Calculation method, calculation device, and program

Abstract

To automatically select a use history suitable for calculating an index which indicates energy remaining in an object battery from use histories of the object battery and a battery group different from the object battery.SOLUTION: A calculation device performs: acquiring first data which indicates a use history of an object battery being a calculation object of an index indicating energy remaining in the battery; acquiring the residual capacity of the object battery and calculating the index of the object battery based on the acquired first data and the residual capacity when the data number of the acquired first data is equal to or more than a first threshold; acquiring second data which indicates a use history of a battery group different from the object battery when the data number of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold; and calculating the index of the object battery based on the acquired second data and the residual capacity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for calculating an index indicating remaining energy in a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating a target vehicle's remaining driving distance using at least one of first data indicating the energy consumption history of the target vehicle and second data indicating the energy consumption history of a vehicle other than the target vehicle. Patent Document 1 also discloses that when calculating the target vehicle's remaining driving distance, the user is allowed to set the usage ratio between the first data and the second data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-175507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the setting of the usage ratio between the first data and the second data is left to the user, and the usage ratio cannot be automatically set or switched.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a technology that can automatically select usage history suitable for calculating an index indicating the remaining energy in a target battery from the usage history of a target battery and a group of batteries different from the target battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A calculation method in one aspect of the present disclosure is a calculation method in a computer, which acquires first data indicating the usage history of a target battery that is the subject of calculation of an index indicating the remaining energy in the battery, acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery, and if the number of data points of the acquired first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold, calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity, and if the number of data points of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold, acquires second data indicating the usage history of a group of batteries different from the target battery, and calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to automatically select usage history suitable for calculating an index indicating the remaining energy in the target battery from among the usage history of the target battery and a group of batteries other than the target battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of first data indicating a usage history of a target battery. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of third data indicating the usage history of a compatible battery group. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the change over time in altitude of the current location of a vehicle when the vehicle travels along three different routes. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first group showing the usage history of a target battery on a main driving route. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of fourth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries that were used on a travel route similar to that of the target battery. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a first example of a process for calculating a remaining travel distance of a target battery in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process for calculating the remaining travel distance of the target battery in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of fifth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries that have been used on travel routes and in usage environments similar to those of the target battery. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of the process for calculating the remaining travel distance of the target battery in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of a process for calculating the remaining drive time of a target battery in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process of calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of the process of calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to one aspect of the present disclosure) Known indicators of the remaining energy in a battery include the remaining drive time (remaining usable time) of a stationary battery and the remaining driving distance (remaining cruising range) of a vehicle battery. The indicator of the remaining energy in a battery varies depending on how the battery is used, even if the remaining battery capacity is the same. Therefore, to accurately calculate this indicator, it is necessary to collect a large amount of data indicating the battery's usage history and accurately understand how the battery is used. However, collecting a large amount of data indicating the battery's usage history requires a significant amount of time.

[0010] In contrast, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if there is little first data indicating the energy consumption history of the target vehicle, the usage ratio of the first data to the second data can be set so that the second data indicating the energy consumption history of vehicles other than the target vehicle is used more than the first data, thereby making it possible to calculate the target vehicle's drivable distance.

[0011] However, in this conventional technology, the setting of the usage ratio between the first data and the second data is left to the user, and the usage ratio cannot be set or switched automatically. Therefore, even if the amount of the first data becomes greater than the second data, there is a risk that the usage ratio will be set so that the second data is used more than the first data, just as when the amount of the first data was less.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors have conducted extensive research into technology for automatically selecting usage history suitable for calculating an index showing the remaining energy in a target battery from the usage history of the target battery and a group of batteries other than the target battery, and have come up with the various aspects of the present disclosure described below.

[0013] (1) A calculation method in one aspect of the present disclosure is a calculation method in a computer, which acquires first data indicating the usage history of a target battery that is the subject of calculation of an index indicating the remaining energy in the battery, acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery, and if the number of data points in the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold, calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity, and if the number of data points in the acquired first data is less than the first threshold, acquires second data indicating the usage history of a group of batteries different from the target battery, and calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity.

[0014] According to this configuration, the usage history to be used to calculate an index indicating the remaining energy in the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage history of the target battery and a group of batteries other than the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points in the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0015] (2) In the calculation method described in (1) above, if the number of data points of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold value, the index of the target battery may be calculated based on third data among the acquired second data indicating the usage history of a corresponding battery group that is a battery group corresponding to the target battery, and the remaining capacity.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the number of data points in the first data is less than the first threshold value and sufficient first data cannot be obtained to properly calculate the index of the target battery, the index of the target battery can be properly calculated using the usage history of the compatible battery group corresponding to the target battery, as indicated by the third data.

[0017] (3) In the calculation method described in (2) above, the group of compatible batteries may be a group of batteries of the same type as the target battery or a group of batteries used by a group of devices of the same type as a device using the target battery.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the number of data points in the first data is less than the first threshold value and sufficient first data cannot be obtained to properly calculate the index of the target battery, the index of the target battery can be properly calculated using the usage history of a group of batteries of the same type as the target battery or a group of batteries used by a group of devices of the same type as the device using the target battery, as indicated by the third data.

[0019] (4) In the calculation method described in (2) or (3) above, if the number of data points of the third data among the acquired second data is less than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, and the number of data points of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, the index of the target battery may be calculated based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity.

[0020] According to this configuration, even if the number of data items of the third data among the acquired second data is less than the second threshold value which is less than the first threshold value, if the number of data items of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than the third threshold value which is greater than the second threshold value, the usage history of the target battery indicated by the first data can be used to calculate the index of the target battery more appropriately than when the usage history of the group of compatible batteries indicated by the third data is used.

[0021] (5) In the calculation method described in (4) above, the battery usage history includes a history of the usage of the battery, and further, if the number of fourth data pieces among the acquired second data pieces indicating the usage history of the corresponding battery group used in a manner similar to that of the target battery is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the index of the target battery may be calculated based on the fourth data pieces among the acquired second data pieces and the remaining capacity.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the number of fourth data pieces among the acquired second data pieces that indicate the usage history of a group of compatible batteries that have been used in a manner similar to that of the target battery is equal to or greater than a second threshold, the fourth data pieces among the acquired second data pieces can be used to calculate the index of the target battery more appropriately than when using third data pieces that may include the usage history of a group of compatible batteries that have been used in a manner dissimilar to that of the target battery.

[0023] (6) In the calculation method described in (5) above, the usage history of the battery further includes a history of the usage environment of the battery, and further, when the number of data points of fifth data among the fourth data, which indicates the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value, the index of the target battery may be calculated based on the fifth data among the fourth data and the remaining capacity.

[0024] According to this configuration, if the number of data points in the fourth data, which is the fifth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value which is less than the second threshold value, the fifth data can be used to calculate the index of the target battery more appropriately than when using the fourth data, which may include the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in a usage environment dissimilar to that of the target battery.

[0025] (7) In the calculation method described in (6) above, if the number of data items of the fifth data among the fourth data items is less than the fourth threshold value and the number of data items of the acquired first data items is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value, the index of the target battery may be calculated based on the acquired first data items and the remaining capacity.

[0026] According to this configuration, even if the number of data items of the fifth data among the fourth data items is less than the fourth threshold, if the number of data items of the acquired first data items is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold, which is greater than the third threshold, the index of the target battery can be appropriately calculated using the usage history of the target battery indicated by the first data.

[0027] (8) In the calculation method according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the target battery may be used in an energy management system, and the indicator may be a remaining drive time.

[0028] According to this configuration, the usage history to be used to calculate the remaining operating time of the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage history of the target battery used in the energy management system and a group of batteries other than the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0029] (9) In the calculation method according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the target battery may be one used in a vehicle, and the indicator may be a remaining driving distance.

[0030] According to this configuration, the usage history to be used to calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage history of the target battery used in the vehicle and a group of batteries other than the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0031] (10) In another aspect of the present disclosure, a calculation device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first data indicating a usage history of a target battery that is the subject of calculation of an index indicating the remaining energy in the battery; a second acquisition unit that acquires a remaining capacity of the target battery; and a calculation unit that, if the number of data points of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold, calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity, and, if the number of data points of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold, acquires second data indicating a usage history of a group of batteries different from the target battery, and calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity.

