Charging status estimation device, charging status estimation method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a charging status estimation device, etc., that can improve the estimation accuracy when estimating the battery's charging status at the end of its charging cycle. [Solution] The charging status estimation device comprises a first calculation means, a second calculation means, and an estimation means. The first calculation means calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the battery temperature. The second calculation means calculates a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the battery temperature. The estimation means uses either the first or second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for estimating the charging status of a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique has been proposed to estimate the charging status of a mobile device.

[0003] Specifically, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for calculating an estimated value of the battery's charge level after charging for a predetermined time, based on the charging characteristics of the battery for each vehicle, from the current battery's charge level. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7403117 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, according to the perspective disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, the temperature dependence of the battery charging speed in each of the multiple mobile bodies is not taken into consideration, which may lead to a decrease in the estimation accuracy when estimating the state of the battery at the end of charging in each of the multiple mobile bodies.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a charging status estimation device that can improve the estimation accuracy when estimating the status of a battery at the end of charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in the claim is a charging status estimation device comprising: a first calculation means for calculating a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of a mobile body's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; a second calculation means for calculating a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and an estimation means for estimating either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to a predetermined charge amount, using the first charging speed or the second charging speed.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in the claims is a charging status estimation method performed by a computer, which calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of a mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; calculates a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and uses the first charging speed or the second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention described in the claims is a program executed by a computer that calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of a mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; calculates a first charging speed that does not depend on the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed that corresponds to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and uses the first charging speed or the second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery started from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging status estimation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating an example of charging characteristics. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating other examples of charging characteristics. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example configuration of a charging status estimation system related to a modified example. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of a modified server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging status estimation device includes: a first calculation means for calculating a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile body's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; a second calculation means for calculating a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and an estimation means for estimating either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to a predetermined charge amount, using the first charging speed or the second charging speed.

[0012] The above-described charging status estimation device comprises a first calculation means, a second calculation means, and an estimation means. The first calculation means calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery. The second calculation means calculates a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery. The estimation means uses the first charging speed or the second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the state of the battery at the end of charging.

[0013] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the estimation means estimates either the second charge amount or the charging time using the relatively lower of the first charging speed and the second charging speed, depending on the remaining charge of the battery during charging.

[0014] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the charging characteristics are expressed as a characteristic in which the charging speed decreases as the remaining charge of the battery increases, and the charging speed increases as the temperature of the battery increases.

[0015] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the charging characteristics are represented as at least one straight line having a slope that changes according to the result of applying the battery temperature to an Arrhenius-type temperature characteristic, and the remaining battery charge at which the charging rate becomes 0 on the straight line is set as a value that does not depend on the battery temperature.

[0016] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the second calculation means calculates the increase in the amount of charge per unit time as the first charging rate and the second charging rate.

[0017] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the second calculation means calculates the second charging speed using different charging characteristics according to the capacity of the battery.

[0018] In one embodiment of the charging status estimation device described above, the second calculation means calculates the first charging speed and the second charging speed based on the degradation state of the battery.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer-based charging status estimation method calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; calculates a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and uses either the first or second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the state of the battery at the end of charging.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer calculates a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery; calculates a first charging speed independent of the remaining charge of the battery, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining charge of the battery and the temperature of the battery; and uses the first charging speed or the second charging speed to estimate either a second charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount. This program can be stored and used on a storage medium. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the state of the battery at the end of charging. [Examples]

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] <System Configuration> [Overall structure] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a charging status estimation system according to an embodiment. The charging status estimation system 100 has an information processing device 1 that moves together with the vehicle Ve in which the user is riding. The vehicle Ve can be treated as an example of a moving object.

[0023] [Information Processing Device] The information processing device 1 functions as a charging status estimation device. The information processing device 1 acquires vehicle information VJ, catalog value information CJ, and temperature information TJ as information related to the vehicle Ve. Based on the information acquired as information related to the vehicle Ve, the information processing device 1 estimates, for example, the remaining battery charge after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging began, based on the remaining battery charge of the vehicle Ve before charging, and outputs an estimation result SR including the remaining battery charge to the outside. The information processing device 1 also estimates, for example, the charging time required to charge the battery of the vehicle Ve from the remaining battery charge before charging to a predetermined remaining charge, based on the information acquired as information related to the vehicle Ve, and outputs an estimation result SR including the charging time to the outside. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described using the case where it is applied to an electric vehicle as an example. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described using the case where it is performed along the route from the vehicle Ve's departure point to its destination as an example. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the remaining battery level can be rephrased as the battery charge level.

[0024] The vehicle information VJ includes information such as the number of days PD elapsed since the registration date of vehicle Ve. The number of days PD can be obtained, for example, from the date the vehicle inspection certificate for vehicle Ve was issued until the date on which processing to obtain the estimated result SR is performed.

[0025] The catalog value information CJ includes data corresponding to actual measured values ​​obtained when the vehicle Ve is actually driven under predetermined driving conditions. Specifically, the catalog value information CJ includes, for example, the AC power consumption rate E obtained when the vehicle Ve is actually driven under driving conditions that conform to WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle). WLTC and driving range per charge D WLTC It includes.

[0026] The temperature information TJ includes, for example, the battery temperature of the vehicle Ve at the time of departure (hereinafter also referred to as battery temperature T0) and the ambient temperature along the route from the vehicle Ve's departure point to its destination (hereinafter referred to as ambient temperature T0). Amb (Also known as) and information indicating the above. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the outside temperature T is considered to be the total outside temperature T for the entire route from the vehicle Ve's departure point to its destination. Amb We will explain assuming that this value is constant.

[0027] The information processing device 1 may be a device installed in the vehicle Ve, or it may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone carried by the user. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be integrated into the vehicle Ve.

