Information processing apparatus

Abstract

To properly evaluate the value of a recycled battery member.SOLUTION: An information processing device that manages a transaction of a battery member constituting an in-vehicle battery. Receiving registration of information regarding a first battery member which is a recycled battery member from a first company, calculating a value of the first battery member on the basis of at least an evaluation value of a right of the recycled battery member, and matching the first company which provides the first battery member with a second company which receives the first battery member on the basis of the value of the first battery member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for reducing the cost of batteries in electric vehicles are being studied. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management method for suppressing the price of batteries in electric vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-126305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to properly assess the value of recycled battery components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing device that manages transactions of battery components that make up an on-board battery has a control unit that performs the following operations: accepting registration of information regarding a first battery component that is a recycled battery component from a first business; calculating the value of the first battery component based at least on the appraised value of the rights held by the recycled battery component; and matching the first business that provides the first battery component with a second business that acquires the first battery component based on the value of the first battery component.

[0006] Other aspects include a method executed by the above-described device, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transitoryly storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the value of recycled battery components can be properly assessed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a transaction server and a business operator terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a transaction ledger and evaluation data stored in a transaction server. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for calculating the assessed value of a battery component. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for trading battery components. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a matching method according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In recent years, there has been an increase in automobiles that are equipped with drive batteries and can run on electricity as an energy source, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0010] There is also a technology to rebuild the drive battery (hereinafter referred to as the on-board battery) removed from a used electric vehicle. For example, The extracted materials can be refined to restore the performance of the vehicle battery. Battery components are the elements that make up the vehicle battery, such as battery modules, battery cells, and electrodes used in the battery cells. As electric vehicles become more widespread, it is expected that such businesses will increase and trading of battery components between businesses will become more active.

[0011] Incidentally, it is expected that recycling of automotive batteries will become mandatory in the future. If automotive batteries are not recycled properly, they may harm the environment. Therefore, for example, it is expected that in the future, when manufacturing automotive batteries, the use of recycled battery components will be legally required at a certain rate or more depending on the scale of the business.

[0012] If the use of recycled battery components (hereinafter referred to as "recycled components") becomes mandatory when manufacturing automotive batteries, recycled components will gain a new value that was not previously available: that they can "fulfill legal obligations." However, in the trading market for battery components, there is no system for evaluating battery components taking such value into consideration. The information processing device according to the present disclosure provides a technique for solving such problems.

[0013] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device that manages transactions of battery components that constitute an on-board battery, and has a control unit that performs the following operations: accepting registration of information regarding a first battery component that is a recycled battery component from a first business; calculating the value of the first battery component based at least on the assessed value of the rights held by the recycled battery component; and matching the first business that provides the first battery component with a second business that acquires the first battery component based on the value of the first battery component.

[0014] The information processing device according to the present disclosure is a device that manages transactions of battery components (e.g., battery cells, components that constitute battery cells, etc.) between businesses. A transaction may involve exchanging battery components for money, or exchanging battery components for each other. When exchanging battery components for each other, recycled battery components may be exchanged for each other, or recycled battery components may be exchanged for new battery components.

[0015] Generally, recycled battery components are less valuable than new battery components. However, if legal obligations can be fulfilled by using recycled battery components, the recycled battery components can be considered to have certain rights, and it is expected that a value equivalent to the rights (referred to as a credit in this specification) will be added to the recycled battery components. The information processing device evaluates the first battery components taking into account the added credits.

[0016] The information processing device may be a device that accepts registration of information regarding battery components from multiple businesses wishing to do business, matches businesses with matching trading conditions with each other, and then provides each business with information to carry out the transaction.

[0017] The control unit may acquire an assessed value corresponding to the above-mentioned added value from, for example, an external device that manages the recycling of battery components. For example, if more obligations can be fulfilled by using a recycled battery component, the assessed value of the battery component will be higher.

[0018] The value of the first battery component may be calculated further based on the assessed value of materials contained in the first battery component. Additionally, the value of the first battery component may be calculated further based on the cost incurred to refine the material. This allows a more accurate estimation of the value of the first battery component.

