Search system

Abstract

To comprehensively search for all information related to an identification number and display each of the searched information.SOLUTION: In a search system 100, a first database stored in an auxiliary storage device has a battery manufacturing record per battery identification number. A second database has a positive electrode manufacturing record per positive electrode identification number. A third database has a positive electrode material manufacturing record per positive electrode identification number. When an input unit accepts a first number which is one of battery identification numbers, the search system: searches the first database for the first battery manufacturing record corresponding to a first number; acquires a second number which is one of positive electrode identification numbers, from the first battery manufacturing record corresponding to the first number; searches the second database for the first positive electrode manufacturing record corresponding to the second number; acquires a third number which is one of first positive electrode material identification numbers, from the positive electrode manufacturing record corresponding to the second number; and searches the third database for the first positive electrode material manufacturing record corresponding to the third number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a search method, a search system, a program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the demand for high-output, high-capacity lithium-ion secondary batteries (also referred to as lithium-ion batteries) has rapidly expanded, and they have become indispensable in modern society as a reusable energy source.

[0003] Lithium-ion batteries are made using battery components such as positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and electrolytes. The battery components used in making lithium-ion batteries and the manufacturing conditions for each battery component are related to the battery characteristics of the lithium-ion battery. In other words, when making lithium-ion batteries, it is necessary to manage a lot of information related to the manufacturing conditions.

[0004] In recent years, corporate activities and the like have become increasingly paperless. Various types of corporate information are registered in databases, and search tools capable of cross-searching multiple databases are being considered (Patent Document 1). A method for processing and analyzing such corporate information to utilize it for corporate decision-making is sometimes called business intelligence (BI). BI tools used in BI are business intelligence software for obtaining information required for business from large amounts of data accumulated in databases and the like, and are preferably equipped with an intuitive human interface so that even users without specialized knowledge of information processing systems or programming can use them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-146205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the research and development of lithium-ion batteries, or in the manufacturing of a wide variety of lithium-ion batteries, battery components such as materials (e.g., active materials), positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and electrolytes are produced under various conditions, and batteries are produced by combining battery components. In the production of these battery components and batteries, records of production conditions, records of measurement data, etc. are stored in a database together with their respective identification numbers.

[0007] In this case, since the number of items and the data capacity related to the preparation and measurement differ for materials, positive electrodes, negative electrodes, electrolytes, batteries, etc., it is efficient and preferable to manage them separately, such as a material database, a positive electrode database, a negative electrode database, an electrolyte database, or a battery database.

[0008] The positive electrode database stores, for example, the positive electrode identification number, the date and time of preparation, the type and weight of the first material (e.g., the positive electrode active material), the type and weight of the second material (e.g., the binder), the type and weight of the third material (e.g., the conductive material), the type and weight of the dispersion medium, the positive electrode slurry mixing conditions, the type of positive electrode current collector, the thickness of the positive electrode slurry coating, the drying conditions, the pressing conditions, the apparatus used, and other preparation conditions. In such a positive electrode database, it is possible to perform a search using the positive electrode identification number as an input word and display the preparation conditions on a display device, as a general database search function.

[0009] However, it is difficult to simultaneously search multiple databases, such as a materials database, a positive electrode database, a negative electrode database, an electrolyte database, and a battery database, which are all different and interrelated, and to display all of the interrelated records at once using a general database search function (general search system).

[0010] For example, assume that a positive electrode active material is prepared as a first material, a first positive electrode is prepared using the first material, and a first battery is prepared using the first positive electrode. In this case, it can be said that the first positive electrode is a first positive electrode related to the first material. Also, it can be said that the first battery is a first battery related to the first material and a first battery related to the first positive electrode. Inversely, it can be said that the first material is a first material related to the first positive electrode and a first material related to the first battery. In the above example, the first material, the first positive electrode, and the first battery have a 1:1:1 relationship.

[0011] The relationship between the battery components of a lithium ion battery, for example, the material, the positive electrode, and the battery, is not limited to the 1:1:1 relationship as in the above example. For example, when a positive electrode active material is prepared as a first material, a first positive electrode, a second positive electrode, and a third positive electrode are each prepared using the first material, a first battery is prepared using the first positive electrode, a second battery is prepared using the second positive electrode, and a third battery is prepared using the third positive electrode, the relationship between the material, the positive electrode, and the battery is 1:3:3.

[0012] In the case of the 1:3:3 relationship described above, the first battery is the first battery associated with the first material and the first battery associated with the first positive electrode. In other words, the first material is the first material associated with the first positive electrode, the second positive electrode, and the third positive electrode, and is the first material associated with the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery. In this way, in a relationship in which the first material, the first positive electrode, and the first battery are not 1:1:1, the number of batteries associated with the first material and the number of batteries associated with the first battery may not match.

[0013] Therefore, for example, when a positive electrode identification number included in a positive electrode database is used as input data, and a positive electrode production record corresponding to that positive electrode identification number, a battery identification number of a battery produced using that positive electrode, a battery production record corresponding to that battery identification number, a material identification number of a material used to produce the positive electrode, and a material production record corresponding to that material identification number are searched comprehensively from multiple databases at once, the number of data to be searched is not a fixed number.

[0014] In addition, although the relationship between the positive electrode and the battery has been described above, if other manufacturing conditions such as the negative electrode and the electrolyte are also added, these relationships become even more complicated, making it difficult to grasp the whole picture. However, it is known that the effect (compatibility) of the combination of battery components is also an important factor in obtaining a high-performance battery, and it is preferable to be able to grasp the whole picture of the information in these multiple databases at once.

[0015] Therefore, an objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a search system that, by inputting an identification number in one of two or more databases, comprehensively searches for all information related to the identification number contained in the two or more databases and displays each of the information.

[0016] Note that the description of these problems does not preclude the existence of other problems. One embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily have to solve all of these problems. Problems other than these can be extracted from the description of the specification, drawings, and claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] One aspect of the present invention is a search system that, by inputting an identification number in one of two or more databases, comprehensively searches for all information related to the identification number contained in the two or more databases and displays each piece of information.

[0018] More specifically, the search system of one embodiment of the present invention is a search system that can search for corresponding records of preparation conditions, records of measurement data, etc. in two or more databases of materials, positive electrodes, negative electrodes, electrolytes, batteries, etc., and display mutually related records collectively.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention includes an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, the first database having a battery production record for each battery identification number, the second database having a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, and the third database having a positive electrode material production record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record having information on the positive electrode identification number, and the positive electrode production record having information on the positive electrode material identification number, and when a first number that is one of the battery identification numbers is received in the input unit, a function of searching a first battery production record corresponding to the first number from a second database, a function of obtaining a second number which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers from the first battery production record corresponding to the first number, a function of searching a first positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number from a second database, a function of obtaining a third number which is one of the first positive electrode material identification numbers from the positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number, and a function of searching a first positive electrode material production record corresponding to the third number from a third database.

