Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to appropriately provide and view information about the subject object. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object item by item, and a control unit. The control unit of the information processing device receives a request from a first user to view a target item among multiple items in the storage unit. The control unit of the information processing device requests the first user to perform a predetermined procedure. The control unit of the information processing device permits the first user to view the target item after the predetermined procedure has been performed. The predetermined procedure is determined according to the importance level set for the target item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that collects data measured by equipment installed in a plant and discloses the collected data to a contractor in exchange for a consideration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of appropriately providing and browsing information about an object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure may be an information processing apparatus. In that case, the information processing apparatus includes, for example, a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object item by item, a control unit, and is provided with The control unit receives a browsing request for a target item that is one of a plurality of the items in the storage unit from a first user, requests the first user to perform a predetermined procedure, permits the first user to browse the target item in response to the execution of the predetermined procedure, and is configured to execute The predetermined procedure may be determined according to the importance set for the target item.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure may be an information processing method. In that case, the information processing method may be, for example, A computer having a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object, categorized by item, The system receives a request from the first user to view a target item which is one of the multiple items in the storage unit, To request the aforementioned first user to perform a prescribed procedure, In response to the execution of the prescribed procedure, permission is granted for the first user to view the target item, Execute, The aforementioned prescribed procedures may be determined according to the importance level set for the aforementioned target items.

[0007] This disclosure can also be interpreted as a program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores said program.

[0008] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be considered as a computer networking device. In that case, the computer networking device is: A storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object, categorized by item, A control unit configured to run a web server that interacts with the web browser of the first terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned web server A request to view a target item, which is one of the multiple items in the storage unit, is received from the Web browser of the first terminal. Determining the importance level set for the target item among the importance levels set for each of the multiple items, To determine compensation in accordance with the aforementioned importance, Sending the payment request for the aforementioned consideration to the Web browser of the first terminal, In response to receiving the settlement information of the consideration from the web browser of the first terminal, display the information of the target item on the web browser of the first terminal, may be configured to execute.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique capable of appropriately providing and browsing information regarding an object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an overview of the system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of battery information provided from a terminal and a vehicle server included in the system in an embodiment to a management server 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of each of a management server, a terminal, and a vehicle server included in the system in an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the management server in an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a battery information table in an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of an importance correspondence table in an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a consideration correspondence table in an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a first example of a battery information display screen displayed on a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen prompting a selection of whether to agree to payment of consideration, which is displayed on a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing a second example of a battery information display screen displayed on a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a vehicle server in an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by a management server in an embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Regarding batteries used in vehicles such as BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and P HEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc., from manufacturing to recycling, there are various phases including the battery manufacturing phase, vehicle manufacturing phase, new vehicle usage phase, used vehicle auction phase, used vehicle usage phase, vehicle disassembly phase, battery diagnosis phase, battery auction phase, recycling phase, etc. Therefore, the construction of a platform for collecting information from users (such as businesses) involved in each of these multiple phases and managing it centrally is being considered. Since the information centrally managed by the above-mentioned platform includes information regarding the know-how of businesses and the privacy of vehicle purchasers, etc., if the viewing of such information is unconditionally permitted, the interests of the users who are the information providers may be damaged. On the other hand, if the viewing of the above-mentioned information is restricted, the interests of the users who wish to view the information may be damaged. Therefore, a technology effective in reconciling the interests of the users who provide information and the users who view the information is desired. Therefore, an information processing apparatus, which is one aspect of the present disclosure, stores information related to an object item by item, and permits the viewing of the information of each item on the condition that a predetermined procedure according to the importance of each item is performed.

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0014] More specifically, the information processing device relating to this disclosure comprises a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object item by item, and a control unit. The object may, in one example, be a vehicle drive battery. However, the object is not limited to vehicle drive batteries, but may be any product that goes through multiple phases from manufacturing to recycling. Furthermore, the information relating to the object may be information provided by multiple users involved in the multiple phases from manufacturing to recycling of the object.

[0015] The control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure receives a request from a first user to view a target item, which is one of several items in the storage unit. The first user may be a user involved in one of several phases from the manufacturing to the recycling of the target item. The request to view may be received by the first user sending a request to view signal from their terminal to the information processing device. Alternatively, the information processing device may receive the request to view from the first user's terminal through the execution of a web server.

[0016] The control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure, upon receiving a request from the first user to view the target item, requests the first user to follow a prescribed procedure. The prescribed procedure in this disclosure is determined according to the importance of the information of the target item. For example, the prescribed procedure may include providing compensation to the second user, who is the source of the information of the target item. In this case, the compensation may be set higher the greater the importance of the target item. For example, the importance in this disclosure may be set higher the greater the impact on the business of the second user, who is the source of the information of the target item. Examples of information that has a great impact on the business of the second user include information that allows the second user to grasp their know-how, such as battery diagnostic methods. In another example, the importance may be set higher the higher the accuracy of the information of the target item. The accuracy of the information may be determined, for example, according to whether the information of the target item is a measured value or an estimated value. In such an example, if the information of the target item is a measured value, the accuracy of the information may be considered higher than if the information of the target item is an estimated value. The importance levels described above are set for each of the multiple items in the memory unit. Consequently, the content of the prescribed procedures described above may differ for each of the multiple items in the memory unit.

