Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program for a lead battery for which data can be managed coherently between a distributor or a maintenance business operator, and a manufacturing business operator.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes: acquiring, by a computer, identification data identifying a complaint received for a lead battery which is suspected to be faulty; acquiring, based on the acquired identification data, a first result of investigation conducted by a distributor or a maintenance business operator of the lead battery for the complaint; and storing a second result of investigation conducted on the lead battery by a manufacturing business operator, in association with the acquired first investigation result.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 mobile objects such as vehicles and industrial equipment such as uninterruptible power supplies are power sources for various electronic devices, so if an unexpected malfunction occurs, it will directly lead to a power supply interruption. Therefore, it is necessary to properly determine the cause of the malfunction of the 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 state of the lead-acid battery, checks its appearance, and measures its internal resistance. 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] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program for lead-acid batteries that enable consistent data management between a dealer or maintenance company and a manufacturer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a process in which a computer acquires identification data that identifies a complaint received regarding a lead-acid battery suspected of being defective, acquires the results of a first investigation into the complaint conducted by a dealer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery based on the acquired identification data, and associates and stores the results of a second investigation into the lead-acid battery conducted by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery with the acquired first investigation results. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [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] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a work reception process in the service system. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen. [Figure 10] An example of a screen for receiving detailed information on installed equipment is shown. [Figure 11] 13 shows a survey reception screen for inputting survey results for a storage battery. [Figure 12] 13 shows an example of a survey reception screen. [Figure 13] 13 shows an example of an updated survey reception screen. [Figure 14] 13 shows another example of the updated survey reception screen. [Figure 15]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of complaint data stored in the server device. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the service system. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of complaint data stored in the server device. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining a defect by using complaint data by a server device; [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an analysis procedure performed by the server device based on a complaint about a lead-acid battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (1) An information processing method includes a process in which a computer acquires identification data that identifies a complaint received regarding a lead-acid battery suspected of being defective, acquires the results of a first investigation into the complaint conducted by a dealer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery based on the acquired identification data, and associates the results of a second investigation into the lead-acid battery conducted by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery with the acquired first investigation results and stores them.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The information processing method disclosed herein allows the results of an investigation carried out at a lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance business (first investigation result) to be associated with the results of an investigation carried out at a manufacturing business (second investigation result). The investigation results carried out at a lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance business and the investigation results at a manufacturing business are different in investigators, investigation departments, investigation companies, etc., and the respective investigation results have been stored separately. The information processing method disclosed herein allows data on lead-acid battery defects that have been stored separately at retailers or maintenance businesses and manufacturing businesses in the past to be aggregated in a computer in an associated state. The data on lead-acid battery defects aggregated in the computer can be used to analyze lead-acid batteries in use, analyze the occurrence trends of defects by region, and analyze lead-acid battery defects by production lot. By utilizing the analysis results, for example, it is possible to improve the accuracy of testers used at retailers or maintenance businesses.

[0012] If the judgment results are standardized based on the same standards, they will be of further value in the analysis of lead-acid batteries, the analysis of regional trends in the occurrence of defects, and the analysis of lead-acid battery defects for each production lot.

[0013] (2) In the information processing method of (1) above, the computer may, each time a complaint is received about a lead-acid battery suspected of being defective, store the results of a first investigation conducted by a retailer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery in correspondence with the identification data, receive search data for searching for the complaint, accept input of results of a second investigation conducted by the manufacturer for the results of the first investigation conducted by the retailer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery identified based on the search data, and store the inputted second investigation results.

[0014] The results of investigations into complaints received by each lead-acid battery dealer or maintenance business are stored in association with searchable identification data. Since the results of investigations conducted by the dealer or maintenance business are stored in a searchable manner, the manufacturer can refer to them via a computer when conducting a detailed investigation. This simplifies the process of recording the results of investigations by the dealer or maintenance business in association with those by the manufacturer.

[0015] (3) In the information processing method of (1) or (2) above, the computer may determine the nature of the defect in the lead-acid battery based on the results of a first investigation conducted by a retailer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery and the results of a second investigation conducted by the manufacturer.

[0016] With the above configuration, data on lead-acid battery defects that was previously collected separately and in an analog manner by the dealer or maintenance company and the manufacturer is used together for the judgment. By referencing the open voltage and specific gravity data measured at the initial stage of the complaint acceptance, the accuracy of the judgment is improved.

