Computer program, power storage element information processing method, and power storage element information processing device

Abstract

To provide a computer program, a power storage element information processing method, and a power storage element information processing device that allow an easy output of a procedure for the reuse and recycle of a power storage element while supporting a wide variety of manufacturers and types.SOLUTION: A computer program causes a computer to execute the processing of: obtaining both an appearance image of a used power storage element of an electric apparatus or electric mobile body and identification data of the power storage element; reading design information of the power storage element from a database where design information of each of a plurality of kinds of power storage elements is stored based on the obtained appearance image and / or the identification data; determining an operation procedure for the power storage element from the design information of the power storage element; and outputting the determined operation procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer program, a storage element information processing method, and a storage element information processing device that promote utilization of storage elements mounted on an electric vehicle as a resource. [Background technology]

[0002] The widespread use of electric vehicles and other electric vehicles has resulted in the generation of many used energy storage elements. The full charge capacity of most of the energy storage elements used in electric vehicles has dropped to only about 70% to 80% of the initial capacity, and they are sufficiently safe and can be used for a long time for other purposes. Therefore, attempts are being made to reuse and recycle the energy storage elements that were installed in electric vehicles.

[0003] Various methods have been proposed for determining how to reuse batteries installed in electric vehicles after they are collected (Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 162014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the reuse and recycling of energy storage elements can be limited to a small number of products from a single manufacturer, there will be less variation in procedures and inspections for reuse and recycling, making it possible to carry out the process efficiently. However, the effects of reuse and recycling are limited when only a limited number of manufacturers and products are used. In order to realize reuse and recycling while allowing appropriate combinations of energy storage elements from a wide variety of manufacturers and products, a mechanism is needed that makes it easy to identify energy storage elements and to refer to disassembly procedures.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a computer program, a storage element information processing method, and a storage element information processing device that can easily output procedures for reusing and recycling storage elements while supporting a wide variety of manufacturers and product types. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring an appearance image of a storage element that has been used in an electric equipment or an electric vehicle and identification data of the storage element, reading design information for the storage element from a database that stores design information for each of a plurality of types of storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the acquired identification data, determining an operating procedure for the storage element from the design information of the storage element, and outputting the determined operating procedure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to a computer program relating to one aspect of the present invention, a computer can output, from information such as an external image, operating procedures depending on whether the target used energy storage element is to be reused or recycled, in accordance with a wide variety of manufacturers and types. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] An example of the data stored in the battery DB is shown below. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for acquiring identification data in an information processing device. [Figure 7]11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining an operation procedure in an information processing device. [Figure 8] 11 shows an example of an operation procedure displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 9] 13 shows an example of data stored in a battery DB according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining an operation procedure in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 shows an example of an examination screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First, an overview of the computer program, the energy storage element information processing method, and the energy storage element information processing device disclosed in this specification will be described.

[0011] (1) The computer program causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring an appearance image of a storage element that has been used in an electric equipment or an electric vehicle and identification data of the storage element, reading design information of the storage element from a database that stores design information for each of a plurality of types of storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the acquired identification data, determining an operating procedure for the storage element from the design information of the storage element, and outputting the determined operating procedure.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the energy storage element is preferably a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a lead acid battery, or a capacitor. The energy storage element may be a single energy storage cell such as a lithium ion battery, a module in which a plurality of energy storage cells are connected, or a battery pack in which a plurality of such modules are connected.

[0013] The electric vehicle in the present disclosure is a vehicle equipped with an electricity storage element, such as an electric car, a plug-in hybrid car, an airplane, or a ship. The electric vehicle may be manned or unmanned. At least a part of the driving power source of the electric vehicle is the electricity storage element, and the power source may include other power sources such as an engine.

[0014] In the computer program disclosed herein, when a computer acquires an appearance image obtained by capturing an image of a used energy storage element and identification data for identifying the energy storage element, it becomes possible to read design information for the energy storage element that is stored in association with the identification data of the energy storage element. Based on the read design information, the computer becomes able to output procedures for reusing the energy storage element, procedures for dismantling the energy storage element when recycling, and the like.

[0015] With the above configuration, when an external image of the energy storage element and the identification data itself or data from which the identification data can be obtained are transmitted to the computer at a location where used energy storage elements of various types manufactured by different manufacturers are collected, the computer outputs an operating procedure for the used energy storage element. Based on the external image and other information, the computer can output an operating procedure according to whether the used energy storage element in question is to be reused or recycled, in accordance with a wide variety of manufacturers and types.

[0016] As a result, even in a location that accepts a wide variety of energy storage elements, operators, regardless of their level of skill, can properly learn the operating procedures, thereby enabling the reuse and recycling of a wide variety of energy storage elements.

[0017] (2) In the computer program of (1) above, the computer may obtain a result of handling the storage element as a resource determined based on the state of the storage element and the state of the electric equipment or electric mobile body in which the storage element is mounted, and may execute a process of determining an operating procedure for the storage element from design information of the storage element based on the obtained result of handling the storage element as a resource.

[0018] With the above configuration, the computer determines how to handle a used storage element as a resource using a predetermined diagnostic algorithm based on the state of the storage element estimated using an external image, information stored in association with identification data, etc. Although the operating procedure differs depending on the handling determination result, an appropriate operating procedure is output based on automatic determination by the computer. There is no need for the skill of each operator to make a determination, and operation of the storage element can be performed easily.

