Information processing apparatus, evaluation method, and evaluation program

Abstract

To provide information that contributes to determination on whether or not a charging device is good.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery that is installed in a vehicle; a determination unit that performs authenticity determination on whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery; an evaluation unit that evaluates a charging device serving as a delivery source of the battery that is installed in the vehicle among charging devices that charge a battery brought by a user and deliver a charged battery to the user in place of the battery, based on a result of the authenticity determination of the battery; and an output unit that outputs evaluation of the charging device made by the evaluation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program.

Background Art

[0002] From the aspect of realizing carbon neutrality, electric vehicles (so-called xEVs) driven by motors powered by electricity are becoming popular. Along with the spread of such xEVs, efforts are also being made to realize battery sharing services by making the batteries of xEVs replaceable through the provision of charging facilities for replacing batteries with reduced charge levels and fully charged batteries.

[0003] For example, a charging facility search function is provided to search for a charging facility at a location specified by a user who uses the above battery sharing service from among charging facilities such as stations operated by an operator providing the above battery sharing service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above charging facility search function has a problem in that it is difficult to provide information that contributes to determining whether a charging facility is excellent or not.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide information useful for determining whether charging equipment is excellent or not.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle, a determination unit that performs authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, and a charging facility that charges a battery brought in by a user and delivers a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery. An evaluation unit that evaluates the charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, and an output unit that outputs the evaluation of the charging facility.

[0008] In an evaluation method according to one aspect of the present invention, a magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle is acquired, authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product is performed based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, and a battery brought in by a user is charged. At the same time, among the charging facilities that deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, the charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle is evaluated based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, and the evaluation of the charging facility is output. The computer executes the process.

[0009] An evaluation program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring a magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle, performing authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, and charging a battery brought in by a user. At the same time, among the charging facilities that deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, the charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle is evaluated based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, and the evaluation of the charging facility is output.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide information useful for determining whether charging equipment is excellent or not.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a form for implementing an information processing apparatus, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described. Each embodiment is merely an example or aspect, and numerical values, function ranges, usage scenarios, etc. are not limited by such examples. And each embodiment can be adaptively combined within a range that does not conflict with the processing content.

[0013] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a battery sharing system. The battery sharing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 provides a battery sharing service that realizes battery sharing by making the batteries of vehicles 5A to 5N such as xEVs replaceable. Note that, as an example of the usage scenario of the battery, xEV is taken as an example, but the battery may be mounted not only on vehicles but also on various load devices such as construction machines, agricultural machines, and home appliances.

[0014] The "battery" mentioned here may refer to a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a battery pack thereof. For example, the "battery" may be a "cell" that refers to a single battery, a "module" that refers to a battery pack assembled from a plurality of cells, or a "pack" that refers to a battery pack assembled from a plurality of modules.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery sharing system 1 may include a server device 10, stations 30A to 30M, and in-vehicle devices 50A to 50N mounted on vehicles 5A to 5N. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the individual stations 30A to 30M, they may be referred to as "station 30". Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish the individual vehicles 5A to 5N, they may be referred to as "vehicle 5". Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish the individual in-vehicle devices 50A to 50N, they may be referred to as "in-vehicle device 50".

[0016] The server device 10, the station 30, and the in-vehicle device 50 may be communicably connected via an arbitrary network NW. Note that the network NW may be realized by any technology such as Internet technology, industrial communication standards, or power-saving wireless communication standards for IoT (Internet of Things), regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

[0017] The server device 10 is an example of an information processing device that provides the above battery sharing service. For example, the server device 10 can provide the above battery sharing service as a cloud service by being realized as a PaaS (Platform as a Service)-type or SaaS (Software as a Service)-type application. In addition, the server device 10 may be realized as a server that provides an on-premises battery sharing function for realizing the above battery sharing service.

[0018] In such a battery sharing service, as part of information provision for users who use the battery sharing service, a station evaluation function for evaluating the station 30 corresponding to an example of the above charging facility may be packaged.

[0019] The station 30 corresponds to an example of a charging facility that exchanges a battery with a reduced charge amount and a fully charged battery. The station 30 has a plurality of slots into which the battery can be attached and detached. In such a station 30, it is possible to charge the battery mounted in an empty slot among the plurality of slots, and it is also possible to take out the fully charged battery from the fully charged slot.

[0020] The in-vehicle device 50 is a terminal device mounted on a vehicle 5 such as an electric vehicle driven by a motor using electricity as a power source, so-called xEV. Such an in-vehicle device 50 corresponds to an example of a client terminal that receives the provision of the above station evaluation function, and may be used, for example, by a user who uses the above battery sharing service.

[0021] <Battery replacement> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of battery replacement. As shown in FIG. 2, at the station 30, identification information of a user who uses the above battery sharing service, for example, a user ID (Identification), is read (step S1).

