Information processing method and information processor

Abstract

To provide an information processing method and an information processor capable of supporting module distribution.SOLUTION: An information processing method creates first stock management information about excess cells when a reused storage battery is produced using cells of a storage battery removed from a vehicle; creates second stock management information about cells removed from the reused storage battery in an operation phase of the reused storage battery produced using the cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle, and the cells used in the reused storage battery; acquires deterioration diagnostic information about stock-controlled cells indicated by the created first stock management information and second stock management information; and specifies cells to be reused in a module on the basis of the acquired deterioration diagnostic information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, it is becoming increasingly important to diagnose the deterioration of secondary batteries (also simply called "batteries") installed in these vehicles.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a battery degradation determination device that is installed in an automobile having a battery and capable of running on a motor, and that determines battery degradation when the battery temperature is within a predetermined temperature threshold range and the remaining capacity of the battery is within a predetermined capacity threshold range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-152551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, EVs have a battery capacity that decreases over time, shortening the driving range, and the battery life of an EV is said to be approximately 10 years. Meanwhile, in the used car market, each module has been evaluated to determine whether it can be reused. However, among the multiple cells that make up a module that has been determined not to be reused, there are some that can be reconstructed into a module that can be reused on the used car market by combining them with other cells. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the evaluation of the multiple cells that make up a module that has been deemed reusable may differ if they are diagnosed individually, which has created challenges in trading on a module basis.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an information processing method and information processing device that can support the distribution of modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example is an information processing method that generates first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a recycled storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle, generates second inventory management information for cells removed from the recycled storage battery during the operation phase of the recycled storage battery using cells from the storage battery removed from the vehicle and for cells in use in the recycled storage battery, obtains deterioration diagnosis information for the inventory-controlled cells indicated by the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information, and identifies cells to be reused in a module based on the obtained deterioration diagnosis information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to support the distribution of modules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ledger management node. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a distributed ledger. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a diagnostic information server. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of a cell. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a dealer terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reuse business operator terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a dismantling business operator terminal device. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of cell information of collected cells. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of first inventory management information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of second inventory management information. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of cell monitoring information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information classified by cell model number. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information classified by deterioration level. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure by a reuse business operator terminal device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing between a dealer terminal device and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first example of processing between a reuse business operator terminal device and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of processing between a reuse business operator terminal device and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a display screen when a reuse business operator terminal device specifies a cell to be reused. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a display screen when a reuse business operator terminal device specifies a cell to be reused. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a display screen when a reuse business operator terminal device specifies a cell to be reused. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system includes a distributed ledger system having multiple ledger management nodes 10 connected to a peer-to-peer (P2P) network 1, and a dealer terminal device 20, a reuse business operator terminal device 30, a dismantling business operator terminal device 40, a battery information server 110, a diagnostic information server 120, an inventory management server 130, and an operation information server 140, all of which are connected to the ledger management nodes. Note that the battery information server 110, the diagnostic information server 120, the inventory management server 130, and the operation information server 140 are separated for convenience's sake; they may be integrated into one to three servers, or may be distributed across five or more servers. Furthermore, the distributed ledger system does not necessarily have a required configuration; it may instead have a client-server configuration, consisting of each terminal device and each server.

[0011] The dealer terminal device 20 is a terminal device installed at a dealer, a repair shop, or the like. A vehicle (e.g., an EV) is brought to the dealer or repair shop, and batteries are collected from the vehicle. In this embodiment, batteries removed from the vehicle are managed on a cell-by-cell basis, so in this specification, "battery" is synonymous with "cell." Furthermore, although the cells will be described using lithium-ion batteries as an example, other types of batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, may also be used.

[0012] The reuse business operator terminal device 30 is a terminal device installed at a reuse business operator or the like. A reuse business operator is, for example, an operator that manufactures reused storage batteries by reconfiguring (reconstructing) cells used in EVs. Reused storage batteries include, for example, stationary storage batteries and storage batteries for mobile objects other than EVs, such as electric carts and robots. A reuse business operator, for example, has a large factory where it collects batteries removed from vehicles and, for those batteries that can be reused among the collected batteries, reconfigures (reconstructs) the cells to form modules and manufactures reused storage batteries. The reuse business operator disposes of batteries that cannot be reused. In addition, the reuse business operator regularly performs deterioration diagnosis on the cells used in EVs.

[0013] The dismantling business operator terminal device 40 is a terminal device installed at a dismantling business operator or the like that has a dismantling plant. Dismantling businesses and dismantling plants collect batteries from vehicles (for example, EVs, etc.). At dismantling businesses and dismantling plants, for example, modules removed from vehicles are accumulated, and the accumulated modules are dismantled to collect cells from the modules. Note that although dismantling businesses and reuse businesses are separate businesses, they may be operated as a single entity.

[0014] The battery information server 110 is a server for accessing a battery DB (not shown) that records cell information that associates the identification number of a cell (battery) removed from a vehicle with the vehicle's vehicle number (chassis number), and has functions for writing battery information to the battery DB, reading battery information from the battery DB, updating the battery DB, etc. The battery information server 110 also records information such as the cell model number, cell manufacturing date, and in-module history (cell installation position within the module) in association with the cell identification number.

[0015] The diagnostic information server 120 has a function to diagnose the degree of cell degradation. The diagnostic information server 120 is also a server for accessing a diagnostic DB (not shown) that records cell diagnostic information, and has functions such as writing diagnostic information to the diagnostic DB, reading diagnostic information from the diagnostic DB, and updating the diagnostic DB. The diagnostic information server 120 can perform a degradation diagnosis on a cell removed from a vehicle and record the degradation diagnosis results in the diagnostic DB. The cell degradation diagnosis also includes a degradation diagnosis (degradation diagnosis for monitoring) that is periodically performed on the cell. The diagnostic information server 120 records information such as the cell degradation level, cell use, and degradation diagnosis date and time in association with the cell identification number.