[0019] The second business operator may provide a second battery component and exchange it for the first battery component. In this case, the control unit may accept registration of information regarding the second battery component from the second business operator, and match the first business operator providing the first battery component with the second business operator providing the second battery component.

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations.

[0021] (First embodiment) An overview of a system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system according to this embodiment is a system for trading components (battery components) for manufacturing battery packs designed for electric vehicles between vendors.

[0022] A battery pack is a unit that combines a vehicle's drive battery with a control computer (ECU) and other components. To manufacture a battery pack, components such as battery cells (called battery components) must be used. Battery components can be new or recycled. For example, a battery pack removed from a used vehicle can be disassembled and rebuilt to create recycled battery cells.

[0023] If it becomes mandatory to use a certain percentage of recycled battery components in the manufacture of battery packs, it is conceivable that battery components will be traded between businesses. For example, a business that does not have a battery component recycling facility may purchase recycled battery components from another business and incorporate them into its own products. The system according to the first embodiment supports such transactions.

[0024] The trading server 1 is a server device that provides information for trading battery components between businesses. The trading server 1 matches businesses based on trading information registered by the businesses, and provides each matched business with the information necessary for the transaction. In this embodiment, the trading server 1 further has a function of calculating the appraised value of the battery component involved in the transaction. For example, a business operator wishing to make a transaction inquires of the trading server 1 and obtains the appraised value of the battery component involved in the transaction before registering the transaction information. This allows the business operator to appropriately price the battery component involved in the transaction.

[0025] The business operator terminal 2 is a terminal owned by each business operator that trades battery components. When trading battery components, the business operator uses the business operator terminal 2 to interact with the trading server 1.

[0026] 1, a business operator wishing to trade battery components between businesses uses a business operator terminal 2 to register information about the transaction (transaction information) in the trading server 1. The transaction information includes, for example, information about the battery components that the business operator is providing, the desired selling price, and the like.

[0027] The trading server 1 matches businesses with each other based on the registered trading information. For example, the trading server 1 matches a battery component registered by business A with business B that wishes to purchase the battery component at a price equal to or higher than the desired price presented by business A. The matching results, together with the information necessary for the transaction, are sent to the business terminal 2 of each business, and the transaction is executed. If the transaction involves the transfer of money or battery components, the transaction server 1 may mediate the exchange of information regarding the settlement or the transfer of the battery components.

[0028] The trading server 1 stores data (hereinafter referred to as evaluation data) that serves as a standard for evaluating the battery components involved in the transaction, and has the function of calculating the evaluation value of the battery components based on this data. The calculation of the evaluation value can be performed at any time. For example, in response to an inquiry from a business operator that plans to provide a battery component, the trading server 1 calculates the evaluation value of the battery component and provides the result to the business operator. This enables the business operator to appropriately price the battery components to be provided.

[0029] In this embodiment, the evaluation data held by the trading server 1 includes data for evaluating the rights of the recycled battery components. Based on the data, the trading server 1 calculates the evaluation value of the rights of the recycled battery components, and uses this to determine the evaluation value of the entire battery components. A specific example will be described later. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to estimate the value that accrues for being a "recycled product," and the battery components involved in the transaction can be appropriately evaluated.

[0030] [Device configuration] Next, the configuration of each device that constitutes the system will be described. First, a description will be given of the components of the trading server 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the trading server 1 and the business operator terminal 2.

[0031] The trading server 1 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0032] The trading server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0033] The control unit 11 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the trading server 1. The control unit 11 can be realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 11 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the trading server 1 is configured to have, as software modules, a transaction management unit 111 and an evaluation unit 112. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 11 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the storage unit 12 (described later). The information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the control unit 11 (CPU, etc.).

[0035] The transaction management unit 111 manages mutual transactions of battery components between businesses. The transaction management unit 111 receives information (transaction information) about transactions of battery components from the business terminals 2 of the businesses participating in the transactions, and stores the information in a transaction ledger in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, a transaction is a sale or purchase of battery components or an exchange of battery components. Refers to...

