Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an information processing system, an information processing device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that improve a technique of estimating a deterioration degree of a battery of a vehicle. The information processing device includes a control unit that, when a first elapsed year number, a first deterioration degree, and a first actual charge number of a battery of a vehicle are provided, calculates a first durable year number of the battery from the first elapsed year number and the first deterioration degree, and calculates a first remaining charge number of the battery from the first actual charge number, and when the first elapsed year number, the first deterioration degree, and the first actual charge number are not provided, estimates a second elapsed year number of the battery from a total distance of travel of the vehicle and a manufacturing date, estimates the second deterioration degree and the second actual charge number of the battery by substituting the second elapsed year number into predetermined statistical information, calculates an estimated value of a second durable year number of the battery from the second elapsed year number and the second deterioration degree, and calculates an estimated value of a second remaining charge number of the battery from the second actual charge number.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, techniques for estimating the degree of degradation of batteries used to power vehicles were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suggesting appropriate battery usage methods based on the usage condition of the battery in an electric vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Patent No. 7015395 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for predicting the degree of battery degradation after 2 to 3 years. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technique for predicting the degree of battery degradation used to drive vehicles.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above circumstances, is to improve the technology for estimating the degradation of batteries used to drive vehicles.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the information processing system disclosed herein includes a vehicle and an information processing device. The information processing device calculates the service life of a battery driving the vehicle. The information processing device requests driving data from the vehicle. If a first user of the vehicle agrees to provide the driving data to a second user who purchases the vehicle, the vehicle provides the information processing device with a first number of years of use, a first degree of degradation, and a first number of actual charges of the battery, calculated based on data measured by battery sensors. Upon receiving the first number of years of use, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges from the vehicle, the information processing device calculates the first service life of the battery by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the first number of years of use from the battery's rated years by the first degree of degradation. The first remaining charge count of the battery is calculated by subtracting the first actual charge count from the predetermined charge count. If the first user does not agree to provide the driving data to the second user, the vehicle will notify the information processing device that it will not provide the driving data. Without receiving the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first actual charge count from the vehicle, the information processing device estimates the second number of years of the battery based on the vehicle's total mileage and manufacturing date. By substituting the second number of years of the battery into predetermined statistical information, the second degree of degradation and the second actual charge count of the battery are estimated. The estimated value of the second service life of the battery is calculated based on the second number of years of the battery and the second degree of degradation. The estimated value of the second remaining charge count of the battery is calculated based on the second actual charge count.

[0011] An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure calculates the service life of a battery used to drive a vehicle. The apparatus includes a control unit that, when provided with a first number of years elapsed, a first degree of degradation, and a first number of actual charges of the battery from the vehicle, calculates a first number of years of service life of the battery based on the first number of years elapsed and the first degree of degradation, and calculates a first number of remaining charges of the battery based on the first number of actual charges. When not provided with the first number of years elapsed, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges from the vehicle, the control unit estimates a second number of years elapsed of the battery based on the total mileage and manufacturing date of the vehicle. By substituting the second number of years elapsed into predetermined statistical information, the control unit estimates a second degree of degradation and a second number of actual charges of the battery. Based on the second number of years elapsed and the second degree of degradation, the control unit calculates an estimated value for a second number of years of service life of the battery, and based on the second number of actual charges, calculates an estimated value for a second number of remaining charges of the battery.

[0012] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes an information processing device for calculating the service life of a battery used to drive a vehicle to perform the following processing: when a first number of years elapsed, a first degree of degradation, and a first number of actual charges of the battery are provided from the vehicle, calculating a first number of years of service life of the battery based on the first number of years elapsed and the first degree of degradation; calculating a first number of remaining charges of the battery based on the first number of actual charges; when the first number of years elapsed, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges are not provided from the vehicle, estimating a second number of years elapsed of the battery based on the total mileage and manufacturing date of the vehicle; estimating a second degree of degradation and a second number of actual charges of the battery by substituting the second number of years elapsed into predetermined statistical information; calculating an estimated value of a second number of years of service life of the battery based on the second number of years elapsed and the second degree of degradation; and calculating an estimated value of a second number of remaining charges of the battery based on the second number of actual charges.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a technique for improving the estimation of the degradation of batteries used to drive vehicles can be developed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic structural example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of an information processing system.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of predetermined statistical information.

