Information processing method, auction system, information processing apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program which allow a user to browse a state of a rechargeable battery for a secondhand mobile body upon considering its purchase.SOLUTION: An information processing method according to the present invention includes the steps of: receiving selection of a second hand electrically-driven mobile body; acquiring health degree or cruising distance of a drive secondary battery of the selected secondhand electrically-driven mobile body; acquiring at least one of a rapid charging number of the drive secondary battery, a rapid charging count ratio, a rapid charging electricity amount ratio, a cell resistance, a fluctuation of the cell resistance, fluctuation of cell voltage, and fluctuation of cell temperature; and outputting a battery evaluation result of the drive secondary battery including at least one of the acquired health degree or cruising distance, the rapid charging number of the drive secondary battery, the rapid charging count ratio, the rapid charging electricity amount ratio, the cell resistance, the fluctuation of the cell resistance, the fluctuation of cell voltage, and the fluctuation of cell temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an auction system, an information processing device, and a computer program for an electric vehicle equipped with a drive storage battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods have been proposed for estimating the degradation state of storage batteries, and their accuracy has improved, making it easier to grasp the degradation state from their appearance (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, the degradation of storage batteries can be affected by quality variations between storage battery lots, and the progression of degradation can differ even when the same device equipped with a storage battery is being used. The progression of degradation of storage batteries used as a power source for driving electric vehicles such as electric automobiles is assessed differently depending on how the electric vehicle itself is used and how it is charged. Because storage batteries for driving electric vehicles have high-voltage battery packs and high output, it is often difficult for anyone other than a battery manufacturer or sales company with extensive knowledge of storage batteries to accurately assess their condition. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7103323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The difference in the progression of battery degradation even under similar usage histories is largely due to the quality of the battery. Even though the difference in battery degradation is not attributable to the owner of the electric vehicle equipped with the battery, the difference in the purchase price of the electric vehicle depending on the condition of the battery creates a sense of unfairness among owners. Furthermore, because it is difficult for electric vehicle dealers to grasp the progression of battery degradation, the progression of battery degradation may not be accurately reflected in the purchase price of the electric vehicle.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing method, an auction system, an information processing device, and a computer program that enable viewing of the state of a storage battery of a used electric vehicle when considering purchasing it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer receives a selection of a used electric vehicle, acquires the health status or cruising distance of the drive battery of the selected used electric vehicle, acquires at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges to the amount of electricity in quick charges, cell resistance, variation in cell resistance, variation in cell voltage, and variation in cell temperature of the drive battery, and outputs a battery evaluation result of the drive battery that includes the acquired health status or cruising distance and at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges to the amount of electricity in quick charges, cell resistance, variation in cell resistance, variation in cell voltage, and variation in cell temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention, the state of the storage battery of a used electric vehicle can be viewed when considering purchasing the vehicle. The used electric vehicle can be properly evaluated by taking into account an accurate evaluation of the storage battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system. [Figure 7] 10 shows an example of a display screen for a list of used cars. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for acquiring a battery evaluation result in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an information terminal device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen of the information terminal device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for acquiring a battery evaluation result in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for conducting an auction in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for conducting an auction in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an information terminal device in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First, an overview of the information processing method, information processing device, and computer program disclosed in this specification will be described.

[0010] (1) An information processing method includes a computer receiving a selection of a used electric vehicle, acquiring the health status or cruising distance of the drive battery of the selected used electric vehicle, acquiring at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive battery, and outputting a battery evaluation result of the drive battery including the acquired health status or cruising distance and at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature.

[0011] The information processing method according to this embodiment displays or prints out the battery evaluation results for the drive battery installed in a used electric vehicle. In addition to vehicle information about the electric vehicle, users can understand the evaluation of the drive battery used in the used electric vehicle. Here, vehicle information about the electric vehicle includes information about the vehicle's driving history, appearance, and repair history due to inspections, vehicle inspections, part replacements, and accidents. The health of the drive battery, the used electric vehicle's cruising range, the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges to the amount of electricity, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, and cell temperature variation may be the actual values, or relative values ​​compared to those of the same vehicle model with a similar age or a similar vehicle model with a similar mileage, or values ​​obtained by multiplying these values ​​or relative values ​​by an arbitrary coefficient, or the sum of these values. The variation may be, for example, the standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation, or difference between maximum and minimum values ​​of cell voltage and temperature measured on the same date and time. The range may also be a relative value compared to a vehicle of a different model that has been in use for a similar period of time or distance and is operated under similar conditions (similar state of charge (SOC) and temperature), a value obtained by multiplying these relative values ​​by an arbitrary coefficient, or the sum of these values. The coefficient may be a coefficient that arbitrarily weights the values ​​or relative values ​​of the health status, cruising range, number of quick charge attempts, ratio of quick charge attempts, ratio of quick charge electricity, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation, or may be a coefficient that takes into account differences in vehicle model and corrects them. The range is the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single full charge. Estimating the range under official conditions, such as the JC08 or WLCT mode, is preferable because it facilitates comparison with other vehicles estimated under the same conditions. However, the range may also be estimated assuming the owner of the electric vehicle continues driving the vehicle, i.e., under driving conditions from the vehicle's travel history, or under arbitrary conditions. Furthermore, the term "similar" is preferably within ±20%, and more preferably ±10%, for higher comparison accuracy. Furthermore, in this specification, the years of use, hours of use, and mileage refer to the years of use, hours of use, and mileage from the time of purchase.

[0012] The electric vehicle according to this embodiment is a vehicle such as an electric car, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, an airplane, or a ship that is equipped with a storage battery as a power source. The electric vehicle may be manned or unmanned. At least a portion of the driving power source of the electric vehicle is the storage battery, and the power source may also include other power sources such as an engine.

[0013] To perform battery evaluation with high accuracy, it is preferable to obtain cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature for each cell that constitutes the drive battery. However, instead of each cell that constitutes the drive battery installed in a used electric vehicle, the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module that includes multiple cells may be used instead. Furthermore, although using variations in cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature is preferable to perform battery evaluation with high accuracy, variations in resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module that includes multiple cells may also be used instead.

[0014] (2) In the information processing method of (1) above, the computer may extract used electric vehicles by at least one of the manufacturer, model, and year of manufacture, and output the battery evaluation results of the drive storage battery of each extracted used electric vehicle.

[0015] With the above configuration, when a user who wishes to purchase a used electric vehicle searches for a used electric vehicle, they can search by manufacturer, model, or year, and regardless of the search method, they can output a battery evaluation of the drive battery installed.

[0016] (3) In the information processing method of (1) or (2) above, the computer may use the health of the drive storage battery or the cruising range as search conditions to extract used electric vehicles equipped with a drive storage battery that meets the search conditions.

[0017] With the above configuration, a user wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle can search for used electric vehicles based on the performance of their drive batteries by specifying and extracting, for example, a desired range of numerical values ​​for health status as a search condition.

[0018] (4) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (3) above, the computer may extract, from among a plurality of used electric vehicles, used electric vehicles for which the battery evaluation result for the drive storage battery can be obtained, and accept a selection from the extracted used electric vehicles.

[0019] With the above configuration, a user wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle can narrow their search from information on a large number of used electric vehicles to used electric vehicles equipped with storage batteries for which battery evaluation results can be obtained.

[0020] (5) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (4) above, the computer may use at least one of the following search conditions for the drive battery: the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature, and extract used electric vehicles equipped with a drive battery that meets the search conditions.