[0017] The control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure permits the first user to view the target item in response to the first user performing a prescribed procedure. Permitting the first user to view the target item may include transmitting the information of the target item to the first user's terminal or displaying the information of the target item on the first user's terminal. Furthermore, permitting the first user to view the target item may also include providing the first user with information that guarantees the reliability of the information of the target item. Information that guarantees the reliability of the information of the target item may, for example, be a signature from the manufacturer of the target object, the manufacturer of the product containing the target object, or a third-party organization. Note that the first user performing a prescribed procedure may, for example, be related to this disclosure. The determination may also be made when the control unit of the information processing device has finished executing the process of imposing on the first user the provision of compensation to the second user.

[0018] Furthermore, the storage unit of the information processing device according to this disclosure may be configured to further store first information that associates each of multiple items with its importance. In that case, the control unit of the information processing device according to this disclosure may identify the importance of the target item according to the first information.

[0019] Furthermore, the storage unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure may be configured to further store second information relating importance to a predetermined procedure. In that case, the control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure may determine a predetermined procedure corresponding to the importance of the item in question, according to the second information.

[0020] According to the information processing device described herein, the first user is permitted to view the target item on the condition that the first user performs a prescribed procedure corresponding to the importance of the target item. This reduces the disadvantage to the user (second user) who is the source of the information on the target item. Furthermore, the first user can view information to which an importance level commensurate with the prescribed procedure has been assigned. As a result, it becomes possible to harmonize the interests of the first user and the second user.

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configurations, module configurations, functional configurations, etc., described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations alone.

[0022] <Embodiment> This embodiment describes an example of applying the information processing device according to this disclosure to a system that centrally manages battery information throughout the process from manufacturing to recycling. The battery in this embodiment is a drive battery for electric vehicles such as BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs, and is an example of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0023] (System Overview) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the system according to this embodiment. The system in this embodiment comprises a management server 1, one or more terminals 2, and one or more vehicle servers 3. The management server 1 is connected to the terminals 2 and vehicle servers 3 via a network. The network may be a global public communication network such as the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or other communication network. The network may also include mobile phones. This may include telephone communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi.

[0024] Management Server 1 is one or more computers that manage information about batteries throughout the process from manufacturing to recycling (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "battery lifecycle"). In this embodiment, Management Server 1 collects information about the battery (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "battery information") from multiple users involved in the battery lifecycle and centrally manages the collected battery information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, Management Server 1 provides battery information to users who wish to view it. In this embodiment, Management Server 1 corresponds to the "information processing device" as described herein.

[0025] Terminal 2 is a terminal device used by multiple users involved with the battery throughout its lifecycle. The battery lifecycle includes, for example, the battery manufacturing phase (the phase in which the battery for vehicle propulsion is manufactured), the vehicle manufacturing phase (the phase in which the vehicle equipped with the vehicle propulsion battery is manufactured), the new vehicle use phase (the phase in which the new vehicle purchaser uses the new vehicle), and the vehicle auction phase (from the new vehicle purchaser to the used vehicle purchaser). This includes the phases in which vehicles are bought and sold, the used car utilization phase (the phase in which the buyer of a used car uses the used car), the vehicle dismantling phase (the phase in which a scrapped vehicle is dismantled), the battery diagnostic phase (the phase in which batteries recovered from scrapped vehicles are diagnosed), the battery auction phase (the phase in which diagnosed batteries are bought and sold), and the recycling phase (the phase in which recycled materials are manufactured from used batteries (waste batteries)). In this example, users involved in the battery lifecycle include battery manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, vehicle auctioneers, vehicle dismantling companies, battery diagnostic companies, battery auctioneers, and recycling companies.

[0026] The phases included in the battery lifecycle are not limited to the examples above, and may include additional phases such as the phase of extracting battery materials, the phase of manufacturing battery precursors and active materials, or the phase of recovering batteries from dismantled vehicles. In this case, users involved in the battery lifecycle may include, in addition to the users mentioned above, extractors, precursor and active material manufacturers, and battery recovery companies. Furthermore, if a vehicle purchased as a new car is scrapped without being sold as a used car, the vehicle auction phase and the used car utilization phase may be omitted.

[0027] In the following explanation, the battery manufacturing phase will be referred to as "before" and the recycling phase as "after" in the battery lifecycle. Accordingly, the phase immediately preceding each phase will be referred to as the "previous phase," and the phase immediately following (the next phase) will be referred to as the "post-phase."

[0028] Terminal 2 of each user involved in each phase provides battery information for each phase to the management server 1. Furthermore, users involved in each phase can log in to the management server 1 via terminal 2 to view battery information for at least the phase they are involved in and the previous phase. However, in this embodiment, viewing restrictions are set on at least a portion of the battery information from the previous phase. Information with viewing restrictions can be viewed by users who wish to view it by paying a fee. The fee paid is credited to the user who provided the information (the user involved in the previous phase).

