical information is the historical information of one abnormal state item within a second period that experienced the same abnormality as the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item but is different from the first period. The time width of the second period is the same as that of the first period. Here, the first historical information and the second historical information include: the historical information of one battery corresponding to one abnormal state item, i.e., the battery of interest; and the historical information of batteries different from one battery, i.e., other batteries. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structural elements that are the same as in embodiments 1 to 4, and the description is omitted. As another battery, for example, battery 1, which experienced the same abnormal state item as the battery of interest at the time of the abnormality occurrence, can be used.

[0179] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second dashboard screen 900 in Embodiment 5. The second dashboard screen 900 includes a battery display bar 901 and other battery display bars 902, 903.

[0180] The battery display bar 901 displays the first and second historical information of the battery in the order of second historical information, first historical information, and second historical information in a vertical column. The other battery display bars 902 and 903 display the first and second historical information of each of the two other batteries in the same vertical column. In the example in Figure 10, two other batteries are set as display objects, so the second dashboard screen 900 displays two columns of other battery display bars 902 and 903. This is just one example; if there are three or more other batteries as display objects, then the second dashboard screen 50 only needs to display three or more columns of other battery display bars.

[0181] In the second instrument panel screen 900, the first line displays the second historical information of the battery in question and the two other batteries for the most recent second period relative to the first period; the second line displays the first historical information of the battery in question and the two other batteries for the first period; and the third line displays the second historical information of the battery in question and the two other batteries for the most recent second period relative to the first period.

[0182] For example, let's say we set one abnormal state item as battery pack current. In this case, the control unit 22 determines the occurrence time of the most recent abnormal value in the first period based on historical information about the battery pack current of the battery in question, and sets the second period based on the determined occurrence time of the abnormal value. Here, the control unit 22 only needs to set the length of the period before the second period to be the same as the length of the period before the first period, and set the length of the period after the second period to be the same as the length of the period after the first period.

[0183] Similarly, the control unit 22 only needs to determine the future abnormal value and the time point of occurrence of the most recent abnormal value in the first period based on the state item of the battery pack current of the battery being monitored, and set the second period based on the determined time point of occurrence of the abnormal value.

[0184] Furthermore, the control unit 22 also sets a first period and a recent second period, including the past and the future, for other batteries.

[0185] Furthermore, the control unit 22 only needs to display the first historical information within the first period and the second historical information within the second period of the battery in ...

[0186] A date display bar 906 is set at the left end of each of the first to third rows, showing the date for the first period and the second period respectively.

[0187] A forward button 907 is provided between the first and second rows. A back button 908 is provided between the second and third rows. If the user inputs the selection instruction of the forward button 907, the control unit 22 switches the second historical information displayed in the first row to the second historical information of the most recent second period relative to the current historical information. Simultaneously, the control unit 22 switches the first historical information displayed in the second row to the second historical information of the most recent second period relative to the current historical information. Furthermore, the control unit 22 switches the second historical information displayed in the third row back to the first historical information. In other words, if the selection instruction of the forward button 907 is input, the historical information displayed in each of the first to third rows is switched to the most recent historical information relative to the currently displayed historical information.

[0188] On the other hand, if the user inputs the selection instruction of the return button 908, the control unit 22 switches the second historical information displayed in the first row to the first historical information. Simultaneously, the control unit 22 switches the first historical information displayed in the second row to the second historical information of the most recent second period relative to the first historical information. Furthermore, the control unit 22 switches the second historical information displayed in the third row to the second historical information of the most recent period relative to the second historical information. In other words, if the selection instruction of the return button 908 is input, the historical information displayed in each of the first to third rows is switched to the most recent historical information relative to the currently displayed historical information.

[0189] The control unit 22 determines the most recent occurrence time of the aforementioned outlier, and sets the processing for the second period based on the determined occurrence time of the outlier, retrogressing to the past and repeating this process N times. Furthermore, the control unit 22 determines the most recent occurrence time of the aforementioned outlier in the future, and sets the processing for the second period based on the determined occurrence time of the outlier, repeating this process N times into the future.

[0190] In this case, by inputting the selection instruction of the return button 908, the user can display the second historical information of the second period up to N times in the past relative to the first period on the second dashboard screen 900. Alternatively, by inputting the selection instruction of the forward button 907, the user can display the second historical information of the second period up to N times in the future relative to the first period on the second dashboard screen 900.

[0191] Thus, according to this embodiment, first historical information and second historical information of an anomaly that occurred identical to the anomaly indicated by one anomaly status item are displayed, allowing the user to confirm the pattern of the historical information corresponding to that anomaly. Furthermore, the first and second historical information have the same time span, and are displayed together, making comparison between the two pieces of historical information easy.