[0020] Alternatively, one embodiment of the present invention is a search system having an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, where the first database has a battery production record for each battery identification number, the second database has a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, and the third database has a positive electrode material production record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record has information on the positive electrode identification number, and the positive electrode production record has information on the positive electrode material identification number, and when the input unit receives a fourth number that is one of the positive electrode material identification numbers, the search system has a function of searching the second database for a second positive electrode production record that includes the fourth number, a function of obtaining a fifth number that is one of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the second positive electrode production record, and a function of searching the first database and searching for a second battery production record that includes the fifth number.

[0021] Alternatively, one embodiment of the present invention has an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, the first database having a battery production record for each battery identification number, the second database having a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, the third database having a positive electrode material production record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record having information on the positive electrode identification number, and the positive electrode production record having information on the positive electrode material identification number, and when a first number that is one of the battery identification numbers is received in the input unit, a function of searching the first database for a first battery production record corresponding to the first number, and a function of obtaining a second number that is one of the positive electrode identification numbers from the first battery production record corresponding to the first number. a function of searching a second database for a first positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number, a function of obtaining a third number, which is one of the first positive electrode material identification numbers, from the positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number, and a function of searching a third database for a first positive electrode material production record corresponding to the third number, and when the input unit receives a fourth number, which is one of the positive electrode material identification numbers, a function of searching the second database for a second positive electrode production record including the fourth number, a function of obtaining a fifth number, which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the second positive electrode production record, and a function of searching the first database for a second battery production record including the fifth number. Effect of the Invention

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention provides a search system that, by inputting an identification number in one of two or more databases, comprehensively searches for all information related to the identification number contained in the two or more databases and displays each piece of information.

[0023] Note that the description of these effects does not preclude the existence of other effects. One embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily have all of these effects. Effects other than these can be extracted from the description in the specification, drawings, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of a search system. [Diagram 2] 2(A) and 2(B) are diagrams for explaining a database provided in the search system. [Diagram 3] 3(A) and 3(B) are diagrams for explaining a database provided in the search system. [Figure 4] 4(A) and 4(B) are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation of the search system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a search result displayed on the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the search system. [Figure 9] 9(A) and 9(B) are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 12] 12(A) and 12(B) are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 13] 13(A) and 13(B) are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the search system. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an example of a system diagram displayed on the GUI of the search system. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a system diagram displayed on the GUI of the search system. [Figure 20] Fig. 20(A) is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation of the search system, and Fig. 20(B) is an example of a system diagram displayed on the GUI of the search system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following description, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the modes and details of the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below.

[0026] In the configuration of the invention described below, the same parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings, and the repeated explanations are omitted. In addition, when referring to similar functions, the same hatching pattern may be used and no particular reference numeral may be used.

[0027] In addition, for ease of understanding, the position, size, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, range, etc. Therefore, the disclosed invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0028] In this specification, the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" are used for convenience and do not limit the number of components or the order of the components (e.g., the order of processes or the order of stacking). In addition, an ordinal number attached to a component in one part of this specification may not match an ordinal number attached to the same component in another part of this specification or in the claims.

[0029] (Embodiment) In this embodiment, a configuration example and an operation example of a search system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] <Example of search system configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a search system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The search system 100 includes a control device 110, a calculation device 120, a storage device 130, an auxiliary storage device 140, an input / output device 150, a communication device 160, and a display device 170. Each device is electrically connected via a bus line 101.

[0031] [Control device 110, arithmetic device 120] The control device 110 has a function of controlling the operation of devices included in the search system 100. The arithmetic device 120 has a function of executing arithmetic processing related to the search system 100. For example, a central processing unit (CPU) or the like can be used as the control device 110. For example, a CPU or a graphics processing unit (GPU) or the like can be used as the arithmetic device 120.

[0032] Furthermore, the control device 110 and the arithmetic device 120 may be realized by a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an FPAA (Field Programmable Analog Array).

[0033] The calculation results obtained by the arithmetic unit 120 are displayed on the display device 170. The calculation results obtained by the arithmetic unit 120 are stored in the storage device 130 or the auxiliary storage device 140. The calculation results obtained by the arithmetic unit 120 are output to the outside via the input / output device 150 or the communication device 160.

[0034] [Storage device 130] The storage device 130 has a function of storing programs and parameters related to the operation of the search system 100, and is preferably at least partially rewritable memory. For example, the storage device 130 can include a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0035] The RAM provided in the storage device 130 may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). A memory space is allocated to a part of the RAM as a working space for the search system 100. The operating system, application programs, data, and the like stored in the auxiliary storage device 140 are loaded into the RAM for execution.

[0036] The ROM provided in the storage device 130 may be a mask ROM, an OTPROM (One Time Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. Examples of the EPROM include a UV-EPROM (Ultra-Violet Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) that allows the erasure of stored data by irradiation with ultraviolet light, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and a flash memory. The ROM may store a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), firmware, etc. that do not require rewriting.

[0037] [Auxiliary storage device 140] The auxiliary storage device 140 is a storage device for storing an operating system, application programs, data, etc. In addition, various parameters used by the arithmetic unit 120 may also be stored therein.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 140 may be, for example, a storage device using a nonvolatile storage element such as a flash memory, MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), PRAM (Phase change RAM), ReRAM (Resistive RAM), or FeRAM (Ferroelectric RAM), or a storage device using a volatile storage element such as DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or SRAM (Static RAM). Also, a recording media drive such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) may be used.

[0039] Also, for example, a storage device such as an HDD or SSD that is removable via the input / output device 150 may be used as the auxiliary storage device 140. Also, a media drive for a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash memory, a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), a DVD, or a USB memory may be used as the auxiliary storage device 140.

[0040] When a storage device placed outside the search system 100 is used as the auxiliary storage device 140, the configuration may be such that data is input and output to and from the search system 100 via wireless communication using the communication device 160.

[0041] [Input / Output Device 150] The input / output device 150 has a function of controlling input / output of signals between an external device and the search system 100. Furthermore, an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, a USB terminal, a terminal for connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like may be used as an external port of the input / output device 150. Furthermore, the input / output device 150 may have a transmission / reception function for optical communication using infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, or the like. Furthermore, the input / output device 150 also functions as an interface for information input means such as a mouse, a keyboard, a pen tablet, and a touch panel (touch sensor).

