Information processor, information processing method, program and information processing system

Abstract

To make it easy to grasp whether or not there is a problem in a way of using a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processor 2 comprises: a user information acquisition part 231 for acquiring distance identification information; a first estimation part 232 for estimating a first estimated SOH being an SOH of a battery which is used in an electric vehicle for driving the vehicle in an object period; a vehicle information acquisition part 234 for acquiring use information of the electric vehicle which is used by a user in the prescribed period; a second estimation part 235 for estimating a second estimated SOH being an SOH of the battery in the object period on the basis of the use information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition part 234; and an output part 236 for outputting information based on a result of comparison of the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a device that displays the state of health (hereinafter referred to as "SOH: State of Health") of a battery with respect to deterioration. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that displays the SOH calculated based on the current, voltage, and temperature of a secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as "battery") used to drive a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-208484 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a vehicle user looks at the SOH displayed in the conventional technology, it may be difficult for the vehicle user to recognize whether there is a problem with the way the vehicle is being used by the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to make it easier to understand, as one example, whether there is a problem with the way a vehicle is being used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention has a user information acquisition unit that acquires distance identification information for identifying an expected driving distance that is expected if a user of an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target period has passed, a first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of a battery used to power the electric vehicle at the target period, based on the expected driving distance, a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user over a predetermined period of time, a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH.

[0007] The usage information may include a first SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at a usage start time when the user starts using the electric vehicle, and a second SOH, which is the SOH of the battery measured at a predetermined point in time between after the usage start time has passed and before the target time has passed, and the second estimation unit may estimate the second estimated SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH included in the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit.

[0008] The information processing device may further have a decline value calculation unit that calculates a decline value indicating the degree of decline in the SOH of the battery at the target period based on the expected mileage and a distance parameter defined for calculating the degree of decline in the SOH of the battery that declines according to the mileage, and the first estimation unit may estimate the first estimated SOH based on the first SOH and the decline value calculated by the decline value calculation unit.

[0009] The second estimation unit may estimate a third estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the first SOH and a third SOH, which is the SOH of the battery measured at a second time point between after the first time point, which is the specified time point, has passed and before the target period has passed, and the output unit may output information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH, the second estimated SOH, and the third estimated SOH.

[0010] The user information acquisition unit may acquire information for identifying a required SOH that is a requirement standard, the information processing device may further have a timing estimation unit that estimates the time when the SOH of the battery will fall below the required SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH, and the output unit may output the time estimated by the timing estimation unit.

[0011] The information processing device may further have a distance estimation unit that estimates the distance traveled at the time estimated by the time estimation unit based on the time estimated by the time estimation unit and the distance traveled during the period from the start time of use to the specified point in time, and the output unit may output the distance traveled estimated by the distance estimation unit.

[0012] The output unit may output an evaluation index that evaluates the manner in which the user uses the electric vehicle using the first estimated SOH as a reference value, and the evaluation index corresponds to the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH.

[0013] The information processing device may further have an identification unit that, when the second estimated SOH is lower than the first estimated SOH and a difference value between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH exceeds a predetermined threshold, identifies a cause why the difference value exceeds the predetermined threshold based on the usage information, and the output unit may output information indicating the cause identified by the identification unit.

[0014] The information processing device may further have a fee calculation unit that, when calculating a usage fee associated with the user's use of the electric vehicle, calculates the usage fee to be lower the greater the second estimated SOH is than the first estimated SOH, and calculates the usage fee to be higher the greater the second estimated SOH is than the first estimated SOH.

[0015] The information processing device may further have a memory unit that stores degradation data indicating a statistical trend in which the SOH of the battery decreases, and the output unit may output a message indicating that there is a possibility that a product related to the battery is defective when a difference value between the SOH at a point in time when the period from the start of use of the electric vehicle by the user to the target period has elapsed in the degradation data corresponding to the battery of the electric vehicle used by the user and the second estimated SOH exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0016] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring distance identification information executed by a computer for identifying an estimated driving distance that is expected if a user of an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target period has elapsed; estimating a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of a battery used to power the electric vehicle at the target period, based on the estimated driving distance; acquiring usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user over a predetermined period; estimating a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the acquired usage information; and outputting information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH.

[0017] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a user information acquisition unit that acquires distance identification information for identifying an expected driving distance that is expected if a user of an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target period has passed, a first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of a battery used to power the electric vehicle at the target period, based on the expected driving distance, a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user over a specified period, a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH with the second estimated SOH.

[0018] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing system having a user terminal used by a user who uses an electric vehicle, and an information processing device that estimates the SOH of a battery used to power the electric vehicle, wherein the information processing device has a user information acquisition unit that acquires distance identification information from the user terminal for identifying an estimated driving distance expected if the user uses the electric vehicle until a target period has passed, a first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the estimated driving distance, a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user over a predetermined period, a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and an output unit that displays information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH on the user terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to easily determine whether there is a problem with the way a vehicle is being used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of comparison result information. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] [Outline of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system for providing a presentation service that presents the SOH of a battery of a vehicle V. The vehicle V is, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a battery used for driving, for example, a leased vehicle or a sold vehicle. The vehicle V has a measurement unit such as a sensor that measures various conditions of the vehicle V (for example, the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V, mileage, electricity consumption, the location of the vehicle V, the charge and discharge cycle, the charging method performed at a charging station or the like (for example, normal charging, quick charging), driving period, etc.), and a communication unit such as a communication module that communicates with the outside and transmits information measured by the measurement unit. Note that the information measured by the measurement unit may be transmitted via a communication device connected to the vehicle V. The information processing system S has a user terminal 1 and an information processing device 2.