[0036] The transaction management unit 111 provides, for example, a user interface for inputting transaction information to businesses wishing to participate in a transaction. The user interface may be a form for inputting details of the battery components involved in the transaction (e.g., details of the battery components provided by the business or details of the battery components desired to be purchased) and the terms of the transaction (e.g., whether the components are being exchanged for each other or whether the transaction is for cash). When the transaction information is entered via the form, the transaction management unit 111 stores the transaction information in the transaction ledger.

[0037] 3(A) is an example of a transaction ledger. The transaction ledger is a database for managing transactions. Upon receiving transaction information from the business operator terminal 2, the transaction management unit 111 generates a record corresponding to each business operator in the transaction ledger.

[0038] The transaction ledger is composed of the following fields: "Owner ID," "Component ID," "Registration Date and Time," "Quantity," "Configuration Information," "Transaction Terms," ​​"Evaluation Price," "Desired Price," and "Transaction Result." The owner ID field stores an identifier that represents the current owner of the battery component. The component ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the battery component.

[0039] The composition information field stores information about the materials that make up the battery components. For example, battery components are composed of materials such as a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolytic solution, an electrolyte, and a separator. The composition information field stores information about the types and amounts of substances contained in these materials. By referencing such information, it becomes possible to properly calculate the appraised value of the battery components. Note that if a business participating in a transaction does not provide the battery components (for example, if it wishes to purchase the battery components for money), no information is stored in the composition information field.

[0040] The transaction conditions field stores information indicating the transaction conditions desired by the business operator involved in the transaction. The transaction conditions include the type of transaction, such as "monetary purchase and sale" or "exchange of battery components."

[0041] The evaluation value field stores the evaluation value of the battery component calculated by the evaluation unit 112, which will be described later. The evaluation method for the battery component will be described later. If the business operator participating in the transaction does not provide the battery component, no information is stored in the evaluation value field.

[0042] The desired price field stores the selling price desired by the business providing the battery component or the purchase price desired by the business purchasing the battery component. The desired price may be an amount determined by the business based on the evaluation price calculated by the evaluation unit 112.

[0043] When accepting registration of transaction information, the transaction management unit 111 may present the appraised amount calculated by the evaluation unit 112 to the business operator and then accept input of the desired price from the business operator. For example, if the appraised amount calculated by the evaluation unit 112 is 50,000 yen, the desired selling price may be 60,000 yen. The transaction result field stores information about the status of the transaction (for example, "unmatched," "matched," "transaction completed," etc.).

[0044] The transaction management unit 111 matches businesses that have matching transaction conditions based on the transaction information received from the business terminal 2. The transaction management unit 111 extracts records from the transaction ledger whose transaction result field value indicates that the transaction has not been concluded, and matches businesses together. Matching refers to generating a combination of businesses whose transaction conditions match. If there are multiple combinations of businesses whose transaction conditions match, the transaction management unit 111 may determine the combination of businesses by taking other factors (e.g., desired price, business location, etc.) into consideration. These factors may also be prioritized. For example, if matching is performed with priority given to the business location, businesses that are geographically close to each other are matched, which can reduce the transportation costs of battery components. If matching is performed with priority given to price, businesses whose financial conditions are more favorable can be matched together. The result of the matching is sent to the business operator terminal 2, and the transaction (for example, the transfer of money or battery components) is executed.

[0045] The evaluation unit 112 calculates the evaluation value of the battery component involved in the transaction by interacting with the business operator terminal 2 of the business operator that inputs the transaction information. For example, the operator of the business operator terminal 2 presses an interface (such as a button) for calculating the evaluation amount while inputting transaction information. The evaluation unit 112 calculates the evaluation amount of the battery component related to the transaction based on the input information (configuration information of the battery component). In this embodiment, the assessed value of the battery components is calculated based on the following three criteria.

[0046] (A) Value of materials contained in battery components The battery components include a plurality of materials, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, graphite, etc. In this embodiment, the value of these materials is evaluated based on the procurement amount.