[0192] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second dashboard screen 900 displays historical information of abnormal status items, but it can also display historical information of related status items.

[0193] The following variations may be adopted in this disclosure.

[0194] (Variation example)

[0195] In Implementation 1, the control unit 22 sets the first period to include outliers, but it is not limited to this. It can also set one or more unit periods where the frequency of outlier occurrence exceeds a reference frequency, based on multiple historical information corresponding to multiple status items. An example of a unit period could be a suitable value such as 1 hour or 2 hours. The frequency of outlier occurrence can be an indicator of outliers, and the reference frequency can be a threshold. The indicator of outliers can also be a statistical value of outliers, such as the average value of outliers.

[0196] For example, for each of the multiple status items, the control unit 22 determines whether the frequency of anomaly occurrence within a set unit period, starting from the time of anomaly occurrence, exceeds a reference frequency (e.g., 3 times). If the frequency of anomaly occurrence within that unit period exceeds the reference frequency, the control unit 22 further shifts that unit period back by a set unit period and determines whether the frequency of anomaly occurrence within the shifted unit period exceeds the reference frequency.

[0197] Under the constraint of a given upper limit number of iterations, the control unit 22 repeats the above-described process until it detects that the frequency of anomalies is lower than the base frequency within a unit period. Similarly, for the future from the time of anomaly occurrence, the control unit 22 repeats the process under the same given upper limit number of iterations until the frequency of anomalies is lower than the base frequency, just as it has done for the past. Furthermore, the control unit 22 sets the end of the unit period in which the frequency of past anomalies is lower than the base frequency as the start of the first period, and sets the start of the unit period in which the frequency of future anomalies is lower than the base frequency as the end of the first period. In this case, the first period has a different length for each state item. This is just one example; the control unit 22 may also set the first period for all state items to the same length as the first period already set for one anomaly item.

[0198] In this case, historical information about periods with high frequency of outlier occurrences is displayed, allowing users to focus on analyzing periods where anomalies appear.

[0199] --Industrial Applicability--

[0200] This disclosure enables easy analysis of battery anomalies, and is therefore useful in the technical field of assisting in such analysis.

Claims

1. An information processing method, which is an information processing method in a computer, displays multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery, and upon sensing the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items, displays multiple state items of the battery that has experienced the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item, wherein the display of the multiple state items includes: Displays multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple status items within a first period before and after the time point of the anomaly shown in the one abnormal status item.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display of the time series for each battery in the plurality of abnormal status items includes: displaying a baseline index representing the time point at which the abnormality occurred.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: each display of the multiple historical information represents a benchmark indicator at the time point when the anomaly occurred.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: determining the outliers contained in each of the multiple historical information items based on the multiple historical information items; and setting the first period to include the outliers.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein, The first period includes one or more periods during which the outlier index exceeds the threshold.

6. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: identifying the status item among the multiple status items that is associated with the one abnormal status item; and highlighting the historical information of the status item associated with the one abnormal status item.

7. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: highlighting the abnormal values.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: determining a first usage period in which the battery is in use based on the multiple historical information of the battery corresponding to the one abnormal status item; and setting the first period as the first usage period.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein, The first usage period includes multiple second usage periods during which the one battery is in the usage state.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: determining a charging and discharging cycle of the battery based on the multiple historical information of the battery corresponding to the one abnormal status item, wherein the one cycle includes the time point when the abnormality occurred; and setting the first period as the one cycle.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display of the multiple status items includes: displaying the historical information of the one abnormal status item during the first period, namely the first historical information; and displaying the historical information of the one abnormal status item during a second period, which is different from the first period but has the same time width as the first period, namely the second historical information, together with the first historical information, in which an anomaly identical to the anomaly shown by the one abnormal status item occurred.

12. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein, The first historical information and the second historical information include: historical information of the battery corresponding to the one abnormal state item; and historical information of batteries different from the one battery.

13. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, the processor performing the following processing: displaying multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery; upon sensing the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items, displaying multiple state items of a battery in which an abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item has occurred; and in the display of the multiple state items, displaying multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items during a first period before and after the time point in which the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item occurred.

14. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: displaying multiple abnormal state items of multiple batteries in a time sequence for each battery; upon sensing the selection of one of the multiple abnormal state items, displaying multiple state items of the battery in which the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item has occurred; and in the display of the multiple state items, displaying multiple historical information corresponding to the multiple state items within a first period before and after the time point of occurrence of the abnormality indicated by the one abnormal state item.

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