[0029] Vehicle Server 3 collects various information about the batteries installed in the vehicles under its management. The information collected by Vehicle Server 3 is necessary for generating battery information corresponding to the new vehicle usage phase and the used vehicle usage phase. For example, the information collected from the vehicle includes the battery health status (e.g., SoH (State of Health), S The information required to estimate oC (State of Charge), SoCE (State of Certified Energy), and SoS (State of Safety), etc., is sufficient. Vehicle Server 3 receives information from multiple vehicles. Based on the collected information, battery information corresponding to the new vehicle usage phase and the used vehicle usage phase is generated and provided to the management server 1. The information collected by the vehicle server 3 and the battery information generated by the vehicle server 3 may, in one example, belong to the vehicle manufacturer or vehicle dealer. In this case, the users involved in the new vehicle usage phase and the used vehicle usage phase may be the vehicle manufacturer or vehicle dealer.

[0030] [Battery Information] Here, we will describe the battery information collected at each phase of the battery lifecycle. Figure 2 shows an example of battery information provided to the management server 1 by users involved in each phase of the battery lifecycle. In this embodiment, the items included in the battery information provided to the management server 1 by users involved in each phase are defined for each phase. Note that the battery information shown in Figure 2 is an example and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment, regulations, etc.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 2, during the battery manufacturing phase, battery information, including greenhouse gas information (CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) information), DQR (Data Quality Rating of the dataset) score, recycling information (amount of recycled material used, etc.), and waste information (amount of waste, etc.), is provided from the battery manufacturer's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0032] In the vehicle manufacturing phase, CFP declaration information, DD (Due Diligence) declaration information, and regulatory compliance are required. Battery information, including data and performance / durability information, is provided from the vehicle manufacturer's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0033] In the new vehicle utilization phase, battery information, including SoCE, SoH, SoS, and incident information, is provided from the vehicle server 3 to the management server 1. At least some of the SoCE, SoH, and SoS handled in the new vehicle utilization phase may be estimated calculations.

[0034] In the vehicle auction phase, battery information, including the price of the vehicle to be bought and sold, the model information of the battery installed in the vehicle, the performance information of the battery installed in the vehicle, the price of the battery installed in the vehicle, and information on the transfer of the vehicle, is provided from the vehicle auctioneer's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0035] In the used vehicle utilization phase, battery information, including SoCE and incident information, is provided from the vehicle server 3 to the management server 1.

[0036] During the vehicle dismantling phase, battery information, including battery recovery information, incident information, battery design information, and vehicle dismantling contractor information (contractor information), is provided from the vehicle dismantling contractor's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0037] In the battery diagnostic phase, battery information, including the SoCE of the battery recovered from the vehicle dismantled in the vehicle dismantling phase, the SoH of the battery, the SoS of the battery, diagnostic evidence information, the goodness rate of the model to which the battery belongs, the amount of batteries (processing volume) that the battery diagnostic company diagnoses per predetermined period, information about the battery diagnostic company, and fee information related to the diagnosis of the battery, is provided from the battery diagnostic company's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0038] In the battery auction phase, battery information, including the price of the battery diagnosed in the battery diagnostic phase, the model information of the battery, and information on the transfer of the battery, is provided from the batter auction operator's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0039] During the recycling phase, battery information, including information about the battery recycling process (process information), CFP information, the amount of batteries to be recycled by the recycling company (processing volume), battery composition information, the recovery rate of materials recovered as recycled materials for batteries (material recovery rate), the recycled material content of the battery, the cost of recycling, and the price of recycled materials, is provided from the recycling company's terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, battery information provided to the management server 1 from the user terminals 2 and vehicle server 3 involved in each phase is stored and managed in the management server 1 according to the phase. The method by which the management server 1 manages battery information will be described later.

[0041] (System hardware configuration) The hardware configurations of the management server 1, terminal 2, and vehicle server 3 included in the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the hardware configurations of the management server 1, terminal 2, and vehicle server 3. This diagram schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 2 and vehicle server 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, only one terminal 2 and one vehicle server 3 are illustrated, but the system may include two or more terminals 2 depending on the phases included in the battery lifecycle, and two or more vehicle servers 3 depending on the number of vehicle manufacturers or vehicle dealers.

[0042] [Management Server Hardware Configuration] In this embodiment, the management server 1 is one or more computers for centrally managing battery information provided by multiple users and vehicle servers 3 involved in each phase of the battery lifecycle. Such a management server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output device 13, and a communication module 14.

[0043] Management Server 1 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and auxiliary storage (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). Programs and data used by the programs are stored in the auxiliary storage, and by executing the programs stored therein, each function (software module) that matches the predetermined purpose is realized. However, some or all of the functions of Management Server 1 may be realized as hardware modules by hardware circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0044] The control unit 11 is a computing unit that implements various functions (software modules) of the management server 1 by executing programs stored in auxiliary storage. The control unit 11 can be implemented by 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.

