Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program capable of outputting data according to the situation.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes: acquiring, by a computer, a result of determining a failure of a lead battery, the result being determined according to a measurement result on the lead battery; generating, based on the acquired determination result, notification data for a business operator that has conducted the measurement for determining the failure of the lead battery and notification data for a user of the lead battery, separately; outputting the notification data for the business operator to the business operator; and outputting the notification for the user to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method for a lead-acid battery, an information processing device, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Lead-acid batteries used in moving objects such as vehicles and industrial equipment such as uninterruptible power supplies are power sources for various electronic devices, and therefore an unexpected breakdown in function can directly lead to a cut in the supply of power. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the cause of a malfunction in a lead-acid battery. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for accurately calculating the remaining capacity of a lead-acid battery used in a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-153949 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A lead-acid battery suspected of having a defect is brought to a dealer or a maintenance business. An operator at the dealer or maintenance business judges the condition of the lead-acid battery in accordance with a manual. The operator, for example, checks the usage condition and appearance of the lead-acid battery. Depending on the result of the operator's judgment, the lead-acid battery is returned to the user as is, is returned after being charged, is replaced within the scope of the warranty, or is sent to the manufacturer together with a request for analysis.

[0005] Regarding defects in lead-acid batteries, workers at dealers or maintenance businesses, manufacturers, and users of lead-acid batteries can each obtain the results of the judgment and the data necessary for the analysis leading up to the judgment, etc. However, the users and businesses are in different positions, and have different knowledge and awareness regarding the handling of lead-acid batteries, so the data they want to know is different.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program capable of outputting data according to a position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In an information processing method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer acquires a judgment result of a malfunction of a lead-acid battery judged based on measurement results of the lead-acid battery, and based on the acquired judgment result, creates separate notification data for the business that performed the measurement to judge the malfunction of the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery, outputs the notification data for the business to the business, and outputs the notification data for the user to the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a service system for a lead-acid battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] 13 shows an example of a determination flow stored in a storage unit. [Figure 4] 4 shows an example of account data stored in a storage unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a first client device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a second client device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user registration screen in a user application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a third client device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process procedure in the service system. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen. [Figure 12] An example of a screen for receiving detailed information on installed equipment is shown. [Figure 13] 13 shows a survey reception screen for inputting survey results for a storage battery. [Figure 14] 13 shows an example of a survey reception screen. [Figure 15] 13 shows an example of an updated survey reception screen. [Figure 16] 13 shows another example of the updated survey reception screen. [Figure 17] 13 shows another example of the updated survey reception screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a complaint history stored in the server device. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the service system. [Figure 20] 11 shows an example of notification content displayed on the second client device. [Figure 21] 11 shows an example of notification content displayed on the third client device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (1) An information processing method includes a process in which a computer acquires a judgment result of a malfunction of a lead-acid battery judged based on a measurement result of the lead-acid battery, and based on the acquired judgment result, creates separate notification data for a business that performed the measurement to judge a malfunction of the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery, outputs the notification data for the business to the business, and outputs the notification data for the user to the user.

[0010] The lead-acid battery to be processed by the information processing method is not limited to one mounted on a vehicle, but may be one mounted on a moving object such as a forklift, a ship, a small airplane, etc. The lead-acid battery may be one mounted on industrial equipment such as an emergency power supply device, an uninterruptible power supply device, a lighting device, a communication device, a measuring device, etc.

[0011] In cases where a lead-acid battery, which is the power source, has a problem, such as when the engine or motor of a vehicle does not start, or when the vehicle or device equipped with the battery does not start, the user or the agency brings the lead-acid battery itself or the vehicle or device equipped with the battery to a lead-acid battery dealer or maintenance company. Conventionally, workers at the dealer or maintenance company have measured the lead-acid battery using a tester according to a manual, and performed supplementary charging or replacement depending on the measurement results, and the response has been based on the skill of the worker.

[0012] When a lead-acid battery defect is determined by the information processing method of the present disclosure, notification data including the determination result is output to a dealer or maintenance company worker, and notification data for the user is output to the user based on the determination result. Since the user and the worker want to know different information based on their awareness of lead-acid battery handling and defect determination, notification data according to their respective standpoints can be output separately. This increases the possibility of improving satisfaction with the determination result for both parties.

[0013] (2) In the information processing method described above in (1), the notification data for the user includes information regarding quality assurance of the lead-acid battery.

[0014] With the above configuration, the notification data for the user can include information regarding the quality guarantee of the lead-acid battery, such as information on the warranty period, whether replacement is necessary, when to replace, and information on inspection or replacement. This is expected to encourage users to use lead-acid batteries appropriately after receiving a complaint, and the output of the notification data to the user can reinforce the explanation from the business that accepted the complaint, allowing both the user and the business to be satisfied with the judgment results and measures.

[0015] (3) In the information processing method of (1) or (2) above, the computer includes a process of storing a plurality of contact points corresponding to the business operator by categorizing them, determining a category based on the determination result, and outputting the notification data to the contact point corresponding to the determined category.

[0016] With the above configuration, it is possible to set different output destinations for notification data depending on the category determined according to the judgment result. By outputting notification data only when the judgment result is necessary, rather than when all judgment results are detected, the dealer or maintenance company can improve the work efficiency, and by outputting the necessary notification data to the necessary worker, it is possible to appropriately allocate human resources for providing services.

[0017] (4) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (3) above, the computer includes a process of determining whether or not to output notification data to a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery based on the determination result, and if it determines to notify the manufacturer, outputting notification data regarding the determination result to the manufacturer.

[0018] With the above-mentioned configuration, only lead-acid batteries related to complaints that require sending to the manufacturer are sent to the manufacturer, which prevents lead-acid batteries suspected of being defective from being sent to the manufacturer unnecessarily and allows for the appropriate allocation of human resources for providing services.