[0021] With the above configuration, a user wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle can search for a used electric vehicle based on any of the parameters for evaluating the drive storage battery, for example, by determining whether or not there is variation in cell voltage, as well as by limiting the range of that variation.

[0022] (6) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (5) above, the health status or cruising distance of the drive storage battery may be collected from an on-board diagnosis system installed in each used electric vehicle, and may be stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle.

[0023] With the above configuration, information about the health of the drive battery or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle stored in the vehicle's computer, etc., is automatically collected via OBD (On Board Diagnosis) without the user of the used electric vehicle having to proactively submit the vehicle for appraisal or inspection in preparation for sale (hereinafter, "sale" will be referred to simply as "sale"). This information can then be used to obtain an evaluation of the battery. Furthermore, since battery evaluation can be performed without testing, such as measuring the battery voltage, during the appraisal or appraisal conducted when putting the vehicle up for auction, the appraisal of the electric vehicle can be completed in a short time. Furthermore, by connecting a device with communication capabilities to the OBD at any time and collecting information about the health or cruising range stored in the vehicle's computer, etc., battery evaluation can be performed without traveling to the location of the electric vehicle.

[0024] (7) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (6) above, at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive battery may be collected from an on-board diagnosis installed in each used electric vehicle and stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle.

[0025] With the above configuration, rather than an evaluation based on an inspection conducted when a used electric vehicle user proactively submits the used electric vehicle for appraisal for sale, an evaluation can be obtained from information automatically collected in a storage device via OBD, such as at least one of the following information stored in the vehicle's computer via OBD: the number of quick charge cycles, the quick charge cycle ratio, the quick charge quantity of electricity ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, and cell temperature variation of the drive battery. This information, particularly information that likely affects battery performance, such as the electric vehicle's usage history and charging history, can be used to evaluate the battery in a short time, thereby enabling the electric vehicle to be appraised in a short time. Furthermore, by connecting a device with a communication function to the OBD and collecting at any time the following information stored in the vehicle's computer: the number of quick charge cycles, the quick charge cycle ratio, the quick charge quantity of electricity ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, and cell temperature variation, battery evaluation and the acquisition of parameters for this evaluation can be performed without visiting the electric vehicle's location.

[0026] (8) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (7) above, the computer may output, as the battery evaluation result, a change in the future health or cruising range of the used electric vehicle.

[0027] The above configuration allows a user wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle to grasp the estimated results of how the health and driving range of the used electric vehicle will deteriorate after the battery evaluation of the drive battery is performed. The changes may be shown in a diagram or numerically. The changes may also be relative diagrams or values ​​compared with those of the same vehicle model with a similar age or driving distance. The changes may also be relative diagrams or values ​​compared with those of other electric vehicles with a similar age or driving distance. Furthermore, the changes may be relative values ​​or scores obtained by multiplying the relative values ​​by a certain coefficient. Here, "comparability" is preferably within ±20%, more preferably ±10%, for high comparison accuracy.

[0028] (9) In any one of the information processing methods (1) to (8) above, the computer may calculate the subsequent change in the health or cruising range based on data on the drive storage battery of the used electric vehicle, which data is collected from an on-board diagnosis system installed in each used electric vehicle and stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle.

[0029] The future deterioration of the drive battery's health and the cruising range of a used electric vehicle can be estimated accurately from information that likely affects battery performance, such as the electric vehicle's usage history and charging history, collected automatically via OBD or at any time from information stored in the vehicle's computer, etc. Furthermore, if a device with a communication function is connected to the OBD, the information can be checked at any location, so that the future changes in health or cruising range can be calculated and the battery evaluation can be estimated without going to the location where the electric vehicle is located.

[0030] The above configuration enables more accurate estimation of future trends in health, etc., than estimation based solely on information obtained from a temporary inspection, such as when a user of a used electric vehicle actively submits the used vehicle for appraisal in preparation for sale.

[0031] (10) In the information processing method of (9) above, the computer may calculate the future health state from the relationship between the number of years of use, mileage, number of charges, number of quick charges, quick charge number ratio, charged amount of electricity, quick charge amount ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation of the drive battery of an electric vehicle of the same model as the used electric vehicle in question and the actual progress of the health state of the drive battery, and the health state of the drive battery of the used electric vehicle in question.

[0032] The larger the value of any of the following items for the years of use, mileage, number of charges, number of quick charges, quick charge ratio, charged amount of electricity, quick charge amount ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation of the drive battery of the electric vehicle, the faster the subsequent deterioration of the health level tends to occur. Therefore, if the above trends are understood in advance from field data (actual results) of electric vehicles of the same model and experimental data of the battery installed in the vehicle, it will be possible to calculate the future health level. In addition, while it is preferable to use the track record of mobile bodies of the same model and experimental data of the storage battery installed in that mobile body in order to calculate the health level with high accuracy, the health level may also be calculated by referring to the relationship between the years of use, mileage, number of charges, number of quick charges, quick charge number ratio, charged amount of electricity, quick charge amount of electricity ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation and the health level of other electric mobile bodies that are equipped with storage batteries that have active materials similar to the active materials in the positive or negative electrodes of the storage battery installed in the target mobile body, or experimental data of storage batteries that have active materials similar to the active materials in the positive or negative electrodes of the storage battery installed in the target mobile body.

[0033] The above configuration improves the accuracy of estimating the future deterioration progression of the drive battery. Users wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle can grasp the highly accurate estimation results of how the health of the drive battery and the driving range of the used electric vehicle will deteriorate in the future, and can purchase a used electric vehicle with confidence.

[0034] Although it is preferable to use the cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature because this increases the accuracy of subsequent calculations of the state of health, it is also possible to use the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells instead.Furthermore, it is preferable to use the variations in cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature because this increases the accuracy of subsequent calculations of the state of health, it is also possible to use the variations in resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells instead.

[0035] (11) An information processing method in which a computer accepts a selection of a used electric vehicle, outputs a battery evaluation result derived from the health or cruising distance of the drive battery of the selected used electric vehicle and at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge electrical quantity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive battery, and returns a portion of the sales price of the used electric vehicle to the source of the battery evaluation result.

[0036] When a user wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle operates the device, the battery evaluation results for the drive battery installed in the target used electric vehicle are displayed or printed out. The user can understand the performance of the electric vehicle as a vehicle and the evaluation of the drive battery that has been used in the used electric vehicle. Here, using cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature is preferable because it allows for a highly accurate evaluation of the drive battery, but the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module containing multiple cells may also be used instead. Furthermore, using variations in cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature is preferable because it allows for a highly accurate evaluation of the drive battery, but variations in resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module containing multiple cells may also be used instead.

[0037] When the target used electric vehicle is sold, the source of the electronic evaluation results of the drive battery used as the basis for the sale will be compensated for the contribution of the evaluation.

[0038] The compensation may be money, or an equivalent product or service. The amount of the refund may vary depending on the price at the time of sale, but it may also be a fixed amount regardless of the price.

[0039] (12) The auction system includes a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of information terminal devices, and an information processing device that implements any one of the information processing methods (1) to (11) above, wherein the server device acquires battery evaluation results of a drive storage battery installed in a used electric vehicle from the information processing device, outputs used sales information for the used electric vehicle including the acquired battery evaluation results, accepts bid prices for the used electric vehicle from information terminal devices used by one or more users, determines the successful bidder based on the accepted bid prices, and notifies the determined user.

[0040] With the above configuration, it is possible to hold an auction for the sale of used electric vehicles, where the battery evaluation results can be appropriately output and reviewed.