[0032] According to this configuration, the usage history to be used to calculate an index indicating the remaining energy in the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage history of the target battery and a group of batteries other than the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points of the acquired first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0033] (11) In another aspect of the present disclosure, a program for a calculation device causes the calculation device to execute the following process: acquire first data indicating a usage history of a target battery that is the subject of calculation of an index indicating remaining energy in the battery; acquire a remaining capacity of the target battery; if the number of data points of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold, calculate the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity; if the number of data points of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold, acquire second data indicating a usage history of a battery group different from the target battery; and calculate the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity.

[0034] According to this configuration, the usage history to be used to calculate an index indicating the remaining energy in the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage history of the target battery and a group of batteries other than the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points of the acquired first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0035] The present disclosure can also be realized as an information processing system (battery management system) that operates according to such a program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0036] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0037] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery management system shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of batteries 1 and a server 2 (calculating device).

[0038] The battery 1 includes multiple secondary batteries, which store power by charging and supply power by discharging. The secondary batteries are, for example, lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The battery 1 is a battery pack made up of multiple battery cells. The battery 1 is installed as a power source in various devices. In the first embodiment, the battery 1 is installed in vehicles (mobility) such as electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric kick scooters, electric cars, and hybrid cars.

[0039] The battery 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit .

[0040] The measurement unit 14 includes various sensors, such as a current sensor, a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, and a remaining capacity sensor, and a processor that processes the measured values ​​of various items measured by these sensors.

[0041] The measurement unit 14 measures a plurality of items that indicate the usage of the battery 1. The plurality of items that indicate the usage of the battery 1 are items that directly change the capacity of the battery 1, and include, for example, SOC (State Of Charge), charge / discharge current, and charge / discharge voltage. The SOC indicates the remaining capacity of the battery 1. Note that the plurality of items that indicate the usage of the battery 1 are not limited to these. The measurement unit 14 stores the measurement values ​​of the plurality of items that indicate the usage of the battery 1 in the memory 13.

[0042] The memory 13 is configured with a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The memory 13 stores measurement values ​​of a plurality of items that indicate the usage of the battery 1 measured by the measurement unit 14.

[0043] The memory 13 also stores measurement values ​​of a plurality of items that indicate the usage environment of the battery 1. The measurement values ​​of the plurality of items that indicate the usage environment of the battery 1 are stored in the memory 13 by various sensors, such as a GPS sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, that are mounted on the vehicle that mounts the battery 1. The plurality of items that indicate the usage environment of the battery 1 are items that indirectly contribute to fluctuations in the capacity of the battery 1, and include, for example, the weight of a user riding in the vehicle that mounts the battery 1, the outside air temperature and humidity around the battery 1, and the weather when the battery 1 is being used (for example, sunny, rainy, or cloudy). The user's weight may be input via an operation device, such as a touch panel, provided on the vehicle that mounts the battery 1 and stored in the memory 13. The vehicle that mounts the battery 1 may also communicate with an external public server to obtain the outside air temperature and humidity around the battery 1 and the weather when the battery 1 is being used, and store these in the memory 13.

[0044] Furthermore, the memory 13 stores information relating to the traveling of the vehicle equipped with the battery 1 (hereinafter referred to as traveling information). The traveling information is stored in the memory 13 by the vehicle equipped with the battery 1. The traveling information includes, for example, the traveling date and time, the current location of the vehicle, the traveling speed of the vehicle, the acceleration of the vehicle, and the traveling distance since the vehicle started traveling. The current location of the vehicle includes the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the location where the vehicle is currently located. The current location of the vehicle may also include the address of the location where the vehicle is currently located or the name of the facility (building, store, etc.).

[0045] The control unit 12 is configured with a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 12 periodically reads out from the memory 13 measurement values ​​of multiple items indicating the usage details and usage environment of the battery 1 and driving information, and generates battery log data. The battery log data includes a battery ID for identifying the battery 1, measurement values ​​of the multiple items that have been read out, acquisition dates and times of the measurement values, and driving information including a driving date and time corresponding to the acquisition dates and times. The driving date and time corresponding to the acquisition date and time indicates a driving date and time that matches the acquisition date and time within a predetermined period of time. The control unit 12 outputs the generated battery log data to the communication unit 11.

[0046] The communication unit 11 is configured with a communication device that connects the battery 1 to the network 4. The communication unit 11 transmits the battery log data generated by the control unit 12 to the server 2. For example, the communication unit 11 may transmit the battery log data including the measurement values ​​of multiple items measured in one minute to the server 2 every minute.

[0047] In this embodiment, the battery 1 is equipped with a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a vehicle equipped with the battery 1 may also be equipped with a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14.

[0048] The server 2 is communicably connected to a plurality of batteries 1 via a network 4. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0049] The server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a memory 23.

[0050] The communication unit 21 is configured with a communication device that connects the server 2 to the network 4. The communication unit 21 receives battery log data transmitted by the battery 1. The communication unit 21 transmits various information to the battery 1, such as the remaining driving time of the battery 1, which will be described later.

[0051] The memory 23 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, etc. The memory 23 stores the battery log data received by the communication unit 21.

[0052] The memory 23 also stores in advance information (hereinafter referred to as battery information) relating to a plurality of batteries 1. The battery information includes, for example, a battery ID for identifying the battery 1, information indicating the type of battery 1, information indicating the type of vehicle (device used) in which the battery 1 is mounted, and the management start date of the battery 1.

[0053] The information indicating the type of battery 1 is, for example, a model number (classification identification) or a serial number (individual identification) of the battery 1. The information indicating the type of battery 1 is not limited to this, and may include information identifying whether the secondary battery included in the battery 1 is a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery, information identifying whether the positive electrode material is a ternary system or an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) system, information indicating the number of battery cells constituting the battery 1, etc.

[0054] The information indicating the type of vehicle in which the battery 1 is mounted is, for example, the model number (classification identification) or serial number (individual identification) of the vehicle. The information indicating the type of vehicle is not limited to these, and may also include information indicating the model of the vehicle (electric motorcycle, electric bicycle, electric kick scooter, electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, etc.), the product name of the vehicle, and the number of people that can ride in the vehicle.

[0055] The control unit 22 is configured with a processor such as a CPU, for example. The control unit 22 includes a first acquisition unit 24, a second acquisition unit 25, and a calculation unit 26. The first acquisition unit 24, the second acquisition unit 25, and the calculation unit 26 are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory 23.

[0056] The first acquisition unit 24 acquires first data indicating the usage history of the battery 1 (hereinafter, the target battery) for which an index indicating the remaining energy in the battery 1 is calculated. In this embodiment, the index indicating the remaining energy in the battery 1 is the remaining drivable distance (remaining driving range) of the battery 1. The remaining drivable distance of the battery 1 is the distance that a vehicle equipped with the battery 1 can travel with the remaining energy in the battery 1.

[0057] (First data acquisition method) Specifically, each time the communication unit 21 receives battery log data, the first acquisition unit 24 acquires the battery ID included in the battery log data as a battery ID for identifying the target battery. The first acquisition unit 24 acquires a battery log data group including the battery ID for identifying the target battery, which is stored in the memory 23. Hereinafter, the battery ID for identifying the target battery will be abbreviated as the battery ID of the target battery.

[0058] Note that the method by which the first acquisition unit 24 acquires the battery ID of the target battery is not limited to this. For example, the first acquisition unit 24 may refer to the battery information stored in the memory 23 at a predetermined timing and sequentially acquire battery IDs for identifying each of the multiple batteries 1 managed by the battery management system as the battery ID of the target battery. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a regular timing such as once every 10 minutes, or a fixed timing determined by the time of day or the like.

[0059] The first acquisition unit 24 refers to a battery log data group including the acquired battery ID of the target battery, and compiles the usage details and usage environment of the target battery at each time of use. Use of the battery 1 refers to continuous use of the battery 1 from when the ignition key of the vehicle in which the battery 1 is installed is turned on until the ignition key is turned off. However, the use of the battery 1 is not limited to this, and may be continuous or intermittent use of the battery 1 for a predetermined period such as one day, one week, one month, or the period until the battery is fully charged.