[0019] (5) In the information processing method of (4) above, the computer includes a process of storing a plurality of contact points corresponding to the manufacturers by category, determining a category based on the importance, priority, or seriousness of the assessment result for the lead-acid battery, and outputting notification data regarding the assessment result to the contact point of the manufacturer corresponding to the determined category.

[0020] With the above configuration, even if the notification destination is a manufacturer, notification data is output to different persons in charge according to the category determined according to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the judgment result. For example, for an important complaint that requires recall, notification data is output to a person in charge with management authority, enabling a prompt response.

[0021] (6) In the information processing method of (5) above, the computer includes a process of outputting notification data by associating an external image of the lead-acid battery obtained as a result of measurement for determining a malfunction of the lead-acid battery with the determination result depending on the importance, priority, or seriousness of the determination result for the lead-acid battery.

[0022] As configured above, depending on the importance, priority, or seriousness of the assessment result for the lead-acid battery, notification data including an external image is output before the target lead-acid battery arrives at the manufacturer, allowing the person in charge at the manufacturer to respond quickly.

[0023] (7) The information processing device is equipped with a processing unit that executes a process of acquiring a judgment result of a malfunction of the lead-acid battery determined based on the measurement results of the lead-acid battery, and based on the acquired judgment result, separately creating notification data for the business that performed the measurement to judge the malfunction of the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery, outputting the notification data for the business to the business and outputting the notification data for the user to the user.

[0024] (8) The computer program causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring a judgment result of a malfunction of a lead-acid battery determined based on measurement results of the lead-acid battery, creating separate notification data for the business that performed the measurement to judge a malfunction of the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery based on the acquired judgment result, outputting the notification data for the business to the business and outputting the notification data for the user to the user.

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a service system 100 for lead-acid batteries according to this embodiment. When a complaint about a lead-acid battery is received from a user or an agency at a lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance business, the service system 100 outputs a judgment procedure to support the work of a worker. The service system 100 digitizes the work records for the lead-acid battery complaint and outputs the judgment results to various locations as necessary. The service system 100 also makes it possible to share the work records at the lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance business with manufacturers and users of lead-acid batteries.

[0027] The service system 100 includes a server device (information processing device) 1 managed by a manufacturer, and a plurality of first client devices 2 used at various locations of a lead-acid battery dealer or maintenance company. The server device 1 can transmit and receive data to and from the first client device 2 via a network N. The service system 100 includes a second client device 3 used by a user of the lead-acid battery, and a third client device 4 used by a person in charge at the lead-acid battery manufacturer. The server device 1 can transmit and receive data to and from the second client device 3 or the third client device 4 via the network N. The network N includes a network N1 that is a local network or a dedicated line of the manufacturer. The network N may include a public communication network N2, which is the so-called Internet, and a carrier network N3.

[0028] An operator at a dealer or maintenance company accepts a complaint from a user or an agency regarding a defect in a lead-acid battery. The operator can receive support from the server device 1 by using the first client device 2 to access the server device 1 and input the type of lead-acid battery brought in together with the complaint and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the battery was installed. Conventionally, when an operator accepts a complaint, the operator fills in a paper slip, writes in the results of measurement using a tester and the results of inspection of the appearance, and takes action according to the judgment result. In contrast, in the service system 100 of this embodiment, the operator does not basically use paper slips. The operator can accept the judgment result from the server device 1 and create a record for the complaint by inputting necessary items such as information obtained from the user or agency and the results of measurement using a tester into a screen presented based on a Web-based client program P2 provided by the server device 1.

[0029] The service system 100 of the present disclosure supports outputting the contents of the determination result as notification data to the second client device 3 used by the user. The service system 100 of the present disclosure supports sharing of reports or work records with the first client device 2 used by an operator of another dealer or maintenance company and the third client device 4 used by a manufacturer of lead-acid batteries.

[0030] The following describes the configuration and processing procedures of the service system 100 of this embodiment for supporting the work of workers, digitizing records of complaints, and sharing the results of judgments accurately and quickly.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server device 1. The server device 1 is a server computer or a personal computer. In the following description, the server device 1 is described as being configured by one server computer, but may be configured in such a way that a plurality of server computers are communicatively connected via a network to perform distributed processing.

[0032] The server device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 is a processor using a Central Processing Unit and / or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Based on an information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 10 executes a determination of malfunctions of the type of lead-acid battery and the type of equipment used.

[0033] The storage unit 11 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores data referenced by the processing unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores an information processing program P1 (program product). The information processing program P1 may be an information processing program P9 stored in a storage medium 9 that is read by the processing unit 10 and copied to the storage unit 11. The information processing program P1 may be downloaded from another program server or device via the communication unit 12 and stored therein.

[0034] The memory unit 11 stores a malfunction determination flow according to the type of lead-acid battery (see FIG. 3). The type of lead-acid battery is classified, for example, into a sealed type (VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid), also called a sealed battery) and a flooded type (also called a vented battery). The type of lead-acid battery may be classified by the type of vehicle in which the lead-acid battery is mounted. The type of vehicle includes whether it is a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle, whether it is an idle stop (IS) specification, and whether it is a European vehicle (EN (European Norm) standard battery). The type of vehicle may be classified by whether it is manufactured by a specific vehicle manufacturer.

[0035] In the storage unit 11, a database that stores account data of users or businesses of the service system 100 and complaint data related to defects is constructed as a battery DB 111 (see FIG. 4). The battery DB 111 may be constructed in an external storage device and may be readable and writable by the processing unit 10. The account data contained in the battery DB 111 includes an account ID, and is data for logging in to a Web service provided by the server device 1 of the service system 100. The complaint data is associated with a slip ID that identifies each complaint, and is data that includes information on the tester's measurement results and the judgment results based on the judgment flow.