[0018] (Symbol Explanation)

[0019] 1: Information processing system; 2: Network; 10: Vehicle; 11, 21: Communication unit; 12, 22: Storage unit; 13: Measurement unit; 13A: Sensor (battery sensor); 14, 23: Control unit; 14A: Battery ECU; 15: Battery; 20: Information processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0021] Reference Figure 1This section outlines an information processing system 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes a vehicle 10 and an information processing device 20, which calculates the lifespan of a battery 15 that powers the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 and the information processing device 20 are connected to a network 2, such as the Internet and mobile communication networks, in a communicative manner.

[0022] Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle (EV) equipped with a drive battery (hereinafter referred to as the battery). EVs include, but are not limited to, BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles).

[0023] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. The information processing device 20 is able to communicate with the vehicle 10 via the network 2.

[0024] (Vehicle structure)

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a measurement unit 13, a control unit 14, and a battery 15.

[0026] The communication unit 11 has a communication interface for wireless connection to the network 2. The communication interface connected to the network 2 corresponds, for example, to a mobile communication standard. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 communicates with the information processing device 20 via the network 2.

[0027] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may also store system programs and application programs.

[0028] The measuring unit 13 includes a sensor 13A. The sensor 13A is a battery sensor that continuously measures data such as temperature changes, voltage fluctuations, and charge / discharge cycles of the battery 15 used to drive the vehicle 10, as described later. However, the sensor 13A is not limited to these.

[0029] The control unit 14 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor for specific processing, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit is, for example, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited to these. The control unit 14 controls the operation of the entire vehicle 10.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the control unit 14 functions as a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 14A. The battery ECU 14A cooperates with the sensor 13A to control the charging and discharging cycles of the battery 15, and calculates and manages indicators such as the charging rate, years of use, degree of degradation, and actual number of charging cycles of the battery 15.

[0031] Battery 15 is a drive battery that serves as a power source for the propulsion of vehicle 10. Battery 15 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, or an all-solid-state battery, but is not limited to these.

[0032] (Structure of an information processing device)

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0034] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 2. These communication interfaces correspond to, for example, mobile communication standards or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 communicates with the vehicle 10 via the network 2.

[0035] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 20. The storage unit 22 may also store system programs, application programs, and predetermined statistical information.

[0036] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 20.

[0037] (The operation flow of the information processing device)

[0038] Reference Figure 2 This explains the operation of the information processing system 1 and the information processing device 20 in this embodiment.

[0039] S101: The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 requests the vehicle 10 to provide driving data.

[0040] Driving data includes the driving records of vehicle 10 and data obtained by measuring the condition of vehicle 10 and battery 15, including the number of years, degree of degradation, and actual number of charges of the battery 15 driving vehicle 10. The total mileage and manufacturing date of vehicle 10 are publicly available data and are not included in the driving data. The number of years is the number of years elapsed since the manufacturing date of vehicle 10. Degradation refers to the ratio of usable electrical energy Wp to the battery capacity W of battery 15 (Wp / W). Usable electrical energy Wp is the actual electrical energy (kWh) that can be obtained from battery 15. The number of actual charges refers to the number of times battery 15 is charged as a "new product".

[0041] S102: The control unit 14 of vehicle 10 confirms whether the first user who sold vehicle 10 agrees to provide driving data to the second user who purchased vehicle 10. If the first user agrees to provide driving data, proceed to S103; otherwise, proceed to S105.

[0042] The driving data includes personal information such as the driving records and driving status of vehicle 10 of the first user. Therefore, the handover to the second user requires the consent of the first user.

[0043] S103: The control unit 14 (battery ECU14A) calculates the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges of the battery 15.