[0042] [Communication device 160] The communication device 160 can perform communication via a cable or an antenna. For example, the communication device 160 controls a control signal for connecting the search system 100 to a computer network in response to an instruction from the computing device 120, and transmits the signal to the computer network. This allows the search system 100 to be connected to computer networks such as the Internet, which is the basis of the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet, an extranet, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a global area network (GAN), and to perform communication. In addition, when multiple communication methods are used, multiple cables or antennas may be provided according to the communication methods.

[0043] The communication device 160 may be provided with, for example, a high-frequency circuit (RF circuit) for transmitting and receiving RF signals. The high-frequency circuit is a circuit for converting between electromagnetic signals and electric signals in a frequency band determined by the laws of each country, and for wirelessly communicating with other communication devices using the electromagnetic signals. A frequency band of several tens of kHz to several tens of GHz is generally used as a practical frequency band. The high-frequency circuit connected to the antenna has a high-frequency circuit section corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands, and the high-frequency circuit section may have a configuration including an amplifier, a mixer, a filter, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an RF transceiver, etc. When performing wireless communication, communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication: registered trademark), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access: registered trademark), or IEEE communication standard specifications such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark) can be used as communication protocols or communication technologies.

[0044] A computer including the control device 110, the arithmetic device 120, the storage device 130, the auxiliary storage device 140, and the input / output device 150 or the communication device 160 can function as the search system 100. For example, when a signal for starting a program according to one embodiment of the present invention is input to the control device 110 via the input / output device 150 or the communication device 160, the control device 110 outputs a signal for causing the storage device 130 to load the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 140. By causing the storage device 130 to load the program, the computer can function as the search system 100. Note that a part or all of the program may be stored in a ROM.

[0045] Furthermore, the control device 110 outputs a signal to cause the storage device 130 to read various data such as setting parameters input via the input / output device 150 or the communication device 160. The arithmetic device 120 executes arithmetic processing using the programs and data loaded into the storage device 130. The auxiliary storage device 140 can also be used as the storage device 130. Furthermore, a cache provided inside the arithmetic device 120 can also be used as the storage device 130.

[0046] The program for causing a computer to function as the search system 100 may be written in various programming languages ​​such as Python (registered trademark), Go, Perl, Ruby, Prolog, Visual Basic (registered trademark), C, C++, Swift, Java (registered trademark), JavaScript (registered trademark), and in combination with a programming language, a markup language such as html (Hypertext Markup Language). Alternatively, the program may be written in a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). In this specification, the programming language includes markup languages ​​and style sheet languages.

[0047] Furthermore, the program for causing a computer to function as the search system 100 may include multiple programs written in the same programming language, or multiple programs written in different programming languages.

[0048] For example, multiple programs configured by function may all be written in the same programming language and each program may be combined and used as a single program. For example, multiple programs may all be written in Python and each program may be combined and used as a single program.

[0049] For example, some or all of a plurality of programs configured by function may be written in different programming languages, and each program may be combined and used as one program. For example, a program written in Python and a program written in JavaScript may be combined and used as one program. Also, for example, a program written in JavaScript may be written in html.

[0050] [Display device 170] Various display devices can be used as the display device 170. For example, a liquid crystal display device, a light-emitting display device having a light-emitting element such as an EL (Electro Luminescence) element in each pixel, or an electrophoretic display device can be used. In addition, a display device such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or an FED (Field Emission Display) can be used.

[0051] The search system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two or more databases selected from a "battery database," a "positive electrode database," a "positive electrode material database," a "negative electrode database," a "negative electrode material database," and an "electrolyte database."

[0052] As a combination of two or more databases, for example, combinations of databases such as "battery database" and "cathode database", "battery database" and "negative electrode database", "battery database" and "electrolyte database", "cathode database" and "cathode material database", "negative electrode database" and "negative electrode material database" may be provided. Alternatively, combinations of databases such as "battery database", "cathode database" and "cathode material database", "battery database", "negative electrode database" and "negative electrode material database" may be provided. Alternatively, combinations of databases such as "battery database", "cathode database", "cathode material database", "battery database", "negative electrode database" and "negative electrode material database" may be provided. Alternatively, combinations of databases such as "battery database", "cathode database", "cathode material database", "battery database", "negative electrode database", and "negative electrode material database" may be provided. Alternatively, combinations of databases such as "battery database", "cathode database", "cathode material database", "battery database", "negative electrode database", "negative material database" and "electrolyte database" may be provided.

[0053] In the search system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a program related to the operation of the search system 100 and a database included in the search system 100 can be stored in the storage device 130 or the auxiliary storage device 140. The above-mentioned program and the above-mentioned database can be configured to be received from the server 510 via the communication device 160 and stored in the storage device 130 or the auxiliary storage device 140.

[0054] It is preferable to store all of the programs related to the operation of the search system 100 and the databases provided by the search system 100 in the memory device 130 or auxiliary memory device 140 of the search system 100, since the search system 100 can be operated without using the communication device 160 and the operating speed of the search system 100 can be increased.

[0055] In the search system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the programs related to the operation of the search system 100 and the databases included in the search system 100 are not limited to the above configuration example, and only the programs may be stored in the storage device 130 or the auxiliary storage device 140, and the databases stored in the server 510 may be queried via the communication device 160 each time the search system 100 operates. Alternatively, all of the programs related to the operation of the search system 100 and the databases included in the search system 100 may be stored in the server 510, and the programs may be operated by the server 510.

[0056] [Battery Database] The search system 100 can include a battery database 141 that compiles battery production records for each battery identification number (hereinafter referred to as battery identification number). An example of the battery database 141 is shown in FIG.

[0057] 2(A), the battery database 141 stores battery production records such as battery production conditions for each battery identification number. Items of the battery production records stored include the identification number of the positive electrode (hereinafter referred to as positive electrode identification number) used in the battery production, the identification number of the negative electrode (hereinafter referred to as negative electrode identification number), the identification number of the electrolyte (hereinafter referred to as electrolyte identification number), the positive electrode area, the negative electrode area, and the amount of electrolyte injected. In addition to the above, the battery database 141 stores a wide variety of items of the battery production records such as the positive electrode weight, the negative electrode weight, the positive electrode thickness, the negative electrode thickness, the separator type, the separator thickness, the density of the positive electrode active material layer, or the density of the negative electrode active material layer.

[0058] [Positive Electrode Database] The search system 100 can include a positive electrode database 142 that compiles the positive electrode production records for each positive electrode identification number. An example of the positive electrode database 142 is shown in FIG.