[0041] (13) The information processing device receives a selection of a used electric vehicle, acquires the health level or cruising distance of the drive battery of the selected used electric vehicle, acquires at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive battery, and includes a processing unit that outputs a battery evaluation result of the drive battery including the acquired health level or cruising distance and at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature.

[0042] (14) A computer program causes a computer to execute a process of accepting a selection of a used electric vehicle, acquiring the health of the drive battery of the selected used electric vehicle or the cruising distance of the used electric vehicle, acquiring at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive battery, and outputting a battery evaluation result of the drive battery including the acquired health or cruising distance and at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge amount of electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature.

[0043] In the above (13) and (14), it is preferable that the cell resistance, cell voltage, cell temperature, and variations therein are output. However, instead of the individual cells that make up the traction battery installed in the used electric vehicle, the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells may be used instead. Furthermore, although using variations in cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature is preferable for highly accurate traction battery evaluation, variations in resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells may also be used instead.

[0044] An information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program according to an aspect of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

[0045] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a first information processing device 1, a second information processing device 2, and a plurality of information terminal devices 3. The information processing system 100 also includes a communication device 5 mounted on an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery 4. The information terminal device 3 is used by the owner or user of the electric vehicle. The information terminal device 3 may also be used by dealers, maintenance businesses, second-hand vehicle sales businesses, etc. of electric vehicles, which are electrically powered vehicles.

[0046] The first information processing device 1 is managed by the manufacturer of the storage battery 4, which is the power source for the drive motor (hereinafter also referred to as the main battery) mounted on the electric vehicle, the manufacturer of the electric vehicle equipped with the storage battery 4, or a technical support provider with knowledge about the storage battery 4 and electric vehicles. The manufacturer or technical support provider may also be a dealer or maintenance provider for the electric vehicle. Here, management means having the authority to own the first information processing device 1, set data required for the operation of the first information processing device 1, store and change data referenced in processing, etc.

[0047] The second information processing device 2 is a web server managed by a business that mediates the sale of used automobiles, including electric automobiles and engine-powered automobiles, online or by utilizing the Internet. The second information processing device 2 is capable of communicating with the first information processing device 1 via a network N and is capable of acquiring data from the second information processing device 2.

[0048] The information terminal device 3 is a smartphone, tablet, or the like owned by the owner or user of the electric vehicle, or a person wishing to purchase a used electric vehicle. The information terminal device 3 may also be another type of personal computer, such as a desktop or laptop. The information terminal device 3 is capable of communication with the second information processing device 2 via the network N and is capable of outputting a page for used vehicle sales using a web server function provided by the second information processing device 2. The information terminal device 3 can also function as a communication device 5 when brought into the electric vehicle by the owner, user, or a person authorized by them and connected to the in-vehicle network via wireless or wired communication. To ensure security, it is preferable that a password or the like set by a business that mediates the sale of used vehicles, including electric vehicles and internal combustion vehicles, online or via the Internet, is required for communication connection.

[0049] The storage battery 4 is a power source for driving the electric vehicle. The storage battery 4 is configured by connecting a plurality of modules, each module being made up of a plurality of lithium-ion cell batteries.

[0050] The communication device 5 is a device mounted on the electric vehicle, capable of acquiring information from on-board devices via an on-board network and transmitting data to the outside of the vehicle by wireless communication. The communication device 5 is a navigation device, a DCM (Data Communication Module), an OBD, or a communication device connected to any of these. The communication device 5 may also serve as the information terminal device 3 brought into the electric vehicle by the owner or user.

[0051] The network N includes a network N1, which is a manufacturer's local network or a dedicated line. The network N may include a public communication network N2, which is the so-called Internet, and a carrier network N3. The network N includes a network N4, which is a communication standard to which the communication device 5 can be connected. The network N4 may be the same as the carrier network N3.

[0052] In the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment, a user who is considering purchasing a used car operates the information terminal device 3 to browse a web page that lists information about used car sales provided by the second information processing device 2. The information terminal device 3 requests the second information processing device 2 to search for used cars. In response to the search request, the second information processing device 2 extracts used cars based on the search conditions, and if the extracted used car is an electric car, it obtains the battery evaluation results of the installed storage battery 4 from the first information processing device 1 and outputs them as attached information.

[0053] Previously, used electric vehicles were evaluated by, for example, a used car appraiser, who would consider the same items as gasoline-powered vehicles, such as the exterior, suspension, and accident repair history, as well as the rate of decline in the full charge capacity of the battery 4, estimated from measurement data obtained by a tester or the battery management unit (BMU) of the battery 4. Even if the owner of a used electric vehicle requested an evaluation when assessing the vehicle for sale, the evaluation was not presented to the user when selling the vehicle to the next user.

[0054] In the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment, the battery evaluation result of the storage battery 4 is added to the information on used electric vehicles provided by the second information processing device 2. This allows users who are considering purchasing a used electric vehicle to know appropriate information.

[0055] The components and processing details that realize the calculation of an evaluation value for a used electric vehicle equipped with the storage battery 4, which is a drive storage battery, by the information processing system 100 will be described below.

[0056] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first information processing device 1. The first information processing device 1 is a server computer. In the following description, the first information processing device 1 is described as being configured by one server computer, but it may also be configured in a manner where multiple server computers are communicatively connected via a network to perform distributed processing.

[0057] The first 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 that uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 executes an output process of a battery evaluation of the storage battery 4 of the used electric vehicle based on an information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11.

[0058] The storage unit 11 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or 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 (program product) 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 also be one that the processing unit 10 has downloaded from another program server device via the communication unit 12 and stored therein.

[0059] The storage unit 11 includes a storage battery database (DB) 110 that stores data related to the storage battery 4 obtained via the communication device 5 of the used electric vehicle or input during inspection of the used electric vehicle, in association with identification data of the storage battery 4 (e.g., serial number) and vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle on which the storage battery 4 is installed (e.g., vehicle number). The vehicle model identification data of the electric vehicle may be data identifying the vehicle model of the electric vehicle. The storage battery DB 110 stores, for example, data on the cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature of each storage battery 4 obtained from the communication device 5 described below. Each time this data is measured by the BMU, it is stored in the communication device 5 and transmitted to and stored in the battery DB 110 of the first information processing device 1. In addition to parameters for each cell battery, the storage battery DB 110 may also store the resistance (module resistance), voltage (module voltage), and temperature (module temperature) of each module of the storage battery 4. The data related to the storage battery 4 may include the number of quick charges performed on the storage battery 4, the ratio of the number of quick charges, and the ratio of the amount of quick charges. The data related to the storage battery 4 may be data estimated from the data, such as the state of health of the storage battery 4 or the cruising range of a used electric vehicle. The state of health may be the so-called SOH (State of Health), that is, the ratio of the full charge capacity at the time of evaluation to the full charge capacity when the storage battery 4 was new. The state of health may not be the SOH itself, but may be data equivalent to the SOH. For example, a score determined in advance for each SOH may be assigned, such as 5 points for an SOH value of 100 to 90%, 4 points for 89 to 80%, 3 points for 79 to 65%, 2 points for 64 to 50%, and 1 point for less than 50%. Alternatively, the data may be a relative value compared to a vehicle of the same model and with a similar mileage. Here, the "similar" level is preferably within ±20%, more preferably ±10%, for higher comparison accuracy. The cruising distance is the distance that an electric vehicle, which is an electrically driven vehicle, can travel on a single full charge. The storage battery DB 110 may store data for calculating the SOH (such as changes in the charging rate during charging acquired by the BMU). The storage battery DB 110 may also store data for calculating the cruising distance.