[0019] (3) In the computer program of (1) or (2) above, the computer may be caused to execute a process of determining whether to discard, reuse, or recycle the storage element depending on the state of the storage element, and determining an operating procedure for the storage element from design information of the storage element depending on the determination result.

[0020] With the above configuration, the computer determines whether to discard, reuse, or recycle the item, and outputs appropriate operating procedures depending on the result of the determination, so that the operator does not need to have the skill to make the decision and operation is simple.

[0021] (4) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (3) above, the identification data may be identified by pattern recognition of an external image of the energy storage element, by recognition processing of a two-dimensional code or a barcode included in the external image, by pattern recognition of a label included in the external image, by text recognition of a manufacturing lot number included in the external image, or may be data read out via near-field wireless communication from a tag attached to the energy storage element.

[0022] In the above configuration, the identification data may be assigned in accordance with an existing management method of each manufacturer, without conforming to a unified rule for a wide variety of energy storage elements, such as a rule of assigning a two-dimensional code of identification data of the same standard. By allowing a variety of methods for specifying the identification data, it is possible to realize reuse and recycling that is compatible with a wide variety of manufacturers and product types.

[0023] (5) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (4) above, the computer may be caused to execute a process of identifying at least one of the manufacturer of the storage element, identification data of the mounted equipment or electric vehicle, the product number of the storage element, and unique identification data of the storage element based on the appearance image and / or the identification data, and reading out design information of the storage element from the database based on the identified data.

[0024] With the above configuration, the computer can identify at least one of the manufacturer, identification data, product number, and unique identification data for accurately reading out the design information based on the acquired appearance image and / or identification data. If any of them can be accurately identified, the design information can be accurately read out.

[0025] (6) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (5) above, the database may store design information corresponding to at least one of the exterior images of each of the multiple types of storage elements, label information, the manufacturer of the storage element, product number, unique identification data, and identification data of the mounted equipment or electric vehicle.

[0026] With the above configuration, the computer can correctly access the design information using at least one of the external appearance image, the label information, the manufacturer of the energy storage element, the product number, the unique identification data, and the identification data of the mounted equipment or the electric vehicle.

[0027] (7) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (6) above, the design information stored in the database may include at least one of inspection procedures or dismantling procedures for each of the multiple types of storage elements, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information, instruction manuals, material information, and charge / discharge control information.

[0028] With the above configuration, the computer can access at least one of an inspection procedure or dismantling procedure, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information, an instruction manual, material information, and charge / discharge control information based on the identification data that identifies the storage element.

[0029] (8) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (7) above, the data indicating the state of the storage element may be at least one of a temperature history obtained from a management device for the storage element, cumulative charge / discharge capacity information, an error record, a period of use of the storage element, and a full charge capacity.

[0030] With the above configuration, the computer can accurately determine how to handle the target storage element as a resource, such as whether to discard, reuse, or recycle, based on at least one of the temperature history, cumulative charge and discharge capacity information, error records, usage period of the storage element, and full charge capacity obtained from a management device for the storage element (BMU: Battery Management Unit).

[0031] (9) In any one of the computer programs (1) to (8) above, the computer may be caused to execute a process of acquiring an external image of the storage element and identification data of the storage element from a first device of an operator, and outputting a determined operating procedure to a second device of the operator.

[0032] With the above configuration, the computer uses the information of the storage element obtained from the first device used by the operator to output the operation procedure to another second device used by the operator. In other words, it is permitted that the acquisition destination of the information of the storage element and the output destination of the operation procedure are different. With this, for example, when the operator takes an image of the target storage element with a tablet having a camera and transmits the captured image, the operation procedure of the target storage element is output from another computer or another print output device, etc., and the operator can visually confirm the procedure.

[0033] (10) In the computer program of (2) above, the state of the electric equipment or electric vehicle in which the storage element is mounted may be identified from a usage history recorded in correspondence with identification data of the electric equipment or electric vehicle.

[0034] With the above configuration, the computer may determine whether to discard, reuse, or recycle the target energy storage element based not only on the measurement data of the energy storage element but also on information such as whether or not an accident occurred with the electric device or electric vehicle in which the energy storage element was installed, such as an electric car. Even if the appearance of the energy storage element does not appear to be abnormal, if there is a high suspicion that it has been subjected to an impact, it is better to recycle rather than reuse it. By also using the usage history of the electric device or electric vehicle, the computer can accurately predict the future risk assessment and future state of the target energy storage element.

[0035] (11) In the computer program of (4) above, the computer may be caused to execute a process of identifying identification data of the storage element by performing image processing such as pattern recognition or text recognition on an external image of the storage element, or by decoding a two-dimensional code or barcode contained in the external image.

[0036] With the above configuration, in order to identify the energy storage element, the computer may identify identification data such as the manufacturer, product number, and manufacturing lot number by pattern recognition of the appearance image, or may identify the identification data by decoding a two-dimensional code or barcode shown in the appearance image. The computer may identify the identification data by pattern recognition of a label shown in the appearance image, or may identify the identification data by text recognition of the manufacturing lot number shown in the appearance image. The computer may identify the identification data from a tag for short-range wireless communication attached to the energy storage element.