[0059] 2(B), the positive electrode database 142 stores a positive electrode preparation record such as the preparation conditions of the positive electrode for each positive electrode identification number. Items of the stored positive electrode preparation record include the identification number of the positive electrode material used in the preparation of the positive electrode (hereinafter referred to as the positive electrode material identification number), the type of conductive material, the type of binder, the weight of the positive electrode material, the weight of the conductive material, the weight of the binder, and the drying temperature after the electrode is applied. In addition to the above, the positive electrode preparation record items stored in the positive electrode database 142 are diverse, such as the dispersion medium of the positive electrode slurry, the solid content ratio of the positive electrode slurry, the viscosity of the positive electrode slurry, the particle size distribution of the positive electrode material, the porosity, the pressing conditions, the results of the performance test, and the pass / fail judgment.

[0060] [Cathode Materials Database] The search system 100 can include a positive electrode material database 143 that compiles the positive electrode material preparation records for each positive electrode material identification number. An example of the positive electrode material database 143 is shown in FIG.

[0061] 3(A), the positive electrode material database 143 stores a positive electrode material preparation record such as the preparation conditions of the positive electrode material for each positive electrode material identification number. Items of the stored positive electrode material preparation record include the type of material used in preparing the positive electrode material (first material, second material, third material, etc.), the heating temperature, the heating environment, and the equipment used (mixer, heating furnace, etc.). In addition to the above, the positive electrode material preparation record stored in the positive electrode material database 143 includes a wide variety of items such as the weight of the materials, the mixing ratio, the mixing time, the mixing equipment, the crushing conditions, the grinding conditions, the impurity analysis results, and the XRD analysis results.

[0062] [Negative Electrode Database] Search system 100 can be provided with a negative electrode database that compiles the negative electrode production records for each negative electrode identification number. Items stored in the negative electrode database are the same as those stored in positive electrode database 142.

[0063] [Anode material database] The search system 100 may include a negative electrode material database that compiles the negative electrode material preparation records for each negative electrode material identification number of the negative electrode material. The items stored in the negative electrode material database are the same as those stored in the positive electrode material database 143.

[0064] [Electrolyte Database] The search system 100 may include an electrolyte database 144 that compiles electrolyte preparation records by electrolyte identification number.

[0065] 3(B), the electrolyte database 144 stores an electrolyte preparation record such as the preparation conditions of the electrolyte for each electrolyte identification number. Items stored include the type of material used to prepare the electrolyte (first material, second material, third material, fourth material, fifth material, etc.) and the amount of impurities (water content, etc.) contained in the prepared electrolyte. In addition to the above, the electrolyte database 144 stores a wide variety of items in the electrolyte preparation record such as the mixing ratio of the materials used to prepare the electrolyte, the mixing conditions, the device used for mixing, and the viscosity of the prepared electrolyte.

[0066] In the above, items stored in the battery database 141, the positive electrode database 142, the positive electrode material database 143, the negative electrode database, the negative electrode material database, and the electrolyte database 144 are exemplified, but the items stored in these databases do not need to include all of the above items, and may include only some of the items. Also, the items stored in these databases may include items other than those exemplified above.

[0067] <Example of search system operation> Next, as an example of a search method according to one embodiment of the present invention, an operation example of the search system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 20. For convenience of description, battery identification numbers and the like may be described with ordinal numbers. Note that the operation of the search system 100 described below is mainly performed using a calculation device 120 (also referred to as a calculation unit).

[0068] [Search System 100A] As an example of an operation example of the search system 100, an operation example of a search system 100A including a battery database 141, a positive electrode database 142, and a positive electrode material database 143 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 4(A) to FIG.

[0069] 4(A), it is determined whether there is an input to the input section, and if there is an input, the input content is determined in step S102, and the flow branches depending on the input content. Note that the battery identification number, positive electrode identification number, or positive electrode material identification number can be input to the input section using an input / output device 150, such as a keyboard.

[0070] In step S102 of Fig. 4(A), if it is determined that the input content is a battery identification number, the process proceeds to step S102A, if it is determined that the input content is a positive electrode identification number, the process proceeds to step S102B, or if it is determined that the input content is a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to step S102C. Here, step S102A is a connector A connecting step S102 to step S211 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5, step S102B is a connector B connecting step S102 to step S221 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6, and step S102C is a connector C connecting step S102 to step S231 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. As described above, search system 100A accepts a battery identification number, a positive electrode identification number, or a positive electrode material identification number in the input unit.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of the flowchart in Fig. 5. In step S211, the battery identification number received in the input section (called a first battery identification number) is searched for in battery database 141. If the first battery identification number to be searched for exists, it is determined in step S212 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S213.

[0072] On the other hand, if the first battery identification number to be searched for does not exist, a determination is made in step S212 that "no data" exists, and search system 100A is terminated. In this manner, if no search results are obtained, it is advisable to display on display device 170 an indication that the first battery identification number to be searched for does not exist in battery database 141.

[0073] In step S213 of FIG. 5, if the content of the first battery production record corresponding to the first battery identification number includes a positive electrode identification number (referred to as a first positive electrode identification number), the process proceeds to step S214.

[0074] On the other hand, if the positive electrode identification number is not included in the first battery production record in step S213, the process proceeds to step S213D. Step S213D is a connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0075] 5, the first positive electrode identification number is searched for in positive electrode database 142. If the first positive electrode identification number to be searched for exists, in step S215, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S216.

[0076] On the other hand, if the first positive electrode identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S215 that there is "no data" and the process proceeds to step S215D. Step S215D is a connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0077] In step S216 of FIG. 5, if the first positive electrode production record corresponding to the first positive electrode identification number includes a positive electrode material identification number (referred to as a first positive electrode material identification number), proceed to step S217.

[0078] On the other hand, in step S216, if the first positive electrode fabrication record does not include a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to step S216D. Step S216D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0079] 5, the first positive electrode material identification number is searched for in positive electrode material database 143. If the first positive electrode material identification number to be searched for exists, it is determined in step S218 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S219.

[0080] On the other hand, if the first positive electrode material identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S218 that there is "no data" and the process proceeds to step S218D. Step S218D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0081] In step S219 of FIG. 5, if the first positive electrode material production record corresponding to the first positive electrode material identification number includes a new positive electrode material identification number (e.g., a positive electrode material identification number other than the first positive electrode material identification number), return to step S217.