[0036] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the first client device 2 via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card. The communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication device that connects to the carrier network N3, or may be a wireless communication device for WiFi. The processing unit 10 can transmit and receive data to and from the first client device 2 via the communication unit 12.

[0037] 3 shows an example of a judgment flow stored in the storage unit 11. A correspondence table and a judgment flow are stored in the storage unit 11. The correspondence table shows a correspondence relationship between the type of lead-acid battery, the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is mounted, and an alphabet (A, B, C) that identifies the judgment flow. The judgment flow is data describing a procedure that branches according to the measurement results of a tester, and branches according to the measured specific gravity, voltage value, etc., depending on the type of lead-acid battery and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the battery is mounted.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the judgment flow "A" first includes a procedure to be performed next or a judgment result according to one of the measurement results by the tester, "GOOD", "RECHARGE", "Caution & Retest", and "BAD". The judgment results are "1: Good", "2: Specific gravity variation", "3: Unable to charge", "4: Cell short circuit" (not shown), "5: Insufficient capacity", "6: Over-discharge", "7: Discharge", "8: Highly deteriorated", "9: Disconnection", and the like. The memory unit 11 stores the measures to be taken by the operator according to the judgment results of the judgment flow, such as "1: Return to user", "2: Recycle (recovery)", "3: Send to manufacturer", and the like. In the judgment flow "A" shown in FIG. 3, if the judgment result is "1: Good", "6: Over-discharge", or "7: Discharge", the measure is determined as "1: Return to user", and otherwise, the measure is determined as "2: Recycle (recovery)" or "3: Send to manufacturer". The processing unit 10 is capable of outputting the procedure (task item) to be performed next, the judgment result, and the necessary measures in response to input from an operator as described later, based on the judgment flow data.

[0039] The judgment flow may be stored in a search tree structure, not limited to a format in which a branch in a table is traced as shown in Fig. 3. A learning model trained using a neural network to input the type of tester, the open voltage and specific gravity that are the measurement results by the tester, and the judgment result of the tester and output the judgment result may be stored, and the processing unit 10 may use the learning model as the judgment flow.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows an example of account data stored in the storage unit 11. The account data includes an account ID, and is data for logging in to a Web service provided by the server device 1 of the service system 100. The account data shown in Fig. 4 includes an account ID, an account type, an account name, an account affiliation, a contact address, a notification setting, a serial number, and the like.

[0041] The user's account data may be issued by a sales management service in association with the serial number of the lead-acid battery when the lead-acid battery or the vehicle or device equipped with the lead-acid battery is sold. The user's account data is stored when the user subscribes to a service for the user who is the owner of the electric vehicle of the service system 100, but is not essential. Information such as the manufacturing date, sales date, start date of use, inspection date, dealer, and inspection dealer associated with the serial number of the lead-acid battery is stored in a database managed by the manufacturer or the maintenance company of the lead-acid battery, and may be referred to from the server device 1. The user's account data may be managed in association with the vehicle ID by a vehicle dealer acting as a sales agent for the lead-acid battery.

[0042] For example, the account ID "U0000123" shown in FIG. 4 is issued to a user, and the type "user" and the name "SATOH" are associated with each other. In the example of FIG. 4, the account ID "U0000123" is associated with an email address as the user's contact point and the serial number of the lead-acid battery owned by the user. The serial number may be stored as customer information in a manufacturer or seller in association with information such as the manufacturing date and time, the sales date and time, the dealer, the inspection date, the inspection implementation company, and the warranty period. In this case, the processing unit 10 can refer to the data of the dealer and the warranty period based on the serial number. Similarly, the type "user", the name "SUZUKI", the contact email address, and the serial number of the lead-acid battery are stored for the account ID "U0000321". The type "user", the name "TANAKA", the contact email address, and the serial number of the lead-acid battery are stored for the account ID "U0003333". The user's account data may be registered from a user application P3 of the second client device 3, as described below, or may be registered at the time of sale of the lead-acid battery.

[0043] The account data of the business is stored for each type of business and includes a notification destination. The type of business is classified according to whether the business is a lead-acid battery manufacturer, a sales business, an agency, or a maintenance business. The account data may be issued by the business for each worker or for each store.

[0044] The account ID "T0987654" shown in FIG. 4 is issued to a dealer, and the type "dealer" and the dealer name "ABC Battery XX Store" are associated with each other. The account ID "T0987654" is associated with area data "A Ward, Tokyo" that identifies the area of ​​the store or business. The account ID "T0987654" is associated with contact data such as the email address of the dealer's notification destination. In the example shown in FIG. 4, even for the same dealer, different notification destinations are associated with each category that is distinguished according to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the notification content. Similarly, the type "dealer", the dealer name "ABC Battery XX Store", the area "C Ward, Tokyo", the contact data of the notification destination, etc. are stored for the account ID "T0876543".

[0045] The account ID "M0054321" shown in Figure 4 has been issued to a manufacturer, and the type "manufacturer" is associated with the manufacturer name "XYZ Battery." The account ID "M0054321" is associated with area data that identifies the area of ​​the business. The account ID "M0054321" is associated with contact data such as the email address of the notification recipient for each category that is distinguished according to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the notification content.

[0046] The information on the notification destination, classified according to the type associated with the account ID as shown in FIG. 4 and the importance, priority, or severity assigned to the notification destination, enables rapid sharing according to the determination results, as described below.

[0047] 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the first client device 2. The first client device 2 is a terminal device used by an operator at a dealer or a maintenance company. The first client device 2 is a laptop or desktop personal computer. The first client device 2 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0048] The first client device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and an imaging unit 25.