[0060] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the second information processing device 2 via the network N. The communication unit 12 can receive data directly from the communication device 5 via the network N, or indirectly via a server of a vehicle manufacturer or dealer that collects information from the communication device 5. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card. The communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication device that connects to a carrier network N3, or may be a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi. The processing unit 10 can transmit and receive data to and from the second information processing device 2 via the networks N1, N2, N3, etc., via the communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 may transmit and receive data of the storage battery 4 from the communication device 5 via the network N4 using encrypted communication such as SSL.

[0061] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second information processing device 2. The second information processing device 2 is a server computer. Like the first information processing device 1, the second information processing device 2 is described below as being configured by a single server computer, but may also be configured as a configuration in which multiple server computers are connected via a network for communication and perform distributed processing.

[0062] The second information processing device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22. The processing unit 20 is a processor that uses a CPU and / or a GPU. Based on a web server program stored in the storage unit 21, the processing unit 20 provides a service related to the sale of used electric vehicles.

[0063] The storage unit 21 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 21 stores data referenced by the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores web pages including a web server program and scripts for the shop site. The storage unit 21 includes a vehicle DB 210 that includes data on used electric vehicles for sale.

[0064] The vehicle DB 210 stores the driving history, including the mileage, of the used electric vehicle at the time of sale, and the battery evaluation results, in association with the vehicle identification data of the used electric vehicle that is currently or has been sold in the past. The vehicle DB 210 also stores the selling price, sales application history, seller, purchaser, and other history in association with the vehicle identification data of the used electric vehicle.

[0065] The communication unit 22 realizes communication with the first information processing device 1 and the information terminal device 3 via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 22 is a network card. The communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication device that connects to the carrier network N3, or may be a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi. The communication unit 22 allows the processing unit 20 to transmit and receive data to and from the first information processing device 1 via the networks N1, N2, and N3. The communication unit 22 allows the processing unit 20 to transmit and receive data to and from the information terminal device 3 via the networks N2 and N3.

[0066] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal device 3. The information terminal device 3 includes a processing unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit .

[0067] The processing unit 30 is a processor that uses a CPU and / or a GPU. The processing unit 30 includes a web browser program stored in the storage unit 31. The processing unit 30 displays a web page of a used electric vehicle sales service provided by the second information processing device 2 using the web browser program, and outputs information.

[0068] The storage unit 31 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 31 stores data referenced by the processing unit 30. The storage unit 31 stores various programs including a web browser program. The web browser program may include an agent program that is embedded in the web browser.

[0069] The communication unit 32 realizes communication with the second information processing device 2 via the network N. The communication unit 32 is, for example, a network card. The communication unit 32 may be a wireless communication device that connects to the carrier network N3, or may be a wireless communication device for WiFi. The processing unit 30 can send and receive data to and from the second information processing device 2 via the communication unit 32.

[0070] The display unit 33 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 33 displays GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) of various application programs. The processing unit 20 displays a web page on the display unit 33 based on the data provided from the second information processing device 2, in accordance with a web browser program.

[0071] The operation unit 34 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse that can input and output data to and from the processing unit 30. The operation unit 34 may be a touch panel built into the display unit 33. The operation unit 34 may be a physical button, or the operation unit 34 may be an audio input / output unit including a microphone.

[0072] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 5. The communication device 5 includes a processing unit 50, a storage unit 51, a first communication unit 52, and a second communication unit 53. The processing unit 50 is a microcontroller. The processing unit 50 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and executes processing described below based on a control program stored in the storage unit 51. The communication device 5 is connected by wire to, for example, an OBD terminal of the electric vehicle, and can collect information stored in a computer of the electric vehicle from the terminal and transmit the collected information to the outside.

[0073] The storage unit 51 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 51 stores data that the processing unit 50 acquires from the BMU of the storage battery 4.

[0074] The first communication unit 52 is a communication device that realizes communication via an in-vehicle network. The first communication unit 52 is, for example, a communication device that supports CAN (Controller Area Network). The first communication unit 52 may also be a wireless communication device that supports Bluetooth (registered trademark). The first communication unit 52 may be incorporated into the processing unit 50. The processing unit 50 can acquire data on the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the cell voltage, and the cell temperature of the storage battery 4 that are stored in a computer of the electric vehicle or the like from the BMU of the storage battery 4 mounted on the electric vehicle via the in-vehicle network or via an OBD terminal of the electric vehicle.

[0075] The second communication unit 53 is a wireless communication device that realizes an external vehicle network, i.e., wireless communication. The second communication unit 53 may be, for example, a device for communication via the electric vehicle network N4, or may be a wireless communication device for communication based on a wireless LAN. The second communication unit 53 may be a wireless communication device compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 53 may be a communication device compatible with a communication device provided in the charging device. The processing unit 50 can transmit data to the outside via the second communication unit 53.

[0076] During charging, whenever the travel distance increases by 100 km, or periodically, or at any timing selected by the owner, user, or the like, the processing unit 50 of the communication device 5 acquires data on the number of quick charge operations, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the cell voltage, and the cell temperature of the storage battery 4 from various on-board devices connected via the on-board network by the first communication unit 52, or by the communication device 5, which functions when the owner, user, or a person authorized by them brings the device into the electric vehicle and connects to the on-board network wirelessly or via a wired connection. The processing unit 50 stores the acquired data in the memory unit 51 in association with time information such as the usage time and date and time measured by a built-in timer, or the travel distance.

[0077] When the second communication unit 53 detects that the communication device 5 is connected to the network N4, or when the communication device 5 is connected to a charging device, the processing unit 50 periodically transmits the data stored in the storage unit 51 to the vehicle information DB 111. When transmitting this data, the processing unit 30 transmits the serial number of the storage battery 4 and the vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle in which the storage battery 4 is installed. The processing unit 50 may transmit the data to the first information processing device 1 via the charging device.

[0078] When the communication device 5 transmits data related to the storage battery 4 to the storage battery DB 110, the data is stored in the storage battery DB 110 via the first information processing device 1, the manufacturer of the electric vehicle, or a dealer. In the storage battery DB 111, the data related to the storage battery 4 is stored in association with the serial number or vehicle identification data.

[0079] In the information processing system 100 configured as described above, the process by which a user considering purchasing a used electric vehicle uses the information terminal device 3 to obtain an evaluation of the used electric vehicle from the second information processing device 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

[0080] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system 100. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 6 is started when a user considering purchasing a used car uses the information terminal device 3 to access a web page of the second information processing device 2 that provides services related to used car sales.

[0081] The vehicle DB210 of the second information processing device 2 accepts and records registrations of user identification data and vehicle identification data from users who have expressed an intention to sell their used vehicles up to that point in time. When an intention to sell a used vehicle is accepted, the second information processing device 2 acquires driving history data and exterior data of the target automobile or electric vehicle from the user or via the communication device 5 and stores them in the vehicle DB210. If the target automobile is an electric vehicle, the second information processing device 2 further acquires identification data such as the serial number of the storage battery 4 from the user or from the communication device 5 and stores the data in the vehicle DB210 in association with the vehicle identification data. If the second information processing device 2 has previously acquired a battery evaluation result for the storage battery 4 of the target electric vehicle, the second information processing device 2 stores the battery evaluation result at that time in association with the vehicle identification data and the identification data of the storage battery 4 in the vehicle DB210.

[0082] As a result, the vehicle DB210 of the second information processing device 2 stores data on the driving history and appearance of electric vehicles available for second-hand sale, as well as data on the serial numbers of the installed storage batteries 4 and past battery evaluation results.