[0082] On the other hand, in step S219, if no new positive electrode material identification number is found in the first positive electrode material preparation record, the process proceeds to step S219D. Step S219D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0083] In this manner, the flow of FIG. 5 proceeds, and the first battery identification number, the first positive electrode identification number corresponding to the first battery identification number, and the first positive electrode material identification number corresponding to the first positive electrode identification number are searched for and displayed on display device 170.

[0084] 5, since there is a flow returning from step S219 to step S217, if the positive electrode material database 143 includes records of precursors of positive electrode materials, etc., it is possible to repeatedly search the positive electrode material database 143. That is, in the search system 100A, it is possible to search for positive electrodes, positive electrode materials, and precursors of positive electrode materials all at once.

[0085] Next, the flowchart of Fig. 6 will be described. In step S221, the positive electrode identification number (called the second positive electrode identification number) received in the input unit is searched for in the positive electrode database 142. If the second positive electrode identification number exists, in step S222, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S223.

[0086] On the other hand, if the second positive electrode identification number does not exist, a determination is made in step S222 that "no data" exists, and search system 100A is terminated. In this manner, if no search results are obtained, it is advisable to display on display device 170 a message explaining that the second positive electrode identification number to be searched for does not exist in positive electrode database 142.

[0087] In step S223 of FIG. 6, if the second positive electrode production record corresponding to the second positive electrode identification number includes a positive electrode material identification number (referred to as the second positive electrode material identification number), the process proceeds to step S224.

[0088] On the other hand, in step S223, if the second positive electrode fabrication record does not include a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to step S223D. Step S223D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0089] 6, a second positive electrode material identification number is searched for in positive electrode material database 143. If the second positive electrode material identification number to be searched for exists, in step S225, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S226.

[0090] On the other hand, if the second positive electrode material identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S225 that there is "no data" and the process proceeds to step S225D. Step S225D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0091] In step S226 of FIG. 6, if the second positive electrode material production record corresponding to the second positive electrode material identification number includes a new positive electrode material identification number (e.g., a positive electrode material identification number other than the second positive electrode material identification number), return to step S224.

[0092] On the other hand, in step S226, if no new positive electrode material identification number is found in the second positive electrode material preparation record, the process proceeds to step S226D. Step S226D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0093] In this manner, the flow of FIG. 6 proceeds, and the second battery identification number, the second positive electrode identification number corresponding to the second battery identification number, and the second positive electrode material identification number corresponding to the second positive electrode identification number are searched for and displayed on display device 170.

[0094] In addition, in FIG. 6, since there is a flow returning from step S226 to step S224, it is possible to search for the positive electrode, the positive electrode material, and the precursor of the positive electrode material all at once, similarly to the flow explained in FIG.

[0095] Next, the flowchart of Fig. 7 will be described. In step S231, the positive electrode material identification number (referred to as the third positive electrode material identification number) received in the input section is searched for in the positive electrode material database 143. If the third positive electrode material identification number exists, in step S232, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S233.

[0096] On the other hand, if the third positive electrode material identification number to be searched for does not exist, a determination is made in step S232 that "no data" exists, and search system 100A is terminated. In this manner, if no search results are obtained, it is advisable to display on display device 170 a message explaining that the third positive electrode material identification number to be searched for does not exist in positive electrode material database 143.

[0097] 7, a third positive electrode material preparation record corresponding to the third positive electrode material identification number obtained by searching the positive electrode material database 143 is confirmed. At this time, if the third positive electrode material preparation record contains the positive electrode material identification number, the process returns to step S231.

[0098] On the other hand, in step S233, if the third positive electrode material preparation record does not include a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to step S233D. Step S233D is connector D that connects to step S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4(B). Thereafter, in step S103 shown in Fig. 4(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0099] In this manner, the flow of FIG. 7 proceeds, and the third battery identification number, the third positive electrode identification number corresponding to the third battery identification number, and the third positive electrode material identification number corresponding to the third positive electrode identification number are searched for and displayed on display device 170.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 7, the search system 100A has a flow that returns from step S233 to step S231, so that it is possible to search for positive electrodes, positive electrode materials, and precursors of positive electrode materials all at once, similar to the flow described in FIG. 5.

[0101] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display image 171 that displays the results of the operation of the search system 100A on the display device 170. The display image 171 has an input text box 172, an execute button 173, and a result display area 174.

[0102] [Search system 100B] As another example of the operation of the search system 100, an operation example of a search system 100B including a battery database 141, a positive electrode database 142, and a positive electrode material database 143 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 9(A) to FIG.

[0103] First, in step S301 in FIG. 9A, it is determined whether or not there is an input to the input section. If there is an input, the input content is determined in step S302, and the flow branches depending on the input content.

[0104] In step S302 of Fig. 9(A), if it is determined that the input content is a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to step S302E, and if it is determined that the input content is a positive electrode identification number, the process proceeds to step S302F. Here, step S302E is a connector E that connects step S302 to step S311 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, and step S302F is a connector F that connects step S302 to step S321 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. As described above, search system 100B accepts a positive electrode identification number or a positive electrode material identification number in the input section.

[0105] Next, the flowchart in Fig. 10 will be described. In step S311, a positive electrode material identification number (called a fourth positive electrode material identification number) is searched for in positive electrode database 142. If a positive electrode identification number (called a fourth A positive electrode identification number) corresponding to data including the searched fourth positive electrode material identification number exists, it is determined in step S312 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S313.

[0106] On the other hand, if data including the searched fourth positive electrode material identification number does not exist in positive electrode database 142, a determination is made in step S312 that "no data exists," and search system 100B is terminated. In this manner, if no search results are obtained, it is advisable to display on display device 170 a message explaining that data including the searched fourth positive electrode material identification number does not exist in positive electrode database 142.

[0107] 10, data including a fourth positive electrode material identification number other than the 4A positive electrode identification number is searched for from the positive electrode database 142. If a positive electrode identification number (called the 4B positive electrode identification number) corresponding to the data including the searched fourth positive electrode material identification number exists, it is determined in step S314 that "data exists" and the process returns to step S313.

[0108] On the other hand, if no new data including the searched fourth positive electrode material identification number is found in positive electrode database 142, it is determined in step S314 that there is "no data," and the process proceeds to step S315.

[0109] As described above, in steps S312 to S314, all positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the fourth positive electrode material identification number are searched for.

[0110] Next, all of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the fourth positive electrode material identification number are searched for in the battery database 141. In the following explanation, as an example, it is assumed that the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the fourth positive electrode material identification number are all the 4A positive electrode identification number and the 4B positive electrode identification number.

[0111] 10, the 4A positive electrode identification number and the 4B positive electrode identification number are searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called the 4A battery identification number) corresponding to the data including the searched 4A positive electrode identification number or the 4B positive electrode identification number exists, it is determined in step S316 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S317.