[0017] (4) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (3) above, the computer may statistically process parameters included in a first survey result conducted by a dealer or maintenance company of the lead-acid batteries and a second survey result conducted by the manufacturer, the parameters being obtained for a plurality of lead-acid batteries, by attributes of the plurality of lead-acid batteries, and output the results of the statistical processing.

[0018] With the above configuration, the results of an investigation by a retailer or maintenance company for multiple lead-acid batteries suspected of being defective are integrated with the results of an investigation by a manufacturer for returned lead-acid batteries. Cases where the investigation results by the retailer or maintenance company indicate that the lead-acid battery is good and the battery is returned to the user are also recorded. This makes it possible to perform statistical processing by attributes such as region and period of use, not just specifications such as model, regardless of the condition of the lead-acid battery.

[0019] (5) In the information processing method of (4) above, the computer may calculate an average life span for each attribute of the lead-acid batteries based on a result of performing statistical processing for each attribute on the plurality of lead-acid batteries.

[0020] With the above configuration, if the dealer or maintenance company judges the battery to be good and returns the lead-acid battery to the user, the results of the investigation are also recorded, making it possible to collect data on the lead-acid battery during its period of use and use it for analysis.

[0021] (6) The information processing device includes a processing unit that executes a process of acquiring identification data that identifies a complaint received regarding a lead-acid battery suspected of being defective, acquiring the results of a first investigation into the complaint conducted by a retailer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery based on the acquired identification data, and correlating and storing the results of a second investigation into the lead-acid battery conducted by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery with the acquired first investigation results.

[0022] (7) The computer program causes the computer to execute a process of acquiring identification data that identifies a complaint received regarding a lead-acid battery suspected of being defective, acquiring the results of a first investigation into the complaint conducted by a retailer or maintenance company of the lead-acid battery based on the acquired identification data, and correlating the results of a second investigation into the lead-acid battery conducted by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery with the acquired first investigation results and storing them.

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0024] 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 according to this embodiment digitizes the work records for the complaint about the lead-acid battery, 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 the lead-acid batteries.

[0025] 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 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 via the network N. The network N includes a network N1 which 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.

[0026] An operator at a dealer or maintenance company receives a complaint from a user or an agency regarding a defect in a lead-acid battery. The operator can access the server device 1 using the first client device 2, 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, and receive support from the server device 1. Conventionally, when an operator receives a complaint, the operator fills it in on 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 results. In contrast, in the service system 100 of this embodiment, the operator does not basically use paper slips. The operator can create a record of 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.

[0027] The service system 100 of the present disclosure supports a person in charge at a lead-acid battery manufacturer to use the second client device 3 to record the results of an investigation by the manufacturer in association with records from the time of receipt of a complaint.

[0028] The following describes the configuration and processing steps of the service system 100 of this embodiment for digitizing records of complaints and sharing judgment results accurately and quickly.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In the storage unit 11, a database that stores account data of the business operator 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.

[0034] The battery DB 111 may store information such as the manufacturing date, sale date, start of use date, inspection date, sales store, and inspection store of the lead-acid battery in association with the serial number of the lead-acid battery. Such information on sales and inspection may be stored in a customer information database managed by the manufacturer and may be referred to from the server device 1.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 (TEST)", 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. The processing unit 10 can output the procedure (work item) to be performed next, the judgment result, and the necessary measures according to the input from the operator, as described later, based on the data of the judgment flow.

[0038] The judgment flow may be stored in a search tree structure, not limited to a format in which a table-like branch can be followed as shown in Fig. 3. Instead of the judgment flow, 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 to acquire the judgment result.

[0039] 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 the account ID, account type, name, region, contact information, etc.

[0040] The account data of the business operators is stored for each type of business operator, and includes the notification destination. The types of business operators are classified according to whether they are a lead-acid battery manufacturer, a sales business operator, an agency, or a maintenance business operator. The account data may be issued by the business operator for each worker, or may be issued for each store. The account data is issued for each store of a sales store or a maintenance business operator, and is stored in association with information on the location of the store, as shown in FIG. 4. This enables statistical processing and analysis processing by the area where the complaints are brought.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 to be 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 is a Web application program provided by the server device 1, and may be distinguished as being for a dealer or a maintenance company depending on the account data at the time of login. The client program P2 may be an agent program incorporated in a 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The imaging unit 25 can capture an image of a sheet bearing a serial number, a two-dimensional code, or an image attached to the package of the lead-acid battery.