[0044] Sensor 13A is a battery sensor that continuously measures data such as temperature changes, voltage fluctuations, and charge / discharge cycles of battery 15. Based on the data measured by sensor 13A, battery ECU 14A calculates the first number of years, first degree of degradation, and first actual number of charges of battery 15. The "first" in the terms "first number of years," "first degree of degradation," and "first actual number of charges," as well as the "first number of service life" and "first number of remaining charges" (described later), indicates that the data is calculated by battery ECU 14A.

[0045] S104: The control unit 14 provides the information processing device 20 with the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first actual number of charges of the battery 15.

[0046] S105: The control unit 14 notifies the information processing device 20 that it will not provide driving data.

[0047] S106: Control unit 23 confirms whether the first number of years elapsed, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charging cycles have been provided from vehicle 10. If the data has been provided from vehicle 10, proceed to S107; otherwise, proceed to S109.

[0048] S107: The control unit 23 calculates the first service life of the battery 15 based on the first number of years elapsed and the first degree of degradation.

[0049] As shown in equation (1) below, the control unit 23 calculates the first service life (service life) of the battery by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the first elapsed years (elapsed years) from the rated years of the battery 15 by the first degree of degradation (deterioration). The rated years are the rated years of the battery 15 provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle 10. For example, if the rated years are set to 8 years, the first elapsed years (elapsed years) are set to 4 years, and the first degree of degradation (deterioration) is set to 0.75 (75%), then the first service life (service life) is calculated to be 3 years.

[0050] Service life = (rated years - years elapsed) × degree of deterioration (1)

[0051] S108: The control unit 23 calculates the first remaining number of charges for the battery 15 based on the first actual number of charges.

[0052] As shown in equation (2) below, the control unit 23 calculates the remaining number of times the battery 15 can be charged by subtracting the first actual number of times (actual number of times) from the rated number of times the battery 15 can be charged.

[0053] Remaining charging times = Rated charging times - Actual charging times (2)

[0054] S109: The control unit 23 estimates the second number of years the battery 15 has been used based on the total driving distance of the vehicle 10 and the manufacturing date.

[0055] In the following, the "second" in "second number of years elapsed," "second degree of degradation," "second actual number of charges," "second number of service life," and "second number of remaining charges" means that the data is not calculated by the battery ECU 14A, but is estimated data (estimated value) by the control unit 23. For example, if the manufacturing date of the vehicle 10 is January 15, 2021, and the current date is January 22, 2025, the control unit 23 estimates the second number of years elapsed to be 4 years.

[0056] S110: The control unit 23 retrieves statistical information applicable to the vehicle model of the vehicle 10 from the predetermined statistical information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0057] The predetermined statistical information in this embodiment refers to the following information, which is obtained by classifying each vehicle of the same model and statistically analyzing the battery degradation and actual number of charges from multiple vehicles based on the number of years elapsed since the vehicle's manufacturing date. The information included in the predetermined statistical information is not limited to battery degradation and actual number of charges. Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of predetermined statistical information. Figure 3 This is statistical data regarding the average degree of battery degradation Y relative to the number of years X since the manufacturing date for multiple vehicles of the same model as vehicle 10. The statistical data on the degree of battery degradation Y relative to the number of years X is not limited to the average; it can also be data of the average ± 2σ (σ is the standard deviation). Figure 3 Although not shown in the figure, the predetermined statistical information includes statistics on the average number of actual charges Z of the battery relative to the number of years X.

[0058] S111: The control unit 23 estimates the second degree of degradation and the second actual number of charges of the battery 15 by substituting the second number of years into predetermined statistical information.

[0059] If the second year elapsed since the manufacturing date of vehicle 10 is 4 years, the control unit 23 will input 4 years into the system. Figure 3 Based on the number of years X shown in the statistics, it is inferred that the second degree of degradation (degradation Y) of battery 15 is 0.75 (75%). Furthermore, the control unit 23 inputs data into the... Figure 3 The number of years X after which different statistical information is obtained is used to infer the second actual number of times (actual number of times Z) that battery 15 is charged.