[0112] On the other hand, if neither the data including the 4A positive electrode identification number nor the data including the 4B positive electrode identification number to be searched for exists in battery database 141, the process proceeds to step S316G. Step S316G is a connector G that connects to step S303 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9(B). Thereafter, in step S303 shown in Fig. 9(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0113] 10, data including a 4A positive electrode identification number or a 4B positive electrode identification number other than the 4A battery identification number is searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called a 4B battery identification number) corresponding to data including a 4A positive electrode identification number or a 4B positive electrode identification number is present other than the 4A battery identification number, it is determined in step S316 that "data present" and the process returns to step S317.

[0114] On the other hand, if no new data including the searched data containing the 4A positive electrode identification number or the 4B positive electrode identification number is found in the battery database 141, it is determined in step S318 that there is no data, and the process proceeds to step S318G. Step S318G is a connector G that connects to step S303 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9(B). Thereafter, in step S303 shown in Fig. 9(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on the display device 170.

[0115] As described above, in steps S315 to S318, all battery identification numbers corresponding to data including the 4A positive electrode identification number or data including the 4B positive electrode identification number can be searched for.

[0116] As described above, by using search system 100B, which is an example of search system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to search for all of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to data including the fourth positive electrode material identification number, and further to search for all of the battery identification numbers corresponding to any of the positive electrode identification numbers, according to the flow shown in steps S311 to S318 in FIG. 10 .

[0117] Next, a case where it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 9A that the input content is a positive electrode identification number (referred to as a fifth positive electrode identification number) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0118] In step S321, the fifth positive electrode identification number is searched for in battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called the 5Ath battery identification number) corresponding to data including the searched fifth positive electrode identification number exists, it is determined in step S322 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S327.

[0119] On the other hand, if the data including the searched fifth positive electrode identification number does not exist in battery database 141, a determination is made in step S322 that "no data exists," and search system 100B is terminated. In this manner, if no search results are obtained, it is advisable to display on display device 170 a message explaining that the data including the searched fifth positive electrode identification number does not exist in battery database 141.

[0120] 11, data including a fifth positive electrode identification number other than the 5A battery identification number is searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called the 5B battery identification number) corresponding to the data including the searched fifth positive electrode identification number exists, it is determined in step S324 that "data exists" and the process returns to step S327.

[0121] On the other hand, if no new data containing the searched-for fifth positive electrode identification number is found in battery database 141, the process proceeds to step S324G. Step S324G is a connector G that connects to step S303 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9(B). Thereafter, in step S303 shown in Fig. 9(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0122] As described above, in steps S321 to S324, it is possible to search for all battery identification numbers that correspond to data including the data including the fifth positive electrode identification number.

[0123] As described above, by using search system 100B, which is an example of search system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to search for all battery identification numbers corresponding to data including the fifth positive electrode identification number by the flow shown in steps S321 to S324 of Figure 11.

[0124] This concludes the description of the search system 100B.

[0125] [Search System 100C] As described above, the search system 100A and the search system 100B can be used independently, but they can also be used in combination. For example, like the search system 100C shown in FIG. 12(A), a system may be used that processes a part of the function of the search system 100A and a part of the function of the search system 100B in parallel.

[0126] As an example of the search system 100C, a flow for searching for a positive electrode identification number will be described with reference to the search system 100C1 shown in Fig. 12(A). First, in step S401 of Fig. 12(A), it is determined whether there is an input in the input section or not, and if there is an input, in step S402 it is determined whether the input content is a positive electrode identification number. As described above, the search system 100C1 accepts a positive electrode identification number in the input section.

[0127] If it is determined in step S402 that the input content is a positive electrode identification number, the process proceeds to both step S402B and step S402F as parallel processing. Here, step S402B is a connector B that connects step S402 to step S221 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. Also, step S402F is a connector F that connects step S402 to step S321 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11.

[0128] In step S402, if the input content is not a positive electrode identification number, it is determined in step S402 that the input content is "not a positive electrode identification number," and search system 100C1 is terminated.

[0129] As described in the flow shown in Figure 12(A), in search system 100C1, which is an example of search system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, by inputting a positive electrode identification number into an input section, it is possible to search for a positive electrode material identification number corresponding to the positive electrode identification number, and also to search for all battery identification numbers corresponding to data including the positive electrode identification number.

[0130] As an example of search system 100C2, the flow shown in Fig. 12(B) for searching for a positive electrode material identification number will be described. First, in step S411 of Fig. 12(B), it is determined whether there is an input in the input section, and if there is an input, in step S412 it is determined whether the input content is a positive electrode material identification number. As described above, search system 100C2 accepts a positive electrode material identification number in the input section.

[0131] If it is determined in step S412 that the input content is a positive electrode material identification number, the process proceeds to both steps S412C and S412E as parallel processing. Here, step S412C is a connector C connecting step S412 to step S231 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. Also, step S412E is a connector E connecting step S412 to step S311 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 10.

[0132] In step S412, if the input content is not a positive electrode material identification number, it is determined in step S412 that the input content is "not a positive electrode material identification number," and the search system 100C2 is terminated.

[0133] [Search System 100D] As another example of the search system 100, a search system 100D in which the search system 100A and the search system 100B are combined in series will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0134] First, in step S501 in FIG. 13A, it is determined whether or not there is an input to the input section. If there is an input, the input content is determined in step S502, and the flow branches depending on the input content.

[0135] In step S502 of Fig. 13(A), if it is determined that the input content is a battery identification number, the process proceeds to step S502H, and if it is determined that the input content is a positive electrode identification number, the process proceeds to step S502I. Here, step S502H is a connector H that connects step S502 to step S611 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 14, and step S502I is a connector I that connects step S502 to step S641 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 17. As described above, search system 100D accepts a battery identification number or a positive electrode identification number in the input section.

[0136] Next, a description will be given of the flowchart in Fig. 14. In step S611, the battery identification number received in the input section (referred to as the sixth battery identification number) is searched for in battery database 141. If the sixth battery identification number to be searched for exists, in step S612, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S613.

[0137] On the other hand, if the sixth battery identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S612 that there is "no data", and search system 100D is terminated.

[0138] 14, the sixth battery production record corresponding to the sixth battery identification number is confirmed. At this time, if the sixth battery production record includes a positive electrode identification number (referred to as a sixth positive electrode identification number), the process proceeds to step S614.