[0022] For example, by performing an operation of bringing the IC (Integrated Circuit) card 2 possessed by the user close to the information reading unit 31 of the station 30, the user ID recorded on the IC card 2 is read by the information reading unit 31.

[0023] Based on the user ID read by the information reading unit 31 in this way, in addition to user authentication as to whether the user is a regular user with prior registration, a charge settlement for using the above battery sharing service is executed.

[0024] Thereafter, among the plurality of slots possessed by the station 30, the battery 3 removed from the vehicle 5 such as an EV is mounted in an empty slot where the battery is not mounted, whereby the battery 3 is returned (step S2).

[0025] When such a battery 3 is returned, a display can be executed on a display unit associated with each slot, for example, a lamp, to distinguish the display form between the empty slot and other slots.

[0026] After the battery 3 is returned, the battery 3 is taken out from a charged slot among the plurality of slots possessed by the station 30 (step S3). Note that "charged" may refer to a fully charged state as an example, but it does not necessarily have to be a fully charged state. For example, a slot in which a battery with an SOC (State Of Charge) of a lower limit value or more than 95% is mounted may be identified as a charged slot.

[0027] The battery 3 taken out from the charged slot in this way is mounted on the user's vehicle 5 or the like. By the operations from step S1 to step S3, the replacement of the battery 3 can be realized.

[0028] In addition, in FIG. 2, as an example only, an example in which a pre-registered user performs battery replacement is given. Of course, it does not prevent a new user from performing battery replacement.

[0029] <Magnetic field distribution> While the popularization of xEVs is progressing, on the other hand, as xEV batteries, in addition to genuine products manufactured by manufacturers, there is a side where non-genuine products that are not genuine products are in circulation. For example, as non-genuine products, there are also counterfeit products that are imitated up to two-dimensional codes linked to management information such as battery passports that manage the life cycle from battery material procurement to recycling, in addition to the appearance of genuine modules or genuine pack casings.

[0030] From such an aspect, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment executes a authenticity determination as to whether the battery mounted on the vehicle 5 after battery replacement is a genuine product. For example, the above authenticity determination can be executed by comparing the battery characteristics of the reference, which is the battery characteristics of a genuine battery, with the battery characteristics measured from the battery to be identified.

[0031] Hereinafter, as an example of the battery characteristics of the battery, an example of executing the above authenticity determination using the magnetic field distribution of the battery will be given. As an example only, when the battery 3 taken out in step S3 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on the vehicle 5, the in-vehicle device 50 can acquire the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a measurement example of the magnetic field distribution of a battery. As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 is measured by a measurement unit 51 realized by a two-dimensional array of magnetic sensors. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the measurement unit 51 is realized by arranging magnetic sensors on the side surface of the battery 3 mounted on the vehicle 5 in an array of 6 vertical × 16 horizontal.

[0033] Measurement values measured by these 6 vertical × 16 horizontal magnetic sensors, for example, a map of magnetic flux density, are obtained as the magnetic field distribution 20 of the battery 3. For example, when the measurement unit 51 is realized by a three-axis magnetic sensor, the magnetic field distribution 20X in the X component, the magnetic field distribution 20Y in the Y component, and the magnetic field distribution 20Z in the Z component are obtained as the magnetic field distribution 20 of the battery 3.

[0034] Note that FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the measurement unit 51 may be realized by a uniaxial magnetic sensor or a biaxial magnetic sensor, and the array of magnetic sensors may also be realized by an arbitrary array starting from a one-dimensional array. For example, the magnetic sensor may be an analog element or a digital element. Each magnetic element is, for example, a Hall element, a magnetic resistance element such as AMR (Anisotropic magnetoresistance effect), GMR (Giant magnetoresistance effect), TMR (Tunnel magnetoresistance effect), or a magnetic impedance element such as MI (Magneto-Impedance), a fluxgate, or a thin-film magnetic element using an anomalous Hall effect with a topological magnetic body. When an alternating current is flowing through the measurement object, a pickup coil may be used as the magnetic element.

[0035] <One aspect of the problem> Here, as described in the above background art section, there is a difficult aspect in providing information that contributes to determining whether the charging facility is excellent in the above charging facility search function.

[0036] <One aspect of the problem-solving approach> Therefore, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment provides a station evaluation function for evaluating the station 30 that is the delivery source of the battery based on the result of authenticity determination of the battery mounted on the vehicle 5.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one aspect of the problem-solving approach. As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 acquires the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 mounted on the vehicle 5 (1). Then, the server device 10 performs authenticity determination as to whether the battery 3 is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 (2). After that, the server device 10 evaluates the station 30 that is the delivery source of the battery 3 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery 3 (3).