[0045] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, magnetic disks, and flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by those programs, and so on. The data used by the programs includes battery-related information. The battery-related information includes battery information and related information collected from multiple terminals 2 and the vehicle server 3. Details of the battery-related information will be described later.

[0046] The input / output device 13 is a means of receiving input operations performed by the operator of the management server 1 and presenting information to the operator. Specifically, the input / output device 13 includes input devices such as a mouse and keyboard, and output devices such as a display and speakers. The input / output device 13 may be integrally configured with, for example, a touch panel display.

[0047] The communication module 14 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 1 to a network. The communication module 14 may be configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. The management server 1 can communicate data with other computers (for example, terminal 2 and vehicle server 3, etc.) via the communication module 14.

[0048] The specific hardware configuration of the management server 1 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, and added depending on the embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 may include multiple hardware processors. The hardware processors may consist of microprocessors, FPGAs, GPUs, etc. Also, the input / output device 13 may be omitted, or input / output devices other than those exemplified (e.g., optical drives, etc.) may be added. Furthermore, if the management server 1 is composed of two or more computers, the hardware configuration of the two or more computers may be... The elements may be the same as or different from each other.

[0049] [Device hardware configuration] In this embodiment, terminal 2 is a computer used by users (vendors) involved in each phase of the battery lifecycle, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input / output device 23, and a communication module 24.

[0050] In this embodiment, terminal 2 can be configured as a computer having a processor, main memory, and auxiliary storage, similar to management server 1. The auxiliary storage stores programs and data used by those programs, and the processor executes the programs stored therein to realize various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes. Some or all of the functions of terminal 2 may be implemented as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0051] The control unit 21 is a computing unit that implements various functions (software modules) of terminal 2 by executing programs stored in auxiliary storage. The control unit 21 can be implemented by 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.

[0052] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, magnetic disks, and flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21, data used by those programs, and so on. The data used by the programs may, in one example, include information necessary to generate battery information provided from terminal 2 to management server 1.

[0053] The input / output device 23 is a means of receiving input operations performed by the operator (employee of the vendor) at terminal 2 and presenting information to the operator. The specific configuration of the input / output device 23 may be the same as that of the management server 1.

[0054] The communication module 24 is a communication interface for connecting terminal 2 to the network. The specific configuration of the communication module 24 may be the same as that of the management server 1. Terminal 2 can communicate data with other computers (for example, management server 1) via the communication module 24.

[0055] The specific hardware configuration of terminal 2 can be modified as appropriate, with components being omitted, replaced, or added depending on the embodiment.

[0056] [Vehicle Server Hardware Configuration] In this embodiment, the vehicle server 3 is one or more computers operated by a vehicle manufacturer or vehicle dealer, and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input / output device 33, and a communication module 34.

[0057] Vehicle server 3, like management server 1, can be configured as a computer having a processor, main memory, and auxiliary storage. The auxiliary storage stores programs and data used by those programs, and the processor executes the programs stored therein to realize various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes. However, some or all of the functions of vehicle server 3 may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0058] The control unit 31 is a computing unit that implements various functions (software modules) of the vehicle server 3 by executing programs stored in the auxiliary storage device. The control unit 31 can be implemented by 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.

[0059] The storage unit 32 is a means for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, magnetic disks, and flash memory. The storage unit 32 stores programs executed by the control unit 31, data used by those programs, and so on. The data used by the programs may, in one example, include information necessary to generate battery information provided from the vehicle server 3 to the management server 1.

[0060] The input / output device 33 is a means of receiving input operations performed by the operator of the vehicle server 3 and presenting information to the operator. The specific configuration of the input / output device 33 may be the same as that of the management server 1.

[0061] The communication module 34 is a communication interface for connecting the vehicle server 3 to the network. The specific configuration of the communication module 34 may be the same as that of the management server 1. The vehicle server 3 can communicate data with other computers (e.g., the management server 1) via the communication module 34.

[0062] The specific hardware configuration of the vehicle server 3 can be modified as appropriate, with components being omitted, replaced, and added depending on the embodiment.

[0063] (System software configuration) The functional configurations (software configurations) of the management server 1, terminal 2, and vehicle server 3 included in the system of this embodiment will be described below.

[0064] [Management server software configuration] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the management server 1 in this embodiment. The control unit 11 of the management server 1 in this embodiment is configured with a plurality of software modules, including an information registration unit 111, a request reception unit 112, an importance determination unit 113, a price determination unit 114, a billing unit 115, and a viewing permission unit 116. These software modules are realized by the control unit 11 executing a program in the storage unit 12. At least a portion of the information registration unit 111, request reception unit 112, importance determination unit 113, price determination unit 114, billing unit 115, and viewing permission unit 116 may be realized by hardware circuits. Furthermore, in the following description, the information processing performed by the information registration unit 111, request reception unit 112, importance determination unit 113, price determination unit 114, billing unit 115, and viewing permission unit 116 are synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 11.