[0037] (12) A storage element information processing method in which a computer acquires an appearance image of a storage element that has been used in an electric equipment or an electric vehicle and identification data of the storage element, reads design information of the storage element from a database storing design information for each of a plurality of types of storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the identification data, determines an operating procedure for the storage element from the design information of the storage element based on a result of image processing of the acquired appearance image, and outputs the determined operating procedure.

[0038] (13) An energy storage element information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires an appearance image of a storage element that has been used in an electric equipment or an electric vehicle and identification data of the storage element, a reading unit that reads design information of the storage element from a database that stores design information for each of a plurality of types of energy storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the identification data, a determination unit that determines an operating procedure for the storage element from the design information of the storage element based on a result of image processing of the acquired appearance image, and an output unit that outputs the determined operating procedure.

[0039] A computer program, a storage element information processing method, and a storage element information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

[0040] (First embodiment) 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a terminal device 2 used by each of the collection businesses that dismantles, reassembles, and the like used energy storage elements, and an information processing device 1 that can be connected for communication from the terminal device 2. An operator who performs operations such as dismantling and reassembly at each of the multiple collection businesses can check a procedure page obtained from the information processing device 1 using the terminal device 2, and in some cases also using a print output device 3. The terminal device 2 and the information processing device 1 are connected for communication via a network N.

[0041] In the following, the storage element will be described as an example of a battery pack including a plurality of storage cells of a lithium-ion battery mounted on an electric vehicle. However, the storage element may be a module including a plurality of storage cells, or may be a single storage cell. The device or electric vehicle on which the storage element is mounted is not limited to the electric vehicle described below, but may also be a drone or an electric ship. The storage element is not limited to a lithium-ion battery, but may be a lead-acid battery, other secondary battery, a capacitor, or may include a primary battery.

[0042] The information processing device 1 has a battery DB (Data Base) 110 that stores design information provided by a plurality of different manufacturers of energy storage elements in association with label information, the manufacturer of the energy storage element, product number, unique identification data, etc. The battery DB 110 stores data such as the model, grade, and specifications of the electric vehicle in which the energy storage element is mounted. The information processing device 1 transmits and receives data to and from each of terminal devices 2 such as smartphones and tablets used by operators of each business, and presents data such as operating procedures to the operators via the terminal devices 2 using the battery DB 110 according to a processing procedure to be described later.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the operator uses the terminal device 2 to capture an image of the exterior of the energy storage element, and uploads the obtained exterior image to the information processing device 1. The terminal device 2 may obtain, for example by reading, identification data that identifies the energy storage element, and transmit the data to the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 determines whether the target energy storage element should be discarded, reused, or recycled while referring to the battery DB 110, and notifies the terminal device 2 of the determination result. The terminal device 2 can each confirm the determination result. The operator can confirm the operating procedure for the energy storage element that is presented along with the determination result on the terminal device 2, and perform dismantling, inspection, etc. according to the procedure.

[0044] The network N includes a network N1 which is a local network or a dedicated line, and may further include a public communication network N2, which is the so-called Internet, and a carrier network N3.

[0045] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is a server computer, or a laptop or desktop personal computer, and can function as a Web server. In the following description, the information processing device 1 is described as being configured by one server computer, but may be configured in such a way that multiple server computers are communicatively connected via a network to perform distributed processing.

[0046] The information processing 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 CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Based on an information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 10 executes information processing, which will be described later, regarding the handling of used energy storage elements as resources.

[0047] 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. The information processing program P1 may be an information processing program P9 stored in the 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 device via the communication unit 12 and stored therein.

[0048] The storage unit 11 may have an internal battery DB 110 that stores design information in association with identification data of the energy storage element, or the battery DB 110 may be stored in an external storage device and the processing unit 10 may be able to read and write to the battery DB 110.

[0049] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the terminal device 2 via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card. The communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication module that connects to a carrier network, or may be a wireless communication module for WiFi. The processing unit 10 can transmit and receive data to and from the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 12.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents of data stored in the battery DB 110. The battery DB 110 stores information on the energy storage element in association with manufacturer identification data for identifying the manufacturer of the energy storage element and the product number. The manufacturer identification data and the product number of the energy storage element are, for example, a JAN code. The identification data is not limited to the JAN code and may be identification data given by the information processing device 1 or its management organization. In the example of FIG. 3, the product name, inspection procedure and dismantling procedure, link data to an instruction manual, and link data to an SDS data sheet are stored in association with the identification data that combines the manufacturer identification data and the product number. The battery DB 110 may store, in association with the identification data, an external image (for pattern recognition) of the energy storage element, image data of the affixed label, data of characters or images printed on the label, a lot number, and data identifying the model and grade of the electric vehicle in which the element is mounted.

[0051] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 includes a communication unit and a user interface. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 2 may be a laptop or desktop personal computer.

[0052] The terminal device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, an imaging unit 25, and a reading unit 26.