[0060] 2 is a diagram showing an example of first data indicating the usage history of the target battery. The first acquisition unit 24 collects path information and power information as usage details at each time the target battery is used, and collects environmental information as the usage environment of the target battery at each time the target battery is used.

[0061] Specifically, the first acquisition unit 24 refers to the travel information included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery, and compiles route information for each use of the target battery. The route information includes a travel start point, a travel start point altitude, a travel end point, a travel end point altitude, and a travel distance. The travel start point indicates the location (e.g., "Point A") where the vehicle started traveling using the battery 1. The travel start point altitude indicates the altitude (e.g., "14 m") where the vehicle started traveling using the battery 1. The travel end point indicates the location (e.g., "Point B") where the vehicle ended traveling using the battery 1. The travel end point altitude indicates the altitude (e.g., "45 m") where the vehicle ended traveling using the battery 1. The travel distance indicates the total distance (e.g., "5.2 km") traveled from when the vehicle started using the battery 1 to when it ended using that use. In addition, the route information may include travel via points indicating locations that the vehicle passes through on its way from the travel start point to the travel end point using battery 1, the altitude of the travel via points, and the travel distance from the travel start point to the travel via points.

[0062] The first acquisition unit 24 aggregates power information for each use of the target battery by referring to measurement values ​​of multiple items indicating usage details included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery. The power information includes a SOC at the start of driving and a SOC at the end of driving. The SOC at the start of driving indicates the SOC measurement value (e.g., "96%) when the vehicle starts driving using battery 1. The SOC at the end of driving indicates the SOC measurement value (e.g., "57%) when the vehicle ends driving using battery 1.

[0063] The first acquisition unit 24 refers to the measurement values ​​of a plurality of items indicating the usage environment included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery, and compiles environmental information for each use of the target battery. The environmental information includes the user weight, the outside temperature, and the weather.

[0064] The user weight indicates the median (e.g., 60 kg) of the measured weight of the user from the start of use of the battery 1 by the vehicle to the end of use. Note that the user weight may be the mode or average of the measured weight of the user from the start of use of the battery 1 by the vehicle to the end of use.

[0065] The outside air temperature indicates the median value (e.g., 25°C) of the measured outside air temperature from when the vehicle starts to use the battery 1 until when it finishes using the battery 1. Note that the outside air temperature may be the mode or average value of the measured outside air temperature from when the vehicle starts to use the battery 1 until when it finishes using the battery 1.

[0066] The weather indicates the most frequent value (for example, "clear") of the measured weather from the time when the vehicle starts using the battery 1 until the time when the vehicle stops using the battery 1.

[0067] The environmental information for each use of the target battery may include the median, mode, or average of the humidity measurements from when the vehicle starts using the battery 1 to when it stops using the battery 1.

[0068] The first acquisition unit 24 acquires data indicating the usage details and usage environment of the aggregated target battery at each use as first data indicating the usage history of the target battery. That is, Fig. 2 shows an example in which the first acquisition unit 24 acquires four pieces of first data indicating the usage history of the target battery. Hereinafter, the number of first data indicating the usage history of the target battery acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 will be referred to as the data count of the first data. It can be said that the data count of the first data represents the number of times the target battery has been used.

[0069] The second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity (SOC) of the target battery. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 25 acquires, as the remaining capacity of the target battery, the measured value of SOC included in the battery log data indicating the latest date and time of acquisition of the measured value from among the battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery acquired by the first acquisition unit 24.

[0070] When the number of data points of the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery based on the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0071] On the other hand, when the number of pieces of first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is less than the first threshold, the calculation unit 26 acquires second data indicating the usage history of a battery group different from the target battery (hereinafter, other battery group) in the same manner as the first acquisition unit 24 acquires the first data.

[0072] The calculation unit 26 acquires third data indicating the usage history of a battery group corresponding to the target battery (hereinafter referred to as a corresponding battery group) from the acquired second data by referring to the battery information stored in the memory 23. The corresponding battery group is a battery group of the same type as the target battery or a battery group used by a vehicle group of the same type as the vehicle in which the target battery is mounted.

[0073] 3 is a diagram showing an example of third data indicating the usage history of a compatible battery group. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the calculation unit 26 acquires third data indicating the usage history of a compatible battery group consisting of three batteries 1 with battery IDs "101," "103," and "107."

[0074] Then, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery based on the third data and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the change in altitude of the current location of a vehicle over time when the vehicle travels along three different routes. The horizontal axis of FIG. 4 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the altitude of the current location of the vehicle. FIG. 4 shows the change in altitude of the current location of the vehicle over time when the vehicle travels along three different routes from a travel start point "A" to a travel end point "B" using battery 1. Assume that the vehicle travels along different travel routes from a certain travel start point to a certain travel end point. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, even if the change in altitude of the current location of the vehicle over time differs significantly depending on the vehicle's travel route, as long as there is no significant difference in the travel distance from the travel start point to the travel end point on each travel route, the amount of power consumed by battery 1 when the vehicle travels along each travel route is considered to be similar.

[0076] Therefore, even if the number of data points of the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is less than the first threshold, if the number of data points of the fourth data, which indicates the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in a manner similar to that of the target battery, among the third data acquired from the second data, is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery based on the fourth data and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0077] (4th data identification method) The calculation unit 26 identifies the fourth data from the third data acquired from the second data, for example, as shown below. In the following description, it is assumed that the first acquisition unit 24 acquires the first data shown in Fig. 2 and the calculation unit 26 acquires the third data shown in Fig. 3.

[0078] First, the calculation unit 26 refers to route information included as usage details of the target battery in the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24. The calculation unit 26 groups the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 into groups of data whose travel start point and travel end point both match within a first distance, whose travel start point altitude and whose travel end point altitude both match within a second distance, and whose travel distances match within a third distance. The calculation unit 26 identifies the group with the largest number of first data items as the first group indicating the usage history of the target battery on main travel routes.

[0079] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first group indicating a usage history of a target battery on a main travel route. The example illustrates an example in which the calculation unit 26 identifies, as the first group, a group including first data of travel units “1,” “3,” and “4,” in which the travel start point is “Point A” or “Point A′” within a first distance (e.g., 5 m) from “Point A,” the travel end point is “Point B” or “Point B′” within the first distance from “Point B,” the travel start point altitude is “14 m” or “17 m” within a second distance (e.g., 5 m) from “14 m,” the travel end point altitude is “45 m” or “43 m” within a second distance (e.g., 5 m) from “45 m,” and the travel distance is “5.2 km” or “5.0 km,” “5.1 km” within a third distance (e.g., 0.5 km) from “5.2 km.”

[0080] Next, the calculation unit 26 references route information included as usage details of the compatible batteries in the third data acquired from the second data. The calculation unit 26 extracts third data including a travel start point and a travel end point within a first distance from the travel start point and the travel end point, respectively, of the first data included in the first group, and including a travel start point altitude and a travel end point altitude within a second distance from the travel start point altitude and the travel end point altitude, respectively, of the first data included in the first group. The calculation unit 26 identifies, from the extracted third data, the third data including a travel distance within a third distance from the travel distance of the first data included in the first group, as fourth data indicating the usage history of the compatible batteries used on a travel route similar to that of the target battery.

[0081] 6 is a diagram showing an example of fourth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used on a travel route similar to that of the target battery. FIG. 6 shows a diagram in which the calculation unit 26 calculates, by the calculation unit 26, a travel start point to be "Point A" or "Point A'" within a first distance (for example, 5 m) from the travel start points "Point A" and "Point A'" of the first data included in the first group shown in FIG. 5, a travel end point to be "Point B" or "Point B'" within a first distance from the travel end points "Point B" and "Point B'" of the first data included in the first group, and a travel start point altitude to be "14 m" or "17 m" within a second distance (for example, 5 m) from the travel start point altitudes "14 m" and "17 m" of the first data included in the first group. This shows an example in which the third data of driving units "101-1", "101-3", "103-1", and "107-1", whose driving end point elevation is "43m" or "45m" within a second distance from the driving end point elevations of "43m" and "45m" of the first data included in the first group, and whose driving distance is "5.0km", "5.1km", or "5.2km" within a third distance (for example, 0.5km) from the driving distances of "5.0km", "5.1km", and "5.2km" of the first data included in the first group, are identified as the fourth data.