[0065] The information registration unit 111 receives battery information transmitted from the terminal 2 and the vehicle server 3 via the communication module 14. The information registration unit 111 registers (stores) the received battery information in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 includes multiple storage areas corresponding to each of the multiple phases included in the battery lifecycle. A battery information table 121 is stored in each storage area.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the battery information table 121 in this embodiment. The battery information table 121 illustrated in Figure 5 is a table in which battery information corresponding to the diagnostic phase (battery information provided from the diagnostic service provider's terminal 2) is registered. The battery information table 121 has multiple records for each item defined for each phase. In the example shown in Figure 5, the battery information table 121 has multiple records including SoCE evidence information, SoH evidence information, SoS evidence information, yield rate, processing volume, vendor information, and fee information. The records (items) in the battery information table 121 may differ for each phase included in the battery lifecycle. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2, if the battery information collected in the vehicle manufacturing phase includes CFP declaration information, DD declaration information, regulatory compliance information, and performance durability information, then the battery information table 121 in the memory area corresponding to the vehicle manufacturing phase will have records (items) corresponding to the CFP declaration information, DD declaration information, regulatory compliance information, and performance durability information.

[0067] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. The information registration unit 111 registers the received battery information item by item in the battery information table 121 of the storage area corresponding to the phase of the battery information. Note that the battery information transmitted from terminal 2 and vehicle server 3 to management server 1 may include an identifier (for example, a phase ID) to identify the phase to which the battery information belongs. In that case, the information registration unit 111 can use the phase ID included in the battery information as an argument to identify the storage area corresponding to the phase to which the battery information belongs, and register the battery information in the battery information table 121 of the identified storage area.

[0068] The request receiving unit 112 receives viewing requests from users (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first users") who are involved in any of the multiple phases included in the battery lifecycle. In the system of this embodiment, as described above, first users can view battery information for the previous phase in addition to battery information for the phase in which they are involved (battery information provided by the user to the management server). However, when a first user views battery information for a previous phase, viewing restrictions are set on at least one item of that battery information. If a first user wishes to view an item for which viewing restrictions are set, the first user sends a viewing request for the item to be viewed (target item) to the management server 1 via terminal 2. Such a viewing request may include the identifier of the first user (user ID (for example, the account of the company to which the user belongs)) and the identifier of the target item (item ID). The request receiving unit 112 may receive viewing requests through the execution of a web server or through an application program installed on terminal 2. When the request receiving unit 112 receives a viewing request, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as the importance determination unit 113.

[0069] The importance determination unit 113 determines the importance level set for the item subject to the viewing request. In this embodiment, the importance level is determined using as an indicator the degree of impact on the business of the user who is the source of the information for the item (a user involved in the previous phase (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second user")) and / or the accuracy of the information for the item. For example, an item that contains information that is highly likely to be grasped by the first user, such as evidence information such as SoCE, SoH, and SoS (an item that contains information that has a large impact on the second user's business), may be set to have a higher importance level. In another example, an item that contains information that is highly likely to be grasped by the first user, such as fee information (an item that contains information that has a large impact on the second user's business), may be set to have a higher importance level. In yet another example, an item that contains information with higher accuracy than estimated values, such as diagnostic values, may be set to have a higher importance level than an item that contains estimated values. Furthermore, in another example, items for which information has been certified for accuracy by a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer, may be given a higher importance rating than items for which information has not been certified for accuracy by a third party.

[0070] In this embodiment, the importance levels described above are set for each phase and each item. Accordingly, each storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 in this embodiment contains the batteries described above. In addition to the information table 121, a priority correspondence table 122 is stored. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the priority correspondence table 122 in this embodiment. The priority correspondence table 122 illustrated in Figure 6 corresponds to the battery information table 121 in the diagnostic phase. The priority correspondence table 122 is a table (corresponding to the "first information" in this disclosure) that associates each item defined for each phase (in the example in Figure 6, the items set in the battery information table 121 in the diagnostic phase) with its importance. The priority correspondence table 122 illustrated in Figure 6 registers the importance corresponding to each of several items, including SoCE evidence information, SoH evidence information, SoS evidence information, good product rate, processing volume, vendor information, and fee information.

[0071] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. When determining the importance of a target item, the importance determination unit 113 first identifies the phase (previous phase) of the battery information that the first user wishes to view, according to the user ID included in the viewing request. The importance determination unit 113 accesses the importance correspondence table 122 stored in the memory area corresponding to the identified previous phase. The importance determination unit 113 determines the importance of the target item by referring to the importance correspondence table 122 with the item ID included in the viewing request as an argument. In response to the importance determination unit 113 determining the importance of the target item, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as the consideration determination unit 114.

[0072] The compensation determination unit 114 determines the compensation according to the importance level determined by the importance determination unit 113. In this embodiment, the compensation is set higher the greater the importance level. The magnitude (absolute value) of the compensation according to the importance level may be the same for multiple phases included in the battery lifecycle, or it may differ for each phase. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the magnitude of the compensation according to the importance level differs for each phase included in the battery lifecycle. In that case, in addition to the battery information table 121 and importance correspondence table 122 described above, a compensation correspondence table 123 is stored in each storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 in this embodiment.