[0022] The user terminal 1 is a terminal used by a user, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The user is a person who uses a vehicle V by switching from a conventional vehicle that the user has been using, such as a general public, a business operator, or an employee of a business operator.

[0023] The information processing device 2 is a device that manages the presented services, and is, for example, a server. The information processing device 2 manages information related to the vehicle V.

[0024] The degree of deterioration of the battery of vehicle V may vary depending on how the user uses vehicle V (for example, the distance traveled by vehicle V). However, simply being presented with the SOH of the battery of vehicle V makes it difficult for the user to determine whether there is a problem with the way vehicle V is being used, so a method for presenting the SOH of the battery of vehicle V needs to be devised.

[0025] Furthermore, because the battery of an electric vehicle does not deteriorate suddenly but gradually, the degree of deterioration is less noticeable to the user the closer the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V is presented to the time when the user started using the vehicle V, and the further from the time when the SOH is presented to the time when the SOH is presented, the more noticeable the degree of deterioration is. Therefore, rather than presenting the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the present time (for example, a time close to the time when the use started, such as one year or two years after the time when the use started), it is easier for the user to determine whether there is a problem with the way the vehicle V is being used by presenting the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at a future time from the present time (for example, a time far from the time when the use started, such as five years or ten years after the time when the use started).

[0026] Therefore, the information processing system S presents to the user information based on the results of a comparison between the SOH of the battery of vehicle V at a predetermined future point in time that is assumed if the user uses vehicle V until a predetermined future point in time has passed before the user starts using vehicle V, and the SOH of the battery of vehicle V at a predetermined future point in time that is assumed if the user uses vehicle V until a predetermined future point in time has passed after the user starts using vehicle V. The processes executed by the information processing system S will be described below.

[0027] First, the information processing device 2 acquires distance identification information from the user terminal 1 ((1) in FIG. 1). The distance identification information is information for identifying an estimated mileage that is expected if the user uses the vehicle V until the target time has passed. The target time is a predetermined time in the future for estimating the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V, for example, five years after the start of use. The target time may be a time determined in the presented service, or a time determined by the user.

[0028] The information processing device 2 estimates a first estimated SOH based on the distance identification information ((2) in FIG. 1). The first estimated SOH is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target time, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target time that is assumed if the user uses the vehicle V before the user starts using the vehicle V until the target time has passed.

[0029] The information processing device 2 acquires usage information of the vehicle V ((3) in FIG. 1). The usage information is information about the vehicle V used by the user during a specified period, for example, a history of information measured by a measurement unit of the vehicle V. The specified period is at least the period from the start of usage to a specified point in time described below. The information processing device 2 estimates a second estimated SOH after the user starts using the vehicle V ((4) in FIG. 1). The second estimated SOH is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target period, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target period that is expected if the user uses the vehicle V after starting to use the vehicle V until the target period has passed.

[0030] Specifically, the information processing device 2 estimates the second SOH based on the usage information of the vehicle V. The information processing device 2 estimates the second estimated SOH based on, for example, the first SOH and the second SOH included in the usage information of the vehicle V. Here, the first SOH is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the usage start time when the user starts using the vehicle V. The second SOH is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V measured at a predetermined point in time between the elapse of the usage start time and the elapse of the target time (for example, the point in time when one year has passed since the usage start time).

[0031] Then, the information processing device 2 transmits comparison result information based on the result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH to the user terminal 1 ((5) in FIG. 1). After that, the user terminal 1 displays the comparison result information.

[0032] In this way, the information processing system S can easily determine whether or not there is a problem with the way the vehicle V is being used. The configuration of the information processing device 2 will be described below.

[0033] [Configuration of information processing device 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an information processing device 2. In Fig. 2, arrows indicate main data flows, and data flows other than those shown in Fig. 2 may exist. In Fig. 2, each block indicates a configuration in functional units, not a configuration in hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in Fig. 2 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0034] The information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The information processing device 2 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separate devices by wire or wirelessly. The information processing device 2 may also be configured by a cloud that is a collection of computer resources.

[0035] The communication unit 21 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data between the user terminal 1 or the vehicle V via the network. The communication unit 21 notifies the control unit 23 of data received from the user terminal 1 or the vehicle V via the network. The communication unit 21 also transmits data output from the control unit 23 to the user terminal 1 or the vehicle V via the network.

[0036] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 22 may be provided outside the information processing device 2, in which case data may be exchanged between the storage unit 22 and the control unit 23 via a network. The storage unit 22 stores in advance a program to be executed by the control unit 23.