[0016] The inventory management server 130 is a server for accessing an inventory information DB (not shown) that records inventory information on cells removed from vehicles, and has functions such as writing inventory information to the inventory information DB, reading inventory information from the inventory information DB, and updating the inventory information DB. The inventory management server 130 can generate inventory information on cells removed from vehicles. Cells removed from vehicles can be classified into (1) cells in a state removed from the vehicle (a state before reconfiguration into a recycled storage battery), (2) cells removed from the vehicle that have been reconfigured (reconstructed) into a module and are in use within the recycled storage battery, and (3) cells removed from the recycled storage battery during the operation stage of a recycled storage battery manufactured by reconfiguring (reconstructing) a module from cells removed from the vehicle. In this specification, cells that are the subject of inventory management are considered to be in any of the states (1) to (3) above.

[0017] The operation information server 140 is a server for accessing an operation DB (not shown) that records operation information of a recycled storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle, and has functions such as writing operation information to the operation DB, reading operation information from the operation DB, and updating the operation DB. The operation information server 140 manages information (e.g., cell identification numbers) of cells that are in use within a recycled storage battery after cells removed from a vehicle have been reconfigured (reconstructed) into modules, and of cells that have been removed from the recycled storage battery during the operation stage of a recycled storage battery manufactured by reconfiguring (reconstructing) cells removed from a vehicle into modules. The operation information server 140 records information such as the date and time of reconfiguration of a module made up of cells, and the operation status (e.g., whether in operation as a recycled storage battery or not (removed from the recycled storage battery)) in association with the cell identification number.

[0018] The distributed ledger system records and manages information relating to the processes executed by each of the dealer terminal device 20, reuse business operator terminal device 30, and dismantling business operator terminal device 40, as well as information provided by each of these devices, in a distributed ledger, which will be described later. The distributed ledger system can also provide the information recorded in the distributed ledger to each of these devices.

[0019] The distributed ledger system records and manages information related to the processing performed by each server (battery information server 110, diagnostic information server 120, inventory management server 130, and operational information server 140) and information provided by each of these servers in a distributed ledger. The distributed ledger system can also provide each of these servers with the information recorded in the distributed ledger.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ledger management node 10. The ledger management node 10 can be configured as a computer or a computer system. The ledger management node 10 is installed in a dealer, a repair shop, a business establishment or office of a reuse business, a dismantling business or dismantling plant, etc. The ledger management node 10 may also function as a dealer terminal device 20, a reuse business terminal device 30, or a dismantling business terminal device 40.

[0021] The ledger management node 10 includes a communication unit 11, a ledger information generation unit 12, a ledger recording unit 13, a ledger information reference unit 14, and a database 15.

[0022] The communication unit 11 has a function to communicate with other ledger management nodes 10 connected to the network 1. The communication unit 11 has a function to communicate with the dealer terminal device 20, the reuse business operator terminal device 30, and the dismantling business operator terminal device 40. The communication unit 11 also has a function to communicate with the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, the inventory management server 130, and the operation information server 140.

[0023] The database 15 can be configured with a rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The database 15 records a node list 151 and a distributed ledger 152.

[0024] The node list 151 stores the IP address and digital certificate of a ledger management node 10 that has been properly registered in the distributed ledger system, in association with identification information that identifies the ledger management node 10. The digital certificate stores the public key and digital signature of each ledger management node 10. When a new ledger management node 10 is properly registered, the registration is reflected in the node list 151.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distributed ledger 152. As shown in FIG. 3, the distributed ledger 152 includes multiple pieces of ledger information 200. The multiple pieces of ledger information 200 are connected in tandem to form a so-called blockchain. Each piece of ledger information 200 includes a timestamp 201, a hash value (also referred to as a "hash value") 202 of the previous piece of ledger information, and recorded information 203. The timestamp 201 is information indicating the date and time when the ledger information was generated. The hash value 202 is a value generated based on a hash function preset for the previous piece of ledger information. The recorded information 203 is the main part of the information to be registered in the ledger information 200. The recorded information 203 includes, for example, cell information of recovered cells, cell inventory management information, and cell monitoring information. The cell information of recovered cells, cell inventory management information, and cell monitoring information will be described in detail below.

[0026] The ledger information generation unit 12 generates ledger information 200 to be recorded in the distributed ledger 152 using information obtained via the communication unit 11 from the dealer terminal device 20, the reuse business operator terminal device 30, the dismantling business operator terminal device 40, the battery information server 110, the diagnostic information server 120, the inventory management server 130, and the operation information server 140.

[0027] The ledger recorder 13 determines whether the newly generated ledger information 200 by another ledger management node 10 satisfies the consensus rules (also called "consensus algorithm") preset in the distributed ledger system. The ledger recorder 13 records the ledger information 200 that satisfies the predetermined consensus rules in the distributed ledger 152. In this case, the new ledger information is added to the end of the cascaded ledger information 200.

[0028] When the ledger information reference unit 14 receives a request to reference the contents of the distributed ledger 152 from the dealer terminal device 20, the reuse business operator terminal device 30, the dismantling business operator terminal device 40, the battery information server 110, the diagnostic information server 120, the inventory management server 130, and the operation information server 140 via the communication unit 11, it reads the record information 203 corresponding to the request from the distributed ledger 152 and transmits the read record information 203 to the requestor.