[0049] The processing unit 20 is a processor using a CPU and / or a GPU. The processing unit 20 executes a client program stored in the storage unit 21. The processing unit 20 transmits and receives data to and from the server device 1 based on the client program P2. The client program P2 includes a Web browser program.

[0050] The storage unit 21 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or an SSD. The storage unit 21 stores data referenced by the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 may store account data assigned to a dealer or a maintenance company. When the processing unit 20 establishes a communication connection with the server device 1 and acquires data, the processing unit 20 can automatically reference the account data from the storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 stores various programs including the client program P2. The client program P2 is a Web browser program and may be a Web application program provided by the server device 1. The client program P2 may be an agent program incorporated in the Web browser. The client program P2 may be a client program P8 (program product) stored in the storage medium 8 read by the processing unit 20 and copied to the storage unit 21. The client program P2 may be a program downloaded from another program server or device via the communication unit 22 and stored.

[0051] The communication unit 22 realizes communication with the server device 1 via the network N. The communication unit 22 is, for example, a network card. The communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication device that connects to the carrier network N3, or may be a wireless communication device for WiFi. The processing unit 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 1 via the communication unit 22.

[0052] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 23 displays GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) of various application programs. The processing unit 20 displays a screen on the display unit 23 based on the data provided from the server device 1, in accordance with the client program P2.

[0053] The operation unit 24 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse capable of inputting and outputting data to and from the processing unit 20. The operation unit 24 may be a touch panel built into the display unit 23. The operation unit 24 may be a physical button, or the operation unit 24 may be an audio input / output unit including a microphone.

[0054] The imaging unit 25 can capture an image of the serial number stamped on the body of the lead-acid battery, or a serial number or two-dimensional code printed on a caution label.

[0055] 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the second client device 3. The second client device 3 is a terminal device used by a user who is the owner of the lead-acid battery. The second client device 3 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The second client device 3 may be a laptop or desktop personal computer.

[0056] The hardware configuration of the second client device 3 is similar to that of the first client device 2. Each component of the second client device 3 is assigned a reference symbol corresponding to the reference symbol assigned to each component of the first client device 2, and detailed description of each component is omitted.

[0057] The storage unit 31 of the second client device 3 stores a user application program ( The user application P3 is stored in the storage unit 31. The user application P3 is downloaded from another program server or device via the communication unit 32 and stored (program product). The user application P3 may be a user application P7 (program product) stored in the storage medium 7 that is read by the processing unit 30 and copied to the storage unit 31.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a user registration screen 330 in the user application P3. The user registration screen 330 includes an input field 331 for an account ID issued by the server device 1 and an input field 332 for a serial number of a lead-acid battery. As shown in FIG. 7, the user registration screen 330 may include an input field 333 for an email address as a contact. The input field 331 may be issued from the server device 1 at the time of displaying the user registration screen 330 and automatically input. A button 334 for starting the imaging unit 35 to read a two-dimensional code is displayed next to the input field 332 for the serial number of the lead-acid battery. When the button 334 is selected by the operation unit 34, the imaging unit 35 is started, and when the user performs an imaging operation, the processing unit 30 can decode and acquire the serial number based on the user application P3. The user registration screen 330 includes a registration button 335. When the register button 335 is selected, the processing unit 30 stores the account ID entered in the input field 331 and the serial number entered in the input field 332 in the storage unit 31 based on the user application P3, and also transmits them to the server device 1. This allows the processing unit 30 of the second client device 3 to associate the account ID with the user application P3 that provides a service related to lead-acid batteries and store them in the storage unit 31. The server device 1 can register the account data shown in Fig. 4. The account data shown in Fig. 4 may be set by an operator via the first client device 2 when a complaint is accepted.

[0059] In this way, since the account ID is associated with the user application P3, when the server device 1 notifies information to the account ID, the second client device 3 can obtain a notification addressed to the user from the user application P3.

[0060] 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the third client device 4. The third client device 4 is a terminal device used by a person in charge of a manufacturer of lead-acid batteries. The third client device 4 is a laptop or desktop personal computer. The third client device 4 may also be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0061] The hardware configuration of the third client device 4 is similar to that of the first client device 2. Each component of the third client device 4 is assigned a reference symbol corresponding to the reference symbol assigned to each component of the first client device 2, and detailed description of each component is omitted.

[0062] At least a Web browser program is stored in the storage unit 41 of the third client device 4. The processing unit 40 can acquire a Web page presented by the server device 1 and output various data to the display unit 43 based on the Web browser program.

[0063] The process of accepting a complaint about a lead-acid battery, determining the defect, and recording the work record as digital data in the service system 100 configured as above will be described below. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a determination process procedure in the service system 100. An operator of a dealer or maintenance company who has accepted a complaint about a lead-acid battery uses the first client device 2 to input account data previously assigned to the operator (login). The server device 1 and the first client device 2 execute the following process upon input of the account data to the first client device 2.

[0064] The first client device 2 transmits a request for a complaint input screen together with the worker's account data to the server device 1 (step S201).

[0065] When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives a request for an input screen (step S101), it issues a claim slip ID (step S102) and creates claim data for the lead-acid battery (step S103). In step S103, the processing unit 10 adds the account ID of the dealer or maintenance company that sent the request, which is included in the request, to the claim data.

[0066] The processing unit 10 creates an input screen for the claim on which the slip ID and the account ID have already been input (step S104), and transmits data of the created input screen to the first client device 2 (step S105).