[0037] The control unit 23 has a user information acquisition unit 231, a first estimation unit 232, a reduction value calculation unit 233, a vehicle information acquisition unit 234, a second estimation unit 235, an output unit 236, an identification unit 237, and a fee calculation unit 238. The control unit 23 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the user information acquisition unit 231, the first estimation unit 232, the reduction value calculation unit 233, the vehicle information acquisition unit 234, the second estimation unit 235, the output unit 236, the identification unit 237, and the fee calculation unit 238 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0038] The user information acquisition unit 231 acquires distance identification information for identifying an estimated mileage that is expected if the user uses the vehicle V until the target time period has elapsed. The user information acquisition unit 231 acquires, for example, an estimated mileage input by the user from the user terminal 1 as the distance identification information. The user information acquisition unit 231 may also acquire, from the user terminal 1, an estimated mileage per unit period (for example, day, month, year, etc.) input by the user as the distance identification information.

[0039] The user information acquisition unit 231 may acquire, as the distance identification information, a driving history of the vehicle used by the user before using the vehicle V. For example, the vehicle is equipped with a measuring device for measuring the position of the vehicle, and the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires, as the driving history of the vehicle, a history of the position of the vehicle measured by the measuring device of the vehicle at a predetermined interval (for example, every second, every 10 seconds, every minute, etc.) (for example, information in which the position coordinates of the vehicle are associated with the measurement date and time when the position coordinates were measured). In this case, the user information acquisition unit 231 may acquire the driving history of the vehicle from the vehicle, or may acquire the driving history of the vehicle from the user terminal 1.

[0040] The user information acquisition unit 231 may acquire a record table in which the mileage of the vehicle is recorded each time the user uses the vehicle as the vehicle driving history. In this case, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires the record table from the user terminal 1, for example.

[0041] The user information acquisition unit 231 may acquire various information other than the distance identification information. For example, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires information indicating an expected driving period per unit period in which the user drives the vehicle V.

[0042] The first estimation unit 232 estimates a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target time, based on the expected mileage. Specifically, the information processing device 2 estimates the first estimated SOH by executing the following two steps.

[0043] As a first step, the degradation value calculation unit 233 calculates a degradation value indicating the degree of degradation of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V in the target period based on the expected mileage specified by the distance specification information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 231 and the distance parameter. For example, when the distance specification information is the driving history of the vehicle in use, the degradation value calculation unit 233 calculates a unit mileage, which is the mileage per unit period (e.g., day, month, year, etc.), based on the driving history of the vehicle in use, and calculates the expected mileage by multiplying the calculated unit mileage by the period from the start of use to the target period. The unit mileage is, for example, the maximum value of the mileage traveled by the vehicle in use in the unit period, or a statistical value (e.g., average value, median value, mode, etc.) of the mileage traveled by the vehicle in use in the unit period.

[0044] The distance parameter is a parameter determined for calculating the degree of decrease in the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V, which decreases according to the mileage. The distance parameter may be a parameter common to electric vehicles, or may be a parameter that differs for at least one of the types of electric vehicles and the types of batteries. The decrease value calculation unit 233 calculates, for example, a multiplication value obtained by multiplying the expected mileage by the distance parameter as the decrease value.

[0045] The degradation value calculation unit 233 may calculate the degradation value taking into consideration degradation factors other than the mileage at which the battery of the vehicle V deteriorates. The degree of degradation of the battery of the vehicle V may vary depending on how the vehicle V is driven, such as the frequency of sudden starts and how often the vehicle V is driven at high speeds (e.g., how often the vehicle V is driven at 80 km / h or higher). Thus, the degradation value calculation unit 233 may calculate the degradation value taking into consideration the expected driving manner of the vehicle V when the user uses the vehicle V as a degradation factor.

[0046] For example, the storage unit 22 stores a correction value for each degree of driving of the electric vehicle (for example, the number of sudden starts, the number of times driving at high speed, etc.). The correction value is a numerical value for correcting a multiplied value obtained by multiplying the expected driving distance by a distance parameter, and is a numerical value for correcting the multiplied value so that, for example, the higher the degree of driving of the electric vehicle is, the larger the multiplied value becomes, and the lower the degree of driving of the electric vehicle is, the smaller the multiplied value becomes.

[0047] In this case, first, the reduction value calculation unit 233 specifies the traveling degree of the vehicle to be used as the traveling degree of the vehicle V based on the traveling history of the vehicle to be used. Then, the reduction value calculation unit 233 calculates the reduction value by multiplying the estimated traveling distance by the distance parameter by a multiplication value, and a correction value corresponding to the specified traveling degree of the vehicle V.

[0048] The degree of deterioration of the battery of the vehicle V may vary depending on the environment in which the vehicle V is used, such as the frequency of driving on slopes and the frequency of driving the vehicle V in high temperatures. Therefore, the deterioration value calculation unit 233 may calculate the deterioration value by taking into account the environment in which the user uses the vehicle V as a deterioration factor.

[0049] For example, the storage unit 22 stores a correction value for each region (e.g., prefecture, city, town, village, etc.). The correction value is a numerical value that corrects the value by multiplying the estimated travel distance and the distance parameter so that the greater the number of hills or the higher the average temperature in the corresponding region, the greater the multiplication value, and the smaller the number of hills or the lower the average temperature in the corresponding region, the smaller the multiplication value.