[0083] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 uses a Web browser program to display a Web page listing used cars currently being accepted for purchase by a used car sales service (step S301).

[0084] The processing unit 30 accepts search conditions for used cars on the list (step S302). In step S302, the processing unit 30 accepts at least one of the manufacturer, model, and year as search conditions. In the following description, the processing unit 30 accepts the specification of a specific model of an electric vehicle as a search condition. The processing unit 30 specifies the accepted search conditions and transmits a search request to the second information processing device 2 on a web page (step S303).

[0085] In step S302, the processing unit 30 may accept, as a search condition, that the used electric vehicle is one for which a battery evaluation result can be obtained. There may also be electric vehicles for which a battery evaluation result cannot be obtained, as will be described later.

[0086] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives a search request specifying search conditions (step S201), and based on the received search request, extracts information on a specific model of used electric vehicle as the specified vehicle model from information on used vehicles for sale stored in the vehicle DB 210 (step S202).

[0087] In step S202, the processing unit 20 extracts information on used automobiles from the data of the manufacturer, model, and year stored in the vehicle DB 210 in association with the vehicle identification data.

[0088] The processing unit 20 transmits the list of extracted used electric vehicles to the information terminal device 3 (step S203).

[0089] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 receives the list of extracted used electric vehicles (step S304) and displays it as a search result (step S305). The processing unit 30 accepts the selection of one of the used electric vehicles from the search result and transmits the selection to the second information processing device 2 (step S306).

[0090] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives the selection of the used electric vehicle (step S204) and acquires the vehicle identification data of the selected used electric vehicle and the identification data of the storage battery 4 installed in the selected used electric vehicle (step S205). The processing unit 20 acquires data including the driving history associated with the acquired vehicle identification data (step S206). The processing unit 20 acquires a battery evaluation result from the first information processing device 1 by specifying the identification data of the storage battery 4 received in step S204 (step S207). If a battery evaluation result has already been acquired for the storage battery 4 of the target used electric vehicle because it was previously selected and is stored in association with the vehicle identification data, acquisition of the battery evaluation result in step S207 may be omitted. The acquisition of the battery evaluation result in step S207 will be described in detail below.

[0091] The processing unit 20 creates a Web page showing the data of the electric vehicle's driving history acquired in step S206 and the battery evaluation results acquired in step S207 based on the design data stored in the storage unit 21 (step S208). The processing unit 20 transmits the data of the created Web page to the information terminal device 3 (step S209).

[0092] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 receives data of a web page showing information about the selected used electric vehicle (step S307) and displays the web page on the display unit 33 (step S308). The web page displayed in step S308 displays data such as the model year, age, and mileage of the used electric vehicle for sale. The web page also displays the state of health or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle as a battery evaluation result of the storage battery 4 installed in the electric vehicle. As described above, the state of health is the SOH or an equivalent parameter. The cruising range indicates the distance that can be traveled with the remaining power after a single full charge. The web page also displays at least one of the number of quick charges of the storage battery, the rate of quick charges, the rate of quick charges, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature as a battery evaluation result of the storage battery 4.

[0093] The web page displayed in step S308 includes a purchase button for transmitting an intention to purchase the target used electric vehicle to the second information processing device 2. The processing unit 30 accepts selection of the purchase button (step S309) and transmits a purchase request to the second information processing device 2 (step S310). If the user using the information terminal device 3 has no intention to purchase, the processes of steps S309 and S310 are not executed. If the purchase button is not selected, the processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 may return the process to step S305.

[0094] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives the purchase request (step S210), and thereafter, in response to the purchase request, the second information processing device 2 sends a screen to the information terminal device 3 that accepts input of data necessary for the purchase procedure, and continues the procedure.

[0095] In this way, when a used electric vehicle is sold through a user's purchase procedure, a portion of the sales price of the used electric vehicle may be returned to the business operator managing the first information processing device 1 that derived the battery evaluation result. The return amount may be a fixed amount for each output of a battery evaluation result, regardless of whether the purchase is completed. Furthermore, when the purchase is completed, a success fee may be returned, either in an amount corresponding to the sales price or a fixed amount. The second information processing device 2 may notify the first information processing device 1 of data on a fixed monetary value each time it obtains a battery evaluation result from the first information processing device 1, regardless of whether the purchase procedure is completed. When the purchase procedure is completed, the second information processing device 2 may record the payment result and notify the first information processing device 1 of data on the monetary value at a predetermined ratio to the sales price. This makes it possible to return sales profits, resulting from deriving a more appropriate evaluation at the time of selling a used electric vehicle, to the manufacturer of the storage battery 4 that manages the first information processing device 1. Appropriate evaluation brings great benefits to second-hand sellers, and also reduces the risk for buyers of purchasing second-hand electric vehicles with poor storage battery 4 performance.

[0096] FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen 330 for a list of used cars. FIG. 7 shows a display screen 330 based on a Web browser program displayed on the display unit 33 of the information terminal device 3. The display screen 330 shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed in step S301 of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6. The display screen 330 includes a list 331 that lists thumbnail images of used cars for sale, along with the car model name, manufacturing date, and mileage. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the display screen 330 includes, as narrowing-down items (search conditions), a check box 332 for selecting an electric car, an input field 333 for a search keyword for specifying the narrowing-down item, and a search button 350. When "electric car" is selected in the check box 332, the list 331 is narrowed down to results limited to car models that are electric cars (S305).

[0097] The input field 333 includes a manufacturer specification field 334, a vehicle model selection field 335, and a model year input field 336. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the specification field 334 is exemplified as a pull-down menu displaying options, but is not limited to this and may be a field for freely inputting search keywords. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle model selection field 335 may also be a pull-down menu or a field for inputting keywords. The model year input field 336 may also be a pull-down menu or the like instead of a field for inputting keywords as shown in FIG. 7.

[0098] The following describes in detail the processing that is performed when a used electric vehicle is selected from the list of used electric vehicles displayed in this manner. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for obtaining battery evaluation results in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 8 corresponds to the details of step S207 of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 6.

[0099] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 specifies the identification data of the storage battery 4 and transmits a battery evaluation request to the first information processing device 1 (step S701).

[0100] The processing unit 10 of the first information processing device 1 receives a request for battery evaluation (step S101). It is determined whether or not the identification data of the storage battery 4 specified in the request can be acquired from the storage battery DB 110 (step S102). If it is determined that the data can be acquired (S102: YES), the processing unit 10 acquires the data of the storage battery 4 from the storage battery DB 110 (step S103), and calculates the health level or the cruising distance of the used electric vehicle from the data of the acquired storage battery 4 stored in the storage battery DB 110 (step S104).

[0101] In step S104, if the state of health (SOH) or cruising distance of the target storage battery 4 has already been calculated and stored in the storage battery DB 110, the processing unit 10 reads it out. The processing unit 10 may calculate the state of health (SOH) or cruising distance according to the vehicle model, based on stored changes in charge capacity during charging, cell voltage, cell resistance, cell temperature, or variations therein. The state of health can be calculated using various conventional or future methods. Examples of such methods include the ΔSOC and ampere-hour counting methods. If the manufacturer of the electric vehicle stores a state of health value calculated using these methods or a proprietary method in the vehicle's computer, the state of health value stored in the computer may be collected, for example, from the OBD terminal and used. The cruising distance is the distance an electric vehicle can travel using the power supplied from the storage battery 4 during a single full charge. The processing unit 10 may refer to the actual driving range data stored for each vehicle type and according to the estimated health state of the storage battery 4, or the processing unit 10 may calculate the estimated driving range based on records of past changes in the charging rate and driving distance of the target electric vehicle.