[0038] Here, as an example of the above station evaluation, various evaluation values can be calculated based on the result of authenticity determination. As an example of such an evaluation value, the probability that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a genuine product can be calculated as the genuine product delivery probability. As another example, the probability that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a non-genuine product can be calculated as the non-genuine product delivery probability. As one of the factors for non-genuine products to be installed in the slots of the station 30 in this way, it can be mentioned that the genuine product battery has a higher value including performance and financial aspects compared to the non-genuine product battery. This may be one of the reasons why there may be unscrupulous operators who collect genuine products from users at the station 30 and deliver non-genuine products among the operators providing the above battery sharing service. As an example of an evaluation value representing the degree of not being such an unscrupulous operator, the above genuine product delivery probability can be calculated. Further, as an example of an evaluation value representing the degree of being an unscrupulous operator, the above non-genuine product delivery probability can be calculated.

[0039] On top of that, the server device 10 outputs the station evaluation obtained in (3) to the in-vehicle device 50 (4). For example, in the example of (4) shown in FIG. 4, a station evaluation including the genuine product delivery probability and the non-genuine product delivery probability of station A and the genuine product delivery probability and the non-genuine product delivery probability of station B is output. As a result, the following relative evaluation becomes possible between station A and station B. That is, from the station evaluation that the genuine product delivery probability of station A > the genuine product delivery probability of station B, or the non-genuine product delivery probability of station A < the non-genuine product delivery probability of station B, it becomes possible to determine that station A is a better store than station B.

[0040] Here, as an example, take the case where station B is the station with the best location for the user among station A and station B, for example, the station closest to the user's home or garage. In this case, according to the charging facility search function described in the background art section above, station B is obtained as the search result of station 30 with the best location for the user. However, even if station B is the best location for the user, station B is not necessarily a good store. This is because, as is clear from the station evaluations such as the genuine product delivery probability and the non-genuine product delivery probability illustrated in (4) of FIG. 4, station A is more likely not to be an illegal trader or less likely to be an illegal trader than station B. Thus, according to the station evaluation illustrated in (4) of FIG. 4, it is possible to realize a station evaluation that is difficult to provide with the above-described charging facility search function.

[0041] Therefore, according to the station evaluation function according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the provision of information useful for determining whether a charging facility is good or not. Furthermore, since the calculation regarding the station evaluation can be executed without using a complicated algorithm, the calculation cost regarding the station evaluation can also be reduced.

[0042] Note that, hereinafter, as an example only, an example will be given in which the above-described station evaluation function is packaged as one function of the above-described battery sharing service. However, the above-described station evaluation function may be provided as a service separate from the above-described battery sharing service.

[0043] <Configuration of Server Device 10> Next, a functional configuration example of the server device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server device 10. In FIG. 5, blocks related to the battery sharing service included in the server device 10 are schematically shown.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 15. Note that, in FIG. 5, only the functional units related to the above-described battery sharing service are schematically shown, and it is also possible that the server device 10 is provided with functional units other than those shown in the figure.

[0045] The communication control unit 11 is a functional unit that controls communication with other devices such as the station 30 and the in-vehicle device 50. As an example only, the communication control unit 11 can be realized by a network interface card. As one aspect, the communication control unit 11 can receive a user ID and the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 from the station 30, and output to the station 30 permission or non-permission for battery replacement. As another aspect, the communication control unit 11 can receive a user ID and the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 from the in-vehicle device 50, and output a station evaluation to the in-vehicle device 50.

[0046] The storage unit 13 is a functional unit that stores various types of data. As an example only, the storage unit 13 is realized by an internal, external, or auxiliary storage of the server device 10. For example, the storage unit 13 stores user information 13A, reference information 13B, and evaluation information 13C. Note that the descriptions of the user information 13A, the reference information 13B, and the evaluation information 13C will be described together in the scenario where reference, generation, or registration is executed.

[0047] The control unit 15 is a functional unit that performs overall control of the server device 10. For example, the control unit 15 can be implemented by a hardware processor. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 15 includes a providing unit 15A, an acquiring unit 15B, a determining unit 15C, an evaluating unit 15D, and an output unit 15E. Note that the control unit 15 may be implemented by hardwired logic or the like.

[0048] The providing unit 15A is a processing unit that provides the above-described battery sharing service. As one aspect, when the providing unit 15A receives a user ID from the station 30, it performs user authentication by referring to the user information 13A stored in the storage unit 13. Here, the user information 13A may be a set of data in which various types of information including payment information such as a credit card and electronic money are associated with each user ID. For example, the above-described user authentication may be realized by collating the user ID registered in the user information 13A with the user ID received from the station 30 and determining whether the user is a legitimate user with the user ID registered in the user information 13A.