[0050] In this case, first, the reduction value calculation unit 233 identifies the travel area in which the vehicle V has traveled (for example, the area in which the vehicle V has traveled the longest distance, the area in which the vehicle V has existed the longest, etc.) based on the travel history of the vehicle V. Then, the reduction value calculation unit 233 multiplies the estimated travel distance by the distance parameter by a multiplication value, and then multiplies the multiplication value by a correction value corresponding to the identified travel area to calculate the reduction value.

[0051] In addition, the region and the use of the electric vehicle related to the driving style (for example, for business use, transportation, shuttle use, etc.) affect the electricity consumption, and the better the electricity consumption, the smaller the degree of decrease in the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V, and the worse the electricity consumption, the greater the degree of decrease in the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V. Therefore, the distance parameter may be determined for each range of electricity consumption.

[0052] For example, an electricity cost is determined for each combination of an electric vehicle (model), region, and use. In this case, first, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires, from the user terminal 1, use information indicating the use for which the user will use the vehicle V. Then, the reduction value calculation unit 233 selects, from among multiple distance parameters, a distance parameter corresponding to an electricity cost determined by a combination of the model of the vehicle V, the region in which the user will use the vehicle V, and the use of the vehicle V by the user, and calculates a reduction value using the selected distance parameter.

[0053] The degree of deterioration of the battery of the vehicle V may increase the sooner the vehicle V is used. Therefore, the deterioration value calculation unit 233 may calculate the deterioration value by taking into account the initial deterioration of the battery of the vehicle V as a deterioration factor.

[0054] For example, the storage unit 22 stores an initial degradation value indicating an initial degree of degradation of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V. The initial degradation value may be a common value for electric vehicles, or may be a different value for at least one of the type of electric vehicle and the type of battery. In this case, the degradation value calculation unit 233 calculates the degradation value by summing the product of the expected mileage and the distance parameter and the initial degradation value stored in the storage unit 22.

[0055] The battery of the vehicle V deteriorates over time regardless of whether the vehicle V is used or not. Therefore, the deterioration value calculation unit 233 may calculate the deterioration value by taking into account the deterioration of the battery of the vehicle V over time as a deterioration factor.

[0056] Specifically, first, the degradation value calculation unit 233 calculates a time degradation value by multiplying a period from the start of use to the target time by a time parameter. The time parameter is a parameter determined for calculating the degree of degradation of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V, which decreases with the passage of time. The time parameter may be a parameter common to electric vehicles, or may be a parameter that differs for at least one of the types of electric vehicles and the types of batteries. Then, the degradation value calculation unit 233 calculates the degradation value by summing the multiplied value obtained by multiplying the expected mileage by the distance parameter and the calculated time degradation value.

[0057] As a second step, the first estimation unit 232 estimates a first estimated SOH based on a first SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the start of use, and the depreciation value calculated by the depreciation value calculation unit 233. The first SOH may be the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V indicated by SOH information acquired at the start of use by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234 described later, or may be a predetermined initial value (e.g., 100%). The first estimation unit 232 calculates the first estimated SOH, for example, by subtracting the depreciation value from the first SOH.

[0058] The first estimation unit 232 estimates the first estimated SOH, for example, when the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires distance identification information. After estimating the first estimated SOH, the first estimation unit 232 stores the first estimated SOH in the storage unit 22 in association with an ID (identifier) ​​of the vehicle V. The first estimation unit 232 may estimate the first estimated SOH in response to a request from a user to output comparison result information, which will be described later.

[0059] In the above, the first estimation unit 232 estimates the first estimated SOH based on the expected mileage, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first estimation unit 232 may estimate the first estimated SOH based on degradation data that indicates a statistical trend of degradation of the SOH of the battery of the electric vehicle.

[0060] For example, deterioration data is stored in the storage unit 22. The deterioration data may be common data for electric vehicles, or may be different data for at least one of the types of electric vehicles and the types of batteries. In this case, the first estimation unit 232 refers to the deterioration data stored in the storage unit 22 and identifies the SOH at the time when the period from the start of use to the target time has elapsed, thereby estimating the first estimated SOH.

[0061] The vehicle information acquisition unit 234 acquires usage information of the vehicle V from the vehicle V. The vehicle information acquisition unit 234 may acquire the usage information at a predetermined interval (for example, every hour, every day, every month, every year, etc.) or may acquire the usage information in response to a request from a user or an administrator of the information processing device 2.

[0062] The second estimation unit 235 estimates a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target period, based on the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234. Specifically, the second estimation unit 235 estimates the second estimated SOH based on the first SOH (the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the start of use) and the second SOH (the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V measured at a predetermined time point between after the start of use has passed and before the target period has passed) included in the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234.

[0063] For example, the second estimation unit 235 first calculates a unit degradation value indicating the degree of degradation of the SOH of the battery per predetermined unit period (e.g., day, month, year, etc.) based on the period from the start of use to a predetermined point in time and the difference between the first SOH and the second SOH. Then, the second estimation unit 235 calculates the second estimated SOH by subtracting from the first SOH a multiplied value obtained by multiplying the unit degradation value and the period from the start of use to the target period.