[0047] (B) Manufacturing costs of battery components This is the cost required to assemble the aforementioned materials into battery components. If the battery components are recycled products, this also includes the cost required to extract the materials from used battery packs and the cost required to increase the purity of the materials (refining).

[0048] (C) The value of the rights attached to the recycled battery components. If legal obligations can be fulfilled by using recycled battery components, the recycled components can be considered to have certain rights (credits). These credits can be evaluated and quantified as an assessed value.

[0049] The evaluation unit 112 calculates the evaluation value of the battery component based on the three criteria described above, by referring to the data (evaluation data) for evaluating the battery component stored in the storage unit 12. Fig. 3(B) is an example of the evaluation data.

[0050] The evaluation data is divided into three tables: a unit price table, a cost table, and a credit table.

[0051] The unit price table defines the resource value of materials that make up battery components. For example, the unit price table defines the price per gram of material as a procurement amount (valued price). The unit price can vary depending on whether the material is new or recycled. For example, recycled materials can be procured more cheaply than new materials due to the cost of refining them.

[0052] The cost table is a table that defines the costs required to incorporate materials into battery components. If there is a common method for incorporating materials into battery components, the method is The cost of using the above method may be estimated and the result may be defined in a cost table. The cost table may define, for example, the cost per gram of material.

[0053] The cost of incorporating materials into battery components may vary depending on whether the materials are new or recycled. For example, when using recycled materials, additional costs are incurred to refine the materials containing impurities. The costs defined in the cost table may include the costs for refining the materials. Although not shown, an independent table may be defined that defines the costs for refining materials. The table may define the refining costs according to the type, amount, purity, etc. of the material.

[0054] The credit table is a table that records the assessed value of the rights (credits) that recycled materials have. As described above, when an obligation to use recycled materials is imposed on a business, it can be considered that a credit has been granted to the recycled material. The credit table records the assessed value of the credit. The assessed value of the credit may be calculated based on, for example, the prevailing market price, or may be obtained from an external device that manages the recycling of battery materials.

[0055] The credit valuation amount may be defined for each battery component, for each material constituting the battery component, or, if a recycled battery component is considered to have multiple rights, for each of the multiple rights, the valuation amount may be defined.

[0056] The result of the calculation by the evaluation unit 112 is presented to the business that provides the battery component. For example, the evaluation amount may be reflected in a form for inputting transaction information. The business may determine the desired price for the transaction based on the presented amount.

[0057] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information and includes a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. The main storage unit is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 11 and the data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage unit is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 11 and the data used by the control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage unit may store the programs executed by the control unit 11 packaged as applications. It may also store an operating system for executing these applications. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit are loaded into the main storage unit and executed by the control unit 11, thereby performing the processing described below.

[0058] The main memory may include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory may include EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and hard disk. It may also include a disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media.

[0059] The storage unit 12 stores the above-mentioned transaction ledger and evaluation data.

[0060] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for connecting the trading server 1 to a network. The communication unit 13 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0061] Next, the components of the carrier terminal 2 will be described. The business terminal 2, like the trading server 1, includes a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory, The processor may be configured as a computer having a memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.) and an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.).

[0062] The operator terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, and an input / output unit 24.

[0063] The control unit 21 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the operator terminal 2. The control unit 21 can be realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 21 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the business operator terminal 2 is configured to have a trading unit 211 as a software module. The software module may be realized by the control unit 21 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later. The information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the control unit 21 (CPU, etc.).

[0065] The trading unit 211 accepts input of information relating to transactions of battery components between businesses (e.g., information about the battery components to be provided, transaction conditions, etc.) and transmits the input information to the trading server 1 as transaction information. It also acquires and outputs information about the transaction transmitted from the trading server 1. The trading unit 211 may also accept input of information about the results of the transaction (e.g., that the delivery of the battery components has been completed) and transmit it to the trading server 1. The trading unit 211 may output a user interface (for example, a form for inputting trading information) based on the information transmitted from the trading server 1.

[0066] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information, and is configured with storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21, data used by the programs, etc.