[0049] 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 person in charge of a lead-acid battery manufacturer. The second client device 3 is a laptop or desktop personal computer. The second client device 3 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0050] 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.

[0051] At least a client program P3 for manufacturers is stored in the storage unit 31 of the second client device 3. The processing unit 30 downloads and stores the client program P3 from another program server or device via the communication unit 32 (program product). The client program P3 may be a client program P7 (program product) stored in the storage medium 7 that is read by the processing unit 30 and copied to the storage unit 31. The client program P3 for manufacturers is a Web browser program, a Web application program provided by the server device 1, and may be distinguished as being for manufacturers or not depending on the account data at the time of login. The client program P3 may be an agent program incorporated in the Web browser.

[0052] The process of accepting a complaint about a lead-acid battery in the service system 100 configured as above and storing the work records of the dealer or maintenance company in association with the work records of the manufacturer as digital data will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a work acceptance process procedure in the service system 100.

[0053] An operator at a dealer or maintenance company that has received a complaint about a lead-acid battery inputs (logs in) account data that has been given to the operator in advance using the first client device 2. 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.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In step S110, when the processing unit 10 determines "replacement" as the disposition based on the judgment flow, it acquires information such as 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 outputs "free replacement" as the final disposition. 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 disposition to be implemented by the worker is not incorrect.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The processing unit 20 accepts 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The determination process procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7 will be specifically described with reference to screen examples. Fig. 8 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.

[0068] In the example of FIG. 8, 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. 8) where data is first input when a complaint is received, a screen 232 (see FIG. 10) that receives detailed information on the mounted device (mounted vehicle), and an investigation reception screen 233 (see FIG. 11) that receives 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, screen 232, and 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.

[0069] The input screen 230 in Fig. 8 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. 8, 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.

[0070] The complaint reception screen 231 includes input fields 2311, 2312 for receiving the type of battery, the on-board device, or the specifications (type) of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 8. The input fields 2311, 2312 may be configured to receive some of the content in a selection format, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen 230. Fig. 9 shows the complaint reception screen 231 updated after data for each item is input into the input fields 2311 and 2312 shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 9, in the input field 2311, "sealed" is selected as the "type" of the battery type, and "CBA" and "23" are input as the model number and standard. In the input field 2312 of Fig. 9, "four-wheel" and "idling stop (IS) specification" are input as the type of vehicle in which the lead-acid battery is mounted.

[0072] When the server device 1 receives the input result shown in Fig. 9 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. 9, the determined judgment flow result is displayed as "A".

[0073] Fig. 10 shows an example of a screen 232 for accepting detailed information on on-board equipment. As shown in Fig. 10, in the case of a vehicle, screen 232 includes fields for accepting input of information such as the manufacturer, vehicle name, model, frame number, engine type, mileage, etc. As shown in Fig. 10, in the case of equipment other than a vehicle, such as a power supply unit, screen 232 includes fields for accepting input of information such as the manufacturer and product number.

[0074] FIG. 11 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. 11 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.

[0075] When the measurement result of the tester is input in the field of the survey reception screen 233 of FIG. 11, the input screen 230 is updated, and the survey reception screen 233 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. FIG. 12 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. 12 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. 12, the input screen 230 is updated, and the survey reception screen 233 shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 is displayed.

[0076] Fig. 13 shows an example of the updated investigation reception screen 233. The investigation reception screen 233 in Fig. 13 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. 13 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. 13 shows the final judgment result of "discharge" and the action of "return".

[0077] 13, 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 conventionally created by workers filling out paper media, are digitized and recorded in the server device 1.

[0078] FIG. 14 shows another example of the investigation reception screen 233 after updating. The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 14 shows the result of inputting these 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 charging required (RECHARGE). The investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 14 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. 14 shows the final judgment result "insufficient capacity" and the action "replacement". Since the investigation reception screen 233 in FIG. 14 has decided the final action content to be "replacement", 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. 14 also shows the "register" button 2331.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 7, the data measured by the dealer or maintenance company, the judgment results, etc. are stored as complaint data in the battery DB 111 of the server device 1 in association with the slip ID. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of complaint data stored in the server device 1. As shown in FIG. 15, 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.

[0081] In FIG. 15, 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 is stored in correspondence with the fact that it has been decided to convert it to a user as a measure based on the judgment result.

[0082] 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.