[0067] The processing unit 20 of the first client device 2 receives the data of the input screen (step S202) and displays the input screen on the display unit 23 (step S203). The processing unit 20 accepts input of the type of lead-acid battery and the type of device or vehicle in which the lead-acid battery is mounted on the displayed input screen (step S204). In step S204, the processing unit 20 may accept the type by character recognition from an image of the serial number attached to the housing of the lead-acid battery captured by the imaging unit 25. The processing unit 20 may accept information on the serial number, type, and model obtained by capturing an image of a two-dimensional code encoding the type, model, etc. of the lead-acid battery with the imaging unit 25 and decoding the image. In step S204, the processing unit 20 may accept input of the serial number, start date and time of use, and usage history (mileage, etc.) of the lead-acid battery as the first input data. In step S204, the processing unit 20 may accept information on the user or agency who is the requester of the complaint. The information on the user or agency is the name or title and contact information.

[0068] The processing unit 20 transmits the type of the lead-acid battery and the type of the device or vehicle in which the lead-acid battery was installed, which were received in step S204, to the server device 1 (step S205). If the information of the user or the agency was received in step S204, the processing unit 20 transmits this information.

[0069] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the type of lead-acid battery and the type of device or vehicle inputted on the input screen (step S106), and determines a judgment flow stored in the storage unit 11 based on the received type of lead-acid battery and type of device or vehicle (step S107). The processing unit 10 updates the input screen displayed on the first client device 2 according to the determined judgment flow, depending on the items inputted on the input screen (step S108). In step S108, the processing unit 10 may transmit the judgment flow and cause the first client device 2 to update the input screen based on the judgment flow.

[0070] The processing unit 20 of the first client device 2 accepts input of each item including the tester measurement result on the updated input screen (step S206), and transmits the data of the accepted items to the server device 1 (step S207). In step S206, the processing unit 20 may also input the type (product number) of the tester used for the measurement. In step S206, the processing unit 20 accepts input of data that the operator can know about the items displayed on the input screen, such as an external image of the lead-acid battery captured by the imaging unit 25, and transmits the data to the server device 1 each time it is accepted. As a result, the necessary items are updated sequentially as the items are entered into the input screen.

[0071] When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the data of each item transmitted from the first client device 2 (step S109), it determines the judgment result and the action to be taken based on the judgment flow (step S110) and transmits them to the first client device 2 (step S111). Until the judgment result and the action to be taken are finally determined, the processing unit 10 repeatedly executes the processes from step S106 to step S109 according to the determined judgment flow, and successively updates the input screen.

[0072] In step S110, when the processing unit 10 determines "replacement" as the treatment content based on the judgment flow, it acquires information on the serial number and purchase date and time input as other items on the input screen, and judges whether the usage period is within the warranty period. If it is judged to be within the warranty period, the processing unit 10 may output that "free replacement" is possible as the final treatment. This makes it possible to support the worker by using information held by the manufacturer that can be acquired by the server device 1, so that the treatment content to be performed by the worker is not erroneous, such as collecting replacement costs even if it is within the warranty period. The processing unit 10 may automatically calculate the warranty period based on the type of lead-acid battery, the specifications of the mounted equipment or vehicle, the car name, the vehicle model, the product number of the mounted equipment, etc., regarding "whether the usage period is within the warranty period or not." The warranty period of a lead-acid battery is usually determined by the type of battery and the specifications of the vehicle. The server device 1 can store the warranty period according to the type of battery and the specifications of the vehicle in the memory unit 11, and can automatically calculate the warranty period by referring to this. The processing unit 10 may acquire the manufacturing date associated with the serial number of the lead-acid battery stored in a sales database or the like, data on whether the lead-acid battery has been inspected, and data on whether an extended warranty service has been provided, and may automatically calculate the warranty period based on this.

[0073] The processing unit 20 of the first client device 2 receives the determination result and the disposition content (step S208), and displays the received determination result and the disposition content on the display unit 23 (step S209). When the disposition content is "replacement", the processing unit 20 may also display information on whether or not it is within the warranty period as described above. When the disposition content is recycling, the processing unit 20 may display an application screen for recycling application on the input screen, and when the disposition content is sending to the manufacturer, the processing unit 20 may display a screen for sending to the manufacturer procedure.

[0074] The screen including the determination result and the treatment content displayed in step S209 may include an interface for outputting a slip. When the interface is selected on the operation unit 24, the processing unit 20 of the first client device 2 creates and outputs document data such as a PDF in which the items entered on the input screen are filled in.

[0075] The processing unit 20 accepts the registration by selecting the complaint registration interface displayed on the currently displayed input screen (step S210). When the registration is accepted on the input screen, the server device 1 is notified.

[0076] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 that has received the notification of registration stores the complaint data to which various data have been added in the battery DB 111 in association with the slip ID issued in step S102 (step S112), and ends the process. In step S112, the processing unit 10 adds to the complaint data the data of each item received from the first client device 2 in steps S106 and S109, the judgment result and processing content judged by the processing unit 10 itself.

[0077] The determination process procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9 will be specifically described with reference to screen examples. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen 230. The input screen 230 is displayed on the display unit 23 when the worker inputs account data using the first client device 2.

[0078] In the example of FIG. 10, the input screen 230 displayed on the Web browser displays input fields for data on the lead-acid battery on separate pages. The input screen 230 is divided into a complaint reception screen 231 (FIG. 10) for inputting data related to complaint reception, a screen 232 (see FIG. 12) for receiving detailed information on the mounted device (mounted vehicle), and an investigation reception screen 233 (see FIG. 13) for receiving investigation results on the lead-acid battery. The input screen 230 may be displayed as a page including all of the complaint reception screen 231, the screen 232, and the investigation reception screen 233, or may be displayed in a tab format. The input screen 230 is designed to be displayed with a highly operable design when displayed on a smartphone and when displayed on a laptop PC.