[0029] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the diagnostic information server 120. The diagnostic information server 120 includes a control unit 121 that controls the entire server, a communication unit 122, a storage unit 123, a switching unit 124, a registration unit 125, and a diagnosis unit 126. The control unit 121 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0030] The communication unit 122 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 122 acquires a deterioration diagnosis request from, for example, the dealer terminal device 20, the reuse business operator terminal device 30, or the dismantling business operator terminal device 40. The deterioration diagnosis request is a request to perform a deterioration diagnosis on a cell.

[0031] The storage unit 123 is configured with a hard disk or semiconductor memory, etc., and can store information acquired via the communication unit 122. The storage unit 123 can also store required information such as processing results in the diagnostic information server 120.

[0032] The switching unit 124 can selectively switch the diagnostic method used for diagnosing deterioration of the cell (before or after regeneration).

[0033] The registration unit 125 has a function of registering newly developed or designed simplified diagnostic algorithms. The registration unit 125 can add new simplified diagnostic algorithms and update old simplified algorithms.

[0034] The diagnostic unit 126 includes a diagnostic algorithm D1 (127), a diagnostic algorithm D2 (128), a diagnostic algorithm D3 (129), and a charge / discharge algorithm 135. The diagnostic algorithms D1 to D3 are simple diagnostic algorithms that are high-speed diagnostic methods that require a relatively short time for diagnosis. The charge / discharge algorithm provides highly accurate diagnostic results but requires a relatively long time for diagnosis. The switching unit 124 can select a required diagnostic algorithm based on the cell type and structure, cell model number, or a diagnostic method selected by the user. The diagnostic unit 126 diagnoses the degree of cell deterioration using the selected diagnostic algorithm. Note that, for convenience, the example in FIG. 4 illustrates three simple diagnostic algorithms, but the diagnostic unit 126 can have four or more diagnostic algorithms.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows an example of a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of cell deterioration. The first diagnostic method is characterized by the fact that it takes a long time to perform the diagnosis but provides highly accurate diagnostic results. For example, the first diagnostic method involves measuring capacity using full charge and discharge. This diagnostic method is based on a discharge current integration method during full charge and discharge. After charging the cell to full charge (SOC: State of Charge is 100%), the cell is discharged until the SOC reaches 0%. During discharge, the current integration method is used to determine the full charge capacity, and the SOH (State of Health) is estimated by dividing it by the initial full charge capacity.

[0036] The second diagnostic method is a simplified diagnostic method that has a shorter diagnostic time (e.g., 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes) than the first diagnostic method. The second diagnostic method includes, for example, a charge curve analysis method, a discharge curve analysis method, a table lookup from internal resistance, and a model-based estimation method.

[0037] The charging curve analysis method first measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the cell during charging, records these data as a charging curve, sets initial values ​​for parameters that represent the internal state of the cell, and estimates the parameters using regression calculations to calculate the cell state (e.g., battery capacity).

[0038] The discharge curve analysis method characterizes the discharge curve by differentiating it with respect to voltage, extracts the capacity changes of each active material in the positive and negative electrodes of the cell, and calculates the state of the cell (for example, battery capacity).

[0039] Table lookup from internal resistance involves obtaining the relationship between SOH and internal resistance in advance and creating a table, and then determining SOH from the measured internal resistance by table lookup.

[0040] Model-based estimation involves associating the SOH with specific parameters in the model used in SOC estimation, and then estimating the parameters to estimate the SOH. For example, the full charge capacity of a cell can be expressed as the capacitance of a capacitor in an equivalent circuit model, and the SOH can be calculated by estimating that capacitance. It is also possible to estimate the SOH using a neural network. Note that the diagnostic method is not limited to the example shown in the figure. The diagnostic method shown in FIG. 5 may be configured, for example, by automobile manufacturer, battery manufacturer, or cell type. For example, it can be classified into those for automobile manufacturers M1, M2, and M3, and those for other automobile manufacturers. Furthermore, the diagnostic method (diagnostic scheme) can be switched depending on the automobile manufacturer, battery manufacturer, cell type, and model number.

[0041] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of dealer terminal device 20. Dealer terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls the entire terminal device, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display panel 24, an operation unit 25, and an interface unit 26. Dealer terminal device 20 can be configured using a personal computer or the like.

[0042] The control unit 21 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0043] The communication unit 22 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The storage unit 23 is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 22. The storage unit 23 can also store required information such as processing results within the dealer terminal device 20.

[0044] The display panel 24 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 25 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 25 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 24 and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 24.

[0045] The interface unit 26 has multiple terminals for connecting cells and can measure data such as cell current, voltage, etc. This makes it possible to sort out defective cells (cells that are determined to be unrecoverable).

[0046] The control unit 21 can acquire cell information of cells collected from a vehicle. A cell identification number is printed on a cell that has been removed from a vehicle and collected. Alternatively, a two-dimensional code recording the cell identification number may be printed on the collected cell. By reading the two-dimensional code or the cell identification number, the control unit 21 generates cell information (cell information of the collected cell) that associates the vehicle number of the vehicle from which the cell was removed with the cell identification number of the cell.

[0047] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reuse business operator terminal device 30. The reuse business operator terminal device 30 has a function as an information processing device and includes a control unit 31 that controls the entire terminal device, a communication unit 32, a display panel 33, an operation unit 34, a memory unit 35, and a cell diagnosis unit 36. The reuse business operator terminal device 30 can be configured as a personal computer or the like, but may also be configured as a server or the like.