[0082] It is assumed that the route information includes via points, elevations of the via points, and travel distances from the travel start point to the via points (hereinafter, intermediate travel distances). In this case, the calculation unit 26 may specify, as the fourth data, third data that includes a travel start point within a first distance from the travel start point of the first data included in the first group, a via point within the first distance from the travel end point of the first data included in the first group, a travel start point elevation within a second distance from the travel start point elevation of the first data included in the first group, an elevation of a via point within the second distance from the travel end point elevation of the first data included in the first group, and an intermediate travel distance within a third distance from the travel distance of the first data included in the first group.

[0083] Furthermore, even if the number of pieces of the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is less than the first threshold, the number of pieces of the fourth data is less than a second threshold that is less than the first threshold, and the number of pieces of the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is equal to or greater than a third threshold that is greater than the second threshold. In this case, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drivable distance of the target battery based on the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0084] (How to calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery) The calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery based on data (hereinafter, reference history data) indicating the usage history of one or more batteries (hereinafter, reference battery group) among the plurality of batteries 1, such as the first data, second data, third data, or fourth data, and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25, as follows.

[0085] (Calculation method for power consumption per use of reference battery group) First, the calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the reference history data and calculates the amount of power consumption per use of the reference battery group.

[0086] Specifically, the calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the reference history data and calculates the amount of power consumed by the reference battery group during each use.

[0087] For example, suppose that calculation unit 26 calculates the amount of power consumed by the target battery during each use using the first data showing the usage history of the target battery shown in Fig. 2 as reference history data. In this case, calculation unit 26 references the power information included in the first data for driving unit "1" and calculates the result of subtracting the SOC at the end of driving "57%" from the SOC at the start of driving "96%" to obtain "39% (=96%-57%)" as the amount of power consumed by the target battery during use during driving unit "1". Similarly, calculation unit 26 calculates the amount of power consumed by the target battery during use during driving unit "2" as "66% (=92%-26%)", the amount of power consumed by the target battery during use during driving unit "3" as "30% (=93%-63%)", and the amount of power consumed by the target battery during use during driving unit "4" as "52% (=85%-33%)".

[0088] 3 indicating the usage history of the compatible batteries, the calculation unit 26 calculates the amount of power consumption during each use of the compatible batteries. In this case, the calculation unit 26 references the power information included in the third data for the driving unit "101-1" and calculates the amount of power consumption of the battery 1 with the battery ID "101" during use of the driving unit "101-1" as "37% (=96%-59%)." Similarly, the calculation unit 26 calculates the amount of power consumption of the battery 1 with the battery ID "101" during use of the driving unit "101-2" as "66% (=92%-26%)," and calculates the amount of power consumption of the same battery 1 during use of the driving unit "101-3" as "33% (=93%-60%)."

[0089] Similarly, calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the third data for driving unit "103-1" and calculates the power consumption of battery 1 with battery ID "103" when used for driving unit "103-1" as "52% (=85%-33%)." Calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the third data for driving unit "107-1" and calculates the power consumption of battery 1 with battery ID "107" when used for driving unit "107-1" as "28% (=65%-37%)."

[0090] Then, the calculation unit 26 calculates the median value of the power consumption of the reference battery group during each use as the power consumption per use of the reference battery group.

[0091] For example, suppose that calculation unit 26 calculates the power consumption of the target battery during use in driving units "1," "2," "3," and "4" as "39% (=96%-57%)," "66% (=92%-26%)," "30% (=93%-63%)," and "52% (=85%-33%)" using the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery shown in Fig. 2 as reference history data, as described above. In this case, calculation unit 26 calculates the power consumption per use of the target battery as "45.5% (=(39%+52%) / 2)," which is the average value of the power consumption of the target battery during use in driving unit "1" (39%) and the power consumption of the target battery during use in driving unit "4" (52%), which is the median of the power consumption of the target battery during each use.

[0092] 3 indicating the usage history of the compatible battery group as reference history data, the calculation unit 26 calculates the power consumption amounts of the compatible battery group when used at each of the driving units "101-1," "101-2," "101-3," "103-1," and "107-1" as "37% (=96%-59%)," "66% (=92%-26%)," "33% (=93%-60%)," "52% (=85%-33%)," and "28% (=65%-37%)." In this case, the calculation unit 26 calculates the power consumption amount of "37%" when used at driving unit "101-1," which is the median value of the power consumption amounts of the compatible battery group when used at each driving unit, as the power consumption amount per use of the compatible battery group.

[0093] (Calculation method for driving distance per use of reference battery group) Next, the calculation unit 26 refers to the reference history data including the SOC at the start and end of driving used to calculate the median value of the power consumption of the reference battery during each use, and calculates the driving distance per use of the reference battery group based on the driving distance included in the route information of the reference history data.

[0094] For example, suppose that calculation unit 26, as described above, uses the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery shown in Fig. 2 as reference history data and calculates the average value "45.5% (= (39% + 52%) / 2)" of the power consumption "39%" when used in driving unit "1" and the power consumption "52%" when used in driving unit "4", which are the median values ​​of the power consumption of the target battery during each use, as the power consumption per use of the target battery. In this case, calculation unit 26 calculates the average value "5.15 km (= (5.2 km + 5.1 km) / 2)" of the mileage "5.2 km" included in the first data for driving unit "1" and the mileage "5.1 km" included in the first data for driving unit "4", as the mileage per use of the target battery.

[0095] 3 indicating the usage history of the compatible battery group as reference history data, the calculation unit 26 calculates the power consumption per use of the compatible battery group as "37%" when using the driving unit "101-1", which is the median of the power consumption during each use of the compatible battery group. In this case, the calculation unit 26 calculates the driving distance of "5.2 km" included in the third data for the driving unit "101-1" as the driving distance per use of the target battery.

[0096] The calculation unit 26 may calculate the average value of the power consumption of the reference battery group during each use as the power consumption per use of the reference battery group. In this case, the calculation unit 26 may calculate the average value of the driving history included in the route information of the reference history data as the driving distance per use of the reference battery group.

[0097] (How to calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery) Then, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery based on the calculated power consumption per use and driving distance of the reference battery group and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0098] Specifically, the calculation unit 26 divides the mileage per use of the reference battery group by the power consumption per use of the reference battery group (= mileage per use of the reference battery group / power consumption per use of the reference battery group) to calculate the result as the mileage per unit power amount of the reference battery group. The calculation unit 26 calculates the product of the mileage per unit power amount of the reference battery group and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25 as the remaining mileage of the target battery.

[0099] Calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the calculated remaining drivable distance of the target battery to the target battery. When communication unit 11 of the target battery receives the information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery, for example, control unit 12 outputs the information to a control device of a vehicle in which the target battery is mounted. The control device of the vehicle displays the information on a display instrument such as a meter mounted on the vehicle.

[0100] (First example of a process for calculating the remaining driving distance of a target battery) A first example of the calculation process of the remaining travelable distance of the target battery in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the first example of the calculation process of the remaining travelable distance of the target battery in the first embodiment. The calculation process shown in Fig. 7 is started every time the communication unit 21 receives battery log data or every time the first acquisition unit 24 acquires the battery ID of the target battery at a predetermined timing.

[0101] First, in step S11, the first acquisition unit 24 acquires first data indicating the usage history of the target battery.

[0102] Next, in step S12, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of pieces of first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0103] In step S12, if it is determined that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in step S12), steps S13 to S16 are performed with the target battery as the reference battery group and the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery as the reference history data.

[0104] Specifically, in step S13, the calculation unit 26 refers to the first data, which is the reference history data, and calculates the power consumption per use and the travel distance of the target battery, which is the reference battery group.

[0105] In step S14, the second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery.

[0106] Next, in step S15, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving distance of the target battery using the power consumption per use and driving distance of the target battery, which is the reference battery group, calculated in step S13, and the remaining capacity of the target battery obtained in step S14.

[0107] Then, in step S16, calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery calculated in step S15 to the target battery. In the target battery, when communication unit 11 receives the information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery, control unit 12 outputs the information to a control device of a vehicle equipped with the target battery. The control device displays the information on a display instrument such as a meter equipped in the vehicle.