[0079] The input screen 230 in Fig. 10 includes a complaint reception screen 231. The complaint reception screen 231 is initially displayed on the input screen 230. On the complaint reception screen 231 in Fig. 10, the slip ID and the store account ID have already been input based on the account data transmitted from the first client device 2 together with the complaint request.

[0080] The complaint reception screen 231 includes input fields 2311, 2312 for receiving the type of battery, the onboard device, or the specifications (type) of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 10. The input fields 2311, 2312 may be configured to receive some of the content in a selection format, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0081] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen 230. Fig. 11 shows the complaint reception screen 231 updated after data for each item is input into the input fields 2311 and 2312 shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 11, in the input field 2311, "sealed" is selected as the "type" of the battery type, and "CBA" is input as the model number, and "23" is input as the standard. In the input field 2312 of Fig. 11, "four-wheel" and "idling stop (IS) specification" are input as the type of vehicle in which the lead-acid battery is mounted.

[0082] When the server device 1 receives the input result shown in Fig. 11 from the first client device 2, it refers to the correspondence table (Fig. 3) stored in the storage unit 11 and determines the judgment flow to be "A" (S107). Based on the determined judgment flow, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 updates the screen according to the data input to the input screen 230 thereafter. As a result, in Fig. 11, the determined judgment flow result is displayed as "A".

[0083] Fig. 12 shows an example of a screen 232 for accepting detailed information on on-board equipment. As shown in Fig. 12, the screen 232 includes fields for accepting input of information such as the manufacturer, vehicle name, model, frame number, engine type, mileage, etc. in the case of a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 12, the screen 232 includes fields for accepting input of information such as the manufacturer and product number in the case of equipment other than a vehicle, such as a power supply unit.

[0084] FIG. 13 shows an investigation reception screen 233 for inputting the results of an investigation into a storage battery. The investigation reception screen 233 displays and enables / disables input fields according to a judgment flow determined based on the data input to the complaint reception screen 231. The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 13 displays a message prompting input of the results of an investigation by a tester based on judgment flow "A" determined for a VRLA-type lead-acid battery, and the fields for receiving input of the measurement results by the tester are enabled. The investigation reception screen 233 also receives the type of tester. The options for the tester's judgment results are updated depending on the type of tester.

[0085] When the measurement result of the tester is input in the field of the survey reception screen 233 of FIG. 13, the input screen 230 is updated, and the survey reception screen 233 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. FIG. 14 shows an example of the survey reception screen 233. The survey reception screen 233 shows that the open voltage is 12.22 [V] as the measurement result of the tester, and the judgment result of the tester is "required to be charged (RECHARGE)". When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the input data, it judges that the next item to be investigated is "measure again with the tester after supplementary charging" based on the judgment flow "A". As a result, the survey reception screen 233 of FIG. 14 displays a message encouraging the user to carry out the procedure of measuring again with the tester after supplementary charging, and the field for accepting input of the measurement result of the tester is enabled. When the measurement result of the tester is input in the field of the survey reception screen 233 of FIG. 14, the input screen 230 is updated, and the survey reception screen 233 shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 is displayed.

[0086] Fig. 15 shows an example of the updated investigation reception screen 233. The investigation reception screen 233 in Fig. 15 shows that the open voltage has increased as a result of supplementary charging, the tester's judgment result has become good (GOOD), and these measurement results have been input by the operator operating the operation unit 24. The investigation reception screen 233 in Fig. 15 shows the defect content judged according to the judgment flow "A" by inputting the tester's measurement results. The investigation reception screen 233 in Fig. 15 shows the final judgment result of "discharge" and the action of "return".

[0087] 15, a "Register" button 2331 is displayed next to the final judgment result and the disposition. When the "Register" button 2331 is selected by operation of the operation unit 24, the server device 1 receives a notification of registration. As a result, the various items entered into the complaint reception screen 231, the various information received on the screen 232, the tester measurement results received on the investigation reception screen 233, and the judgment results based on the judgment flow are stored in association with the slip ID. Complaint reception slips, which were previously created by workers filling out paper media, are digitized and recorded in the server device 1.

[0088] FIG. 16 shows another example of the investigation reception screen 233 after updating. The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 16 shows the result of inputting the measurement results by the operator operating the operation unit 24, in which the open voltage does not increase as a result of supplementary charging, and the tester's judgment result is also "recharge required (RECHARGE)". The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 16 shows the defect content judged according to the judgment flow "A" by inputting the measurement result of the tester. The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 16 shows the final judgment result "insufficient capacity" and the action "replacement". Since "replacement" is decided as the final action content in the investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 16, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 judges whether the usage period is within the warranty period or not, and decides that a free exchange is possible. The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 16 also shows the "register" button 2331.

[0089] FIG. 17 shows another example of the survey reception screen 233 after the update. The survey reception screen 233 in FIG. 17 includes the judgment result and the treatment contents as well as the advice message 2332 for the worker, similar to the survey reception screen 233 shown in FIG. 16. In the example of FIG. 17, the advice message 2332 is a text based on the usage period that can be referred to from the serial number of the lead-acid battery, saying "The usage period is more than 2 years but less than 3 years, and it is in good condition but has a discharge tendency. In order to prevent the battery from running out again, we recommend that you drive the battery for more than 1 hour periodically." In this way, with regard to customer support, the server device 1 notifies the worker of advice based on knowledge obtained by tallying up common problems at multiple dealerships, so that it is expected that the possibility of trouble with customers will be reduced and the lead-acid battery will be used appropriately in the future.

[0090] In this way, in the service system 100, the server device 1 acquires the measurement results from the first client device 2 and automatically outputs the judgment result based on the determined judgment flow. The worker at the dealer or maintenance company takes action according to the judgment result and the outputted action content, reducing the chance of wondering how to respond.