[0053] The processing unit 20 is a processor using a CPU and / or a GPU. The processing unit 20 executes various application programs stored in the storage unit 21. The various application programs include a terminal program P2. The processing unit 20 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 1 based on the terminal program P2. The terminal program P2 is a program that transmits and receives information between the terminal device 2 and the information processing device 1 and displays an operating procedure on the display unit 23. The terminal program P2 may be a Web browser program.

[0054] The storage unit 21 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or an SSD. The storage unit 21 stores data referenced by the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores various application programs including a terminal program P2. The terminal program P2 may be a terminal program P8 stored in a storage medium 8 that is read by the processing unit 20 and copied to the storage unit 21. The terminal program P2 may be a program downloaded from a program server device via the communication unit 22 and stored.

[0055] The communication unit 22 realizes communication with the information processing 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 a carrier network, or may be a wireless communication device for WiFi. The processing unit 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the information processing device 1 via the communication unit 22.

[0056] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 displays GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) of various application programs. The processing unit 20 displays data provided from the information processing device 1 based on the terminal program P2 on the display unit 23. The terminal device 2 includes an audio output unit, and the processing unit 20 may cause the audio output unit to output audio based on audio data provided from the information processing device 1.

[0057] 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 voice input unit. The processing unit 20 receives input from a user via the operation unit 24.

[0058] The imaging unit 25 is a camera having a housing, a lens, and an imaging element. The imaging element may be, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS).

[0059] The reading unit 26 is a device for acquiring identification data of the energy storage element. The reading unit 26 may be, for example, a camera, and may be integrated with the imaging unit 25. When the reading unit 26 is a camera, it acquires the identification data by capturing an image of the identification data printed on the energy storage element, or the identification data printed on a sticker, paper, card, or the like attached to the energy storage element. The identification data may be characters, or may be a two-dimensional code or a barcode. The reading unit 26 may be, for example, a short-range wireless communication device, and may acquire the identification data by communication from a wireless tag with a storage medium attached to the energy storage element.

[0060] The process up to the point where an operation is performed on a used energy storage element according to the determination result such as reuse or recycling by the information processing system 100 configured as above will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system 100. When an operator starts up the terminal program P2 on the terminal device 2 in front of the target energy storage element, the following process is started.

[0061] The processing unit 20 of the terminal device 2 establishes a communication connection with the information processing device 1 (step S201), and displays an operation screen (Web page) provided by a Web server function of the information processing device 1 on the display unit 23 (step S202). In step S201, the processing unit 20 establishes a communication connection with the information processing device 1, for example, by HTTP communication. In step S201, the processing unit 20 may execute a process of transmitting identification data of the business entity to which the operator belongs, login data including a password, and identification data of the terminal device 2 to the Web server of the information processing device 1.

[0062] The processing unit 20 starts up the imaging unit 25 in response to a reception interface selection of an appearance image included in the operation screen displayed in step S202 or an operation to start up the imaging unit 25 outside the program (step S203). The processing unit 20 captures an image of the appearance of the energy storage element by the imaging unit 25 (step S204).

[0063] The processing unit 20 reads the identification data of the storage element from the storage element by the reading unit 26 (step S205). In step S205, if the reading unit 26 is integrated with the imaging unit 25, the processing unit 20 may obtain the identification by decoding an image of a two-dimensional code or a barcode with the identification data attached to a predetermined position of the storage element. The processing unit 20 may obtain the identification by recognizing characters corresponding to numbers such as a JAN code or a manufacturing lot number from the image. In step S205, if the reading unit 26 is a short-range wireless communication device, the identification data is read from a wireless tag attached to the storage element. In step S205, there is a possibility that the reading unit 26 cannot read the identification data, and in that case, the processing unit 20 may skip the process of step S205.

[0064] The processing unit 20 of the terminal device 2 transmits a determination request including at least the external image of the energy storage element captured in step S204 to the information processing device 1 (step S206). The determination request includes data that can identify the terminal device 2 that has made the request.

[0065] When the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives a determination request (step S101), it acquires an appearance image included in the determination request (step S102), and executes a process of acquiring identification data of the energy storage element (step S103). The process of acquiring the identification data in step S103 will be described later.

[0066] The processing unit 10 reads out the design information stored in the battery DB 110 based on the appearance image acquired in step S102 and the identification data acquired in step S103 (step S104), and executes a process of determining an operating procedure for the target energy storage element (step S105). The determination process in step S105 will be described later.

[0067] The processing unit 10 creates an output screen (Web page) including the operation procedure determined in step S105 (step S106), and transmits the created output screen to the terminal device 2 that has sent the request (step S107).

[0068] The processing unit 20 of the terminal device 2 receives the output screen transmitted from the information processing device 1 (step S207), and displays the operation procedure for the target energy storage element on the display unit 23 based on the received output screen (step S208), and ends the process. In step S208, the processing unit 20 may additionally execute a process of outputting the operation procedure by voice.

[0069] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for acquiring identification data in the information processing device 1. The procedure shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to details of the process in step S103 in FIG.

[0070] The processing unit 10 judges whether or not the judgment request includes identification data (step S301). If the judgment request includes identification data read from a two-dimensional code or a barcode, identification data recognized by text recognition of a manufacturing lot number, or identification data read by short-range wireless communication (S301: YES), the processing unit 10 acquires the identification data as identification data of the energy storage element (step S302). The processing unit 10 returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S104.