[0108] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the number of pieces of first data is less than the first threshold value (NO in step S12), then in step S20, calculation unit 26 acquires second data indicating the usage history of the other battery group.

[0109] Next, in step S21, the calculation unit 26 refers to the battery information stored in the memory 23 and acquires third data indicating the usage history of the compatible battery group corresponding to the target battery from the second data acquired in step S20.

[0110] Next, in step S22, the calculation unit 26 identifies fourth data from the third data acquired in step S21 that indicates the usage history of a group of compatible batteries that were used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery, and determines whether the number of data points in the fourth data is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0111] If it is determined in step S22 that the number of data items in the fourth data is less than the second threshold value (NO in step S22), in step S23, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of data items in the first data item acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value.

[0112] In step S23, if it is determined that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the third threshold (YES in step S23), steps S13 to S16 are performed, as described above, with the target battery as the reference battery group and the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery as the reference history data.

[0113] As a result, even if the number of data items of the fourth data among the second data acquired in step S20 is less than the second threshold value which is less than the first threshold value, if the number of data items of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than the third threshold value which is greater than the second threshold value, the usage history of the target battery indicated by the first data can be used to calculate a more appropriate remaining driving distance of the target battery than when the usage history of the compatible battery group indicated by the fourth data is used.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the number of data points in the first data is less than the third threshold value (NO in step S23), step S24 and steps S14 to S16 are performed with the corresponding battery group as the reference battery group and the third data indicating the usage history of the corresponding battery group as the reference history data.

[0115] Specifically, in step S24, the calculation unit 26 refers to the third data, which is the reference history data, and calculates the power consumption per use and mileage of the corresponding battery group, which is the reference battery group. In step S14, the second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery. In step S15, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining mileage of the target battery using the power consumption per use and mileage of the corresponding battery group, which is the reference battery group, calculated in step S24 and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired in step S14. In step S16, the calculation unit 26 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining mileage of the target battery calculated in step S15 to the target battery. The control device of the vehicle equipped with the target battery displays the information on a display instrument, such as a meter, installed in the vehicle.

[0116] As a result, even if the number of data points in the first data is less than the third threshold and sufficient first data cannot be obtained to properly calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery, the remaining driving distance of the target battery can be properly calculated using the usage history of a group of batteries of the same type as the target battery or a group of batteries installed in a group of vehicles of the same type as the vehicle in which the target battery is installed, as indicated by the third data.

[0117] Assume that it is determined in step S22 that the number of data items in the fourth data is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (YES in step S22). In this case, the corresponding battery group used on a travel route similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21 is set as a reference battery group, and the fourth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as reference history data, and step S25 and steps S14 to S16 are performed.

[0118] Specifically, in step S25, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fourth data, which is the reference history data, and calculates the power consumption per use and the driving distance of the corresponding battery group, which is the reference battery group and is included in the third data obtained in step S21 and which was used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery.

[0119] In step S14, second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery. In step S15, calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drivable distance of the target battery using the power consumption per use and mileage of the corresponding battery group used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, which is the reference battery group calculated in step S25, and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired in step S14. In step S16, calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery calculated in step S15 to the target battery. A control device of a vehicle equipped with the target battery displays the information on a display instrument such as a meter installed in the vehicle.

[0120] As a result, when the number of fourth data pieces among the second data acquired in step S20, which indicate the usage history of the compatible batteries used on driving routes similar to that of the target battery, is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the fourth data among the second data acquired in step S20 can be used to calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery more appropriately than when using the third data, which may include the usage history of the compatible batteries used on driving routes that are not similar to that of the target battery.

[0121] As described above, according to the first example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery in the first embodiment, the usage history to be used for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery can be automatically selected from the usage histories of the target battery and a group of other batteries different from the target battery, depending on whether the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0122] (Second example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery) Next, a second example of the process for calculating the remaining travel distance of the target battery in the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the second example of the process for calculating the remaining travel distance of the target battery in the first embodiment.

[0123] The second example of the calculation process for the remaining driving range of the target battery in the first embodiment differs from the first example in that if it is determined in step S22 that the number of data items in the fourth data is equal to or greater than the second threshold, step S31 is further performed. In step S31, calculation unit 26 identifies fifth data indicating the usage history of compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data used in the determination of step S22, i.e., compatible batteries used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, and determines whether the number of data items in the fifth data is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold that is less than the second threshold.

[0124] (5. Method of identifying data) The calculation unit 26 identifies the fifth data of the fourth data, for example, as shown below. In the following description, it is assumed that the calculation unit 26 identifies a group including the first data of the driving units "1," "3," and "4" shown in Fig. 5 as the first group indicating the usage history of the target battery on the main driving route, and identifies the third data of the driving units "101-1," "101-3," "103-1," and "107-1" shown in Fig. 6 as the fourth data.

[0125] In this case, the calculation unit 26 refers to environmental information included as the usage environment of the target battery in the first data of the driving units "1," "3," and "4" included in the first group indicating the usage history of the target battery on the main driving routes shown in Fig. 5. The calculation unit 26 identifies the median user weight "60 kg," the average outside temperature "25°C (= (25°C + 20°C + 30°C) / 3)," and the most frequent weather value "fine" included in the referenced environmental information as the main user weight, outside temperature, and weather (hereinafter, "main usage environment") on the main driving routes of the target battery.

[0126] Next, calculation unit 26 refers to environmental information included in the fourth data as the usage environment of the compatible battery group. Calculation unit 26 identifies, as fifth data, the fourth data, which includes, in the environmental information, a user weight within a predetermined range from the user weight identified as the main usage environment on the main driving route of the target battery, an outside temperature within a predetermined temperature difference from the outside temperature identified as the main usage environment, and the same weather as the weather identified as the main usage environment.

[0127] 9 is a diagram showing an example of fifth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used on driving routes and in usage environments similar to those of the target battery. Figure 9 shows an example in which the calculation unit 26 has identified, as the fifth data, the fourth data for driving units "101-1" and "107-1" in which the environmental information includes a user weight of "58 kg" or "62 kg" that is within a predetermined weight range (e.g., 5 kg) of the user weight of "60 kg" identified as the main usage environment on the main driving route of the target battery, an outside temperature of "25°C," "20°C," or "30°C" that is within a predetermined temperature difference (e.g., 5°C) from the outside temperature of "25°C" identified as the main usage environment, and the weather of "fine" that is the same as the weather of "fine" identified as the main usage environment.

[0128] In step S31, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data in the fifth data is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value (YES in step S31), the group of compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data used in the determination in step S22, i.e., the group of compatible batteries used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, is set as the reference battery group, and the fifth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as the reference history data, and step S32, step S14, step S15 and step S16 are performed.

[0129] Specifically, in step S32, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fifth data, which is reference history data, and calculates the power consumption per use and driving distance of a reference battery group, which is a corresponding battery group used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery.

[0130] In step S14, second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery. In step S15, calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drivable distance of the target battery using the power consumption per use and drivable distance of a group of compatible batteries that are a reference battery group and that have been used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, calculated in step S32, and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired in step S14. In step S16, calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery calculated in step S15 to the target battery. A control device of a vehicle equipped with the target battery displays the information on a display instrument such as a meter installed in the vehicle.

[0131] As a result, if the number of data points in the fourth data, which is the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, i.e., the fifth data, which is the third data acquired in step S21 and indicates the usage history of the compatible batteries used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is less than the second threshold value, the fifth data can be used to calculate the remaining driving distance of the target battery more appropriately than when using the fourth data, which may include the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment dissimilar to that of the target battery.

[0132] (Third example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery) Next, a third example of the calculation process of the remaining travelable distance of the target battery in the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the third example of the calculation process of the remaining travelable distance of the target battery in the first embodiment.

[0133] The third example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery in the first embodiment differs from the second example in that if it is determined in step S31 that the number of data items in the fifth data is less than a fourth threshold value that is less than the second threshold value, step S41 is further performed. In step S41, calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of data items in the first data is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value.

[0134] In step S41, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold (YES in step S41), steps S13, S14, S15, and S16 are performed with the target battery as the reference battery group and the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery as the reference history data, just as in the case where the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the third threshold (YES in step S23) in step S23.