[0048] The control unit 31 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0049] The communication unit 32 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 32 can acquire cell diagnostic information from the diagnostic information server 120. The communication unit 32 can acquire cell inventory information from the inventory management server 130. In addition, the communication unit 32 can transmit cell inventory information generated by the reuse business operator terminal device 30 to the inventory management server 130.

[0050] The display panel 33 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 34 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, an optical character reader, a two-dimensional code reader, etc. The operation unit 34 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 33 and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 33.

[0051] The cell identification number assigned to the cell removed from the vehicle can be obtained by reading the cell identification number with the operation unit 34 (for example, by directly inputting it or reading a two-dimensional code).

[0052] The storage unit 35 is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 32. The storage unit 35 can also store required information such as processing results in the reuse business operator terminal device 30.

[0053] The cell diagnostic unit 36 ​​can diagnose cell degradation. The diagnostic method used to perform the degradation diagnosis can be, for example, the diagnostic method illustrated in FIG. 5. The cell diagnostic unit 36 ​​can diagnose cell degradation periodically (for example, once a month). The diagnosis by the cell diagnostic unit 36 ​​includes determining whether the cell is reusable or not, and determining the cell degradation level if the cell is reusable. For example, if the SOH (State Of Charge), which is an index representing the health and degradation state of the cell, is below a predetermined threshold (for example, 50%), the cell can be discarded as unreusable. The SOH is the ratio of the full charge capacity at the time of degradation when the initial full charge capacity is set to 100%.

[0054] The degradation level can be determined according to the SOH of the cell. For example, if the SOH is 80% to 90%, the degradation level can be 1, if the SOH is 70% to 80%, the degradation level can be 2, and if the SOH is 60% to 70%, the degradation level can be 3. However, the relationship between the SOH and the degradation level is not limited to this.

[0055] 7, the reuse business operator terminal device 30 is configured to include the cell diagnosis unit 36, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a degradation diagnosis device (not shown) having the same function as the cell diagnosis unit 36 ​​may be prepared, and the degradation diagnosis device may perform degradation diagnosis of the cell based on a degradation diagnosis request from the reuse business operator terminal device 30.

[0056] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dismantling business operator terminal device 40. The dismantling business operator terminal device 40 has the same configuration as the reuse business operator terminal device 30, and includes a control unit 41 that controls the entire terminal device, a communication unit 42, a display panel 43, an operation unit 44, a memory unit 45, and a cell diagnosis unit 46. The dismantling business operator terminal device 40 can be configured as a personal computer or the like, but may also be configured as a server or the like.

[0057] The control unit 41 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0058] The communication unit 42 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 42 can acquire cell diagnostic information from the diagnostic information server 120. The communication unit 42 can acquire cell inventory information from the inventory management server 130. In addition, the communication unit 42 can transmit cell inventory information (first inventory management information) generated by the dismantling operator terminal device 40 to the inventory management server 130.

[0059] The display panel 43 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 44 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, an optical character reader, a two-dimensional code reader, etc. The operation unit 44 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 43 and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 43.

[0060] The cell identification number assigned to the cell removed from the vehicle can be obtained by reading the cell identification number with the operation unit 44 (for example, by directly inputting it or reading a two-dimensional code).

[0061] The storage unit 45 is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 42. The storage unit 45 can also store required information such as processing results within the dismantling business operator terminal device 40.

[0062] The cell diagnostic unit 46 can diagnose cell degradation. The diagnostic method used to perform the degradation diagnosis can be, for example, the diagnostic method illustrated in FIG. 5. The cell diagnostic unit 46 can periodically (for example, once a month) diagnose cell degradation. The diagnosis by the cell diagnostic unit 46 includes determining whether the cell is reusable or not, and determining the cell's degradation level if the cell is reusable. For example, if the SOH (State Of Charge), which is an index representing the health and degradation state of the cell, is below a predetermined threshold (for example, 50%), the cell can be discarded as unreusable. The SOH is the ratio of the full charge capacity at the time of degradation to the initial full charge capacity, which is set to 100%.

[0063] The deterioration level can be determined according to the SOH of the cell, as in the case of the reuse business operator terminal device 30. For example, when the SOH is 80% to 90%, the deterioration level can be set to 1, when the SOH is 70% to 80%, the deterioration level can be set to 2, and when the SOH is 60% to 70%, the deterioration level can be set to 3. Note that the relationship between the SOH and the deterioration level is not limited to this.

[0064] 8, the dismantling company terminal device 40 is configured to include the cell diagnosis unit 46, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a degradation diagnosis device (not shown) having the same function as the cell diagnosis unit 46 may be prepared, and the degradation diagnosis device may perform degradation diagnosis of the cell based on a degradation diagnosis request from the dismantling company terminal device 40.

[0065] Next, the cell information of the collected cells, the cell inventory management information, and the cell monitoring information will be explained in this order.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of cell information of a collected cell. The cell information can be generated by the dealer terminal device 20, but is not limited to this and may also be generated by the reuse business operator terminal device 30. As shown in FIG. 9, the cell information of a collected cell associates the vehicle number (body number) of the vehicle with the cell identification number of the cell removed from the vehicle and collected. A cell identification number is assigned to each collected cell. The cell information indicates from which vehicle each cell assigned a cell identification number was collected. For example, it can be seen that the cell identification numbers of cells collected from a vehicle with vehicle number C:0001 are ID:xxx1, ID:xxx2, ID:xxx3, ID:xxx4, ...

[0067] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first inventory management information. The first inventory management information is inventory management information for cells removed from a vehicle and before being reconfigured into a reused storage battery. The first inventory management information includes information such as the cell identification number, cell model number, cell manufacturing date, cell deterioration level, cell use, deterioration diagnosis date and time, and module history.