[0071] If it is determined in step S301 that the determination request does not include identification data (S301: NO), the processing unit 10 attempts to identify identification data by pattern recognition of the acquired appearance image using the appearance image for pattern recognition stored in the battery DB 110 (step S303). In step S303, the processing unit 10 calculates the degree of match with the appearance image for pattern recognition for each piece of identification data stored in the battery DB 110, and identifies the identification data of the storage element having the highest degree of match equal to or higher than a predetermined degree as the identification data of the target storage element.

[0072] The processing unit 10 judges whether or not the identification data has been identified by the process of step S303 (step S304). If it is judged that the identification data has been identified (S304: YES), the processing unit 10 acquires the identified identification data as the identification data of the target storage element (step S305). The processing unit 10 returns to the process procedure shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S104.

[0073] If it is determined that the identification data cannot be identified by pattern recognition (S304: NO), the processing unit 10 attempts to identify the identification data by label pattern recognition of the label image included in the appearance image (step S306). In step S306, similar to step S303, the processing unit 10 calculates the degree of match with the label image data stored in the battery DB 110 for each identification data, and identifies the identification data of the storage element having the highest degree of match equal to or higher than a predetermined degree as the identification data of the target storage element.

[0074] The processing unit 10 judges whether or not the identification data has been identified by the process of step S306 (step S307). If it is judged that the identification data has been identified (S307: YES), the processing unit 10 acquires the identified identification data as the identification data of the target storage element (step S308). The processing unit 10 returns to the process procedure shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S104.

[0075] If it is determined that the identification data cannot be identified by pattern recognition using the label (S307: NO), the processing unit 10 attempts to acquire (read) a number, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code contained in the external appearance image (step S309). In step S309, the processing unit 10 determines whether acquisition of an identification code from the number, barcode, or two-dimensional code has been successful (step S310). If acquisition of the identification code has been successful (S310: YES), the processing unit 10 returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S104.

[0076] In step S309, if acquisition of the identification code fails (S310: NO), the processing ends. In this case, the processing unit 10 executes error processing for acquisition of the identification data of the energy storage element, notifies the terminal device 2 of an error that the identification data cannot be acquired, displays an error screen on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 2, and ends the processing once.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 6, it is possible to not limit the method of acquiring the identification data to a specific method. The method of assigning the identification data does not need to be unified for a wide variety of energy storage elements, and the identification data may be assigned according to the existing management method of the manufacturer. By making the acquisition of the identification data compatible with a wide variety of methods, the process of step S104 of the information processing device 1 can be compatible with a wide variety of manufacturers and product types.

[0078] The process procedure for acquiring identification data by the information processing device 1 of the present disclosure is not limited to the process procedure shown in Fig. 6, and may be unified to reading identification data from a barcode. In addition, even if the identification data is included in the determination request, the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 may acquire the identification data read from the appearance image if the identification data can be read by pattern recognition or character recognition of the appearance image. The processing unit 10 may specify the identification data as the identification data only when the identification data included in the determination request matches the read identification data.

[0079] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining an operation procedure in the information processing device 1. The procedure shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to details of the process of step S105 in FIG.

[0080] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 uses an external image of the energy storage element to determine the condition of the energy storage element with the manufacturer and product number identified using the identification code acquired in step S103 based on the presence or absence of scratches visible from the outside or swelling of the energy storage cell (step S501).

[0081] In step S501, the processing unit 10 uses, for example, a threshold value stored in advance in the battery DB 110 in association with the manufacturer and product number of the target energy storage element, and if it can be identified from the image that any of the energy storage cells included in the energy storage element is expanded to more than the threshold value, it determines that the energy storage element should be discarded. For example, if the thickness of the energy storage cell that is the most expanded among the energy storage cells included in the energy storage element is less than the threshold value, the processing unit 10 determines that the energy storage element is in a recyclable state. If it can be determined that there is no damage on the exterior, the processing unit 10 can also determine that the energy storage element is in a reusable state. Various other methods can be adopted as a method for determining the state from the exterior image.

[0082] In step S501, the processing unit 10 may determine the state using a learning model trained for each manufacturer and / or product number of the energy storage element using deep learning such as a recurrent neural network (RNN), a long short term memory (LSTM), or a transformer. For example, such a learning model is trained to output a state when an appearance image is input for each manufacturer and / or product number. The processing unit 10 may determine the state using a learning model trained in this way.

[0083] The state determination in step S501 may be based on the temperature history, the cumulative charge / discharge capacity information, the error record, the usage period of the storage element, and the full charge capacity obtained from the BMU and stored in advance in the battery DB 110 in association with the unique identification data of the target storage element. In this case, the temperature history, the cumulative charge / discharge capacity information, the error record, the usage period of the storage element, and the full charge capacity obtained from the BMU are stored in the battery DB 110 in association with the unique identification data of the storage element at the time of removal from the electric vehicle. The battery DB 110 may also store the usage history of the electric vehicle in which the storage element was mounted in association with the unique identification data of the storage element at the time of removal from the electric vehicle. The usage history of the electric vehicle is information such as the mileage of the electric vehicle and whether or not an accident has occurred.