[0060] S112: The control unit 23 calculates the estimated value of the second service life of the battery 15 based on the second number of years and the second degree of degradation.

[0061] The control unit 23 calculates the estimated second service life of the battery 15 by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the second number of years from the rated number of years of the battery 15 by the second degree of degradation using the above formula (1). For example, if the rated number of years is set to 8 years, the second number of years (number of years) is set to 4 years, and the second degree of degradation (degree of degradation) is set to 0.75 (75%), then the first service life (service life) is calculated to be 3 years.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lifespan of battery 15 is set when the degradation degree is below the threshold α (70%). Figure 3 As shown, when the vehicle 10 has been in use for 4 years (X), the degradation degree Y of the battery 15 is estimated to be 0.75 (75%). Furthermore, after 7 years (X), the degradation degree Y decreases to below the threshold α (70%). Therefore, the control unit 23 can also... Figure 3 Based on the statistical information, the second service life is estimated to be 3 years.

[0063] S113: The control unit 23 calculates the estimated value of the second remaining number of charges of the battery 15 based on the second actual number of charges.

[0064] The control unit 23 calculates the estimated value of the second remaining number of charges of the battery 15 by subtracting the second actual number of charges from the rated number of charges of the battery 15 using the above formula (2).

[0065] S114: The control unit 23 determines the period when the battery needs to be replaced based on the first service life and the first remaining number of charges of the battery 15 or the second service life and the second remaining number of charges of the battery 15, and prompts the vehicle 10 when the battery needs to be replaced.

[0066] If the service life is 3 years, the control unit 23 indicates to the second user of vehicle 10 that the battery replacement period is within 3 years. Additionally, the control unit 23 can also suggest future usage methods to the second user of vehicle 10 based on the degree of degradation and remaining charge cycles. For example, (i) if the degradation is 75% and the remaining charge cycles are 1000, the control unit 23 can determine that battery 15 has degraded, but there are still charge cycles available, and suggests extending the battery 15's lifespan through frequent fast charging up to 80%. Furthermore, (ii) if the degradation is 85% and the remaining charge cycles are 300, the control unit 23 can determine that battery 15 has not degraded, but there are no remaining charge cycles, and suggests extending the battery 15's lifespan through long-duration regular charging late at night. Furthermore, (iii) if the degradation is below the threshold α (70%), the control unit 23 can determine that battery 15 has reached the end of its lifespan and suggests immediate battery replacement.

[0067] As described above, when the first number of years, first degree of degradation, and first actual number of charges of the battery 15 are provided from the vehicle 10, the information processing device 20 of this embodiment calculates the first service life of the battery 15 based on the first number of years and first degree of degradation, and calculates the first remaining number of charges of the battery 15 based on the first actual number of charges. When the first number of years, first degree of degradation, and first actual number of charges are not provided from the vehicle 10, the device estimates the second number of years of the battery 15 based on the total driving distance and manufacturing date of the vehicle 10, substitutes the second number of years of the battery 15 into predetermined statistical information, thereby estimating the second degree of degradation and the second actual number of charges of the battery 15, calculates the estimated value of the second service life of the battery 15 based on the second number of years and second degree of degradation, and calculates the estimated value of the second remaining number of charges of the battery 15 based on the second actual number of charges.

[0068] Based on the above structure, without receiving the first number of years, first degree of degradation, and first number of actual charges of the battery 15 from the vehicle 10, the second number of years of service life and the second number of remaining charges of the battery 15 are estimated based on the total mileage of the vehicle 10, the manufacturing date, and predetermined statistical information. Therefore, even if the first user selling the vehicle 10 does not agree to the transfer of mileage data, the second user purchasing the vehicle 10 can obtain the estimated values ​​of the battery 15's service life and remaining charges, and understand the battery replacement period. Therefore, the technology for estimating the degree of degradation of the battery used to drive the vehicle can be improved.

[0069] This disclosure has been described based on the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be noted that various modifications and alterations can be made based on this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each structural component or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple structural components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiments, it is also possible to distribute the structure and operation of the information processing device 20 among multiple computers capable of communicating with each other. For example, a server device connected to the network 2 in a communicative manner can also manage predetermined statistical information and provide such statistical information to the information processing device 20 via the network 2.