[0139] On the other hand, if the sixth battery production record does not include a positive electrode identification number in step S613, the process proceeds to step S613J. Step S613J is a connector J that connects to step S503 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 13(B). Thereafter, in step S503 shown in Fig. 13(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0140] 14, a sixth positive electrode identification number is searched for in the positive electrode database 142. If the sixth positive electrode identification number to be searched for exists, in step S615, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S616.

[0141] On the other hand, if the sixth positive electrode identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S615 that "no data" exists, and the process proceeds to step S615K. Step S615K is a connector K that connects to step S621 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0142] Here, the flowchart connected from the connector K will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In step S621, the sixth positive electrode identification number is searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called the sixth A battery identification number) corresponding to the data including the sixth positive electrode identification number being searched for exists, it is determined in step S622 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S623. On the other hand, if the data including the sixth positive electrode identification number being searched for does not exist in the battery database 141, it is determined in step S622 that "data does not exist" and the process proceeds to step S622J. Step S622J is a connector J that connects to step S621 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13(B). After that, in step S503 shown in FIG. 13(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on the display device 170.

[0143] 15, data including a sixth positive electrode identification number other than the 6A battery identification number is searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number (called the 6B battery identification number) corresponding to the data including the sixth positive electrode identification number being searched for exists, it is determined in step S624 that "data exists" and the process returns to step S623.

[0144] On the other hand, if no new data containing the sixth positive electrode identification number to be searched for is found in battery database 141, the process proceeds to step S624J. Step S624J is a connector J that connects to step S503 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 13(B). Thereafter, in step S503 shown in Fig. 13(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately preceding step are displayed on display device 170.

[0145] Returning now to the description of the flowchart shown in Fig. 14, in step S616 in Fig. 14, the sixth positive electrode preparation record corresponding to the sixth positive electrode identification number is confirmed. At this time, if the sixth positive electrode preparation record includes a positive electrode material identification number (referred to as the sixth positive electrode material identification number), the process proceeds to step S616L. Step S616L is a connector L that connects to step S631 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 16.

[0146] On the other hand, in step S616, if the sixth positive electrode preparation record does not include a positive electrode material identification number, proceed to step S616K. Step S615K is a connector K that connects to step S621 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 15. The flowcharts connected from the connector K are as described above.

[0147] In addition, in order to simplify the explanation, the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 does not describe a function of repeatedly searching for the positive electrode identification number. However, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, a return flow may be provided and a function of repeatedly searching the positive electrode material database 143 may be provided.

[0148] Next, a flowchart connected from connector L will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In step S631, the sixth positive electrode material identification number is searched for in positive electrode database 142. If there is a positive electrode identification number other than the sixth positive electrode identification number that corresponds to data including the searched sixth positive electrode material identification number, it is determined in step S632 that "data present" and the process returns to step S631.

[0149] On the other hand, if no new data including the sixth positive electrode material identification number being searched for is found in positive electrode database 142, it is determined in step S632 that there is "no data," and the process proceeds to step S633.

[0150] As described above, in steps S631 and S632, all positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the sixth positive electrode material identification number are searched for.

[0151] Next, all of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the sixth positive electrode material identification number are searched for in the battery database 141. In the following explanation, as an example, it is assumed that the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the data including the sixth positive electrode material identification number are the sixth positive electrode identification number, the 6A positive electrode identification number, and the 6B positive electrode identification number.

[0152] 16, the 6A positive electrode identification number and the 6B positive electrode identification number are searched for in the battery database 141. If a battery identification number corresponding to data including the searched 6A positive electrode identification number or 6B positive electrode identification number exists, it is determined in step S316 that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S317.

[0153] On the other hand, if no new data including the 6A positive electrode identification number or the 6B positive electrode identification number to be searched for is found in the battery database 141, the process proceeds to step S634J. Step S634J ​​is a connector J that connects to step S503 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 13(B). After that, in step S503 shown in Fig. 13(B), the search results obtained up to the immediately previous step are displayed on the display device 170.

[0154] As described above, in steps S633 and S634, all battery identification numbers corresponding to data including the 6A positive electrode identification number or data including the 6B positive electrode identification number can be searched for.

[0155] In the flowchart shown in Fig. 16, in addition to the 6th positive electrode identification number, the 6A positive electrode identification number and the 6B positive electrode identification number are found as the positive electrode identification number corresponding to the 6th positive electrode material identification number, the 6AA battery identification number and the 6AB battery identification number are found as the battery identification number of the battery corresponding to the data including the 6A positive electrode identification number, and the 6BA battery identification number, the 6BB battery identification number, and the 6BC battery identification number are searched for by the search system 100D as the battery identification number of the battery corresponding to the data including the 6B positive electrode identification number, as shown in Fig. 18. In the figure, the solid line arrow indicates a forward direction (for example, the search direction of the search system 100A) search, and the dashed line arrow indicates a reverse direction (for example, the search direction of the search system 100B) search.

[0156] In search system 100D, it is preferable to display a system diagram 172 as shown in Fig. 18 on display device 170. When it is possible to display system diagram 172 on display device 170, it is possible to comprehensively search for positive electrode identification numbers associated with the sixth positive electrode material identification number in the above example and battery identification numbers of batteries associated with the positive electrodes, and to provide them to a user of search system 100D in a visually easy-to-understand form.

[0157] Next, a case where it is determined in step S502 in FIG. 13(A) that the input content is a positive electrode identification number (referred to as a seventh positive electrode identification number) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0158] In step S641, a seventh positive electrode identification number is searched for in battery database 141. If the seventh positive electrode identification number to be searched for exists, in step S642, it is determined that "data exists" and the process proceeds to step S643.

[0159] On the other hand, if the seventh positive electrode identification number to be searched for does not exist, it is determined in step S642 that there is "no data," and the search system 100D is terminated.

[0160] In step S643 in Fig. 17, the seventh positive electrode preparation record corresponding to the seventh positive electrode identification number is confirmed. At this time, if the seventh positive electrode preparation record includes a positive electrode material identification number (referred to as the seventh positive electrode material identification number), the process proceeds to step S643L. Step S643L is a connector L that connects to step S631 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 16. The flowcharts connected from the connector L are as described above.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S643, if the seventh positive electrode preparation record does not include a positive electrode material identification number, proceed to step S643K. Step S643K is a connector K that connects to step S621 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 15. The flowcharts connected from the connector K are as described above.

[0162] FIG. 19 shows a system diagram 173 for the case where the flow chart shown in FIG. 16 is proceeded to after the flow chart in FIG. 17, and in addition to the seventh positive electrode identification number, a positive electrode identification number 7A and a positive electrode identification number 7B are found as the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the seventh positive electrode material identification number, a battery identification number 7AA and a battery identification number 7AB are found as the battery identification numbers of the battery corresponding to the data including the positive electrode identification number 7A, and a battery identification number 7BA, a battery identification number 7BB, and a battery identification number 7BC are searched for by search system 100D as the battery identification numbers of the battery corresponding to the data including the positive electrode identification number 7B.