[0102] The processing unit 10 acquires at least one parameter from the storage battery DB 110 among the number of rapid charge operations, the ratio of rapid charge operations, the ratio of rapid charge electricity quantity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the designated storage battery 4 (step S105). In step S105, the processing unit 10 may acquire and use the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells instead of the cell voltage, etc.

[0103] The processing unit 10 transmits the health level or cruising distance acquired in step S104 and the parameters acquired in step S105 to the second information processing device 2 as battery evaluation results (step S106), and ends the processing for the battery evaluation request.

[0104] In step S102, if it is determined that the information cannot be acquired (S102: NO), the processing unit 10 returns an error (step S107) and ends the processing for the battery evaluation request.

[0105] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives the battery evaluation result from the first information processing device 1 (step S702), associates it with the vehicle identification data of the target electric vehicle, and stores the battery evaluation result in the vehicle DB 210 (step S703), thereby completing the battery evaluation acquisition process.

[0106] In this way, in a used car sales service, the second information processing device 2 can obtain accurate battery evaluation results for the electric car being sold from the first information processing device 1 managed by the manufacturer of the storage battery 4, and provide them to the information terminal device 3 via the second information processing device 2.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 337 on the information terminal device 3. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed in step S308 of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6. The display screen 337 includes an area 338 showing vehicle information about the used car selected in step S306. The display screen 337 shows an example in which the used car displayed at the top of the list 331 on the display screen 330 shown in FIG. 7 has been selected. The manufacturer name, model, manufacturing date, and mileage of the selected used car are displayed in area 338 as vehicle information.

[0108] The display screen 337 in Figure 9 includes a report area 339 that displays the battery evaluation results obtained by the process shown in Figure 8. The report area 339 displays the battery manufacturer, manufacturing date, an icon indicating the calculated state of health, SOH (84%), cruising range of 120 km, the acquired number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, cell voltage, cell resistance, cell temperature, and variations therein. A user looking to purchase a used electric vehicle can check not only the appearance, mileage, and age of the vehicle, but also the performance of the storage battery 4.

[0109] 9 includes a purchase button 340. When the purchase button 340 is selected, the processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 transmits a purchase request to the second information processing device 2 (S310).

[0110] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen 337 on the information terminal device 3. Like the display screen 337 shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed in step S308 of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 6. On the display screen 337 in Fig. 10, an error message stating that the battery evaluation results could not be obtained is displayed in the report area 339. For electric vehicles for which data on the storage battery 4 cannot be transmitted from the communication device 5 or from the maintenance company during inspection, it can be displayed as if no evaluation has been performed.

[0111] In this way, with the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure, a user who wishes to purchase a used electric vehicle can purchase it from a used vehicle sales service after understanding not only the appearance, mileage, and age of the vehicle, but also the evaluation of the storage battery 4. Furthermore, with the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure, even if the user who owns the electric vehicle has not had his or her electric vehicle appraised as a used vehicle for sale, the information automatically collected via the communication device 5 can be used to allow other users who wish to purchase the vehicle to understand the performance evaluation of the storage battery 4.

[0112] (Variation) The processing procedure shown in Fig. 8 does not have to be executed in step S207 every time the search process shown in Fig. 6 is being executed, but may be executed when registration of vehicle identification data of an electric vehicle to be sold is accepted from a user who is willing to sell their used electric vehicle. As a result, when the search process shown in Fig. 6 is started, the battery evaluation results are stored in the vehicle DB 210 in association with the vehicle identification data, and it is therefore possible to specify as search conditions the health state of the storage battery 4 included in the battery evaluation results or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle. In this case, the user of the information terminal device 3 can specify as search conditions accepted in step S302 of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 6 that the electric vehicle has a health state of 70% or more, or that the electric vehicle has a cruising range of 120 km or more. When the registration of the vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle to be sold is accepted, the battery evaluation results are acquired from the first information processing device 1 and stored. Therefore, at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges to the amount of electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive storage battery may be accepted as a search condition. For example, a user of the information terminal device 3 can specify an electric vehicle that has been quick charged 20 times or less, or an electric vehicle that has a quick charge ratio of 10% or less. Furthermore, a user of the information terminal device 3 can specify the current cell resistance value, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, the variation in cell temperature, or the like as detailed search conditions to search for and find a used electric vehicle with performance that better suits the user's needs.

[0113] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the first information processing device 1 calculates and outputs a future trend in battery evaluation as a battery evaluation result. The configuration of the information processing system 100 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment, except for the procedure for outputting the battery evaluation result described below. Therefore, among the configurations of the information processing system 100 of the second embodiment, the configurations common to the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the second information processing device 2 also executes the processing procedure shown in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment, and extracts used vehicles for which purchase applications are being accepted, based on a search request from an information terminal device 3 used by a user who is considering purchasing a used electric vehicle. In the second embodiment, when a vehicle is selected from the extraction results and detailed information needs to be acquired, when the processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 acquires the battery evaluation result from the first information processing device 1, the future change in the health level or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle can be acquired as the battery evaluation result.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the processing performed when the second information processing device 2 receives a selection of a used electric vehicle from the information terminal device 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for acquiring a battery evaluation result in the second embodiment. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the details of step S207 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, steps that are common to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0116] When the processing unit 10 determines that it can acquire data of the storage battery 4 in response to the battery evaluation request received in step S101 (S102: YES), it calculates the health state or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle based on the acquired data (S104). In the second embodiment, the processing unit 10 calculates the subsequent transition of the health state or the cruising range calculated in step S104 (step S121).

[0117] In steps S104 and S121, the processing unit 10 acquires the number of quick charges, the number of charge / discharge cycles, the cell temperature, and the like for the target storage battery 4 via the communication device 5, and can estimate the state of health (SOH) using this data. The processing unit 10 may estimate the state of health (SOH) based on the transition of cell voltage during charge / discharge. For example, the processing unit 10 classifies the data into predetermined periods and calculates the SOH for each predetermined period. If the predetermined period is, for example, one year and three years have passed since the target used electric vehicle was new, the processing unit 10 calculates the SOH at one year, two years, and three years, respectively. Here, the processing unit 10 calculates the SOH at one year based on data stored during the one year since the vehicle was new, and calculates the SOH at two years based on data stored during the two years since the vehicle was new.

[0118] In step S121, the processing unit 10 may estimate the future health state by, for example, extrapolating the data history of the target storage battery 4, assuming that the target storage battery 4 will be driven and charged in the same manner one or two years from now. Alternatively, the processing unit 10 may estimate the health state transition of the target storage battery 4 based on the actual health state transition of the same type of storage battery 4 when tracing the transition of the number of quick charges and the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity to the total number of charges and the amount of electricity charged from a new vehicle or a certain period of time. The processing unit 10 may calculate an approximation function from the transition of the health state from the past to the present estimated from the data history of the target storage battery 4, and predict the health state one or two years from now. Alternatively, the health state may be predicted using a degradation prediction algorithm, multivariate analysis, machine learning, or the like.

[0119] In steps S104 and S121, the processing unit 10 may calculate the health level calculated for each time point, the amount of power that can be derived from the charge capacity of the storage battery 4, and the cruising distance obtained from the specification data of the electric vehicle in which the storage battery 4 is installed. The processing unit 10 may calculate the transition of the health level, and calculate the transition of the cruising distance according to the transition of the calculated health level.