[0068] The use of a cell can be associated with its degradation level. For example, stationary storage batteries have an allowable performance level for each use, such as for homes, commercial facilities, factories, and hospitals. The higher the allowable performance level, the more preferable it is to use cells with a lower degree of degradation. Therefore, it is possible to associate cells with degradation level 1 with use 1, cells with degradation level 2 with use 2, and cells with degradation level 3 with use 3, making it possible to search by "use" when searching for cells to reuse from inventory management information.

[0069] The module history is information that indicates the installation position of a cell within the module. For example, if one module is made up of 20 cells, when a cell is removed from the module, it is possible to manage the location of the cell in the module.

[0070] The control unit 31 (reuse business operator terminal device 30) can generate first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a reused storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle. When manufacturing a reused storage battery, old cells removed from a vehicle are used instead of new cells. Therefore, by stocking surplus cells when manufacturing a reused storage battery, it becomes possible to prepare cells with old model numbers in advance. Note that the control unit 21 (dealer terminal device 20) or the control unit 41 (dismantling business operator terminal device 40) may generate the first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a reused storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 31 can acquire the cell identification number of the cell, and acquire information such as the cell model number, cell manufacturing date, cell degradation level, cell use, degradation diagnosis date and time, and module history corresponding to the acquired cell identification number from the battery information server 110 and the diagnostic information server 120, and generate the first inventory management information. The control unit 21 or 41 can also acquire the cell identification number of the cell, and acquire information such as the cell model number, cell manufacturing date, cell degradation level, cell use, degradation diagnosis date and time, and module history corresponding to the acquired cell identification number from the battery information server 110 and the diagnostic information server 120, and generate the first inventory management information.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of second inventory management information. The second inventory management information is inventory management information for cells that have been removed from a vehicle and are in use within a recycled storage battery after being reconfigured (reconstructed) into a module, and for cells that have been removed from a recycled storage battery during the operation phase of a recycled storage battery manufactured by reconfiguring (reconstructing) a module from cells that have been removed from a vehicle. The second inventory management information includes information such as the cell identification number, cell model number, cell manufacturing date, cell degradation level, cell use, degradation diagnosis date and time, module history, module reconfiguration date and time, and operational status. The cell model number, cell manufacturing date, cell degradation level, cell use, degradation diagnosis date and time, and module history are the same as those in the first inventory management information.

[0073] The reconfiguration date and time is the date and time when the module was reconfigured using the cell. The operational state can be classified as in operation or out of operation. In operation indicates a state in which the cell is being used in a recycled battery. Out of operation indicates a state in which the cell that was being used in a recycled battery has been removed from the recycled battery.

[0074] As described above, the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information include at least one of the cell model number, the cell deterioration level, and the use associated with the cell deterioration level. Also, the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information include at least one of the module reconfiguration date and time, the cell manufacturing date and time, the cell deterioration diagnosis execution date and time, and the cell replacement history within the module.

[0075] The control unit 31 can generate second inventory management information for cells removed from a recycled storage battery during the operation phase of the recycled storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle, and for cells currently in use in the recycled storage battery. A recycled storage battery manufactured from recycled cells needs to have its cells replaced several times during its life cycle. In such cases, even if a cell deteriorates, it is common to replace the module containing that cell. If the replaced old module is dismantled and there are still usable cells in the dismantled module, the cell can be stocked, making it possible to prepare cells of the old model number in advance.

[0076] Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the cell identification number of the cell, and acquires information such as the cell model number corresponding to the acquired cell identification number, the manufacturing date of the cell, the deterioration level of the cell, the use of the cell, the date and time of deterioration diagnosis, the history within the module, the date and time of module reconfiguration, and the operational status from the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, and the operational information server 140, and generates second inventory management information.

[0077] The first inventory management information and second inventory management information generated by the control unit 31 can be recorded in the inventory management server 130. In addition, the first inventory management information and second inventory management information recorded in the inventory management server 130 can be provided to a third party as a cell inventory management platform through a distributed ledger system.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of cell monitoring information. Cells (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) stored in a warehouse or the like gradually develop an SEI layer formed by by-products of electrochemical reactions at the interface between the negative electrode and the electrolyte over time, regardless of whether they are charged or discharged, resulting in a decrease in the SOH. Therefore, to evaluate the degradation state of stored cells, a degradation diagnosis is periodically performed. The monitoring interval can be, for example, one month or two months. The monitoring may be performed by a reuse business operator or by another business operator at the request of the reuse business operator.

[0079] Cell monitoring information can be generated by the reuse business operator terminal device 30. As shown in Fig. 12, the monitoring information is monitoring history information such as the cell identification number, the diagnosis date and diagnosis result (SOH) of the first monitoring, the diagnosis date and diagnosis result (SOH) of the second monitoring, the diagnosis date and diagnosis result (SOH) of the third monitoring, etc. Note that the deterioration level, use, and deterioration diagnosis date and time of the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information can be updated using the most recent diagnosis result.

[0080] The control unit 31 acquires deterioration diagnosis information for the cells whose inventory is managed based on the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 31 can acquire the deterioration level of the cells for each cell identification number or each cell model number based on the first inventory management information. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 31 can acquire the deterioration level of the cells for each cell identification number or each cell model number based on the second inventory management information.

[0081] The control unit 31 can identify cells to be reused in the module based on the acquired deterioration level (deterioration diagnosis information). For example, it can identify a desired number of cells with a desired deterioration level from the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information, and reuse the identified cells to configure the module.