[0064] The second estimation unit 235 may calculate the second estimated SOH using degradation data that is representative of a statistical transition of the degradation of the SOH of the battery of the electric vehicle and that approximates a pattern of transition from a first SOH to a second SOH among a plurality of degradation data each having a different pattern of transition of the SOH of the battery of the electric vehicle. For example, a plurality of degradation data are stored in the storage unit 22. The degradation data may be common data for electric vehicles, or may be different data for at least one of the type of electric vehicle and the type of battery.

[0065] In this case, first, the second estimation unit 235 identifies, among the multiple decline data stored in the storage unit 22, decline data that is similar to a pattern of transition from a first SOH at the start of use to a second SOH at a predetermined time point. For example, the second estimation unit 235 identifies, among the multiple decline data stored in the storage unit 22, decline data in which the difference between the SOH at the time point when the period from the start of use to the predetermined time point has passed in the decline data and the second SOH is within a predetermined threshold. The second estimation unit 235 may identify, among the multiple decline data stored in the storage unit 22, decline data in which the difference between the SOH at the time point when the period from the start of use to the predetermined time point has passed in the decline data and the second SOH is the smallest. Then, the second estimation unit 235 estimates the SOH at the time point when the period from the start of use to the target time has passed in the identified decline data as the second estimated SOH.

[0066] The degradation data may be different for at least one of the purpose of the electric vehicle and the area in which the electric vehicle is used. In this case, first, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires, from the user terminal 1, usage information indicating the purpose for which the user uses the vehicle V. Then, the second estimation unit 235 estimates the second estimated SOH using degradation data corresponding to the user's usage indicated by the usage information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 231 and the area including the location of the vehicle V indicated by the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234.

[0067] In addition, in electric vehicles, the transition of the SOH decline may vary depending on the individual vehicle, and therefore a situation may occur in which the transition of the SOH decline does not approximate the transition of the SOH decline indicated by the decline data. Therefore, the information processing device 2 may estimate the second estimated SOH using the decline data corrected by the second SOH.

[0068] First, the second estimation unit 235 adjusts the SOH at the time when the period from the start of use to the target time in the degradation data has passed to the second SOH, thereby correcting the SOH after the time when the period from the start of use to the specified time in the degradation data has passed. Then, the second estimation unit 235 estimates the SOH at the time when the period from the start of use to the target time in the corrected degradation data has passed as the second estimated SOH.

[0069] In the above, an example in which the second estimation unit 235 estimates the second estimated SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second estimation unit 235 may estimate the second estimated SOH based on the mileage of the vehicle V at a predetermined time point, which is included in the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234. The second estimation unit 235 calculates an expected mileage expected at the target time point based on the mileage of the vehicle V at a predetermined time point and the period from the start of use to the target time point, and estimates the second estimated SOH by using the calculated expected mileage point and executing a process similar to the process in which the first estimation unit 232 estimates the first estimated SOH.

[0070] The second estimation unit 235 may calculate the second estimated SOH based on the second SOH included in the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234. For example, the second estimation unit 235 first calculates an estimated mileage estimated from a predetermined time to a target time. Then, the second estimation unit 235 calculates the second estimated SOH based on the second SOH used as a reference and a reduction value based on the calculated estimated mileage.

[0071] Here, when the measured SOH is not included in the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234, the second estimation unit 235 may calculate the second SOH based on the usage information. The second estimation unit 235 calculates the second SOH based on, for example, the vehicle type of the vehicle V, a distance parameter corresponding to the electricity consumption included in the usage information of the vehicle V, a distance drop value based on the mileage at a predetermined time included in the usage information of the vehicle V, and a time drop value based on the period from the start of use to the predetermined time and a time parameter.

[0072] The output unit 236 outputs comparison result information based on the result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH. Specifically, the output unit 236 transmits the comparison result information to the user terminal 1, thereby causing the user terminal 1 to display the comparison result information.

[0073] The output unit 236 outputs the comparison result information, for example, at a predetermined interval (for example, every month, every year, etc.) The output unit 236 may output the comparison result information in response to a request from a user.

[0074] For example, when a user performs an operation to request output of comparison result information corresponding to vehicle V on the display screen of the presented service displayed on the user terminal 1, the user terminal 1 transmits an output request including the ID of vehicle V to the information processing device 2. The display screen of the presented service may be a display screen of a Web page, or may be a display screen of an application program of the presented service installed on the user terminal 1. When the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires the output request from the user terminal 1, the second estimation unit 235 estimates a second estimated SOH corresponding to vehicle V. Then, the output unit 236 displays the comparison result information corresponding to vehicle V on the display screen of the presented service.