[0135] As a result, even if the number of data points in the fifth data indicating the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data, i.e., the usage history of the compatible batteries used on a driving route and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, is less than the fourth threshold which is less than the second threshold, if the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold which is greater than the third threshold, the remaining driving distance of the target battery can be appropriately calculated using the usage history of the target battery indicated by the first data.

[0136] On the other hand, in step S41, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data points in the first data is less than the fifth threshold (NO in step S41), the corresponding battery group among the third data acquired in step S21 that was used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery is set as the reference battery group, and the fourth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as the reference history data, and step S42 and steps S14 to S16 are performed.

[0137] Specifically, in step S42, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fourth data, which is reference history data, and calculates the power consumption per use and driving distance of a group of corresponding batteries, which are a reference battery group, that have been used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery.

[0138] In step S14, second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery. In step S15, calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drivable distance of the target battery using the power consumption per use and mileage of the corresponding battery group used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery, which is the reference battery group, calculated in step S42, and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired in step S14. In step S16, calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining drivable distance of the target battery calculated in step S15 to the target battery. A control device of a vehicle equipped with the target battery displays the information on a display instrument such as a meter equipped in the vehicle.

[0139] As a result, even if the number of data points in the fifth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data is less than a fourth threshold value which is less than the second threshold value, if the number of data points in the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery is less than the fifth threshold value, the remaining driving distance of an appropriate target battery can be calculated using the fourth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used on a driving route similar to that of the target battery.

[0140] In the first example of the process for calculating the remaining mileage of the target battery (FIG. 7), steps S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 may be omitted. Then, the calculation unit 26 may use the second data acquired in step S20 as reference history data and the other battery group as a reference battery group, and calculate the power consumption per use and mileage of the other battery group by referring to the second data. Thereafter, steps S14, S15, and S16 may be performed. Thus, when the number of pieces of first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is less than the first threshold, the calculation unit 26 may calculate the remaining mileage of the target battery based on the second data indicating the usage history of the other battery group different from the target battery and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0141] In the third example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery (FIG. 10), in step S22, the calculation unit 26 may identify, from the third data acquired from the second data, data indicating the usage history of a compatible battery group used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery as the fourth data. Correspondingly, in step S31, the calculation unit 26 may identify, from the fourth data, data indicating the usage history of a compatible battery group used in a usage situation similar to that of the target battery as the fifth data.

[0142] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, a method for calculating the remaining driving distance of battery 1 as an index showing the remaining energy in battery 1 when battery 1 is mounted on a vehicle has been described. In the second embodiment, battery 1 is used in an energy management system in a facility such as a house or a factory, and is a so-called stationary battery. Furthermore, calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining driving time (remaining usable time) of battery 1 as an index showing the remaining energy in battery 1. The remaining driving time of battery 1 is the time for which battery 1 can be driven by the remaining energy in battery 1.

[0143] The multiple items that indicate the usage of the battery 1 measured by the measuring unit 14 include SOC (State Of Charge), charge / discharge current, and charge / discharge voltage, as in the first embodiment.

[0144] The memory 13 stores information indicating the usage environment of the battery 1, such as information indicating the type of battery 1, such as ternary or LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate), information indicating the specifications of the battery 1, such as rated capacity, information indicating the operating status (e.g., normal operation or special operation) of the facility or device that uses the battery 1, and information indicating the operation plan (e.g., weekday operation, holiday operation, night operation) of the facility or device that uses the battery 1. As in the first embodiment, the memory 13 also stores information indicating the usage environment of the battery 1, such as the outside temperature and humidity around the battery 1, and the weather when the battery 1 is being used (e.g., sunny, rainy, cloudy).

[0145] Furthermore, memory 13 stores information regarding the charging and discharging of battery 1 (hereinafter referred to as charge and discharge control information). The charge and discharge control information is stored in memory 13 by the device using battery 1. The charge and discharge control information includes, for example, the charge date and time or discharge date and time, and the charge time or discharge time. The charge date and time indicates the current date and time when charging of battery 1 is being performed by the device using battery 1. The discharge date and time indicates the current date and time when discharging of battery 1 from the device using battery 1 is being performed. The charge time indicates the elapsed time from the point when charging of battery 1 by the device using battery 1 is started. The discharge time indicates the elapsed time from the point when discharging of battery 1 from the device using battery 1 is started. Note that the charge time becomes 0 when charging of battery 1 by the device using battery 1 is completed. Similarly, the discharge time becomes 0 when discharging of battery 1 from the device using battery 1 is completed. Furthermore, the charge date and time and the charge time do not have to be included in the charge and discharge control information.

[0146] The control unit 12 periodically reads from the memory 13 the measured values ​​of multiple items indicating the usage of the battery 1, information indicating the usage environment of the battery 1, and charge / discharge control information, and generates battery log data. The battery log data includes a battery ID for identifying the battery 1, the read measured values ​​of the multiple items, information indicating the usage environment of the battery 1, the acquisition date and time of the measured values, and charge / discharge control information including the charge / discharge date and time corresponding to the acquisition date and time. The charge / discharge date and time corresponding to the acquisition date and time indicates the charge / discharge date and time that matches the acquisition date and time within a predetermined time period. The control unit 12 outputs the generated battery log data to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the battery log data generated by the control unit 12 to the server 2. For example, the communication unit 11 may transmit battery log data including the measured values ​​of multiple items measured within one minute to the server 2 every minute. Note that the control unit 12 may not include the charge / discharge date and time in the charge / discharge control information included in the battery log data.

[0147] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the battery 1 is assumed to have a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a measurement unit 14, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and a device using the battery 1 may also have the communication unit 11, the control unit 12, the memory 13, and the measurement unit 14.

[0148] The memory 23 provided in the server 2 also includes, as battery information, for example, a battery ID for identifying the battery 1, information indicating the type of the battery 1, information indicating the type of device used that uses the battery 1, and the management start date of the battery 1. The information indicating the type of device used that uses the battery 1 is, for example, the model number of the device used. The information indicating the type of device used may include, for example, information indicating the type of device used, such as an air conditioner, television, washing machine, etc.

[0149] The first acquisition unit 24 refers to a battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and tally up the usage details and usage environment of the target battery at each time of use. The use of the battery 1 in the second embodiment refers to use by continuous discharging of the battery 1 from the start of discharging of the battery 1 into the device using the battery 1 until the end of the discharging. However, the use of the battery 1 in the second embodiment is not limited to this, and may also be use by continuous or intermittent discharging of the battery 1 into the device using the battery 1 over a predetermined period such as one day, one week, or one month.

[0150] The first acquisition unit 24 collects condition information and power information as usage details of the target battery at each time of use, and collects environmental information as the usage environment of the target battery at each time of use.

[0151] Specifically, the first acquisition unit 24 refers to the charge / discharge control information included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery, and compiles condition information for each use of the target battery. The condition information includes the discharge start date and time, the discharge end date and time, and the discharge time. The discharge start date and time indicates the date and time when the discharge of battery 1 to the device using battery 1 started. The discharge end date and time indicates the date and time when the discharge of battery 1 to the device using battery 1 ended. The discharge time indicates the time when the discharge of battery 1 to the device using battery 1 was performed.

[0152] The first acquisition unit 24 aggregates power information for each use of the target battery by referring to measured values ​​of multiple items indicating usage details included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery. The power information includes a SOC at the start of discharge and a SOC at the end of discharge. The SOC at the start of discharge indicates a measured value of the SOC when discharge of the battery 1 to the device using the battery 1 begins. The SOC at the start of discharge indicates a measured value of the SOC when discharge of the battery 1 to the device using the battery 1 ends.

[0153] The first acquisition unit 24 refers to information indicating the usage environment included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery, and compiles environmental information for each use of the target battery. The environmental information includes information indicating the type of battery 1, information indicating the specifications of battery 1, information indicating the operating status of the facility or device using battery 1, and information indicating the operation plan of the facility or device using battery 1. The environmental information also includes the outside temperature and weather, similar to the first embodiment. The environmental information may also include humidity indicating the median, mode, or average of humidity measurements from the start of discharging battery 1 into the device using battery 1 to the end of discharging.

[0154] The first acquisition unit 24 acquires the collected data indicating the usage details and usage environment of the target battery at each use as first data indicating the usage history of the target battery.