[0084] The processing unit 10 determines whether to discard, reuse, or recycle the item based on the state determined in step S501 (step S502).

[0085] Based on the determination result in step S502, the processing unit 10 reads and determines an operation procedure for each state in the read design information (step S503), returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5, and advances the process to step S106.

[0086] Fig. 8 shows an example of the operation procedure displayed on the terminal device 2. Fig. 8 shows an example of the output screen 230 displayed on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 2. The output screen 230 shown in Fig. 8 includes the state determination result, the handling (disposal / reuse / recycle) determination result, and an image showing the corresponding operation procedure. The image is a procedure page excerpted from the instruction manual included in the design information.

[0087] In this way, an operator can operate terminal device 2 to send an external image of the target energy storage element to information processing device 1, and, if possible, reads out the identification data at terminal device 2 and sends it to information processing device 1, thereby allowing even an unskilled operator to learn the operating procedure for the energy storage element. The target energy storage elements are not limited to those from a specific manufacturer or with a specific product number, but include a wide variety of energy storage elements stored in battery DB 110, making it possible to collect a wide variety of energy storage elements and realize reuse and recycling.

[0088] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, the battery DB 110 stores measurement data obtained from the BMU in association with individual identification data (serial code) for identifying individual energy storage elements. In the second embodiment, the usage history of the electric vehicle in which the used energy storage element was mounted is stored. In the second embodiment, a device such as a print output device 3 is used.

[0089] The hardware configuration of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that a rule is set for reporting the usage history of the electric vehicle in which the storage element was mounted to a management organization that manages the information processing device 1 when the storage element is removed by an electric vehicle maintenance company before being collected by a collection company (see FIG. 1). The maintenance company transmits data for identifying the individual of the removed storage element and individual identification data of the electric vehicle in which the storage element was mounted to the information processing device 1 in association with each other. The maintenance company also transmits to the information processing device 1, as the usage history of the electric vehicle, whether or not an accident occurred and the mileage until removal in association with the individual identification data of the electric vehicle. The information processing device 1 stores, in the battery DB 110, the individual identification data of the electric vehicle in which the storage element was mounted and the usage history of the electric vehicle in association with the individual identification data of the battery pack unit removed from the electric vehicle. The usage history in association with the individual identification data of the electric vehicle may be stored in another storage medium and in a state that can be referred to by the information processing device 1.

[0090] Fig. 9 shows an example of the contents of data stored in the battery DB 110 of the second embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the battery DB 110 includes a design information table 1101 that stores information on the energy storage element associated with manufacturer identification data that identifies the manufacturer of the energy storage element and a product number, and an individual battery table 1102 that stores the correspondence between the individual identification data of the energy storage element and measurement data associated with the identification data of the electric vehicle in which the energy storage element was installed.

[0091] As described in Figure 3 of the first embodiment, the design information table 1101 stores inspection procedures, disassembly procedures, link data to instruction manuals, link data to SDS data sheets, etc., in correspondence with manufacturer identification data that identifies the manufacturer of the storage element and the product number.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 9, the individual battery table 1102 stores the identification data of the electric vehicle in which the battery was installed, the usage history, and the inspection results described below, in association with the individual identification data of the power storage element. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the usage history includes whether or not an accident has occurred, and if so, the details of the accident and the mileage.

[0093] 9, the electric vehicle identification data is data for individually identifying an electric vehicle, but the reason for storing the data for individually identifying an electric vehicle is to enable reference to the usage history as described above. Since the individual battery table 1102 also stores the usage history in association with the individual identification data of the energy storage element, in this case, the electric vehicle identification data may only identify the vehicle model, grade, options, specifications, etc.

[0094] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of an information processing procedure of the second embodiment. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of Figure 10, the steps common to the processing procedures shown in Figure 5 of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted. Also in the second embodiment, when the operator starts the terminal program P2 on the terminal device 2 in front of the target energy storage element, the following processing is started.

[0095] In the second embodiment, when the terminal device 2 transmits an assessment request including at least an external image of the energy storage element to the information processing device 1 (S206), the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives this (S101). The processing unit 10 acquires the external image from the assessment request (S102), and executes a process of acquiring identification data of the energy storage element (S103). The processing procedure of step S103 is similar to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

[0096] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 reads out the design information stored in the battery DB 110 based on the appearance image acquired in step S102 and the identification data acquired in step S103 (S104). The processing unit 10 extracts the inspection procedure from the read design information (step S121). Since the inspection procedure is stored in the battery DB 110 in association with the identification data acquired in step S103, the processing unit 10 extracts it.

[0097] The processing unit 10 creates an examination screen including the extracted examination procedure (step S122), and transmits the created examination screen to the terminal device 2 that is the request source of the determination request received in step S101 (step S123).

[0098] The processing unit 20 of the terminal device 2 receives the inspection screen transmitted from the information processing device 1 (step S221) and displays the received inspection screen on the display unit 23 (step S222). The inspection screen includes a field for inputting individual identification data (serial code) of the target storage element. The inspection screen includes fields for inputting, for example, whether the battery pack is scratched and the measurement results of the thickness of the storage cell. The inspection screen includes a field for inputting measurement data such as voltage acquired from the BMU of the battery pack via an inspection device. The processing unit 20 acquires data that is the inspection result including the individual identification data entered on the displayed inspection screen (step S223) and transmits the data to the information processing device 1 (step S224).