[0075] The output unit 236 may output the comparison result information when the travel distance of the vehicle V at the predetermined time is longer than the multiplied distance obtained by multiplying the expected travel distance per unit period by the period from the start of use to the predetermined time, and the difference between the multiplied distance and the travel distance of the vehicle V at the predetermined time exceeds a predetermined distance threshold. The output unit 236 may also output the comparison result information when the driving period of the vehicle V from the start of use to the predetermined time is longer than the multiplied period obtained by multiplying the expected driving period per unit period by the period from the start of use to the predetermined time, and the difference between the multiplied period and the driving period of the vehicle V from the start of use to the predetermined time exceeds a predetermined period threshold.

[0076] The output unit 236 outputs, for example, a difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH as the comparison result information. The output unit 236 may output, as the comparison result information, the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH in a manner in which they can be compared. The output unit 236 outputs, for example, a graph in which the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH are displayed as a manner in which the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH can be compared.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of the comparison result information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the predetermined time is one year after the start of use, and the target time is five years after the start of use. The graph shown in FIG. 3 displays a line L1 showing a transition from the first SOH at the start of use (year 0) to the first estimated SOH at the target time (five years after the start of use), and a line L2 showing a transition from the first SOH at the start of use to the second transitional SOH at the target time. In this way, the information processing device 2 can allow the user to recognize whether the SOH based on the actual measurement value (second estimated SOH) is better than the initially assumed SOH (first estimated SOH), that is, whether there is a problem with the way the vehicle V is used.

[0078] The output unit 236 may output, as the comparison result information, an evaluation index for evaluating the usage manner of the vehicle V by the user with the first estimated SOH as a reference value. The evaluation index is indicated, for example, by a rank, and a range of the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH is determined for each rank. For example, the evaluation index is determined such that the higher the second estimated SOH is than the first estimated SOH and the larger the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH is, the higher the rank is determined, and the lower the second estimated SOH is than the first estimated SOH and the larger the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH is, the lower the rank is determined.

[0079] In this case, the output unit 236 outputs an evaluation index corresponding to the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH. In this way, the information processing device 2 can make it easier for the user to recognize whether there is a problem with the way the vehicle V is being used.

[0080] The output unit 236 may output the second comparison result information after a predetermined period (e.g., one month, six months, one year, etc.) has elapsed since the output of the first comparison result information. Specifically, first, the second estimation unit 235 estimates a third estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target time, based on the first SOH and a third SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V measured at a second time point between after the first time point has elapsed and before the target time has elapsed. The first time point is a predetermined time point between after the use start time has elapsed and before the target time has elapsed, and is the time point at which the SOH used to calculate the second estimated SOH corresponding to the first comparison result information was measured.

[0081] For example, if the vehicle information acquisition unit 234 acquires SOH information once a year, the second estimation unit 235 estimates a second estimated SOH based on the first SOH and a second SOH indicated by SOH information acquired one year after the start of use, and estimates a third estimated SOH based on the first SOH and a third SOH indicated by SOH information acquired two years after the start of use.

[0082] Then, the output unit 236 outputs comparison result information based on the result of comparing the first estimated SOH, the second estimated SOH, and the third estimated SOH. For example, the output unit 236 outputs the first estimated SOH, the second estimated SOH, and the third estimated SOH in a comparable manner as the comparison result information. The output unit 236 may output the difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH and the difference between the first estimated SOH and the third estimated SOH as the comparison result information. In this way, the information processing device 2 can allow the user to recognize whether or not the degree of deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V has improved due to the user's use of the vehicle V from the time when the previous comparison result information was output until the current comparison result information is output.

[0083] When the second estimated SOH is lower than the first estimated SOH, the information processing device 2 may present to the user the cause of the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V during the target period due to the use of the vehicle V. Specifically, the information processing device 2 presents to the user the cause of the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V by executing the following three steps.

[0084] As a first step, the vehicle information acquisition unit 234 acquires usage information further including the mileage, the number of sudden starts, the number of charge / discharge cycles, the number of quick charges, and the like.

[0085] As a second step, when the second estimation unit 235 is below the first estimated SOH and the difference value between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH exceeds the cause presence / absence threshold, the identification unit 237 identifies a cause for which the difference value between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH exceeds the cause presence / absence threshold based on the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234. The cause presence / absence threshold is a predetermined threshold used to determine whether the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V is worse than initially expected.

[0086] For example, the memory unit 22 stores threshold values ​​corresponding to the driving distance, the number of sudden starts, the number of charging and discharging cycles, and the number of quick charges, and the identification unit 237 determines whether the driving distance, the number of sudden starts, the number of charging and discharging cycles, and the number of quick charges indicated by the usage information of the vehicle V exceed the corresponding threshold values, thereby identifying the cause of the difference value between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH exceeding the cause presence / absence threshold.

[0087] As a third step, the output unit 236 outputs information indicating the cause identified by the identification unit 237. For example, when the identification unit 237 identifies that the mileage exceeds a corresponding threshold, the output unit 236 outputs a message to the effect that the mileage is the cause. In this way, the information processing device 2 can make the user recognize the cause of the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V.

[0088] When the second estimated SOH is lower than the first estimated SOH, and the cause of the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V is not due to the usage manner of the user, the output unit 236 may output a message indicating that there is a possibility of a defect in a product related to the battery of the vehicle V. For example, the memory unit 22 stores degradation data indicating a statistical trend of the degradation of the SOH of the battery of the electric vehicle.