[0155] The following describes only the operations of the calculation unit 26 that differ from those of the first embodiment. The calculation unit 26 identifies fourth data from the third data acquired from the second data, for example, as shown below. The calculation unit 26 references condition information included as usage details of the target battery in the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24. The calculation unit 26 groups the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 into groups whose discharge start date and time and discharge end date and time both match within a first hour and whose discharge durations match within a second hour. The calculation unit 26 identifies the group with the largest number of first data items as the first group indicating the usage history under the main discharge conditions of the target battery.

[0156] Next, the calculation unit 26 refers to the condition information included as usage details of the compatible battery group in the third data acquired from the second data. The calculation unit 26 identifies the third data, which includes a discharge start date and time and a discharge end date and time that indicate times within a first hour from the times indicated by the discharge start date and time and the discharge end date and time of the first data included in the first group, and which includes a discharge time within a second hour from the discharge time of the first data included in the first group, as fourth data that indicates the usage history of the compatible battery group that was used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery.

[0157] (How to calculate the remaining battery life) The calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drive time of the target battery based on the reference history data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25 in the following manner.

[0158] First, the calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the reference history data to calculate the amount of discharged power per use of the reference battery group. Specifically, the calculation unit 26 refers to the power information included in the first data for each use of the reference battery group, and calculates the result of subtracting the SOC at the end of discharge from the SOC at the start of discharge as the amount of discharged power per use of the target battery. As in the first embodiment, the calculation unit 26 calculates the median value of the amount of discharged power per use of the target battery group as the amount of discharged power per use of the reference battery group.

[0159] Next, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in which the calculation unit 26 calculates the mileage per use of the reference battery group, the calculation unit 26 refers to the reference history data including the SOC at the start of discharge and the SOC at the end of discharge used to calculate the median value of the discharged power amount during each use of the reference battery, and calculates the discharge time per use of the reference battery group based on the discharge time included in the condition information of the reference history data.

[0160] Then, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drive time of the target battery based on the calculated discharged power amount and discharge time per use of the reference battery group and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0161] Specifically, the calculation unit 26 divides the discharge time per use of the reference battery group by the discharge power amount per use of the reference battery group (=discharge time per use of the reference battery group / discharge power amount per use of the reference battery group) to calculate the result as the dischargeable time per unit power amount of the reference battery group. The calculation unit 26 calculates the product of the dischargeable time per unit power amount of the reference battery group and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25 as the remaining drive time of the target battery.

[0162] The calculation unit 26 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the calculated remaining drive time of the target battery to the target battery. When the communication unit 11 of the target battery receives the information indicating the remaining drive time of the target battery, for example, the control unit 12 outputs the information to a device using the target battery. The device displays the information on a display device such as a touch panel device installed in the device.

[0163] (First example of the process for calculating the remaining operating time of the target battery) A first example of the process for calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the first example of the process for calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment. Only steps in the first example of the process for calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment that differ in content from the first example of the process for calculating the remaining driving distance of the target battery shown in Fig. 7 will be described below.

[0164] In step S12, if it is determined that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in step S12), steps S13a, S14, S15a, and S16a are performed with the target battery as the reference battery group and the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery as the reference history data.

[0165] In step S13a, the calculation unit 26 refers to the first data, which is the reference history data, and calculates the discharged power amount and discharge time per use of the target battery, which is the reference battery group.

[0166] In step S15a, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining operating time of the target battery using the discharged power and discharge time per use of the target battery, which is the reference battery group, calculated in step S13a, and the remaining capacity of the target battery obtained in step S14.

[0167] In step S16a, calculation unit 26 controls communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating the remaining drive time of the target battery calculated in step S15a to the target battery. When communication unit 11 of the target battery receives the information indicating the remaining drive time of the target battery, control unit 12 outputs the information to a device using the target battery, and the device displays the information on a display device such as a touch panel device mounted on the device.

[0168] In step S22a, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of fourth data items, which indicate the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery, among the third data items acquired in step S21, is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0169] If it is determined in step S22a that the number of data items in the fourth data is less than the second threshold value (NO in step S22), in step S23, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of data items in the first data item acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value.

[0170] In step S23, if it is determined that the number of data in the first data is less than the third threshold (NO in step S23), step S24a, step S14, step S15a, and step S16a are performed with the corresponding battery group as the reference battery group and the third data indicating the usage history of the corresponding battery group as the reference history data.

[0171] In step S24a, the calculation unit 26 refers to the third data, which is the reference history data, and calculates the discharge power amount and discharge time per use of the corresponding battery group, which is the reference battery group. Then, steps S14, S15a, and S16a are performed.

[0172] As a result, even if the number of data points in the first data is less than the third threshold and sufficient first data cannot be obtained to properly calculate the remaining operating time of the target battery, the remaining operating time of the target battery can be properly calculated using the usage history of a group of batteries of the same type as the target battery or a group of batteries used by a group of devices of the same type as the device using the target battery, as indicated by the third data.

[0173] In step S22a, if it is determined that the number of data in the fourth data is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (YES in step S22a), the corresponding battery group among the third data acquired in step S21 that was used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery is set as the reference battery group, and the fourth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as the reference history data, and steps S25a, S14, S15a, and S16a are performed.

[0174] In step S25a, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fourth data, which is the reference history data, to calculate the discharge energy per use and the discharge time of the corresponding battery group, which is the reference battery group and is used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery, among the third data acquired in step S21. Then, steps S14, S15a, and S16a are performed.

[0175] As a result, when the number of fourth data pieces among the second data acquired in step S20, which indicate the usage history of the compatible battery group used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery, is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the fourth data among the second data acquired in step S20 can be used to calculate the remaining operating time of the target battery more appropriately than when using the third data, which may include the usage history of the compatible battery group used under discharge conditions that are not similar to those of the target battery.

[0176] (Second example of the process for calculating the remaining operating time of the target battery) Next, a second example of the calculation process of the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the second example of the calculation process of the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment.

[0177] The second example of the calculation process for the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment differs from the first example in that if it is determined in step S22a that the number of data points in the fourth data is equal to or greater than the second threshold, step S31a is further performed. In step S31a, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of data points in the fifth data indicating the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data used in the determination of step S22a, i.e., the compatible batteries used under similar discharge conditions and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold that is smaller than the second threshold.

[0178] (5. Method of identifying data) The calculation unit 26 identifies the fifth data of the fourth data, for example, as shown below. The calculation unit 26 references environmental information included as the usage environment of the target battery in the first data included in the first group indicating the usage history under the main discharge conditions of the target battery. The calculation unit 26 identifies the information indicating the type of battery 1, the information indicating the specifications of battery 1, the mode value of information indicating the operating status (normal operation, special operation, etc.) of the facility or device using battery 1, the mode value of information indicating the operation plan (weekday operation, holiday operation, nighttime operation, etc.) of the facility or device using battery 1, the average outside temperature, and the mode value of weather (fine, rainy, cloudy, etc.) included in the referenced environmental information as the information indicating the main type of battery 1, the information indicating the specifications of main battery 1, the information indicating the operating status of the facility or device using main battery 1, the information indicating the operation plan of the facility or device using main battery 1, the main outside temperature, and the main weather (hereinafter referred to as the main usage environment) under the main discharge conditions of the target battery.

[0179] Next, calculation unit 26 refers to environmental information included in the fourth data as the usage environment of the compatible battery group. Calculation unit 26 identifies, as fifth data, the fourth data, which includes, in the environmental information, information indicating the type of main battery 1, information indicating the specifications of main battery 1, information indicating the operating status of the facility or device using main battery 1, and information similar to information indicating the operation plan of the facility or device using main battery 1, which has been identified as the main usage environment under the main discharge conditions of the target battery, and which also includes an outside temperature within a predetermined temperature difference from the main outside temperature identified as the main usage environment, and which includes the same weather as the main weather identified as the main usage environment.

[0180] In step S31a, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data in the fifth data is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold, which is less than the second threshold (YES in step S31a), the group of corresponding batteries used in the determination of step S22a in the fourth data that was used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, i.e., the group of corresponding batteries used in the third data acquired in step S21 under discharge conditions and in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery, is set as the reference battery group, and the fifth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as the reference history data, and steps S32a, S14, S15a, and S16a are performed.