[0083] When the dealer or maintenance company decides to send the battery to the manufacturer as the treatment content, the worker at the dealer or maintenance company performs the procedure to send the target lead-acid battery to the manufacturer. At this time, the worker uses the first client device 2 to confirm that the slip ID for identifying the complaint and the manufacturing number of the lead-acid battery are linked by the complaint data stored in the battery DB 111. The worker links the slip ID to the shipping number of the shipping company of the lead-acid battery and notifies the manufacturer. In the example of FIG. 15, the shipping number when the battery was sent to the manufacturer is added to the complaint data of the lead-acid battery that has been decided to be sent to the manufacturer. This makes it possible to associate the record of the later detailed investigation (corresponding to the second investigation result) with the investigation result (corresponding to the first investigation result) carried out by the dealer or maintenance company in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later.

[0084] A technical staff of the manufacturer conducts a detailed investigation of the lead-acid battery returned to the manufacturer. In the service system 100 of the present embodiment, the technical staff of the manufacturer uses the second client device 3 to perform a process of registering the detailed investigation results in association with the complaint data.

[0085] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the service system 100. A technical staff member who receives a lead-acid battery sent from a dealer or a maintenance business inspects the lead-acid battery that is the subject of a complaint as a manufacturer, and records the inspection results in the server device 1 using the second client device 3 as shown in the following processing.

[0086] The technical staff member uses the second client device 3 to input (log in) account data that has been assigned to the technical staff member in advance. Upon input of the account data to the second client device 3, the server device 1 and the second client device 3 execute the following process.

[0087] The second client device 3 transmits a request for an input screen for the investigation results of the lead-acid battery that is the subject of a complaint to the server device 1 together with the account data of the technical staff (step S301).

[0088] When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives a request for an input screen (step S121), it creates a complaint search screen on which the account ID has been input (step S122) and transmits the created complaint search screen to the second client device 3 (step S123).

[0089] The processing unit 30 of the second client device 3 receives the data of the complaint search screen (step S302) and displays the complaint search screen on the display unit 33 (step S303). The processing unit 30 accepts input of search data such as the serial number of the lead-acid battery to be investigated, the claim slip ID, and the sent shipping number on the displayed complaint search screen (step S304). In step S304, the processing unit 30 may accept the serial number or the two-dimensional code attached to the casing of the lead-acid battery by character recognition or decoding from an image captured by the imaging unit 35. The processing unit 30 may accept the shipping number by character recognition by capturing an image of the cover letter attached to the lead-acid battery when it was sent from the dealer or maintenance company by the imaging unit 35. The processing unit 30 transmits the search data accepted in step S304 to the server device 1 (step S305).

[0090] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the data for searching the complaint data (step S124), and reads out the complaint data based on the received search data (step S125). The processing unit 10 uses a part or all of the read out complaint data to create a result input screen for receiving input of the investigation results at the manufacturer (step S126), and transmits the data of the result input screen to the second client device 3 (step S127).

[0091] The processing unit 30 of the second client device 3 receives the transmitted data of the result input screen (step S306), displays the result input screen on the display unit 33 (step S307), and accepts input of the survey results from the manufacturer (step S308).

[0092] The processing unit 30 accepts the record operation (step S309), and transmits the investigation result accepted on the result input screen to the server device 1 (step S310).

[0093] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the investigation results from the manufacturer (step S128), associates the investigation results with the slip ID attached to the complaint about the lead-acid battery in question, and stores the investigation results in the battery DB 111 (step S129), and ends the process.

[0094] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the complaint data stored in the server device 1. The complaint data shown in FIG. 17 is updated to include detailed investigation results for the lead-acid battery sent to the manufacturer for return, compared to the complaint data shown in FIG. 15. In this way, the record of the complaint accepted by the dealer or maintenance company and the record of the result of the detailed investigation by the manufacturer are linked and executed in the battery DB 111. This allows data to be managed in a centralized manner without conducting a duplicate investigation of an investigation that has already been conducted. The service system 100 improves the accuracy of the judgment at the dealer or maintenance company by the information output from the server device 1, so that it is possible to reduce the number of items sent to the manufacturer, and to improve the efficiency of the investigation at the manufacturer and the accuracy of the detailed investigation. The investigation results at the time of receipt of the complaint and the results of the detailed investigation are associated and stored in the battery DB 111, which may lead to a wider use of the stored data. For example, the following process becomes possible.