[0049] When such user authentication is successful, the providing unit 15A outputs an instruction to the station 30 to mount the battery in the empty slot. Then, when the battery brought by the user to the station 30 is mounted in the empty slot of the station 30, the providing unit 15A can also obtain the battery ID of the battery mounted in the empty slot of the station 30. Hereinafter, the battery brought by the user to the station 30 may be referred to as the "brought-in battery" for convenience. For example, it may be possible to obtain the battery ID recorded on the IC chip mounted on the battery. In this way, the history of the battery IDs of the batteries mounted in the empty slots of the station 30 can also be registered in the user information 13A. For example, in the user information 13A, for each user ID, the time-series data of the battery IDs of the batteries mounted by the user in the empty slots of the station 30 may be stored as a history. After the battery IDs of the batteries mounted in the empty slots are registered in this way, the providing unit 15A notifies the station 30 of the battery replacement permission. At the station 30 where this replacement permission is notified, the removal of the battery from the charged slot is permitted. Thereafter, when the battery is removed from the charged slot, the providing unit 15A can register the history of the battery ID of the battery removed by the user from the charged slot in the user information 13A. For example, in the user information 13A, for each user ID, the time-series data of the battery IDs of the batteries removed by the user from the charged slots of the station 30 may be stored as a history. Note that the history of the battery IDs may further include the time when the battery was removed from the charged slot or mounted in the empty slot, and the identification information (station ID) of the station.

[0050] As another aspect, in addition to the above user authentication, the providing unit 15A can also settle the battery replacement fee. For example, in the case of a user who subscribes to a per-use billing service that charges each time the service is used, each time a user ID is obtained from the station 30, the providing unit 15A can settle the charging fee corresponding to the per-use billing using the settlement information corresponding to the user ID. Also, in the case of a user who subscribes to a continuous billing service where billing occurs after joining the service and payment continues until the user cancels, such as periodic billing or usage-based billing, the providing unit 15A can execute the following processing. For example, in the case of periodic billing, the providing unit 15A checks whether the payment of the fee up to the billing date corresponding to the time when the user ID is obtained from the station 30 has been completed. Also, in the case of usage-based billing, the providing unit 15A checks whether the payment of the fee corresponding to the cumulative charging amount at the time when the user ID is obtained from the station 30 has been completed. As a result, if the payment of the fee has been completed, the providing unit 15A determines that the settlement is OK. Also, even if the payment of the fee is incomplete, the providing unit 15A attempts to settle the fee and, if the payment of the fee is successful, determines that the settlement is OK.

[0051] The acquisition unit 15B is a processing unit that acquires various types of information. As one embodiment, when a battery is mounted on the vehicle 5, the acquisition unit 15B can acquire the user ID, battery ID, magnetic field distribution, and station ID by uploading from the in-vehicle device 50 of the vehicle 5.

[0052] More specifically, the user ID of the user who receives the above-described station evaluation function is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. Further, the battery ID of the battery mounted on the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. The battery ID uploaded here may be the battery ID recorded on the IC chip mounted on the battery. In addition, among the history of the battery IDs included in the user information 13A, the battery ID last taken out from the charged slot by the user corresponding to the user ID uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 may be regarded as the battery ID of the battery mounted on the vehicle 5 and acquired. Further, the magnetic field distribution of the battery measured by the measurement unit 51 when the battery is mounted on the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. Further, the station ID of the station where the battery was charged before being mounted on the vehicle 5 is uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 to the server device 10. The station ID uploaded here may be the station ID of the station designated as the charging source of the battery via the display input unit 53 realized by a user interface mounted on the vehicle 5, such as a touch panel. In addition, among the history of the battery IDs included in the user information 13A, the station ID of the station where the battery was last taken out from the charged slot by the user corresponding to the user ID uploaded from the in-vehicle device 50 may be regarded as the station ID of the charging source of the battery and acquired.

[0053] The determination unit 15C is a processing unit that executes a authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product. As one embodiment, the determination unit 15C compares the magnetic field distribution of the battery acquired by the acquisition unit 15B with the magnetic field distribution of a normal battery registered as a reference in the reference information 13B stored in the storage unit 13, and executes the above-described authenticity determination.

[0054] Here, the reference information 13B may be a set of data in which the magnetic field distribution of the regular battery is associated as a reference for each battery ID that identifies the regular battery. For example, when the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50 is realized by a three-axis magnetic sensor, three magnetic field distributions, i.e., the magnetic field distribution in the X component, the magnetic field distribution in the Y component, and the magnetic field distribution in the Z component, may be stored in association with one battery ID in the reference information 13B.