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a compensation table 123 in this embodiment. The compensation table 123 illustrated in Figure 7 corresponds to the battery information table 121 in the diagnostic phase. The compensation table 123 is a table that associates importance with compensation in that phase (corresponding to "Second Information" in this disclosure). In the compensation table 123 illustrated in Figure 7, five levels of importance are set, from importance "1" to importance "5", with higher numbers indicating greater importance. Accordingly, the higher the importance number, the higher the compensation.

[0074] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. When determining the price according to the importance of the target item, the price determination unit 114 first identifies the phase (previous phase) of the battery information that the first user wishes to view, according to the user ID included in the viewing request. The price determination unit 114 accesses the price correspondence table 123 stored in the memory area corresponding to the identified previous phase. The price determination unit 114 refers to the price correspondence table 123 with the importance determined by the importance determination unit 113 as an argument, and determines the price according to the importance of the target item. In response to the price determination unit 114 determining the price according to the importance of the target item, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as the billing unit 115.

[0075] The billing unit 115 executes a process to prompt the first user to pay the consideration determined by the consideration determination unit 114. In one example, the billing unit 115 may display a screen prompting the first user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the consideration on the input / output device 23 of terminal 2, either through the execution of a web server or through an application program on terminal 2. In that case, the payment of the consideration will be processed in response to the first user entering an operation to agree to pay the consideration on the input / output device 23 of terminal 2. Information indicating that the user has agreed to the terms may be sent from terminal 2 to management server 1. Upon receiving such information, the billing unit 115 may perform billing processing for the amount corresponding to the consideration. The billing unit 115 may also send information about the first user and the target item to terminal 2 of the second user, which is the provider of battery information including the target item, upon completion of the billing processing. The billing unit 115 may also inquire with the second user before performing the billing processing whether or not to allow the first user to view the target item. The billing unit 115 may then perform the billing processing only if the second user allows the first user to view the target item. Once the billing unit 115 has finished performing the billing processing in this manner, the control unit 11 of management server 1 operates as a viewing permission unit 116.

[0076] The viewing permission unit 116 grants the first user permission to view the target item. In one example, the viewing permission unit 116 may display a screen on the input / output device 23 of terminal 2 that shows only the information of items in the battery information that include the target item for which no viewing restrictions have been set (or for which payment has already been made), and the information of the target item may be displayed in response to the execution of the billing process for the target item. In another example, the viewing permission unit 116 may transmit the information of the target item to terminal 2 via the communication module 14. The viewing permission unit 116 may also transmit a command to terminal 2 to display information that guarantees the reliability of the information of the target item when granting permission to view the target item. In one example, the information that guarantees the reliability of the information of the target item may be the signature of a company that guarantees the reliability of the information (e.g., a battery manufacturer, a vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party organization). Such information may be stored in the battery information table 121 in association with each item of the battery information.

[0077] The software configuration of the management server 1 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4, and software modules can be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0078] [Device software configuration]

[0079] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of terminal 2 in this embodiment. The control unit 21 of terminal 2 in this embodiment is configured with a plurality of software modules, including an information provision unit 211, an information display unit 212, and a browsing request unit 213. These software modules are realized by the control unit 21 executing a program in the storage unit 22. At least a portion of the information provision unit 211, the information display unit 212, and the browsing request unit 213 may be realized by hardware circuits. Furthermore, in the following description, the information processing performed by the information provision unit 211, the information display unit 212, and the browsing request unit 213 is synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 21.

[0080] The information provision unit 211 transmits (provides) battery information for the phase in which the user of terminal 2 is involved to the management server 1 via the communication module 24.

[0081] The information display unit 212 displays battery information corresponding to the phase preceding the phase in which the user of terminal 2 is involved on the input / output device 23. Specifically, when the user logs into the management server 1 with the vendor's account and inputs an operation to the input / output device 23 to display the battery information of the previous phase, the information display unit 212 displays the battery information of the previous phase on the input / output device 23. At that time, the information display unit 212 may interact with the management server 1 through the execution of the terminal 2's web browser or a dedicated application program installed on terminal 2.

[0082] Here, an example of the screen (battery information display screen) that the information display unit 212 displays on the input / output device 23 is shown in Figure 9. The battery information display screen in Figure 9 is an example of the screen when the previous phase is the diagnostic phase. In the example shown in Figure 9, all of the battery information included in the diagnostic phase Access restrictions are set for certain items. In the information display area for items with access restrictions, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) component indicating a "Display" button is displayed instead of the information for that item. The "Display" button is used to request access to the relevant item. Accordingly, in addition to the battery information, the battery information display screen displays a message prompting the user to operate the "Display" button for the item they wish to view. When the "Display" button for the item the user wishes to view (target item) is operated (clicked or tapped) on the battery information display screen, the control unit 21 of terminal 2 operates as an access request unit 213.