[0089] In this case, first, the output unit 236 judges whether or not a difference value between the SOH at a time when a period from the start of use to the target time has passed in the degradation data corresponding to the battery of the vehicle V and the second estimated SOH exceeds a defect determination threshold. The defect determination threshold is a predetermined threshold used to judge whether or not the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V is caused by a defect in a product related to the battery of the vehicle V. When the mileage, the number of sudden starts, the number of discharge and charge cycles, and the number of quick charges indicated by the usage information of the vehicle V do not exceed their corresponding thresholds, the output unit 236 may judge whether or not a difference value between the SOH at a time when a period from the start of use to the target time has passed in the degradation data corresponding to the battery of the vehicle V and the second estimated SOH exceeds a defect determination threshold.

[0090] Then, when the difference value between the SOH at the time when the period from the start of use to the target time has elapsed in the degradation data corresponding to the battery of the vehicle V and the second estimated SOH exceeds the defect determination threshold, the output unit 236 outputs a message to the effect that there is a possibility of a defect in a product related to the battery of the vehicle V. In this way, the information processing device 2 can make the user recognize that the deterioration of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V is due to a defect in a product related to the battery of the vehicle V, and not due to the way in which the user uses the vehicle V.

[0091] The output unit 236 may output the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V falls below the required SOH. The required SOH is an SOH that is a required standard for the battery, such as a manufacturer guaranteed SOH (e.g., 70%) that is the minimum SOH guaranteed by the electric vehicle manufacturer within a specified period or within a specified mileage, or a usage SOH that is the minimum SOH required for a user's usage. Specifically, the information processing device 2 outputs the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V falls below the required SOH by executing the following three steps.

[0092] As a first step, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires requested SOH information. For example, when the requested SOH is a manufacturer's guaranteed SOH, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires requested SOH information indicating the manufacturer's guaranteed SOH from the manufacturer of the vehicle V.

[0093] Also, for example, when the requested SOH is a purpose SOH, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires requested SOH information indicating the SOH indicating the purpose SOH by acquiring information indicating the purpose for which the user uses the vehicle V from the user. For example, the storage unit 22 stores the purpose SOH for each purpose of the electric vehicle. In this case, the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires, from the user terminal 1, purpose information indicating the purpose for which the user uses the vehicle V, and acquires information indicating the purpose SOH stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the purpose indicated by the acquired purpose information.

[0094] As a second step, the second estimation unit 235 further functions as a timing estimation unit, and estimates the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V will fall below the required SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH. The second estimation unit 235 estimates the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V will fall below the required SOH, for example, by dividing a difference value between the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the start of use and the required SOH by a unit degradation value indicating the degree of degradation of the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V per a predetermined unit period. The second estimation unit 235 may estimate the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V will fall below the required SOH by identifying the time when the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V will fall below the required SOH in the identified degradation data.

[0095] As a third step, the output unit 236 outputs the estimated time estimated by the second estimation unit 235. In this way, the information processing device 2 allows the user to recognize until when the vehicle V can be used.

[0096] The output unit 236 may output the estimated travel distance at the estimated time. Specifically, the information processing device 2 outputs the estimated travel distance at the estimated time by executing the following two steps.

[0097] As a first step, the second estimation unit 235 further functions as a distance estimation unit, and estimates the mileage at the estimation time based on the estimation time and the mileage traveled during the period from the use start time to a predetermined time point. For example, the second estimation unit 235 first calculates the unit mileage per predetermined unit period by dividing the mileage traveled during the period from the use start time to the predetermined time point by a predetermined unit period (e.g., one day, one month, one year, etc.). Then, the second estimation unit 235 estimates the mileage at the estimation time by multiplying the period from the use start time to the estimation time by the unit mileage.

[0098] As a second step, the output unit 236 outputs the estimated travel distance estimated by the second estimation unit 235. In this way, the information processing device 2 allows the user to recognize how far the vehicle V will travel until the estimated time.

[0099] The information processing device 2 may calculate a usage fee for the user's use of the vehicle V. The fee calculation unit 238 calculates the usage fee according to, for example, the relationship between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH.

[0100] Specifically, the fee calculation unit 238 calculates a lower usage fee as the second estimated SOH is larger than the first estimated SOH, and calculates a higher usage fee as the second estimated SOH is smaller than the first estimated SOH. In this way, the information processing device 2 can provide the user with an incentive to use the vehicle V so that the degree of SOH deterioration does not become too high.

[0101] [Processing of information processing device 2] Next, a description will be given of the processing flow of the information processing device 2. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing device 2. This flowchart starts when the user information acquisition unit 231 acquires distance identification information for identifying an estimated mileage that is expected if the user uses the vehicle V until the target time period has passed (S1).

[0102] The first estimation unit 232 estimates a first estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at a target time, based on the estimated mileage (S2). The vehicle information acquisition unit 234 acquires usage information of the vehicle V (S3).

[0103] The second estimation unit 235 estimates a second estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery of the vehicle V at the target time, based on the usage information of the vehicle V acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 234 (S4). Then, the output unit 236 outputs comparison result information based on the result of comparing the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH (S5).