[0067] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the operator terminal 2 to a network. The communication unit 23 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0068] The input / output unit 24 is a unit that receives input from the operator of the business operator terminal 2 and presents information to the operator. Specifically, the input / output unit 24 is composed of a touch panel and its control means, and a liquid crystal display and its control means. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display are composed of a single touch panel display. Note that the input / output unit 24 may also include hardware interfaces such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0069] 2 is an example, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be performed using a dedicated circuit. Also, programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory and an auxiliary memory other than those illustrated.

[0070] [Sequence diagram] Next, the processes executed by each device included in the system will be described. The processing can be broadly divided into a process in which each business registers information about the transaction on the transaction server 1, and a process in which the transaction server 1 matches businesses together and executes the transaction.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process in which each business operator registers transaction information in the transaction server 1.

[0072] First, the transaction server 1 provides the business operator terminal 2 with a user interface (registration form) for registering information related to a transaction. Next, the business operator terminal 2 determines whether or not a battery component is provided (step S11). For example, if the business operator provides a battery component in the transaction (exchange, sale, etc.), this step is determined as positive. If the business operator does not provide a battery component in the transaction (purchase with money, etc.), this step is determined as negative. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S12. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0073] In step S12, the business operator terminal 2 accepts input of information (component information) about battery components held by each business operator. The component information includes detailed configuration information about the battery components, as shown in Fig. 3(A). At this stage, information about transaction terms, etc. has not been input.

[0074] The input component information is transmitted to the trading server 1, and the trading server 1 (the trading management unit 111) calculates the appraisal value of the battery component involved in the transaction based on the component information (step S13). In this step, the evaluation unit 112 calculates three evaluation values: (1) the procurement cost of materials included in the battery component, (2) the manufacturing cost of the battery component, and (3) the value of the credits attached to the battery component, and estimates the sum of these as the evaluation value of the battery component.

[0075] The types and quantities of materials included in the battery components can be obtained from the composition information included in the component information. The evaluation unit 112 calculates the above (1) by referring to this information and the unit price table of the evaluation data. The manufacturing cost (2) of the battery components can be calculated by referring to the configuration information included in the component information and the cost table of the evaluation data. The value of the credit (3) can be obtained by searching the credit table of the evaluation data using the identifier of the battery component as a key.

[0076] The evaluation unit 112 calculates the evaluation price corresponding to the target battery component by adding these up. The transaction management unit 111 transmits the obtained evaluation price to the business operator terminal 2. This allows the business operator that provides the battery component to know the current evaluation price of the target battery component, and can supply the battery component to the market after appropriately pricing it.

[0077] In step S14, the operator of the business operator terminal 2 inputs information about the transaction (transaction information) other than the component information. The transaction information includes, for example, information regarding the designation of the battery component involved in the transaction, transaction conditions (for example, designation of the object, designation of the price, designation of the delivery date), etc. In a transaction, when a business provides a battery component, the transaction information may include a desired selling price for the battery component. In a transaction, when a business purchases a battery component, the transaction information may include a desired purchasing price for the battery component. The desired selling price can be determined by the business (operator) based on the appraisal price presented by the transaction server 1. The entered transaction information is sent to the transaction server 1 and registered in the transaction ledger (step S15).

[0078] Next, the process of executing a transaction between businesses will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a process for trading battery components between traders using the trading server 1. Here, the businesses conducting the transaction will be referred to as Business A and Business B. The operator terminal used by operator A is referred to as "operator terminal 2A," and the operator terminal used by operator B is referred to as "operator terminal 2B."

[0079] First, in step S21, the trading server 1 attempts to match businesses based on the trading ledger. In this step, combinations of businesses that match the trading conditions are extracted, and after evaluating whether they are appropriate as combinations for actual transactions, matching targets are determined. When there are multiple candidates for a combination, the trading server 1 may combine businesses with better conditions. For example, the trading server 1 may determine a combination of businesses that minimizes the transportation distance of the battery components.

[0080] As a result, if matching is successful (step S22-Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. If matching is not successful (step S22-No), the process waits for a predetermined time and then attempts matching again. Note that if matching is not successful after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process may be interrupted. If the matching is successful, it can be considered that a transaction has been concluded between the businesses.