[0163] As in the above, in search system 100D, it is preferable to display system diagram 173 as shown in Fig. 19 on display device 170. When system diagram 173 can be displayed on display device 170, it is possible to comprehensively search for positive electrode identification numbers related to the seventh positive electrode material identification number in the above example and battery identification numbers of batteries related to the positive electrodes, and to provide them to a user of search system 100D in a visually easy-to-understand form.

[0164] 13 to 17, as shown in Fig. 20(A), when it is determined in step S502 that the input content is a positive electrode identification number, the flow may proceed not only to step S502I but also to step S502K in parallel. In this case, the system diagram can be shown as system diagram 174 in Fig. 20(B) if the relationship is the same as system diagram 172 in Fig. 18.

[0165] [Other configuration example 1] In the above-described search systems 100A to 100D, an example is shown in which an "identification number (battery identification number, positive electrode identification number, positive electrode material identification number, etc.)" in a database is used as a search keyword, but the search system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to searching by an identification number. For example, a part of the recorded contents of a database, for example, the contents described in the "apparatus item" in the positive electrode material database 143, may be used as a keyword. In this case, for example, a search such as "search for all batteries using a positive electrode material produced using furnace 1" can be performed using "furnace 1" as a keyword.

[0166] Furthermore, the keyword used in the search operation is not limited to one, and multiple keywords may be used. In this case, they may be used together with logical operators such as AND and OR. In the above-mentioned configuration using multiple keywords, all of the multiple keywords may be keywords included in one database. Alternatively, keywords from multiple databases may be used in combination. As a configuration using keywords from multiple databases in combination, for example, the contents described in two or more databases may be used in combination as keywords, such as a combination of the "electrolyte item" in the battery database 141 and the "device item" in the positive electrode material database 143.

[0167] [Other configuration example 2] The above-described search systems 100A to 100D are configured to search for information on identification numbers, production conditions, and production records, but the search system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can search and display information in cooperation with a database having information other than the identification numbers, production conditions, and production records. For example, a battery characteristics database that records battery characteristics such as "charge and discharge cycle characteristics," "charge curve," "discharge curve," and "charge and discharge efficiency" corresponding to the battery identification numbers recorded in the battery database may be further searched and displayed.

[0168] In any of the configuration examples of the search system 100 shown above, for example, in step S101 in Fig. 4(A) and the like, an example is shown in which one identification number is input to the input unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which multiple identification numbers can be input may be used. In this case, the search system can be configured to operate for each of the multiple identification numbers and display search results for each identification number.

[0169] In any of the configuration examples of the search system 100 shown above, for example in step S101 of FIG. 4(A), when there is no input in the input section, the search system 100 may have a function of displaying all data in the database, or all data for the most recent period (for example, within one day, within one week, within one month, or within one year, etc.) on the display device 170.

[0170] In any of the configuration examples of the search system 100 described above, when the system has a function of displaying a system diagram 172 as shown in FIG. 18, the system may have a function of displaying detailed information corresponding to an identification number in a pop-up display (such as the contents of the battery database, a graph of the charge / discharge cycle characteristics, etc.) when the mouse cursor is placed over the identification number in the displayed system diagram.

[0171] An example of a display image displayed on display device 170 as a result of the operation of search system 100 as described above is shown in FIG. 8. However, in addition to displaying the search results on display device 170, the search results may also have a function of being stored in storage device 130 in a format such as "data in a format for search system 100," "text data," "image data," or "data compatible with spreadsheet software."

[0172] The configuration examples of search system 100, such as search system 100A to search system 100D shown above, are not limited to the respective descriptions, and may be configurations in which the entirety of each of the configuration examples is combined, or a configuration in which parts of each of the configuration examples are combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 100 Search System 101 Bus Line 110 Control device 120 Arithmetic equipment 130 Storage device 140 Auxiliary storage 141 Battery Database 142 Positive Electrode Database 143 Cathode Materials Database 144 Electrolyte Database 150 I / O devices 160 Communication Equipment 170 Display device 171 Display images 172 Input Text Box 173 Run button 174 Results display area 510 Server

Claims

1. The system includes an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, the first database having a battery production record for each battery identification number; the second database has a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, the third database has a positive electrode material preparation record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record has information of the positive electrode identification number, The positive electrode preparation record has information of the positive electrode material identification number, When a first number that is one of the battery identification numbers is received by the input unit, searching the first database for a first battery production record corresponding to the first number; a function of acquiring a second number, which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers, from the first battery production record corresponding to the first number; a function of searching the second database for a first positive electrode preparation record corresponding to the second number; a function of acquiring a third number, which is one of first positive electrode material identification numbers, from the positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number; and a function of searching the third database for a first positive electrode material preparation record corresponding to the third number. Search system.

2. The system includes an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, the first database having a battery production record for each battery identification number; the second database has a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, the third database has a positive electrode material preparation record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record has information of the positive electrode identification number, The positive electrode preparation record has information of the positive electrode material identification number, When the input unit receives a fourth number that is one of the positive electrode material identification numbers, a function of searching the second database for a second positive electrode preparation record including the fourth number; a function of acquiring a fifth number which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the second positive electrode production record; and searching the first database for a second battery production record including the fifth number. Search system.

3. The system includes an input unit, a first database, a second database, and a third database, the first database having a battery production record for each battery identification number; the second database has a positive electrode production record for each positive electrode identification number, the third database has a positive electrode material preparation record for each positive electrode material identification number, the battery production record has information of the positive electrode identification number, The positive electrode preparation record has information of the positive electrode material identification number, When a first number that is one of the battery identification numbers is received by the input unit, searching the first database for a first battery production record corresponding to the first number; a function of acquiring a second number, which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers, from the first battery production record corresponding to the first number; a function of searching the second database for a first positive electrode preparation record corresponding to the second number; a function of acquiring a third number, which is one of first positive electrode material identification numbers, from the positive electrode production record corresponding to the second number; and a function of searching the third database for a first positive electrode material preparation record corresponding to the third number, When the input unit receives a fourth number that is one of the positive electrode material identification numbers, a function of searching the second database for a second positive electrode preparation record including the fourth number; a function of acquiring a fifth number which is one of the positive electrode identification numbers corresponding to the second positive electrode production record; and searching the first database for a second battery production record including the fifth number. Search system.

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