[0104] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 2 outputs comparison result information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH estimated based on the assumed mileage with the second estimated SOH estimated based on the usage information of the vehicle V. In this way, the information processing device 2 can easily determine whether there is a problem with the way the vehicle V is being used.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination combines the effect of the original embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. User terminal 2. Information processing equipment 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 231 User information acquisition department 232 1st estimation part 233 Decrease value calculation section 234 Vehicle Information Acquisition Department 235 Second estimation part 236 Output section 237 Specific part 238 Fee Calculation Department S Information Processing System V Vehicle

Claims

1. a user information acquisition unit that acquires distance identification information for identifying an expected driving distance that is expected if a user who uses an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target time period has elapsed; a first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is a SOH of a battery used to drive the electric vehicle in the target period, based on the estimated mileage; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user during a predetermined period; a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is an SOH of the battery at the target time period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH with the second estimated SOH; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. The usage information includes a first SOH, which is an SOH of the battery at a usage start time when the user starts using the electric vehicle, and a second SOH, which is an SOH of the battery measured at a predetermined time point after the usage start time has passed and before the target time has passed, The second estimation unit estimates the second estimated SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH included in the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing device further includes a decrease value calculation unit that calculates a decrease value indicating a degree of decrease in the SOH of the battery at the target time based on the expected mileage and a distance parameter defined for calculating a degree of decrease in the SOH of the battery that decreases according to the mileage, The first estimation unit estimates the first estimated SOH based on the first SOH and the decrease value calculated by the decrease value calculation unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The second estimation unit estimates a third estimated SOH, which is the SOH of the battery at the target time period, based on the first SOH and a third SOH, which is the SOH of the battery measured at a second time point between after the first time point, which is the predetermined time point, has passed and before the target time period has passed; The output unit outputs information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH, the second estimated SOH, and the third estimated SOH. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The user information acquisition unit acquires information for identifying a required SOH that is a requirement criterion, The information processing device further includes a timing estimation unit that estimates a time when the SOH of the battery will fall below the required SOH based on the first SOH and the second SOH, The output unit outputs the time estimated by the time estimation unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The information processing device further includes a distance estimation unit that estimates a mileage at the time estimated by the time estimation unit based on the time estimated by the time estimation unit and a mileage traveled during a period from the use start time to the specified point in time, The output unit outputs the travel distance estimated by the distance estimation unit. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the output unit outputs an evaluation index for evaluating a usage manner of the electric vehicle by the user using the first estimated SOH as a reference value, the evaluation index corresponding to a difference between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The information processing device further includes an identification unit that, when the second estimated SOH is lower than the first estimated SOH, and a difference value between the first estimated SOH and the second estimated SOH exceeds a predetermined threshold, identifies a cause of the difference value exceeding the predetermined threshold based on the usage information, The output unit outputs information indicating the cause identified by the identification unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The information processing device further includes a fee calculation unit that, when calculating a usage fee for the use of the electric vehicle by the user, calculates the usage fee to be lower as the second estimated SOH is higher than the first estimated SOH, and calculates the usage fee to be higher as the second estimated SOH is lower than the first estimated SOH. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The information processing device further includes a storage unit configured to store degradation data indicating a statistical trend of degradation of the SOH of the battery, the output unit outputs a message indicating that a product related to the battery may be defective when a difference value between an SOH at a time point when a period has elapsed from a start time when the user starts using the electric vehicle to the target time in the degradation data corresponding to the battery of the electric vehicle used by the user and the second estimated SOH exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The computer executes acquiring distance identification information for identifying an estimated driving distance that is estimated when a user of an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target time period has elapsed; estimating a first estimated SOH, which is an SOH of a battery used to drive the electric vehicle in the target period, based on the estimated mileage; acquiring usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user during a predetermined period; estimating a second estimated SOH, which is an SOH of the battery during the target period, based on the acquired usage information; outputting information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH with the second estimated SOH; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

12. Computer, a user information acquisition unit that acquires distance identification information for identifying an expected driving distance that is expected when a user who uses an electric vehicle uses the electric vehicle until a target time period has elapsed; a first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is an SOH of a battery used to drive the electric vehicle in the target period, based on the estimated mileage; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user during a predetermined period; a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is an SOH of the battery at the target time period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH with the second estimated SOH; A program to function as a

13. An information processing system having a user terminal used by a user who uses an electric vehicle, and an information processing device that estimates the SOH of a battery used to drive the electric vehicle, The information processing device includes: a user information acquisition unit that acquires, from the user terminal, distance identification information for identifying an expected mileage that is expected if the user uses the electric vehicle until a target time period has elapsed; A first estimation unit that estimates a first estimated SOH, which is an SOH of the battery at the target time period, based on the expected mileage; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of the electric vehicle used by the user during a predetermined period; a second estimation unit that estimates a second estimated SOH, which is an SOH of the battery at the target time period, based on the usage information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit; an output unit that displays information based on a result of comparing the first estimated SOH with the second estimated SOH on the user terminal; having Information processing system.

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