[0091] In the service system 100, following the output of the determination result and the contents of the treatment to the first client device 2, the contents are notified to the user and the information is shared with other businesses.

[0092] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of complaint data stored in the server device 1. Through the above-mentioned process, the measured data, the judgment results, etc. are stored as complaint data in association with the slip ID. The complaint data also includes the date and time when the complaint was accepted. The complaint data includes information on the vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is mounted. The information on the vehicle or equipment may also include information on the area where they are used. The complaint data also includes data on whether or not a notification has been output to a user or another business.

[0093] In FIG. 18, for example, for a complaint about a lead-acid battery received at 17:15 on July 20, 2023, a slip ID "12345" has been issued, and the account ID of the user who is the owner is "U0000123" is stored. The complaint data includes the model of the lead-acid battery corresponding to the complaint, the serial number, the type of the vehicle or equipment on which it is installed, and the measurement results by the tester. For the complaint to which the slip ID "12345" has been assigned, it has been decided to convert it to the user as a measure based on the judgment result, and the fact that the output of the notification data has not been performed is stored in correspondence with the above.

[0094] The battery DB 111 stores the judgment result and the treatment, including the case where the judgment result for the defect is simply a discharged state and the dealer or maintenance company returns the battery. Conventionally, when the dealer or maintenance company inspects the battery with a tester according to the manual on the spot and judges the defect, it is difficult for the manufacturer to grasp the information, unless the defect is one that requires the battery to be returned to the manufacturer. In the service system 100 of the present disclosure, data input is started from the time of receiving a complaint on the input screen provided by the server device 1, so that information can be collected in the battery DB 111 of the server device 1.

[0095] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the service system 100. In the service system 100, the server device 1 outputs the determination result and stores the measurement result and the determination result in the battery DB 111 in association with the slip ID (S112), and then executes the following processing.

[0096] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 selects a record for which notification data has not yet been output from the complaint history stored in the battery DB 111 in association with the slip ID (step S121). The processing unit 10 determines the notification destination for the user who is the owner of the lead-acid battery based on the data included in the selected record and the account data stored in the storage unit 11 (step S122). In step S122, if the record does not directly include an account ID as user information, the processing unit 10 may determine the user from the account data using the serial number of the lead-acid battery as a key, or may determine the notification destination from customer information at the time of sale or inspection.

[0097] The processing unit 10 creates notification data based on the measurement results and judgment results included in the selected record and the account data stored in the storage unit 11 (step S123). In step S123, the processing unit 10 creates Web page data including the judgment results and an advice message. The processing unit 10 transmits link information for checking the created notification data on the user application P3 to the notification destination determined in step S122 (step S124). The processing unit 10 may create document data in a format such as PDF together with the Web page data, and output it as an attachment to the Web page so as to be downloadable.

[0098] In step S123, the processing unit 10 refers to the sale date or inspection date and the warranty period of the lead-acid battery that is the subject of the complaint, and changes the notification content depending on whether it is within the warranty period. The sale date or inspection date of the lead-acid battery may be stored in the battery DB 111 upon request from the retailer at the time of sale or upon request from the user. The sale date or inspection date of the lead-acid battery may be stored separately as customer information in the battery DB 111 or an external storage device, and may be referred to by the processing unit 10.

[0099] The processing unit 10 judges whether the action content included in the selected record is to send to the manufacturer (step S125). If it is judged to be to send to the manufacturer (S125: YES), the processing unit 10 determines the category of the notification destination according to the importance, priority, or seriousness based on the measurement result and the judgment result (step S126). The processing unit 10 outputs a sending notification to the contact stored in association with the determined category from the account data of the manufacturer (step S127). In step S127, if the determined category has a high importance, priority, or seriousness, it is desirable to provide a difference in the notification content according to the category, such as making it mandatory to attach data of an external image taken by a dealer or a maintenance company worker with the first client device 2. By sending the necessary notification to the necessary worker, it is possible to realize appropriate allocation of human resources for providing services. By sending only lead-acid batteries that are deemed necessary, it is possible to avoid situations where lead-acid batteries suspected of being defective are unnecessarily sent to manufacturers, and it is possible to appropriately allocate human resources for providing services.

[0100] If it is determined that the delivery is not to the manufacturer (S125: NO), the processing unit 10 advances the process to step S128.

[0101] The processing unit 10 judges whether or not it is necessary to notify other businesses based on the measurement results and the judgment results (step S128). If it is judged that it is necessary to notify other businesses (S128: YES), the processing unit 10 decides the category of the notification destination (step S129). The processing unit 10 outputs notification data of the shared matters based on the contents of the complaint from the other businesses in the account data to the contact information stored in association with the decided category (step S130), and ends the process.

[0102] If it is determined that notification to other businesses is not necessary (S129: NO), the processing unit 10 ends the process as it is. In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 19, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 reads out the stored result of the determination process shown in Fig. 8 and uses it as the notification content. However, the determination result of the contents of the record selected in step S121 in the processing procedure shown in Fig. 19 is not limited to the result determined by the server device 1, and may reflect the result determined by a dealer or a maintenance business.

[0103] Suppose a user suspects a defect in the lead-acid battery installed in his / her vehicle and takes it to a lead-acid battery dealer. In this case, if the user registers himself / herself from the user application P3 using the second client device 3, he / she can receive a notification of the result of the determination process performed by the dealer's worker using the first client device 2 via the user application P3. Even if the user has not registered, he / she may receive link information from the dealer by temporarily issuing a user account. The user can also receive a printed matter based on the document data obtained by the worker from the server device 1 using the first client device 2.