[0083] The viewing request unit 213 sends a viewing request to the management server 1, including the user ID of the user (corresponding to the first user) and the item ID of the target item, in response to the operation of the "Display" button for the target item. The transmission of the viewing request to the management server 1 may be done through the web browser of terminal 2, or through the execution of a dedicated application program installed on terminal 2. In response, when the management server 1 sends a command to terminal 2 to display a screen prompting the user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the fee, the viewing request unit 213 displays a GUI component on the input / output device 23 to prompt the user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the fee. Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displaying a GUI component prompting the user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the fee. In the example shown in Figure 10, the GUI component prompting the user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the fee is displayed as a pop-up window on the battery information display screen. The pop-up window includes the fee for viewing the target item (the good product rate item in the example shown in Figure 10), a "Yes" button to choose to agree to pay the fee, and a "No" button to choose not to agree to pay the fee. When the "Yes" button is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 10, the viewing request unit 213 sends information to the management server 1 indicating that the user agrees to pay the fee. In response, the management server 1 sends a signal to the terminal 2 granting permission to view the target item, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 2 operates as the information display unit 212.

[0084] The information display unit 212 displays information about the target item on the battery information display screen in response to receiving a signal that permits viewing of the target item. Figure 11 shows an example of the battery information display screen when the information about the target item is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 11, the information display field for the good product rate item displays information indicating the good product rate instead of a "Display" button. The screen displaying the information about the target item may also display information to guarantee the reliability of the good product rate (for example, a signature from the battery manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party organization). Such information may be included in the signal that permits viewing of the target item and transmitted from the management server 1 to the terminal 2.

[0085] The software configuration of terminal 2 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8, and software modules can be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0086] [Vehicle Server Software Configuration]

[0087] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the vehicle server 3 in this embodiment. The control unit 31 of the vehicle server 3 in this embodiment is configured to have a software module including an information provision unit 311. Such a software module is realized by the control unit 31 executing a program in the storage unit 32. The information provision unit 311 may also be realized by a hardware circuit. Furthermore, in the following description, the information processing performed by the information provision unit 311 is synonymous with the information processing performed by the control unit 31.

[0088] Information provision unit 311 receives information from vehicles under the management of vehicle server 3 regarding the batteries installed in those vehicles. Various information related to the battery is collected. The information collected by the information provision unit 211 from the vehicle is the information necessary to generate battery information corresponding to the new vehicle usage phase and the used vehicle usage phase. For example, the information collected by the information provision unit 311 from the vehicle may be the information necessary to estimate SoH, SoC, SoCE, and SoS, etc. The information provision unit 211 generates battery information corresponding to the new vehicle usage phase and the used vehicle usage phase according to the information collected from the vehicle and provides the generated battery information to the management server 1.

[0089] The software configuration of the vehicle server 3 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 12, and software modules can be replaced and added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0090] (Process flow) The processing flow executed by the management server 1 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by the management server 1 when a viewing request is received from the first user's terminal 2. The execution entity of the processing routine in Figure 13 is the processor (control unit 11) of the management server 1, but here we will explain it as if the software module of the management server 1 were the execution entity.

[0091] In the processing routine shown in Figure 13, when the communication module 14 receives a viewing request sent from terminal 2, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as a request receiving unit 112 and accepts the viewing request received by the communication module 14 (step S101). Once the request receiving unit 112 has finished executing the process in step S101, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as a priority determination unit 113 and executes the process in step S102.

[0092] In step S102, the importance determination unit 113 determines the importance level set for the item (target item) that is the subject of the viewing request. Specifically, the importance determination unit 113 first identifies the phase (previous phase) of the battery information that the first user wishes to view, according to the user ID included in the viewing request. The importance determination unit 113 accesses the importance correspondence table 122 stored in the memory area corresponding to the identified phase. The importance determination unit 113 determines the importance level of the target item by referring to the importance correspondence table 122 with the item ID included in the viewing request as an argument. Once the importance determination unit 113 has finished executing the process in step S102, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as the consideration determination unit 114 and executes the process in step S103.

[0093] In step S103, the price determination unit 114 determines the price corresponding to the importance level determined in step S102. Specifically, the price determination unit 114 first identifies the phase (previous phase) of the battery information that the first user wishes to view, according to the user ID included in the viewing request. The price determination unit 114 accesses the price correspondence table 123 stored in the memory area corresponding to the identified phase. The price determination unit 114 refers to the price correspondence table 123 with the importance level determined by the importance determination unit 113 as an argument, and determines the price corresponding to the importance level of the target item. Once the price determination unit 114 has finished executing the process in step S103, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 operates as the billing unit 115 and executes the process in step S104.

[0094] In step S104, the billing unit 115 asks the first user whether or not they agree to pay the consideration determined by the consideration determination unit 114. For example, as shown in Figure 10 above, the billing unit 115 may send a display command to the input / output device 23 of the first user's terminal 2 to display a pop-up window prompting the first user to choose whether or not to agree to pay the consideration. In response to this, when a signal indicating the choice result of whether or not to agree to pay the consideration is sent from the first user's terminal 2 to the management server 1, the billing unit 115 executes the process in step S105.