[0099] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives the data transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has made the determination request (step S124), and stores the received data in the individual battery table 1102 in association with the individual identification data contained in the data (step S125).

[0100] The processing unit 10 uses the individual identification data to read out the usage history of the electric vehicle equipped with the target power storage element, which is transmitted from the electric vehicle maintenance business and stored (step S126). In step S126, the processing unit 10 reads out the usage history associated with the individual identification data of the power storage element from the individual battery table 1102 of the battery DB 110.

[0101] The processing unit 10 determines an operating procedure for the target energy storage element based on the external appearance image acquired in step S102, the read design information, and the data stored in the individual battery table 1102 (step S127). The determination process in step S127 will be described later.

[0102] The processing unit 10 creates an output screen (Web page) including the operation procedure determined in step S127 (S106), and transmits the created output screen to the terminal device 2 that originated the request (S107). The output screen includes a script that causes the print output device 3 (second device) to print out the operation procedure. In step S107, the processing unit 10 may obtain in advance an address of another terminal device 2 (second device) for output related to the terminal device 2 (first device), and transmit the output screen to the other terminal device 2 different from the terminal device 2 that originated the request.

[0103] The processing unit 20 of the terminal device 2 receives the output screen transmitted from the information processing device 1 (S207) and displays the received output screen on the display unit 23 (S208). The processing unit 20 transmits the operation procedure included in the output screen to the print output device 3 based on the operation on the output screen (step S225) and ends the process. When the operator selects an operation to execute a script for print output included in the output screen, document data indicating the operation procedure is transmitted to the print output device 3, and the operation procedure is printed out. In other words, it is permitted that the acquisition destination of the information on the storage element and the output destination of the operation procedure are different. Thereby, when the operator captures an image of the target storage element with the terminal device 2 and transmits the captured image, the operation procedure of the target storage element can be visually confirmed from another terminal device 2 or another print output device 3 to confirm the procedure.

[0104] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining an operation procedure in the second embodiment. The procedure shown in Fig. 12 corresponds to details of the process in step S127 in Figs.

[0105] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 uses an external image of the energy storage element to determine whether or not there are any scratches that can be seen from the outside for the energy storage element with the manufacturer and product number identified using the identification code acquired in step S103 (step S701).

[0106] If it is determined that the item is scratched (S701: YES), it is determined that the item is to be recycled (step S702), and the process returns to the procedure shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S106.

[0107] If it is determined that there is no damage (S701: NO), it is determined whether the expansion of the storage cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S703). If it is determined that the expansion of the storage cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S703: YES), the processing unit 10 determines to discard the storage cell (step S704), returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S106.

[0108] If it is determined that the expansion of the storage cell is less than the predetermined value (S703: NO), the processing unit 10 determines whether or not the average temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the usage period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period from the temperature history based on the information stored in the individual battery table 1102 of the target storage element (step S705). If it is determined that the average temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the usage period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (S705: YES), the processing unit 10 determines to discard the target storage element (step S706), returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S106.

[0109] If the processing unit 10 determines that the average temperature is below a predetermined temperature or that the usage period is less than a predetermined period (S705: NO), it determines whether the cumulative charge / discharge capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S707). If the cumulative charge / discharge capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S707: YES), the processing unit 10 determines to recycle the target energy storage element (step S708), and returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, proceeding to step S106.

[0110] If it is determined that the cumulative charge / discharge capacity is less than the predetermined amount (S707: NO), the processing unit 10 determines whether the full charge capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity (step S709). If it is determined that the full charge capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity (S709: YES), the processing unit 10 determines whether or not there has been a collision accident based on the usage history of the electric vehicle in which the target storage element is mounted (step S710). If it is determined that there has been no collision accident (S710: NO), the processing unit 10 determines that the target storage element is to be reused (step S711), returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S106.

[0111] If it is determined in step S710 that a collision accident has occurred (S710: YES), the processing unit 10 determines that the target battery pack is to be recycled (step S712), and returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, proceeding to step S106.

[0112] If it is determined that the full charge capacity is less than the predetermined capacity (S709: NO), the processing unit 10 determines to recycle the target battery pack (step S713), returns to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S106.

[0113] The order of the processing steps shown in Fig. 12 may be appropriately modified. For example, the processing unit 10 may first determine whether or not a collision accident has occurred in the electric vehicle in which the target energy storage element is mounted before the electric vehicle is removed.

[0114] FIG. 13 shows an example of the inspection screen 231. The inspection screen 231 includes text indicating the specified identification data. The inspection screen 231 includes a screen 232 indicating a portion of the inspection procedure extracted from the design information associated with the identification data. The inspection screen 231 includes a field 233 for inputting the presence or absence of scratches on the battery pack and the measurement results of the thickness of the storage cell. The inspection screen 231 includes a field for inputting measurement data such as voltage acquired from the BMU of the battery pack via an inspection device. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the inspection screen 231 includes a button 234 for selecting measurement data acquired from the BMU. When the operator selects the button 234 using the operation unit 24, a selection screen for a file describing the measurement data to be uploaded is displayed.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the information processing device 1 can extract an inspection procedure from the design information stored in the battery DB 110, transmit it to the terminal device 2, and display it. Even in a place that receives a wide variety of energy storage elements, not limited to a specific manufacturer or specific product number, the operator can learn the inspection procedure regardless of his or her level of skill. The information processing device 1 can obtain the inspection results and output an appropriate operation procedure depending on whether the element is to be reused, recycled, or disposed of.