[0095] Based on the results of the investigation by the manufacturer, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 can make a judgment on a lead-acid battery suspected of having a defect and perform characteristic analysis of the lead-acid battery. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for judging a defect by the server device 1 using complaint data. When data specifying a lead-acid battery to be automatically judged for a defect and a judgment instruction are given, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 executes the following process. The lead-acid battery to which the judgment instruction is given is a lead-acid battery that has been returned to the manufacturer.

[0096] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 determines the target complaint data from the serial number of the lead-acid battery to be judged or the slip ID for identifying the complaint data for the lead-acid battery to be judged (step S141).

[0097] The processing unit 10 reads out the determined complaint data from the battery DB 111 (step S142), and obtains the investigation results (open voltage, specific gravity) at the time of complaint acceptance contained in the complaint data, and the results of investigation items such as high rate in the investigation by the manufacturer (step S143).

[0098] The processing unit 10 compares the acquired investigation result with a predetermined judgment criterion (step S144) and judges the contents of the defect of the lead-acid battery for the lead-acid battery to be judged (step S145). In steps S144 and S145, the processing unit 10 may judge the contents of the defect by referring to a table (judgment criterion) showing the correspondence between the numerical range of each item and the judgment result. The processing unit 10 may judge using a learning model that is trained using a neural network or a decision tree so as to output the contents of the defect when the investigation result at the time of receiving the complaint and the investigation result by the manufacturer are input. In step S145, the processing unit 10 may estimate and calculate the life of the target lead-acid battery based on the parameters of the investigation result acquired in step S143. In step S145, the processing unit 10 may correct the life that can be estimated and calculated from the model and the type of vehicle used based on the statistical values ​​for each attribute obtained by the analysis process described later.

[0099] The processing unit 10 stores the result of the determination made in step S145 in the battery DB 111 in association with the slip ID or the serial number (step S146).

[0100] The processing unit 10 creates document data for an investigation report including the results of the investigation at the time of receipt of the complaint, the results of the investigation by the manufacturer, and the judgment result in step S145 (step S147). In step S147, the processing unit 10 automatically writes text such as parameters using a document template previously stored in the storage unit 11. In step S147, the processing unit 10 writes text such as the addressee and the store name of the dealer or maintenance company that accepted the complaint by referring to the customer information.

[0101] The processing unit 10 outputs the created document data to the technical staff of the manufacturer and the worker of the dealer or maintenance company that accepted the complaint (step S148), and ends the process. In step S148, the processing unit 10 may decide a sharing destination in the manufacturer according to the importance, priority, or seriousness of the judgment result in step S145, and share the investigation report.

[0102] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an analysis procedure based on a complaint about a lead-acid battery by the server device 1. The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 executes the following process based on an instruction from a technical staff of the manufacturer using the second client device 3 or based on a predetermined schedule.

[0103] The processing unit 10 reads out the complaint data stored in the battery DB 111 by attribute of the lead-acid battery (step S151). In step S151, the processing unit 10 reads out the complaint data by lot that can be identified from the manufacturing number, for example. The processing unit 10 may read out the complaint data by model of the lead-acid battery. The processing unit 10 may read out the complaint data by installation area (see FIG. 4) from the account data of the dealer or maintenance company that accepted the complaint. The processing unit 10 may read out the complaint data by model or specification (ISS, etc.) of the vehicle in which the lead-acid battery is mounted.

[0104] The processing unit 10 obtains the investigation result at the time of receipt of the complaint and the investigation result at the manufacturer for the read complaint data (step S152). The processing unit 10 executes statistical processing for the parameters of the obtained investigation result (step S153).

[0105] The processing unit 10, for example, reads out only the complaint data of the lead-acid battery mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle and executes the processing of steps S152-S154. The statistical processing is, for example, a process of calculating a numerical value indicating the variation of each specific gravity, calculating the average of the numerical value for the lead-acid battery mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle, and comparing it with the one similarly calculated for the four-wheeled vehicle. For example, the processing unit 10 may execute a process of comparing the result of reading out the complaint data of the complaint received at the dealer in the cold region and performing the statistical processing, the result of reading out the complaint data of the complaint received at the dealer in the rural area and performing the statistical processing, and the result of reading out the complaint data of the complaint received at the dealer in the urban area with the high traffic volume and performing the statistical processing. In this way, the statistical processing can be performed by the attribute of the region using the regional data associated as the account data. The statistical processing may include a process of obtaining the correlation between parameters of different investigation results. In addition, a processing procedure that specifies the statistical processing to be performed on the investigation results for the lead-acid battery is incorporated into the information processing program P1, and the processing unit 10 automatically executes the statistical processing.