[0104] FIG. 20 shows an example of the notification content displayed on the second client device 3. The display unit 33 of the second client device 3 displays a judgment result notification screen 337 shown in FIG. 20. The judgment result notification screen 337 includes a judgment result 338 shown in text or image, and an advice message 339. The judgment result notification screen 337 shown in FIG. 20 includes a supplementary explanation text along with the text "Good (requires charging)" as the judgment result 338. The judgment result notification screen 337 includes information on quality assurance. In the example of FIG. 20, the information on quality assurance includes an advice message 339 that advises the user to have the lead-acid battery periodically inspected from now on because the lead-acid battery is discharged, and to drive the vehicle equipped with the battery to charge the lead-acid battery, depending on the period since the start of use of the lead-acid battery. This makes it more likely that the user will use the lead-acid battery appropriately from now on so that no malfunction will occur. If the judgment result indicates that replacement is necessary, the advice message 339 includes text encouraging replacement, the reason for this, and text showing the advantages of replacement and inspection. It may also be text presenting the replacement time. The merits of replacement may be an extension of the warranty period of the lead-acid battery, exchange of points, etc. By outputting such advice, the user and the business accepting the complaint can both be satisfied with the judgment result, and the possibility of improving satisfaction with the judgment result increases. An interface for proceeding to reservation for replacement or inspection may be displayed to make it easier to proceed with the reservation.

[0105] Notifications by category to manufacturers, other retailers, or maintenance businesses will also be described with specific examples. When a worker performs a judgment process using the first client device 2 on a lead-acid battery brought to a retailer and the result is that the battery is to be "returned" to the manufacturer, notification data is output to the manufacturer in advance in parallel with the shipping procedure for return. When the battery is judged to be incapable of charging based on the measurement results of the tester, the image captured by the imaging unit 25, or the worker's impressions, the manufacturer is notified in advance. When a serious complaint such as an explosion, burning, or leakage is detected, notification data is output to the contact point of the manufacturer in a specific category.

[0106] Fig. 21 shows an example of notification content displayed on the third client device 4. Fig. 21 shows a notification screen 430 displayed on the display unit 43 of the third client device 4 that has received the notification. The processing unit 40 may display the notification screen 430 on the display unit 43 based on a link included in the contact email address. The processing unit 40 may display the notification screen 430 only when logged in with an account that has been assigned separately for a specific category in the Web browser.

[0107] The notification screen 430 includes parameters of the results of a battery inspection by a worker at a dealer or maintenance company. The parameters of the battery inspection results include the tester's judgment result, open voltage, and specific gravity value. The battery inspection results include an external image. The battery inspection results may also include the results of an airtightness test. In this way, advance notification can be sent to the manufacturer, whereby a response can be made quickly, such as arranging for a specific category of technical staff at the manufacturer to disassemble a lead-acid battery that has been determined to have a defect.

[0108] 21 may include an interface for outputting notification data of shared items to other manufacturers by technical staff of a specific category of the manufacturer. For example, when the technical staff determines that recall is necessary depending on the importance of the complaint, a recall request including the lot number of the lead-acid battery to be recalled may be output from a screen that is displayed after the notification screen 430 is confirmed.

[0109] In this way, in the service system 100, the server device 1 can accurately notify necessary information to necessary parties based on preregistered account data. This is expected to enable accurate and rapid response by multiple businesses, including agents, retailers, maintenance businesses, and manufacturers, when a defect in a lead-acid battery is suspected.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100 Service System 1. Server device (information processing device) 10 Processing section 11 Storage section 111 Battery DB P1 Information processing program (computer program) 2. First client device 20 Processing section 21 Memory section 23 Display section 25 Imaging unit P2 Client Program 3. Second client device 30 Processing section 31 Storage section 33 Display section 35 Imaging section P3 User App 4. Third client device 40 Processing section 43 Display section

Claims

1. The computer Obtaining a determination result of a malfunction of the lead-acid battery determined based on a measurement result of the lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired determination result, separate notification data is generated for a business that performed the measurement for determining a defect in the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery; outputting notification data for the business operator to the business operator; Outputting notification data for the user to the user. Information processing method including processing.

2. The notification data for the user includes information regarding quality assurance of the lead-acid battery. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The computer, A plurality of contact information corresponding to the business is stored in a category; A category is determined according to the result of the determination. The notification data is output to a contact address corresponding to the determined category. The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

4. The computer, determining whether or not to output notification data to a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery according to the determination result; If it is determined that the manufacturer should be notified, notification data regarding the determination result is output to the manufacturer. The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

5. The computer, A plurality of contact information corresponding to the manufacturing companies is stored in a category; determining a category according to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the determination result for the lead-acid battery; A notification data regarding the judgment result is output to the contact address of the manufacturer corresponding to the determined category. The information processing method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

6. The computer, According to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the judgment result for the lead-acid battery, an external appearance image of the lead-acid battery obtained as a result of a measurement for judging a defect in the lead-acid battery is associated with the judgment result, and notification data is output. The information processing method according to claim 5 , further comprising the steps of:

7. Obtaining a determination result of a malfunction of the lead-acid battery determined based on a measurement result of the lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired determination result, separate notification data is generated for a business that performed the measurement for determining a defect in the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery; outputting notification data for the business operator to the business operator; Outputting notification data for the user to the user. An information processing device including a processing unit that executes processing.

8. On the computer, Obtaining a determination result of a malfunction of the lead-acid battery determined based on a measurement result of the lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired determination result, separate notification data is generated for a business that performed the measurement for determining a defect in the lead-acid battery and notification data for a user of the lead-acid battery; outputting notification data for the business operator to the business operator; Outputting notification data for the user to the user. A computer program that executes a process.

Images