[0055] The evaluation unit 15D is a processing unit that evaluates a station for charging the battery before mounting it on the vehicle 5 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery by the determination unit 15C. As one embodiment, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate various evaluation values based on the result of the authenticity determination by the determination unit 15C. As an example of such an evaluation value, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate the frequency at which the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a genuine product. As another example, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate the frequency at which the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a non-genuine product. These frequencies may include the number of times, probability, probability distribution, etc. Hereinafter, the number of times or probability that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a genuine product may be referred to as the "number of genuine product deliveries" or "probability of genuine product delivery". Further, the number of times or probability that the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a non-genuine product may be referred to as the "number of non-genuine product deliveries" or "probability of non-genuine product delivery". As a further example, the evaluation unit 15D can calculate statistical values of evaluation values such as the probability of genuine product delivery and the probability of non-genuine product delivery of the station 30 for each regional classification. The new registration or overwrite update of the evaluation value of the station 30 calculated in this way and the new registration or overwrite update of the statistical value of the evaluation values of all stations belonging to the area classified by the regional classification are executed in the evaluation information 13C stored in the storage unit 13.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an update example of the evaluation information 13C. In FIG. 6, as an example of the evaluation information 13C, a station evaluation table 13C1 that holds the evaluation value of the station 30 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, the station evaluation table 13C1 is a table in which items such as station, number of genuine product deliveries (probability), number of non-genuine product deliveries (probability), evaluation value, and others are associated.

[0057] Among these items, the "number of genuine product deliveries (probability)" refers to the number (probability) of times the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a genuine product. Also, the "number of non-genuine product deliveries (probability)" refers to the number (probability) of times the battery delivered from the station 30 to the user is determined to be a non-genuine product. Further, the "evaluation value" refers to the evaluation value such as the number of genuine product deliveries (probability) evaluated for a specific time period, for example, a time period such as evening or night. Also, the "other statistical values" refers to the record of the time when non-genuine products were delivered, and is used to output information such as the change in the non-genuine product delivery probability depending on the time period in a graph or the like.

[0058] Here, FIG. 6 shows an update example of the station evaluation table 13C1 when the result of the authenticity determination regarding the battery delivered from the station "Jiangdong District B" to the user is "non-genuine product". That is, on the upper side of FIG. 6, the station evaluation table 13C1 before the update is shown, and on the lower side of FIG. 6, the station evaluation table 13C1 after the update is shown.

[0059] In this case, since the result of this authenticity determination is "non-genuine product", the number of non-genuine product deliveries of the station "Jiangdong District B" is incremented by 1, and the number of non-genuine product deliveries "14" of the station "Jiangdong District B" becomes "15". On the other hand, since there is no change in the number of genuine product deliveries of the station "Jiangdong District B", it is not updated.

[0060] When "non-genuine product" is obtained as the result of authenticity determination for station "Koto-ku B" in this way, the latest genuine product delivery count remains unchanged at "35", and the latest non-genuine product delivery count is updated from "14" to "15". Although the illustration is omitted, the total delivery count is also incremented from "49 (= 35 + 14)" to "50".

[0061] In this case, the genuine product delivery probability of station "Koto-ku B" is updated from "71%" to "70%" by dividing the latest genuine product delivery count "35" by the total latest delivery count "50". On the other hand, the non-genuine product delivery probability of station "Koto-ku B" is updated from "29%" to "30%" by dividing the latest non-genuine product delivery count "15" by the total latest delivery count "50".

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an update example of evaluation information 13C. In Figure 7, as an example of evaluation information 13C, a regional evaluation table 13C2 that holds statistical values of evaluation values for the entire stations belonging to the region is illustrated for each region divided by regional classification. As shown in Figure 7, the regional evaluation table 13C2 is a table in which items such as the region and the average value of the genuine product delivery probability are associated.

[0063] Here, Figure 7 shows an update example of the regional evaluation table 13C2 when "non-genuine product" is obtained as the result of authenticity determination of the battery delivered from station "Koto-ku B" belonging to the region "Koto-ku" to the user. That is, on the upper side of Figure 7, the regional evaluation table 13C2 before update is shown, and on the lower side of Figure 7, the regional evaluation table 13C2 after update is shown.

[0064] In this case, the average value of the genuine product delivery probability is calculated for all the stations belonging to the district "Koto-ku". For example, according to the example shown in FIG. 6, the district "Koto-ku" includes two stations, namely, station "Koto-ku A" and station "Koto-ku B". In this case, by averaging the genuine product delivery probability "80%" of station "Koto-ku A" and the genuine product delivery probability "70%" of station "Koto-ku B", the average value of the genuine product delivery probability for all the stations belonging to the district "Koto-ku" is calculated as "75%". As a result, the average value of the genuine product delivery probability for all the stations belonging to the district "Koto-ku" is updated from "76%" to "75%" as shown in FIG. 7.

[0065] Note that although FIG. 7 shows an example in which the average value of the genuine product delivery probability of the stations is calculated for each district, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the average value of the genuine product delivery probability of the stations may be calculated by day of the week, by weekday / holiday, or by time zone. Further, although FIG. 7 shows an example in which the average value of the genuine product delivery probability of all the stations belonging to the district is calculated, the average value of the non-genuine product delivery probability may be calculated, and furthermore, any statistical value, that is, the median, the mode, the maximum value, the minimum value, etc. may be calculated.