[0082] In the secondhand market, evaluations have been conducted on a module-by-module basis to determine whether or not a module can be reused. However, among the multiple cells that make up a module that is determined not to be reused, some can be reconstructed into a module that can be reused in the secondhand market by combining them with other cells. Furthermore, even among the multiple cells that make up a module that is deemed reusable, there may be cells that are not suitable for reuse when individually diagnosed, which has created challenges in distributing modules on a module-by-module basis. However, according to this embodiment, the deterioration level can be diagnosed on a cell-by-cell basis, and inventory can be managed for each cell (e.g., cell identification number or cell model number). This makes it possible to easily identify the cells that make up a module, thereby supporting the distribution of modules.

[0083] The control unit 31 also acquires degradation diagnosis information that is periodically performed on the cells under inventory management indicated by the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information. For example, the control unit 31 can acquire the monitoring information shown in Fig. 12 as degradation diagnosis information. This allows the degradation state of the cells under inventory management and stored in a warehouse or the like to be periodically checked and the degradation level of the cells to be updated, so that even cells stored as inventory can be reused to configure modules.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 31 can generate first inventory management information and second inventory management information for cells that have not reached a predetermined degradation state (for example, SOH below a predetermined threshold (for example, 50%)) among cells of a storage battery that have been removed from a vehicle, or among cells that have been removed from a reused storage battery or cells that are being used in a reused storage battery as a result of the degradation diagnosis by the cell diagnosis unit 36. Cells that have reached the predetermined degradation state cannot be reused, so there is no need to store them and they can simply be discarded.

[0085] When reconstructing a module by reusing stocked cells, it is preferable to make the deterioration levels of each cell within the module as uniform as possible. Furthermore, when reconstructing a module by reusing stocked cells, it is preferable to use homogeneous cells by matching the cell model numbers of each cell within the module. This is because the same model number allows the cell structure and type to be uniform, thereby reducing variations in performance and quality. Therefore, the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information can be processed to generate inventory management information categorized by cell model number or by deterioration level.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information categorized by cell model number. The inventory management information categorized by cell model number includes information such as the deterioration level and the number of cells in stock at each deterioration level for each cell model number. "In operation" indicates a cell that is being used in a recycled storage battery, and "Not in operation" indicates a cell that has been removed from the recycled storage battery. As shown in FIG. 13, among the cells with cell model number "AB01," there are 200 cells in operation and 150 cells not in operation at deterioration level 1, 800 cells in operation and 700 cells not in operation at deterioration level 2, and 500 cells in operation and 400 cells not in operation at deterioration level 3. The same applies to other cell model numbers.

[0087] As described above, the control unit 31 can generate inventory management information categorized by cell model number based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information. More specifically, the control unit 31 can identify cells to be reused in a module by categorizing them by cell model number and / or cell deterioration level based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information. The inventory management information categorized by cell model number includes the number of cells for each deterioration level. Here, the number of cells includes the number of cells currently in use in a recycled storage battery and the number of cells removed from the recycled storage battery. This makes it possible to grasp the number of cells in stock for each cell model number, and to easily identify cells with the same cell model number when reconfiguring a module.

[0088] Furthermore, since the deterioration level is classified by cell model number, it is possible to identify cells with the same deterioration state by matching the cell model number, and it is therefore possible to easily identify cells with the same deterioration state when reconfiguring a module.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information categorized by deterioration level. The inventory management information categorized by deterioration level includes information such as the cell model number and the number of cells in stock for each cell model number for each deterioration level. As shown in FIG. 14, of the cells at deterioration level 1, there are 250 cells with the cell model number "BC01" in operation and 450 cells not in operation. The same applies to other cell model numbers and deterioration levels.

[0090] As described above, the control unit 31 can generate inventory management information categorized by deterioration level based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information. More specifically, the control unit 31 can identify cells to be reused in a module by categorizing the cells by cell model number and / or cell deterioration level based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information. The inventory management information categorized by deterioration level includes the number of cells for each deterioration level and each cell model number. This makes it possible to grasp the number of cells in stock for each deterioration level, and to easily identify cells with the same deterioration level when reconfiguring a module.

[0091] Furthermore, since the cell model numbers are classified according to the cell deterioration level, the deterioration state of the cells can be made uniform and cells with the same model number can be identified, making it easy to identify cells with the same model number when reconfiguring a module.

[0092] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure by the reuse business operator terminal device 30. The control unit 31 acquires inventory management information (first inventory management information and second inventory management information) (S101) and determines whether or not a cell model number has been accepted (S102). When creating inventory management information categorized by cell model number, the reuse business operator can perform an operation to accept the cell model number. When the cell model number has been accepted (YES in S102), the control unit 31 creates inventory management information categorized by cell model number (S103) and performs the processing of step S106 described below.

[0093] If the cell model number is not accepted (NO in S102), the control unit 31 determines whether the deterioration level has been accepted (S104). When generating inventory management information classified by deterioration level, the person in charge at the reuse business can perform an operation to accept the deterioration level. If the deterioration level has been accepted (YES in S104), the control unit 31 generates inventory management information classified by deterioration level (S105), identifies the cells to be reused (S106), and ends the process. If the deterioration level has not been accepted (NO in S104), the control unit 31 ends the process.

[0094] The cells to be reused are identified by, for example, identifying the number of cells of which cell model number and which deterioration level, thereby enabling the module to be reconfigured.

[0095] Next, we will explain how to develop a platform for a cell inventory management system using a distributed ledger system.