[0116] In the second embodiment, the usage history of the electric vehicle in which the energy storage element is mounted is also taken into consideration, and an appropriate operation procedure is output according to whether the element should be reused, recycled, or discarded. Even if the exterior of the energy storage element does not appear to be abnormal, if there is a high suspicion that the element has been subjected to an impact, it is better to recycle rather than reuse the element. By making a judgment that takes into consideration the usage history, it is possible to accurately predict the future risk assessment and future state of the target energy storage element.

[0117] In the second embodiment, the operation procedure is output to a print output device 3 other than the terminal device 2 used by the operator, or to another terminal device 2. In this way, by differentiating the device that acquires the appearance image and the identification data from the output destination of the operation procedure that is output based on these data, the operation of the operator who collects various storage elements can be made more efficient and easier to operate.

[0118] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 100 Information Processing Systems 1. Information processing device 10 Processing section 11 Storage section 110 Battery DB (database) P1 Information Processing Program 2 Terminal Equipment 23 Display section

Claims

1. On the computer, Acquiring an external image of a used electric storage element in an electric device or an electric vehicle and identification data of the electric storage element; reading out design information of the energy storage element from a database storing design information for each of a plurality of types of energy storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the acquired identification data; determining an operation procedure for the energy storage element based on design information of the energy storage element; Output the determined operation procedure A computer program that executes a process.

2. The computer includes: acquiring a result of handling the energy storage element as a resource, the result being determined based on a state of the energy storage element and a state of the electric device or the electric vehicle in which the energy storage element is mounted; Based on the acquired result of handling as a resource, an operation procedure for the storage element is determined from design information of the storage element.

2. A computer program product as claimed in claim 1, which is adapted to carry out a process.

3. The computer includes: determining whether to discard, reuse, or recycle the energy storage element according to the state of the energy storage element; Depending on the result of the determination, an operating procedure for the storage element is determined based on design information of the storage element.

3. A computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, which is adapted to carry out a process.

4. The identification data is identified by pattern recognition of an external image of the energy storage element, by recognition processing of a two-dimensional code or a barcode included in the external image, by pattern recognition of a label included in the external image, by text recognition of a manufacturing lot number included in the external image, or is data read out from a tag attached to the energy storage element by short-range wireless communication.

3. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The computer includes: Identifying at least one of a manufacturer of the energy storage element, identification data of an on-board device or an electric vehicle, a product number of the energy storage element, and unique identification data of the energy storage element based on the external image and / or the identification data; Based on the identified data, design information for the energy storage element is read from the database.

3. A computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, which is adapted to carry out a process.

6. The database stores design information corresponding to at least one of the following: appearance images of the plurality of types of energy storage elements, label information, manufacturer of the energy storage element, product number, unique identification data, and identification data of the mounted equipment or the electric vehicle.

3. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The design information stored in the database includes at least one of an inspection procedure or disassembly procedure, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information, an instruction manual, material information, and charge / discharge control information for each of a plurality of types of energy storage elements.

3. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The data indicating the state of the storage element is at least one of a temperature history obtained from a management device of the storage element, cumulative charge / discharge capacity information, an error record, a usage period of the storage element, and a full charge capacity.

3. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The computer includes: Acquiring an external image of the energy storage element and identification data of the energy storage element from a first device of an operator; The determined operation procedure is output to the second device of the operator.

3. A computer program product according to claim 1 or 2, which is adapted to carry out a process.

10. The state of the electric device or electric vehicle in which the power storage element is mounted is identified from a usage history recorded in association with identification data of the electric device or electric vehicle.

3. A computer program according to claim 2.

11. The computer includes: Identification data of the energy storage element is identified by image processing of pattern recognition or text recognition for the external appearance image of the energy storage element, or by decoding processing of a two-dimensional code or a barcode included in the external appearance image.

5. A computer program product as claimed in claim 4, which causes a process to be carried out.

12. The computer Acquiring an external image of a used electric storage element in an electric device or an electric vehicle and identification data of the electric storage element; reading out design information of the energy storage element from a database storing design information for each of a plurality of types of energy storage elements based on the acquired appearance image and / or the acquired identification data; determining an operation procedure for the energy storage element from design information of the energy storage element based on a result of image processing of the acquired appearance image; Output the determined operation procedure Storage element information processing method.

13. an acquisition unit that acquires an external image of a used electric storage element in an electric device or an electric vehicle and identification data of the electric storage element; a readout unit that reads out design information of the energy storage element from a database that stores design information of each of a plurality of types of energy storage elements, based on the acquired appearance image and / or the acquired identification data; a determination unit that determines an operation procedure for the energy storage element from design information of the energy storage element based on a result of image processing of the acquired appearance image; an output unit that outputs the determined operation procedure; A storage element information processing device comprising:

Images