[0081] Once the combination is determined, the trading server 1 performs processing to execute the transaction (step S23). In this step, the trading server 1 generates a guide for the transaction and transmits the guide to the business operator terminals 2A and 2B. The guide may include information about the trading partner, the method of delivery of the battery components, the payment method, etc. When the transaction is completed, the business operator terminal 2 may transmit data indicating that the transaction has been completed to the transaction server 1. The transaction server 1 can determine whether the delivery and settlement of the battery component have been completed based on the data received from the business operator terminals 2A and 2B. The transaction server 1 may also mediate the settlement. When the delivery and settlement of the battery component have been completed, the transaction server 1 updates the transaction ledger and completes the transaction.

[0082] As described above, the transaction server 1 according to this embodiment uses evaluation data to calculate the evaluation price of the battery component to be traded between businesses, and then mediates the transaction of the battery component between businesses. In particular, when calculating the assessed value, the credits of recycled battery components are included in the assessment, which makes it possible to accurately assess both new and recycled battery components.

[0083] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the transaction server 1 can support transactions between traders in which battery components are exchanged with each other. Meanwhile, depending on the base of the business operator, there are cases in which the transportation distance of the battery components can be shortened.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating such a case. Here, it is assumed that business operator X exists in area A and business operator Y exists in area B. In this case, when business operator X and business operator Y exchange battery components that they each own, they need to move the components between the areas, as shown by reference numeral 701. Here, if area A and area B are far apart, the cost of transporting the batteries will be high.

[0085] However, if there is another base of a business partner in the vicinity of each business (for example, within the same area), it may be possible to hand over the battery components at that base. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, there may be a case where business Y has a base 702 in area A. There may also be a case where business X has a base 703 in area B. In this case, business X hands over the battery components to business Y at base 702, and business Y then hands over the battery components at base 703. It may be possible to hand it over to business X.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the transaction server 1 stores data on the bases (for example, sales offices and logistics warehouses) of each business operator, and by utilizing this data, such transactions are made possible. The transaction server 1 according to the second embodiment further stores data (location data) relating to locations owned by a plurality of businesses. The location data includes, for example, data relating to the identifiers of the businesses, the identifiers of the locations, the addresses of the locations, and the types of battery components that can be delivered.

[0087] In addition, in the second embodiment, when the trading server 1 matches businesses with each other, it extracts from the base data "bases where the battery components that are the subject of the transaction can be delivered" from the bases owned by each business, and evaluates the combination of businesses, assuming that the battery components are transported between those bases (step S21 in Figure 5). For example, the transaction server 1 may calculate the transportation cost when the battery components are delivered at each base, and determine the combination of businesses that will result in the lowest transportation cost. Alternatively, if a first component held by a first business is located in a first area and a second component held by a second business is located in a second area, the trading server 1 may match the first business and the second business that have bases in both the first area and the second area.

[0088] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine a combination of businesses that will shorten the transport distance of the battery components, which can contribute to reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack.

[0089] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0090] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0091] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Transaction Server 2. Operator terminal

Claims

1. An information processing device for managing transactions of battery components constituting an in-vehicle battery, Accepting registration of information on a first battery component that is a recycled battery component from a first business operator; calculating a value of the first battery component based at least on an assessed value of rights to the recycled battery component; Matching the first business operator that provides the first battery component with a second business operator that receives the first battery component based on the value of the first battery component; An information processing device having a control unit that executes the above.

2. The right is a right that enables a business operator that manufactures the in-vehicle battery to fulfill a recycling obligation imposed on the business operator, the control unit acquires data representing an assessed value of the right from an external device that manages recycling of battery components; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit calculates a value of the first battery component further based on an assessed value of a material included in the first battery component. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit calculates a value of the first battery component further based on a cost incurred to refine the material. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the transaction is a transaction for exchanging battery components, The control unit accepting registration of information regarding a second battery component from the second business; Matching the first business operator that provides the first battery component with the second business operator that provides the second battery component; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

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