[0120] In step S121, the processing unit 10 may store the model of the electric vehicle equipped with the target storage battery 4 in the storage battery DB 110 and calculate the transition of the cruising range of the used electric vehicle as follows. The processing unit 10 may estimate the future transition of the health state of the target storage battery 4 from its current health state by using the relationship between parameters stored for other storage batteries 4 previously installed in electric vehicles of the same model as the electric vehicle equipped with the target storage battery 4 and the actual transition of the health state of the other storage batteries 4. The cruising range can also be estimated in a similar manner, since it is expected that similar transitions will occur for similar models. The parameters include the number of charges, the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges, the amount of charged electricity, the ratio of quick charges to the amount of electricity, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation. For example, the above estimation becomes possible if the relationship between these parameters and the future health state is clarified using field data or experimental data of the same model of electric vehicle. In general, the larger the values ​​of these parameters, the greater the rate of decline in the health state. Although it is preferable to use the cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature because this increases the accuracy of the calculation of the state of health, it is also possible to use the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells instead.Furthermore, it is preferable to use the variations in the cell resistance, cell voltage, and cell temperature because this increases the accuracy of the calculation of the state of health thereafter, it is also possible to use the variations in the resistance, module voltage, and module temperature of a module including multiple cells instead.

[0121] The processing unit 10 transmits the health level or cruising distance of the used electric vehicle acquired in step S104, the progress of the health level or cruising distance acquired in step S121, and the parameters acquired in step S105 to the second information processing device 2 as battery evaluation results (step S122), and terminates processing for the battery evaluation request.

[0122] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 337 in the second embodiment. Fig. 12 shows an example of a screen displayed in step S308 of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 6, which is also performed in the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is similar to the example of the display screen 337 in the first embodiment, and common components are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] The display screen 337 in the second embodiment includes a report area 339 that shows the battery evaluation results obtained by the processing shown in Fig. 11. The report area 339 displays the battery manufacturer, manufacturing date, the calculated SOH (84%) as the state of health, and the cruising range of the used electric vehicle, which is 120 km. The report area 339 displays the acquired number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, cell voltage, cell resistance, cell temperature, and variations therein. The report area 339 in the second embodiment includes a graph 341 that shows the progress of the cruising range.

[0124] In the second embodiment, a user who wishes to purchase a used electric vehicle can visually check a graph 341 such as that shown in Fig. 12 and can grasp the estimated results of how the health of the installed storage battery 4 and the cruising range of the used electric vehicle will deteriorate in the future. The user can grasp the estimated results with high accuracy of how the health and cruising range of the storage battery 4 of the used electric vehicle that the user is considering purchasing will deteriorate, and can purchase the used electric vehicle with confidence.

[0125] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, an auction for selling used electric vehicles is realized by the information processing system 100 while referring to the battery evaluation results. In the information processing system 100 of the third embodiment, the second information processing device 2 does not accept a purchase application from the information terminal device 3 and proceed with the purchase procedure, but rather accepts bids and determines a successful bidder based on the bid price. In the third embodiment, when accepting the bid, the battery evaluation results can be output to the bidder as information on the storage battery 4 installed in the used electric vehicle.

[0126] The configuration of the information processing system 100 in the third embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment, except for the processing procedure in the second information processing device 2. Therefore, among the configurations of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment, the configurations common to the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 in the third embodiment, it is also possible to use the progress of the health level or the cruising range of a used electric vehicle described in the second embodiment as the battery evaluation result.

[0127] 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure for conducting an auction in the third embodiment.

[0128] In the third embodiment, too, the vehicle DB 210 of the second information processing device 2 accepts and records registration of user identification data and vehicle identification data from users who have expressed an intention to sell their used vehicles up to that point. In the third embodiment, too, when an intention to sell a used vehicle is accepted, driving history data and appearance data of the target automobile or electric vehicle are acquired from the user or via the communication device 5 and stored in the vehicle DB 210. Furthermore, in order to conduct an auction, the second information processing device 2 accepts a buyout price from the user and stores the price in association with the vehicle identification data. If the target automobile is an electric vehicle, the second information processing device 2 acquires identification data such as the serial number of the storage battery 4 from the user or via the communication device 5 and stores the data in association with the vehicle identification data in the vehicle DB 210. In the third embodiment, when registration of vehicle identification data of an electric vehicle to be put up for auction and user identification data as a seller is accepted from the user, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment or the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 of the second embodiment is performed. Then, the battery evaluation results acquired from the first information processing device 1 for each storage battery 4 are associated with the vehicle identification data and stored in the vehicle DB 210. In the processing procedure described below, the second information processing device 2 may execute processing to acquire the battery evaluation results.

[0129] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 uses a Web browser program to display a Web page listing used cars currently accepting bids in the used car sales service (step S321).

[0130] The processing unit 30 accepts search conditions for used cars on the list (step S322). In step S322, the processing unit 30 accepts at least one of the manufacturer, model, and year as search conditions. In the following description, the processing unit 30 accepts the specification of a specific model of an electric car as a search condition. The processing unit 30 specifies the accepted search conditions and transmits a search request to the second information processing device 2 on a web page (step S323).

[0131] In step S322, the processing unit 30 may accept, as a search condition, that the used electric vehicle is one for which a battery evaluation result can be obtained. There may also be electric vehicles for which a battery evaluation result cannot be obtained, as will be described later.

[0132] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives a search request specifying search conditions (step S221), and based on the received search request, extracts information on a specific model of used electric vehicle as the specified vehicle model from information on used vehicles for sale stored in the vehicle DB 210 (step S222).

[0133] In step S222, the processing unit 20 extracts information on used automobiles from the data of the manufacturer, model, and year stored in the vehicle DB 210 in association with the vehicle identification data.

[0134] The processing unit 20 transmits the list of extracted used electric vehicles to the information terminal device 3 (step S223).

[0135] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 receives the list of extracted used electric vehicles (step S324) and displays it as a search result (step S325). The processing unit 30 accepts the selection of any used electric vehicle from the search result as a candidate for bidding, and transmits the selection to the second information processing device 2 (step S326).

[0136] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives the selection of the used electric vehicle (step S224) and acquires vehicle identification data of the selected used electric vehicle and identification data of the storage battery 4 installed in the selected used electric vehicle (step S225). The processing unit 20 acquires data including the driving history associated with the acquired vehicle identification data (step S226). The processing unit 20 acquires the battery evaluation result stored in the vehicle DB 210 for the storage battery 4 received in step S224 (step S227).

[0137] The processing unit 20 creates a web page showing the electric vehicle's driving history data acquired in step S226, the battery evaluation results acquired in step S227, and bidding conditions based on the design data stored in the storage unit 21 (step S228). In step S228, for example, the processing unit 20 creates web data including a buyout price as one of the bidding conditions as information about the selected used electric vehicle. Other bidding conditions may include the conditions for ending the auction (for example, a period). The processing unit 20 transmits the data of the created web page to the information terminal device 3 (step S229).

[0138] The processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 receives data of a web page showing information about the selected used electric vehicle (step S327) and displays the web page on the display unit 33 (step S328). The web page displayed in step S328 includes the battery evaluation results as shown in the first or second embodiment (FIGS. 9, 10, and 12). FIG. 10 shows the case of an electric vehicle for which the battery evaluation results cannot be obtained, as described above.

[0139] The web page displayed in step S328 includes a bid button and a bid price input field for transmitting an intention to bid on the target used electric vehicle to the second information processing device 2. The processing unit 30 accepts selection of the bid button and input of the bid price (step S329), and transmits a bid request including the bid price to the second information processing device 2 (step S330). If the user using the information terminal device 3 has no intention to bid, the processes of steps S329 and S330 are not executed. If the bid button is not selected, the processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 may return the process to step S325.