[0106] The processing unit 10 calculates the average life span of the lead-acid battery by attribute based on the investigation results at the time of receipt of the complaint and the investigation results by the manufacturer of the read complaint data (step S154).

[0107] In step S154, the processing unit 10 may record the number of complaints received per week, month, or year, for example, by region as an attribute, and calculate the ratio to the total number of complaints received. The processing unit 10 may calculate the ratio of the number of complaints determined to require caution to the total number of complaints received, by region, and calculate the deviation from the ratio of the number of complaints determined to require caution to the total number of complaints received in all regions. The processing unit 10 may calculate the average elapsed time, such as the number of days or years from the manufacturing date of the lead-acid batteries determined to require caution, by region, and calculate the deviation from the overall average. The processing unit 10 may use the calculated deviation to correct the standard average lifespan of the lead-acid batteries at the time of manufacture to calculate the average lifespan by region.

[0108] The processing unit 10 may also record the number of complaints received per week, month, or year, for example, by vehicle type of the vehicle in which the lead-acid battery was installed as an attribute, and calculate the ratio to the total number of complaints received. As with the above-mentioned region-by-region method, the processing unit 10 may correct the average lifespan to shorten or extend the average lifespan using the ratio of the number of cases determined to require attention by vehicle type or by model of installed equipment, or the deviation of the average elapsed time from the total average. Various publicly known methods may be used to calculate the lifespan, and the processing unit 10 may receive an input of the change in charging capacity when the battery is supplementarily charged, estimate the full charge capacity, and calculate the replacement time.

[0109] The processing unit 10 outputs the statistical processing result, the average life span for each attribute of the lead-acid battery (step S155), and ends the processing.

[0110] As a result, analysis results such as the occurrence of defects in lead-acid batteries concentrated in certain vehicle models, the details of defects in lead-acid batteries in each region, and the timing of the defects are stored in the battery DB111, making it possible to propose improvements to the manufacturing quality of lead-acid batteries, product distribution, differences in recommended replacement times by region, etc.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. In the above example, the investigation of the energy storage device returned to the manufacturer was described as a detailed investigation, but this is merely a distinction between the investigation by the worker at the time of receiving the complaint and the investigation by the manufacturer, and the latter investigation is not necessarily a detailed investigation. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 100 Service System 1. Server 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 P2 Client Program 3. Second client device 30 Processing section 31 Storage section P3 Client Program

Claims

1. The computer obtaining identification data identifying claims received for the suspected defective lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired identification data, a first investigation result is acquired regarding the complaint, the first investigation result being acquired by a dealer or a maintenance business of the lead-acid battery; The acquired first investigation result is stored in association with a second investigation result carried out by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery. Information processing method including processing.

2. The computer, storing, each time a complaint is received regarding a lead-acid battery suspected of having a defect, a result of a first investigation carried out by a dealer or a maintenance company of the lead-acid battery in association with the identification data; receiving search data for searching said claims; Accepting an input of a second investigation result conducted by the manufacturer in response to the first investigation result conducted by the retailer or maintenance business of the lead-acid battery identified based on the search data; The input second investigation result is stored. The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

3. The computer, The content of the defect of the lead-acid battery is determined based on a first investigation result carried out by a dealer or a maintenance company of the lead-acid battery and a second investigation result carried out by the manufacturer.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

4. The computer, Statistically processing parameters included in a first survey result conducted by a dealer or maintenance company of the lead-acid batteries and a second survey result conducted by the manufacturer, the parameters being obtained for a plurality of lead-acid batteries, by attributes of the plurality of lead-acid batteries; Output the results of statistical processing 3. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

5. The computer, Calculating an average life span of the lead-acid batteries by attribute based on a result of performing statistical processing by attribute on the plurality of lead-acid batteries The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. obtaining identification data identifying claims received for the suspected defective lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired identification data, a first investigation result is acquired regarding the complaint, the first investigation result being acquired by a dealer or a maintenance business of the lead-acid battery; The acquired first investigation result is stored in association with a second investigation result carried out by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery. An information processing device including a processing unit that executes processing.

7. On the computer, obtaining identification data identifying claims received for the suspected defective lead-acid battery; Based on the acquired identification data, a first investigation result is acquired regarding the complaint, the first investigation result being acquired by a dealer or a maintenance business of the lead-acid battery; The acquired first investigation result is stored in association with a second investigation result carried out by a manufacturer of the lead-acid battery. A computer program that executes a process.

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