[0066] Furthermore, although FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the station evaluation table 13C1 and the district evaluation table 13C2, this is merely an example, and the data structure thereof is not limited to a relational database. For example, it may be data described in a tag format by a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language), or data described by commas or line breaks such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values).

[0067] Returning to the description of FIG. 5, the output unit 15E is a processing unit that executes various output controls for the in-vehicle device 50. As an example only, the output unit 15E controls the display for the display input unit 53 included in the in-vehicle device 50. Here, as an example of the output controlled by the output unit 15E, display output is given as an example, but of course, other outputs such as printing output and voice output may be controlled.

[0068] As one aspect, the output unit 15E can output a list in which the evaluations of each station are listed for each station. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. In FIG. 8, as an example only, a list 41 in which the station evaluation table 13C1 shown in FIG. 6 is sorted in descending order of the probability of delivering non-genuine products is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the list 41 is displayed in a state sorted in descending order from the station 30 with a high probability of delivering non-genuine products. According to the display of such a list 41, it is easy for the user to grasp the stations where non-genuine batteries are frequently delivered, so it is also easy to discover bad stores that perform illegal acts.

[0069] Although not shown, it is also possible to register in a blacklist a user whose probability of delivering non-genuine products corresponds to a specific number of top ranks, or a station whose probability of delivering non-genuine products exceeds the upper limit value. Further, in FIG. 8, an example in which the station evaluation table 13C1 shown in FIG. 6 is sorted in descending order of the probability of delivering non-genuine products is given, but it is not limited to this. For example, the station evaluation table 13C1 shown in FIG. 6 may be sorted in descending order of the probability of delivering genuine products. In this case, it becomes easy for the user to grasp excellent stores where genuine batteries are frequently delivered.

[0070] As another aspect, the output unit 15E can output the statistical value of the evaluation of the entire station belonging to each area for each area. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. FIG. 9 shows, as an example only, a list 42 in which the average values of the genuine product delivery probabilities of each area included in the area evaluation table 13C2 shown in FIG. 7 are sorted in descending order. As shown in FIG. 9, the list 42 is displayed in a state of being sorted in descending order from users with a high genuine product delivery probability. According to the display of such a list 42, it is easy for the user to grasp the areas where the probability of delivering a genuine battery is high, so it is possible to recommend areas suitable for the new opening or additional opening of stations.

[0071] As a further aspect, the output unit 15E can map and output the evaluation of the station on a map. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. As shown in FIG. 10, map data 43 of an area including a plurality of areas, for example, the 23 wards of Tokyo, is displayed on the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50. On this map data 43, for each station 30, a symbol representing the station 30, for example, a star icon, is plotted at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station 30.

[0072] For example, in the example of the stations included in the station evaluation table 13C1 shown in FIG. 6, a symbol 43A representing the station "A in Koto Ward" is plotted at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "A in Koto Ward". Further, a symbol 43B representing the station "B in Koto Ward" is plotted at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "B in Koto Ward". Further, a symbol 43C representing the station "A in Minato Ward" is plotted at the coordinates corresponding to the location of the station "A in Minato Ward".

[0073] The display form of these symbols 43A to 43C, for example, the filling, is changed according to the genuine product delivery probabilities of the stations "A in Koto Ward", "B in Koto Ward" and "A in Minato Ward".

[0074] That is, the fillings of symbols 43A to 43C are distinguished according to the legend shown in FIG. 10. For example, as shown in the station evaluation table 13C1 shown in FIG. 6, since the genuine product delivery probability of the station "A in Koto Ward" is "80%", symbol 43A is displayed as a dotted filling. Also, since the genuine product delivery probability of the station "B in Koto Ward" is "70%", the filling of symbol 43B is displayed in white. Furthermore, since the genuine product delivery probability of the station "A in Minato Ward" is "98%", the filling of symbol 43C is displayed in black.

[0075] According to such map data 43, it is possible to provide information that contributes to the determination of whether the station 30 is excellent. As one aspect, taking the station "A in Minato Ward" as an example, since the genuine product delivery probability is "98%", which is higher than that of other stations, it is possible to determine that the station 30 is an excellent store.

[0076] In addition, in the map data 43, the display form of the areas corresponding to the top specific number, for example, the top two, of the genuine product delivery probability of all stations among the areas included in the map data 43 is distinguished from the display forms of other areas. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the areas "Chiyoda Ward" and "Minato Ward", which correspond to the top first and top second in the genuine product delivery probability of all stations, are displayed with diagonal hatching. Thus, as one aspect, from the perspective of the operators who have stores in the areas "Chiyoda Ward" and "Minato Ward", it can be used as material to appeal to users about their own operation results. From another aspect, from the perspective of operators considering new store openings or additional store openings of stations, it is possible to realize a recommendation that enhances the motivation to open new stores or additional stores in the areas "Chiyoda Ward" and "Minato Ward", where the brand image of excellent stores has been constructed. Furthermore, in relation to new store openings or additional store openings of stations, it is also possible to provide information on subsidy programs of the country or local governments in cooperation.