[0181] Specifically, in step S32a, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fifth data, which is reference history data, and calculates the discharge energy and discharge time per use of a reference battery group, which is a corresponding battery group used under discharge conditions and in a usage environment similar to those of the target battery.

[0182] Then, steps S14, S15a, and S16a are performed. As a result, if the number of data items in the fourth data, which are the usage histories of compatible batteries used in usage environments similar to those of the target battery, i.e., the fifth data, which are the third data acquired in step S21 and indicate the usage histories of compatible batteries used under similar discharge conditions and in usage environments to those of the target battery, is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is less than the second threshold value, the fifth data can be used to calculate the remaining drive time of the target battery more appropriately than when using the fourth data, which may include the usage histories of compatible batteries used in usage environments dissimilar to those of the target battery.

[0183] (Third example of the process for calculating the remaining operating time of the target battery) Next, a third example of the calculation process of the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the third example of the calculation process of the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment.

[0184] The third example of the calculation process for the remaining drive time of the target battery in the second embodiment differs from the second example in that if it is determined in step S31a that the number of data items in the fifth data is less than a fourth threshold value that is less than the second threshold value, step S41 is further performed. In step S41, the calculation unit 26 determines whether the number of data items in the first data is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value.

[0185] In step S41, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold (YES in step S41), steps S13a, S14, S15a, and S16a are performed with the target battery as the reference battery group and the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery as the reference history data.

[0186] As a result, even if the number of data points in the fifth data indicating the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data, i.e., the usage history of the compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the third data acquired in step S21, is less than the fourth threshold which is less than the second threshold, if the number of data points in the first data is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold which is greater than the third threshold, the remaining operating time of the target battery can be appropriately calculated using the usage history of the target battery indicated by the first data.

[0187] On the other hand, in step S41, if the calculation unit 26 determines that the number of data points in the first data is less than the fifth threshold (NO in step S41), the corresponding battery group among the third data acquired in step S21 that was used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery is set as the reference battery group, and the fourth data indicating the usage history of the reference battery group is set as the reference history data, and steps S42a, S14, S15a, and S16a are performed.

[0188] Specifically, in step S42a, the calculation unit 26 refers to the fourth data, which is reference history data, and calculates the discharge energy and discharge time per use of a reference battery group, which is a corresponding battery group used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery.

[0189] In step S14, the second acquisition unit 25 acquires the remaining capacity of the target battery. In step S15a, the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining drive time of the target battery using the discharged power amount and discharge time per use of the corresponding battery group, which is a reference battery group and was used under discharge conditions similar to those of the target battery, calculated in step S42, and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired in step S14. Then, step S16a is performed.

[0190] As a result, even if the number of data points in the fifth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery among the fourth data is less than a fourth threshold value which is less than the second threshold value, if the number of data points in the first data indicating the usage history of the target battery is less than the fifth threshold value, the fourth data indicating the usage history of a group of compatible batteries used in discharge conditions similar to that of the target battery can be used to calculate an appropriate remaining operating time of the target battery.

[0191] In the first example of the process for calculating the remaining drive time of the target battery described above, steps S21, S22a, S23, S24a, and S25 may be omitted. Then, the calculation unit 26 may use the second data acquired in step S20 as reference history data, use the other battery group as a reference battery group, and calculate the discharged power amount and discharge time per use of the other battery group by referring to the second data. Thereafter, steps S14, S15a, and S16a may be performed. Thus, when the number of data points of the first data acquired by the first acquisition unit 24 is less than the first threshold, the calculation unit 26 may calculate the remaining drive time of the target battery based on the second data indicating the usage history of the other battery group different from the target battery and the remaining capacity of the target battery acquired by the second acquisition unit 25.

[0192] In the third example of the calculation process for the remaining drive time of the target battery (FIG. 13), in step S22a, the calculation unit 26 may identify, from the third data acquired from the second data, data indicating a usage history of a compatible battery group used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery as the fourth data. Correspondingly, in step S31a, the calculation unit 26 may identify, from the fourth data, data indicating a usage history of a compatible battery group used under discharge conditions similar to that of the target battery as the fifth data.

[0193] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0194] (1) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the calculation unit 26 transmits information indicating the remaining driving distance of the target battery to the target battery. However, the calculation unit 26 may further transmit information indicating the remaining driving distance of the target battery together with a battery ID for identifying the target battery to an information processing device used by an administrator of the battery management system or a user of battery 1. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the calculation unit 26 may also transmit information indicating the remaining driving time of the target battery together with a battery ID for identifying the target battery to an information processing device used by an administrator of the battery management system or a user of battery 1.

[0195] (2) In the first embodiment, when acquiring the first data, the first acquisition unit 24 may refer to the travel information and measurement values ​​of multiple items indicating usage details included in each battery log data group including the battery ID of the target battery, and may include, as environmental information in the first data, information indicating the tendency of power consumption of the battery 1, such as the amount of change in SOC per unit time of the battery 1, and information indicating driving tendencies. The information indicating driving tendencies may be, for example, so-called rule-based information generated by comparing the travel information with predetermined conditions, such as the number of accelerations and decelerations per predetermined time or the acceleration and deceleration period, or may be information obtained by inputting the time transition of the vehicle's travel speed indicated by the travel information into a trained model that has trained the relationship between the time transition of the vehicle's travel speed and driving tendencies. [Industrial Applicability]

[0196] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful for improving the convenience of devices that use batteries, as it can automatically and appropriately calculate an index that indicates the energy remaining in a battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1: Battery 2: Server (computing device) 24:First acquisition part 25:Second acquisition part 26: Calculation section

Claims

1. A calculation method in a computer, comprising: acquiring first data indicating a usage history of a target battery for which an index indicating remaining energy in the battery is to be calculated; Acquire the remaining capacity of the target battery; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, Calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold value, acquiring second data indicating a usage history of a battery group different from the target battery; calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity; Calculation method.

2. When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold value, calculating the index of the target battery based on third data indicating a usage history of a corresponding battery group that is a battery group corresponding to the target battery, among the acquired second data, and the remaining capacity; The calculation method according to claim 1 .

3. The corresponding battery group is a group of batteries of the same type as the target battery or a group of batteries used by a group of devices of the same type as the device using the target battery. The calculation method according to claim 2.

4. Furthermore, if the number of data items of the third data among the acquired second data items is less than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, and the number of data items of the acquired first data items is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity; The calculation method according to claim 2.

5. the battery usage history includes a history of usage details of the battery; Furthermore, if the number of pieces of fourth data indicating usage histories of the corresponding batteries used in a manner similar to that of the target battery among the acquired second data is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, calculating the index of the target battery based on the fourth data of the acquired second data and the remaining capacity; The calculation method according to claim 4.

6. The battery usage history further includes a history of the battery usage environment, Furthermore, if the number of data items in the fourth data that are fifth data items indicating usage histories of the corresponding batteries that have been used in a usage environment similar to that of the target battery is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value, calculating the index of the target battery based on the fifth data of the fourth data and the remaining capacity; The calculation method according to claim 5.

7. when the number of data items of the fifth data among the fourth data is less than the fourth threshold value and the number of data items of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value, calculate the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity. The calculation method according to claim 6.

8. The target battery is used in an energy management system, The indicator is a remaining drive time. The calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The target battery is used in a vehicle, The indicator is a remaining driving distance. The calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. a first acquisition unit that acquires first data indicating a usage history of a target battery that is a target for calculating an index indicating remaining energy in the battery; a second acquisition unit that acquires a remaining capacity of the target battery; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, Calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold value, acquiring second data indicating a usage history of a battery group different from the target battery; a calculation unit that calculates the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity; A computing device comprising:

11. A program for a calculation device, The calculation device, acquiring first data indicating a usage history of a target battery for which an index indicating remaining energy in the battery is to be calculated; Acquire the remaining capacity of the target battery; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, Calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired first data and the remaining capacity; When the number of pieces of the acquired first data is less than the first threshold value, acquiring second data indicating a usage history of a battery group different from the target battery; calculating the index of the target battery based on the acquired second data and the remaining capacity; A program that executes a process.

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