[0096] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing between the dealer terminal device 20 and the distributed ledger system. When a cell removed from a vehicle is collected at a dealer or repair shop, the dealer terminal device 20 (controller 21) acquires the cell identification number assigned to the collected cell (S1). The cell identification number can be acquired by a dealer or repair shop employee reading the cell identification number with the dealer terminal device 20 (for example, by directly entering it or reading a two-dimensional code).

[0097] The dealer terminal device 20 generates cell information (illustrated in FIG. 9) for the collected cell (S2) and outputs a request to record the cell information to the distributed ledger system (S3). The distributed ledger system records the cell information for the collected cell in the distributed ledger 152 (S4).

[0098] 17 is a diagram showing a first example of processing between the reuse business operator terminal device 30 and the distributed ledger system. When manufacturing a reused storage battery using cells removed from a vehicle, the reuse business operator terminal device 30 (controller 31) generates inventory management information (first inventory management information) for the surplus cells (S11) and outputs a recording request for the generated inventory management information to the distributed ledger system (S12). The distributed ledger system records the inventory management information in the distributed ledger 152 (S13).

[0099] The reuse business operator terminal device 30 determines whether it is time to perform a periodic deterioration diagnosis (S14), and if it is not time to perform the diagnosis (NO in S14), continues the processing of step S14. If it is time to perform the diagnosis (YES in S14), the reuse business operator terminal device 30 performs a deterioration diagnosis of the cell (S15) and updates the inventory management information to reflect the results of the diagnosis (S16). Here, cells that are determined to be unusable as a result of the deterioration diagnosis can be discarded.

[0100] The reuse business operator terminal device 30 outputs an update request for the inventory management information to the distributed ledger system (S17). The distributed ledger system updates the inventory management information by recording the inventory management information in the distributed ledger 152 (S18).

[0101] 18 is a diagram showing a second example of processing between the reuse business operator terminal device 30 and the distributed ledger system. During the operation stage of a reused storage battery manufactured using cells removed from a vehicle, the reuse business operator terminal device 30 generates inventory management information (second inventory management information) for the cells removed from the reused storage battery and for the cells currently in use in the reused storage battery (S21), and outputs a recording request for the generated inventory management information to the distributed ledger system (S22). The distributed ledger system records the inventory management information in the distributed ledger 152 (S23).

[0102] The reuse business operator terminal device 30 determines whether it is time to perform a periodic deterioration diagnosis (S24), and if it is not time to perform the diagnosis (NO in S24), continues the processing of step S24. If it is time to perform the diagnosis (YES in S24), the reuse business operator terminal device 30 performs a deterioration diagnosis of the cell (S25) and updates the inventory management information to reflect the results of the diagnosis (S26). Here, cells that are determined to be unusable as a result of the deterioration diagnosis can be discarded.

[0103] The reuse business operator terminal device 30 outputs an update request for the inventory management information to the distributed ledger system (S27). The distributed ledger system updates the inventory management information by recording the inventory management information in the distributed ledger 152 (S28).

[0104] Although not shown, inventory management information categorized by cell model number as illustrated in Figure 13 and inventory management information categorized by deterioration level as illustrated in Figure 14 can also be recorded in the distributed ledger system in the same way as the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information, and the recorded inventory management information can be updated.

[0105] Next, a display screen for configuring a module with inventory-controlled cells in response to replacement needs will be described.

[0106] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first example of a display screen when the reuse business operator terminal device 30 identifies cells to be reused. As shown in FIG. 19, the display screen displays a search field for searching for a cell model number. The person in charge can select the desired cell model number from a list, or can directly input the cell model number. When the cell model number is selected or input, the reuse business operator terminal device 30 displays the number of cells included in the selected or input cell model number for each deterioration level based on the first inventory management information and second inventory management information, or inventory management information categorized by cell model number (as exemplified in FIG. 13). The inventory location is, for example, a code for identifying the storage location of the cell in a warehouse.

[0107] In the example in Figure 19, there are 150 cells at deterioration level 1, and the number of cells in parentheses is stored in each inventory location. The same is true for other deterioration levels. A "Details" icon is displayed for each deterioration level. By operating the "Details" icon, you can perform the cell out-of-stock process, as shown in Figure 20 below.

[0108] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second example of a display screen when identifying cells to be reused by the reuse business operator terminal device 30. FIG. 20 shows a screen that is displayed when the "Details" icon corresponding to deterioration level 1 in FIG. 19 is operated. As shown in FIG. 20, an input field for inputting the number of cells to be shipped is displayed for each inventory location where cells with deterioration level 1 are stored. In the example of FIG. 20, 30, 30, and 20 have been entered as the numbers to be shipped from inventory locations LOC.XX, LOC.XO, and LOC.X△, respectively. When the person in charge operates the "Shipping" icon, a transaction is output to ship 30, 30, and 20 cells from inventory locations LOC.XX, LOC.XO, and LOC.X△, respectively.

[0109] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a third example of a display screen when the reuse business operator terminal device 30 identifies cells to be reused. As shown in FIG. 21, the display screen displays a search field for searching for deterioration levels. The person in charge can select the desired deterioration level from a list or can directly input the deterioration level. When the deterioration level is selected or input, the reuse business operator terminal device 30 displays the cells of the selected or input deterioration level for each cell model number based on the first inventory management information and second inventory management information, or inventory management information categorized by deterioration level (as exemplified in FIG. 14). Note that while a "Details" icon is not shown in FIG. 21, a "Details" icon can be displayed in the same way as in FIG. 19.