[0140] The processing unit 20 of the second information processing device 2 receives the bid request (step S230) and stores the bid price of the bid request in association with the user identification data of the user of the information terminal device 3 that made the request and the time information of the date and time when the request was received (step S231).

[0141] The processing unit 20 determines whether the bid price specified in the bid request received in step S230 is equal to or greater than the buy-now price of the used electric vehicle (step S232). If it is determined that the bid price is equal to or greater than the buy-now price of the used electric vehicle (S232: YES), the processing unit 20 stores the user whose user identification data was stored in step S231 as the successful bidder (step S233). The processing unit 20 notifies the successful bidder (step S234) and ends the process.

[0142] If it is determined in step S232 that the bid price is not equal to or greater than the buyout price of the used electric vehicle in question (S232: NO), the processing unit 20 determines whether or not the conditions for ending the auction for the used electric vehicle in question have been met (step S235). The conditions for ending the auction include the passage of a predetermined period of time since the start (registration) of the auction, the receipt of a bid at the buyout price, and the user's setting for ending the auction. Other conditions that are typically set by those skilled in the art as the conditions for ending an auction may also be met, such as determining the user who bids the highest price among those wishing to purchase that exceeds the minimum selling price set in advance by the wishing seller as the successful bidder.

[0143] If it is determined that the conditions for ending the auction have been met (S235: YES), the processing unit 20 determines the user who made the highest bid first as the successful bidder based on the account data and stored bid prices (step S236) and stores this (step S237).The processing unit 20 then proceeds to step S234 and ends the process.

[0144] If it is determined in step S235 that the auction termination conditions are not met (S235: NO), the processing unit 20 temporarily terminates the processing and waits until the information terminal device 3 is next operated or until the time corresponding to the auction termination conditions has elapsed, at which point the processing unit 20 waits for the user to perform an operation to terminate the auction.

[0145] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 342 in the information terminal device 3 in the third embodiment. Fig. 15 shows an example of a screen displayed in step S328 of the processing procedure shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The display screen 342 includes an area 343 showing vehicle information about the used car selected in step S326. The display screen 342 shows the manufacturer name, model, manufacturing date, and mileage of the selected used car as vehicle information in area 343.

[0146] 15 includes a bid button 344 and a bid price input field 345. When the bid button 344 is selected, the processing unit 30 of the information terminal device 3 transmits a bid request specifying the bid price input in the input field 345 to the second information processing device 2 (S330).

[0147] 15 also includes a report area 346 that displays the battery evaluation results. The report area 346 displays the battery manufacturer, manufacturing date, an icon indicating the calculated state of health, SOH (84%), cruising range of 120 km, the number of quick charges acquired, the ratio of the number of quick charges, cell voltage, cell resistance, cell temperature, and variations therein. A user considering purchasing a used electric vehicle can check not only the appearance, mileage, and age of use, but also the performance of the storage battery 4.

[0148] In this way, the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure can also realize an auction system in which users who wish to purchase a used electric vehicle can make bids while understanding not only the appearance, mileage, and age of the vehicle, but also the evaluation of the storage battery 4. Appropriate evaluation is beneficial for the used vehicle seller, and also reduces the risk for the buyer to acquire a used electric vehicle with a low-performance storage battery 4.

[0149] 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]

[0150] 1. First information processing device 10 Processing section 11 Storage section 110 Storage battery DB P1 Information Processing Program 2. Second information processing device 20 Processing section 21 Memory section 210 Vehicle DB 3 Information terminal equipment 30 Processing section 33 Display section 4. Storage battery 5. Communication equipment (on-board diagnostics)

Claims

1. The computer Accept the selection of used electric vehicles, Obtaining the health status or cruising range of the drive storage battery of the selected used electric vehicle; acquiring at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in the cell resistance, the variation in the cell voltage, and the variation in the cell temperature of the drive storage battery; outputting the acquired state of health or driving range and a battery evaluation result of the drive storage battery including at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature; Information processing methods.

2. The computer Extracting used electric vehicles by at least one of manufacturer, model, and year; The battery evaluation results for the drive storage battery of each of the extracted used electric vehicles are output. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The computer The health condition or cruising distance of the drive storage battery is used as a search condition to extract used electric vehicles equipped with a drive storage battery that meets the search condition.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computer extracting a used electric vehicle from among a plurality of used electric vehicles for which the battery evaluation result for the drive storage battery can be obtained; Accept selection from the extracted used electric vehicles 3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The computer At least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges, the ratio of quick charges to electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive storage battery is used as a search condition to extract used electric vehicles equipped with a drive storage battery that meets the search condition.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The health status or cruising distance of the drive storage battery is collected from the on-board diagnosis system installed in each used electric vehicle, and is stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. At least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive storage battery is collected from an on-board diagnosis system installed in each used electric vehicle, and is stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The computer As the battery evaluation result, the future change in the health or cruising range of the used electric vehicle is output.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The computer Calculating the subsequent transition of the health or cruising distance based on data relating to the drive storage battery of the used electric vehicle, which data is collected from the on-board diagnosis system installed in each used electric vehicle and stored in a storage device in association with the identification data of the used electric vehicle. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. The computer The future health state is calculated from the relationship between the years of use, mileage, number of charges, number of quick charges, quick charge number ratio, charged amount of electricity, quick charge amount ratio, cell resistance, cell resistance variation, cell voltage variation, or cell temperature variation of the drive battery of the same model of electric vehicle as the target used electric vehicle and the actual progress of the health state of the drive battery, and the health state of the drive battery of the target used electric vehicle. The information processing method according to claim 9.

11. The computer Accept the selection of used electric vehicles, outputting a battery evaluation result derived from the health level or cruising distance of the drive storage battery of the selected used electric vehicle and at least one of the number of quick charges, the quick charge number ratio, the quick charge electricity ratio, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature of the drive storage battery; A portion of the sales price of the used electric vehicle is returned to the source of the battery evaluation results. Information processing methods.

12. a server device that can be connected to and communicate with a plurality of information terminal devices; an information processing device that performs the information processing method according to claim 1, 2, or 11; Including, The server device obtaining a battery evaluation result of a drive storage battery mounted on a used electric vehicle from the information processing device; outputting second-hand sales information for the second-hand electric vehicle including the acquired battery evaluation results; accepting bids for the used electric vehicle from information terminal devices used by one or more users; determining a winning user based on the accepted bid price; Notify the selected users Auction system.

13. Accept the selection of used electric vehicles, Obtaining the health status or cruising range of the drive storage battery of the selected used electric vehicle; acquiring at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in the cell resistance, the variation in the cell voltage, and the variation in the cell temperature of the drive storage battery; outputting the acquired state of health or driving range and a battery evaluation result of the drive storage battery including at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature; An information processing device including a processing unit.

14. On the computer, Accept the selection of used electric vehicles, Acquire the health status of the drive storage battery of the selected used electric vehicle or the cruising range of the used electric vehicle; acquiring at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in the cell resistance, the variation in the cell voltage, and the variation in the cell temperature of the drive storage battery; outputting the acquired state of health or driving range and a battery evaluation result of the drive storage battery including at least one of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the number of quick charges, the ratio of the amount of quick charge electricity, the cell resistance, the variation in cell resistance, the variation in cell voltage, and the variation in cell temperature; A computer program that executes a process.

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