[0095] In step S105, the billing unit 115 determines whether the first user's selection result indicates an agreement to pay the consideration. If the first user's selection result indicates an agreement not to pay the consideration (negative determination in step S105), the execution of the processing routine in Figure 13 is terminated. On the other hand, if the first user's selection result indicates an agreement to pay the consideration (positive determination in step S105), the billing unit 115 executes the process in step S106.

[0096] In step S106, the billing unit 115 performs billing processing for the first user for an amount corresponding to the consideration. The billing unit 115 may also send information about the first user and the target items to the second user's terminal 2 once the billing processing is complete. When the billing unit 115 has finished performing the processing in step S106, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 acts as the access permission unit 116 and performs the processing in step S107.

[0097] In step S107, the access permission unit 116 grants the first user permission to view the target item. In one example, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 above, the access permission unit 116 may switch the battery information display screen displayed on the input / output device 23 of the first user's terminal 2 from a screen where the target item information is not displayed (for example, the screen illustrated in Figure 9) to a screen where the target item information is displayed (for example, the screen illustrated in Figure 11). In another example, the access permission unit 116 may transmit the target item information to the first user's terminal 2 via the communication module 14. Once the access permission unit 116 has finished executing the process in step S107, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 finishes executing the processing routine shown in Figure 13.

[0098] (Effects and Effects of the Embodiment) In the embodiments described above, in a system that centrally manages information collected in multiple phases included in the battery lifecycle, if information of high importance to the second user (the information provider) is made available for viewing by the first user (the viewer), a fee can be imposed on the first user that would otherwise be paid to the second user. The degree of importance is set to a higher level depending on the impact of the information to be viewed on the second user's business and / or the accuracy of the information. Furthermore, the higher the importance of the information to be viewed, the greater the fee that can be paid by the first user to the second user.

[0099] Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the first user can view information of a corresponding importance by paying a fee commensurate with its importance. On the other hand, the second user can receive compensation commensurate with the importance of the information that the first user is allowed to view. As a result, the interests of the first user and the second user can be harmonized. This makes it possible to appropriately provide and view battery-related information.

[0100] <Other> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure can be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. For example, a process described as being performed by one device may be divided 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 used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0101] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above used vehicle drive batteries as an example of the subject matter of this disclosure, any product that goes through multiple phases from manufacturing to recycling is acceptable.

[0102] This disclosure provides a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and one or more processors in the computer read the program. This can also be achieved by execution. Such computer programs may be provided to a computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or by being provided to a computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Management Server 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Input / Output Devices 14. Communication Module 111 Information Registration Department 112 Request Reception Department 113 Importance judgment part 114 Compensation Determination Section 115 Billing Section 116 Access Permission Section 121 Battery Information Table 122 Importance Correspondence Table 123 Price Correspondence Table 2 terminals 3. Vehicle Server

Claims

1. A storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object, categorized by item, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, The system receives a request from the first user to view a target item which is one of the multiple items in the storage unit, To request the aforementioned first user to perform a prescribed procedure, In response to the execution of the prescribed procedure, permission is granted for the first user to view the target item, It is configured to perform, The aforementioned prescribed procedure is determined according to the importance level set for the subject item. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned prescribed procedure includes providing compensation to the second user who is the source of the information on the subject item, The aforementioned consideration is set higher the greater the importance of the item in question. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned importance level is set higher the greater the impact that the information of the subject item has on the business of the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned importance level is set higher the higher the accuracy of the information on the target item. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. Allowing the first user to view the target items means The further includes providing the first user with information that guarantees the reliability of the information on the aforementioned target items, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The memory unit is configured to further store first information relating each of the multiple items to their respective importance levels. The control unit identifies the importance of the target item according to the first information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The memory unit is configured to further store second information relating the importance level to the predetermined procedure, The control unit determines the predetermined procedure corresponding to the importance of the target item according to the second information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned object is a battery for vehicle propulsion. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. A computer equipped with a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of information about an object, categorized by item, The system receives a request from the first user to view a target item which is one of the multiple items in the storage unit, To request the aforementioned first user to perform a prescribed procedure, In response to the execution of the prescribed procedure, permission is granted for the first user to view the target item, Execute, The aforementioned prescribed procedure is determined according to the importance level set for the subject item. Information processing methods.

10. The aforementioned prescribed procedure includes providing compensation to the second user who is the source of the information on the subject item, The aforementioned consideration is set higher the greater the importance of the item in question. The information processing method according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned importance level is set higher the greater the impact that the information of the subject item has on the business of the second user. The information processing method according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned importance level is set higher the higher the accuracy of the information on the target item. The information processing method according to claim 10.

13. Allowing the first user to view the target items means The further includes providing the first user with information that guarantees the reliability of the information on the aforementioned target items, The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. The memory unit is configured to further store first information relating each of the multiple items to their respective importance levels. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the computer identifies the importance of the target item in accordance with the first information.

15. The memory unit is configured to further store second information relating the importance level to the predetermined procedure, The computer determines the predetermined procedure corresponding to the importance of the target item in accordance with the second information. The information processing method according to claim 9.

16. The aforementioned object is a battery for vehicle propulsion. The information processing method according to claim 9.

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