[0071] Alternatively, it is possible to implement an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 20 described in the above embodiments. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for implementing the functions of the information processing apparatus 20 described in the above embodiments is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program executable by a processor or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a vehicle and an information processing device, the information processing device calculating the lifespan of a battery used to power the vehicle, wherein, The information processing device requests the vehicle to provide driving data. If the first user who sold the vehicle agrees to provide the driving data to the second user who purchased the vehicle, the vehicle will provide the information processing device with the battery's first number of years, first degree of degradation, and first actual number of charges, calculated based on data measured by the battery sensors. When the information processing device receives the first number of years elapsed, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges from the vehicle, it calculates the first number of years of battery service life by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the first number of years elapsed from the battery's rated years by the first degree of degradation, and calculates the first number of remaining charges of the battery by subtracting the first number of actual charges from the battery's rated number of charges. If the first user does not agree to provide the driving data to the second user, the vehicle will notify the information processing device of its intention not to provide the driving data. Without receiving the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges from the vehicle, the information processing device estimates the second number of years of the battery based on the vehicle's total mileage and manufacturing date. By substituting the second number of years of the battery into predetermined statistical information, it estimates the second degree of degradation and the second number of actual charges of the battery. Based on the second number of years of the battery and the second degree of degradation, it calculates an estimated value for the second number of years of service life of the battery. Based on the second number of actual charges, it calculates an estimated value for the second number of remaining charges of the battery.

2. An information processing device for calculating the lifespan of a battery used to power a vehicle, wherein, The information processing device includes a control unit that, upon receiving information from the vehicle regarding the battery's first number of years elapsed, first degree of degradation, and first actual number of charges, calculates the battery's first number of service years based on the first number of years elapsed and the first degree of degradation, and calculates the battery's first number of remaining charges based on the first actual number of charges. Without receiving the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges from the vehicle, the control unit estimates the second number of years of the battery based on the vehicle's total mileage and manufacturing date. By substituting the second number of years of the battery into predetermined statistical information, it estimates the second degree of degradation and the second number of actual charges of the battery. Based on the second number of years of the battery and the second degree of degradation, it calculates an estimated value for the second number of years of service life of the battery. Based on the second number of actual charges, it calculates an estimated value for the second number of remaining charges of the battery.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit calculates the first service life of the battery by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the first number of years elapsed from the rated number of years of the battery by the first degree of degradation, and calculates the first remaining number of charges of the battery by subtracting the first actual number of charges from the rated number of charges of the battery.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit calculates an estimated value for the second service life of the battery by multiplying the number of years obtained by subtracting the second number of years from the rated number of years of the battery by the second degree of degradation, and calculates an estimated value for the second remaining number of charges of the battery by subtracting the second actual number of charges from the rated number of charges of the battery.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The predetermined statistical information refers to the following information, which is obtained by classifying each vehicle of the same model and statistically analyzing the battery degradation and actual number of charging cycles obtained from multiple vehicles based on the number of years elapsed since the vehicle's manufacturing date.

6. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, wherein, The program causes the information processing device that calculates the lifespan of the battery used to power the vehicle to perform the following processing: Given a first number of years elapsed, a first degree of degradation, and a first number of actual charges for the battery provided from the vehicle, a first number of years of service life for the battery is calculated based on the first number of years elapsed and the first degree of degradation, and a first number of remaining charges for the battery is calculated based on the first number of actual charges. Without the first number of years, the first degree of degradation, and the first number of actual charges provided by the vehicle, the second number of years of the battery is estimated based on the total mileage and manufacturing date of the vehicle. By substituting the second number of years of the battery into predetermined statistical information, the second degree of degradation and the second number of actual charges of the battery are estimated. The estimated value of the second service life of the battery is calculated based on the second number of years of the battery and the second degree of degradation. The estimated value of the second remaining number of charges of the battery is calculated based on the second number of actual charges.

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