[0110] In this embodiment, the cells in a module are individually diagnosed, and when replacing a cell in a deteriorated state, the cell with the fewest cells in the same deterioration level can be replaced. For example, in a module consisting of 14 cells, if 12 cells are in the same state of deterioration and two cells are less deteriorated, the two cells with the least degree of deterioration can be replaced. Then, cells in a state of deterioration equivalent to that of the 12 cells can be removed from inventory and incorporated into the module. This reduces the number of cells to be replaced, simplifies the replacement work, and improves work efficiency.

[0111] If a cell with the desired model number and desired degradation level is not available, and the desired cell can be obtained by reconditioning based on information about the cell in stock that has been diagnosed for degradation (e.g., cell identification number, cell model number, etc.), cell information indicating which cell in stock should be reconditioned may be output. The results of the degradation diagnosis make it possible to determine whether the cell in question can be raised to the desired performance level.

[0112] (Appendix 1) The information processing method generates first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a recycled storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle, generates second inventory management information for cells removed from the recycled storage battery during the operation phase of the recycled storage battery using cells from the storage battery removed from the vehicle and for cells in use in the recycled storage battery, obtains deterioration diagnosis information for the inventory-controlled cells indicated by the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information, and identifies cells to be reused in a module based on the obtained deterioration diagnosis information.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note 1 includes acquiring degradation diagnosis information periodically performed on a cell under inventory management indicated by the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 3) In the information processing method according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the first inventory management information is generated for cells of a storage battery removed from a vehicle that have not reached a predetermined deterioration state.

[0115] (Appendix 4) In any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the information processing method generates the second inventory management information for cells that have been removed from the recycled storage battery or cells that are being used in the recycled storage battery and have not reached a predetermined state of deterioration.

[0116] (Appendix 5) In the information processing method of any one of Appendices 1 to 4, the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information include at least one of a cell model number, a cell deterioration level, and a use associated with the cell deterioration level.

[0117] (Appendix 6) In the information processing method of any one of Appendices 1 to 5, the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information include at least one of the date and time of module reconfiguration, the date and time of cell manufacture, the date and time of cell degradation diagnosis, and the cell replacement history within the module.

[0118] (Appendix 7) In any one of Appendices 1 to 6, the information processing method identifies cells to be reused in the module by classifying them based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information by at least one of cell model number and cell deterioration level.

[0119] (Appendix 8) The information processing device includes a control unit, which generates first inventory management information for surplus cells when a recycled storage battery is manufactured using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle, generates second inventory management information for cells removed from the recycled storage battery during the operation phase of the recycled storage battery using cells from a storage battery removed from a vehicle and for cells in use in the recycled storage battery, obtains deterioration diagnosis information for the inventory-controlled cells indicated by the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information, and identifies cells to be reused in a module based on the obtained deterioration diagnosis information.

[0120] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. In addition, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, although the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not limited to this format. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Network 10 Ledger Management Node 11 Communications Department 12 Ledger Information Generation Unit 13 Ledger Records Department 14 Ledger Information Reference Section 15 Databases 151 Node List 152 Distributed Ledger 20 Dealer terminal device 21 Control section 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 24 Display panel 25 Control section 26 Interface section 30 Reused business terminal equipment 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Display panel 34 Control section 35 Storage section 36 Cell Diagnostics Unit 40 Dismantling business terminal device 41 Control Unit 42 Communications Department 43 Display Panel 44 Control section 45 Storage section 46 Cell Diagnostics Unit 110 Battery Information Server 120 Diagnostic Information Server 121 Control Unit 122 Communications Department 123 Storage section 124 Switching section 125 Registration Department 126 Diagnostic Department 127 Diagnostic Algorithm D1 128 Diagnostic Algorithm D2 129 Diagnostic Algorithm D3 135 Charging and discharging algorithm 130 Inventory Management Server 140 Operational Information Server 200 Ledger Information 201 Timestamp 202 Hash value of the previous ledger information 203 Record Information

Claims

1. generating first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a reused storage battery using cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle; generating second inventory management information for the cells removed from the recycled storage battery and the cells currently in use in the recycled storage battery during an operation stage of the recycled storage battery using the cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle; Acquire deterioration diagnosis information of the cells under inventory management indicated by the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information; Identifying cells to be reused in the module based on the acquired deterioration diagnosis information; Information processing methods.

2. acquiring deterioration diagnosis information periodically performed on the cells whose inventory is managed as indicated by the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. generating the first inventory management information for cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle that have not reached a predetermined deterioration state; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

4. generating the second inventory management information for cells removed from the recycled storage battery or cells in use in the recycled storage battery that have not reached a predetermined deterioration state; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

5. The first inventory management information and the second inventory management information are The information includes at least one of a model number of the cell, a deterioration level of the cell, and a use associated with the deterioration level of the cell.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. The first inventory management information and the second inventory management information are The information includes at least one of the date and time of module reconfiguration, the date and time of cell manufacture, the date and time of cell deterioration diagnosis, and the cell replacement history within the module.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1.

7. identifying cells to be reused in the module by classifying the cells by at least one of cell model number and cell deterioration level based on the first inventory management information and the second inventory management information; 5. The information processing method according to claim 1.

8. A control unit is provided, The control unit generating first inventory management information for surplus cells when manufacturing a reused storage battery using cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle; generating second inventory management information for the cells removed from the recycled storage battery and the cells currently in use in the recycled storage battery during an operation stage of the recycled storage battery using the cells of the storage battery removed from the vehicle; Acquire deterioration diagnosis information of the cells under inventory management indicated by the generated first inventory management information and second inventory management information; Identifying cells to be reused in the module based on the acquired deterioration diagnosis information; Information processing device.

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