[0077] As another aspect, the output unit 15E can output the statistical value of the evaluation of the entire station 30 belonging to each area included in the map for each area. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the in-vehicle device 50. As shown in FIG. 11, map data 44 of an area including a plurality of areas, for example, the 23 wards of Tokyo, is displayed on the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50. The display form of each area included in this map data 44, for example, filling, is changed according to the genuine product delivery probability of the entire station 30 belonging to the area. That is, the filling of each area is distinguished according to the legend shown in FIG. 10. For example, the filling of each area is displayed darker in ascending order of the area where the genuine product delivery probability is 70% - 80%, the area where the genuine product delivery probability is 80% - 90%, and the area where the genuine product delivery probability is 90% - 100%. By such a display of the map data 44, it becomes possible to grasp an overview of the areas with a high genuine product delivery probability and the areas with a low genuine product delivery probability.

[0078] Here, an example is given in which the display on the in-vehicle device 50 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is automatically executed in response to the battery being mounted on the vehicle 5, but the condition for starting the execution of the process is not limited to this. For example, the process can also be executed when the output unit 15E receives an evaluation output request from the in-vehicle device 50. In addition, the displays shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 can also be generated as reports for an arbitrary period, for example, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Here, an example is given in which the in-vehicle device 50 executes the displays shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, but the displays shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 may be executed on another computer other than the in-vehicle device 50 as a client terminal.

[0079] <Flow of the process> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the station evaluation process. As shown in FIG. 12, the acquisition unit 15B acquires the magnetic field distribution of the battery measured by the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50 when the battery is mounted on the vehicle 5 (step S101).

[0080] Subsequently, based on the result of comparing the magnetic field distribution of the battery acquired in step S101 with the reference magnetic field distribution stored in the reference information 13B, the determination unit 15C determines whether the battery mounted on the vehicle 5 is a genuine product (step S102).

[0081] Then, based on the result of the authenticity determination in step S102, the evaluation unit 15D calculates an evaluation value of the station 30 that charges the battery before mounting it on the vehicle 5, such as the genuine product delivery probability (step S103).

[0082] Furthermore, based on the evaluation value of the station calculated in step S103, the evaluation unit 15D calculates a statistical value of the evaluation values of all the stations in the area to which the station 30 belongs (step S104).

[0083] After that, the output unit 15E outputs the evaluation value of the station calculated in step S103 and the statistical value of the evaluation values of all the stations in the area calculated in step S104 to the display input unit 53 of the in-vehicle device 50 (step S105), and ends the process.

[0084] <One aspect of the effect> As described above, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment acquires the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3 mounted on the vehicle 5. Then, the server device 10 performs an authenticity determination as to whether the battery 3 is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery 3. After that, the server device 10 evaluates the station 30 that is the delivery source of the battery 3 based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery 3. On top of that, the server device 10 outputs a station evaluation. Therefore, according to the server device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide information useful for determining whether a station is excellent.

[0085] <Numerical values, etc.> The matters described in the above embodiments, such as specific examples like the number of magnetic sensors included in the measurement unit 51 of the in-vehicle device 50, are merely examples and can be changed. Also, the flowcharts described in the embodiments can have their processing order changed within a non - conflicting range.

[0086] <System> Regarding the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, any one or more of the functional units of the providing unit 15A, acquisition unit 15B, determination unit 15C, evaluation unit 15D, and output unit 15E may be configured by separate devices.

[0087] For example, in the above embodiment, an example where the server device 10 has the providing unit 15A, acquisition unit 15B, determination unit 15C, evaluation unit 15D, and output unit 15E was given. However, the in - vehicle device 50 may have the providing unit 15A, acquisition unit 15B, determination unit 15C, evaluation unit 15D, and output unit 15E. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an application example of the in - vehicle device 50. As shown in FIG. 13, the in - vehicle device 50 has a measurement unit 51, a display input unit 53, and a control unit 55. Among these, the control unit 55 may be realized by a hardware processor. For example, the control unit 55 may be realized by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like. Even when such a control unit 55 has the providing unit 15A, acquisition unit 15B, determination unit 15C, evaluation unit 15D, and output unit 15E, the same processing as that of the server device 10 described in the above embodiment, such as the processing shown in FIG. 12, can be executed.

[0088] Also, each component of each device shown in the figures is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the figures. That is, the specific forms of the distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown. In other words, all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads, usage situations, etc. Note that each configuration may be a physical configuration.

[0089] Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device can be implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be implemented as hardware by wired logic.

[0090] <Hardware> Next, a hardware configuration example of the computer described in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example. As shown in FIG. 14, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication device 100a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 100b, a memory 100c, and a processor 100d. Note that each part shown in FIG. 14 is mutually connected by a bus or the like.

[0091] The communication device 100a is a network interface card or the like and communicates with other servers. The HDD 100b stores programs, databases, etc. for operating the functions shown in FIG. 5.

[0092] The processor 100d reads out a program for executing the same processing as the processing unit shown in FIG. 5 from the HDD 100b or the like and expands it in the memory 100c, thereby operating a process for executing the functions described in FIG. 5 and the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as the processing unit of the server device 10. Specifically, the processor 100d reads out a program having the same functions as the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, the output unit 15E, etc. from the HDD 100b or the like. Then, the processor 100d executes a process for executing the same processing as the providing unit 15A, the acquiring unit 15B, the determining unit 15C, the evaluating unit 15D, the output unit 15E, etc.

[0093] In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 operates as an information processing apparatus that executes an evaluation method by reading and executing a program. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 can also read the program from the recording medium by the medium reading apparatus and realize the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments by executing the read program. Note that the program in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied when another computer or server executes the program, or when these cooperate to execute the program.

[0094] The above program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the above program can be recorded on an arbitrary recording medium and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. For example, the recording medium can be realized by a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like.

[0095] <Others> Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are described below.

[0096] (1) An acquisition unit that acquires the magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle, A determination unit that performs a authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, Among charging facilities that charge a battery brought in by a user and deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, an evaluation unit that evaluates the charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, An output unit that outputs the evaluation of the charging facility by the evaluation unit, An information processing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above.

[0097] (2) The determination unit determines whether the battery is a genuine product based on a comparison between the magnetic field distribution of the battery and the magnetic field distribution of a normal battery, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to (1).

[0098] (3) The evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be the genuine product, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2).

[0099] (4) The evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be a non-genuine product that is not a genuine product, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0100] (5) The evaluation unit calculates a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging facility for each regional classification, day of the week, weekday / holiday, or time zone to which the charging facility belongs, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0101] (6) The output unit maps and outputs the evaluation of the charging facility on a map, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0102] (7) The output unit outputs by associating a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging facilities belonging to the area for each area included in the map, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to (6).

[0103] (8) The output unit outputs a list in which the evaluations of the charging facilities are listed for each charging facility, and is characterized by the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0104] (9) Obtain the magnetic field distribution of the battery mounted on the vehicle, Perform a authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, While charging the battery brought in by the user and delivering a fully charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, among the charging facilities, the charging facility that is the source of the battery mounted on the vehicle is evaluated based on the result of authenticity determination of the battery, output the evaluation of the charging facility, A method of evaluation characterized in that a computer executes the process.

[0105] (10) Obtain the magnetic field distribution of the battery mounted on the vehicle, Execute authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, While charging the battery brought in by the user and delivering a fully charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, among the charging facilities, the charging facility that is the source of the battery mounted on the vehicle is evaluated based on the result of authenticity determination of the battery, output the evaluation of the charging facility, An evaluation program characterized in that a computer is caused to execute the process.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 1 Battery sharing system 3 Battery 5 Vehicle 10 Server device 11 Communication control unit 13 Storage unit 13A User information 13B Reference information 13C Evaluation information 15 Control unit 15A Providing unit 15B Acquisition unit 15C Determination unit 15D Evaluation unit 15E Output unit 30 Station 31 Information reading unit 50 On-vehicle device 51 Measuring unit 53 Display input unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle; A determination unit that performs an authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery; An evaluation unit that evaluates, based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, a charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle among charging facilities that charge a battery brought in by a user and deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery; An output unit that outputs the evaluation of the charging facility by the evaluation unit; An information processing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the battery is a genuine product based on a comparison between the magnetic field distribution of the battery and the magnetic field distribution of a genuine battery.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be the genuine product.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the frequency at which the battery is determined to be a non-genuine product that is not a genuine product.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the evaluation unit calculates a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging facility for each regional classification, day of the week, weekday / holiday, or time zone to which the charging facility belongs.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output unit maps and outputs the evaluation of the charging facility on a map.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs, in association with each area included in the map, a statistical value of the evaluation of the charging facilities belonging to the area.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output unit outputs a list in which the evaluations of the charging facilities are listed for each charging facility.

9. Acquire the magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle, Perform an authenticity determination as to whether the battery is a genuine product based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, Evaluate, based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, a charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle among charging facilities that charge a battery brought in by a user and deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, Output the evaluation of the charging facility, An evaluation method characterized in that a computer executes a process.

10. Obtain the magnetic field distribution of a battery mounted on a vehicle, Execute a authenticity determination as to whether the battery is genuine or not based on the magnetic field distribution of the battery, Among charging facilities that charge a battery brought in by a user and deliver a charged battery to the user in exchange for the battery, evaluate the charging facility that is the delivery source of the battery mounted on the vehicle based on the result of the authenticity determination of the battery, Output an evaluation of the charging facility. An evaluation program characterized in that a computer is caused to execute a process.

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