[0028] Incidentally, if the temperature of the vehicle Ve's battery is not taken into consideration, the accuracy of estimating the battery's charge status may decrease. In particular, when the vehicle Ve's battery has a large remaining charge, the charging rate decreases in accordance with the battery temperature, making it difficult to estimate the battery's charge status with high accuracy. In contrast, according to this embodiment, it is possible to estimate that charging is performed at a charging rate that corresponds to the temperature and remaining charge of the vehicle Ve's battery. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the state of the vehicle Ve's battery at the end of charging can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a sensor group 15, and a display unit 16. Each element of the information processing device 1 is interconnected via a bus line 10.

[0030] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with an external device based on the control of the control unit 14. The communication unit 11 can acquire driving data from an external device that shows the driving status and / or driving history of multiple vehicles, such as probe data. The communication unit 11 can also acquire map data and road data from an external device, such as map data and road data.

[0031] The memory unit 12 is composed of various storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and non-volatile memory (including hard disk drives, flash memory, etc.). The memory unit 12 also stores programs for the information processing device 1 to execute predetermined processes. Furthermore, the memory unit 12 is used as working memory for the control unit 14. Note that the programs executed by the information processing device 1 may be stored in storage media other than the memory unit 12.

[0032] The memory unit 12 stores the database 4, vehicle information VJ, catalog value information CJ, and temperature information TJ. The memory unit 12 also stores known parameters that can be used in the charging status estimation process described later.

[0033] Database 4 stores driving data, map data, and road data obtained by the communication unit 11. The map data includes, for example, data necessary for displaying a map based on a predetermined location such as the current location of vehicle Ve. The road data includes, for example, data representing the road network using combinations of nodes and links. The driving data, map data, and road data contained in Database 4 can be updated to the latest data at regular intervals according to the control of the control unit 14. In this embodiment, links can be set as sections that divide the road network in any way. For example, links in this embodiment can be set as sections of any length and / or any shape. Also, links in this embodiment may be set as sections that include nodes, or as sections that do not include nodes.

[0034] Database 4 stores an energy consumption estimation model SM for estimating the energy consumption of vehicle Ve. The energy consumption estimation model SM is configured to calculate an estimated value of the energy consumption of vehicle Ve during its operation, using data such as the vehicle Ve's position, speed, and acceleration.

[0035] The input unit 13 has a user interface that accepts user input. The input unit 13 may include at least one user interface, such as a button, a touch panel, and a remote controller. The display unit 16 displays information based on the control of the control unit 14. The display unit 16 may include at least one device, such as a display and a projector.

[0036] The sensor group 15 includes various sensors that perform sensing of the vehicle Ve or the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor group 15 has an external sensor 20 and an internal sensor 21.

[0037] The external sensor 20 has one or more sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve. The external sensor 20 may include, for example, a lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, sonar, and camera.

[0038] The internal sensor 21 has one or more sensors for positioning the vehicle Ve. The internal sensor 21 may include, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, a gyro sensor, a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and a vehicle speed sensor.

[0039] The internal sensor 21 has one or more sensors capable of measuring parameters related to the energy consumption of the vehicle Ve. The internal sensor 21 may include, for example, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a fuel sensor.

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor group 15 only needs to include sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive the vehicle's speed and acceleration from the output of the sensor group 15. Additionally, the sensor group 15 only needs to include sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive measured values ​​of the vehicle's energy consumption from the output of the sensor group 15.

[0041] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and other components, and controls the entire information processing device 1. For example, the control unit 14 performs processing related to estimating the remaining battery charge after charging. The control unit 14 also performs processing related to estimating the charging time required to charge the battery. The control unit 14 can be treated as an example of a computer. Furthermore, the control unit 14 has the functions of both a calculation means and an estimation means.

[0042] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to being implemented by software through a program, but may also be implemented by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Also, the processing performed by the control unit 14 may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program that the control unit 14 performs in this embodiment may be implemented using this integrated circuit. Thus, the control unit 14 may be implemented using hardware other than a processor.

[0043] The configuration of the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, instead of the storage unit 12 storing map data and road data, the control unit 14 may receive information equivalent to map data and road data from a server device (not shown) via the communication unit 11. In another example, the input unit 13 may be provided inside the target vehicle as an external device of the information processing device 1, and the generated signals may be supplied to the information processing device 1. Also, at least some of the sensors in the sensor group 15 may be sensors installed on the vehicle Ve. In this case, the information processing device 1 may acquire information output by the sensors installed on the vehicle Ve from the vehicle Ve based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0044] <Specific example> Next, we will describe a specific example of the processing performed by the information processing device 1.

[0045] [Battery health] The control unit 14 estimates the battery health BH of vehicle Ve by applying the elapsed days PD included in the vehicle information VJ to the following formula (1). The health BH is calculated as a percentage value. Furthermore, the health BH calculated by the following formula (1) can be treated as an estimated value of SoH (State of Health). Furthermore, the health BH calculated by the following formula (1) can be treated as a value representing the deterioration state of the vehicle Ve's battery. The constants C0 and C1 in the following formula (1) are set as predetermined values.

[0046]

number

[0047] The control unit 14 may, instead of performing calculations using the above formula (1), obtain a value equivalent to the health BH from the vehicle Ve, for example. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may, instead of performing calculations using the above formula (1), obtain a value equivalent to the health BH based on the output from the sensor group 15, for example. Furthermore, if the health BH obtained by the calculation using the above formula (1) exceeds 100%, the control unit 14 will set the health BH to 100% before proceeding with subsequent processing.

[0048] [Nominal battery capacity] If the nominal battery capacity BY of the vehicle Ve is publicly available as a known value, the control unit 14 obtains the nominal battery capacity BY via the communication unit 11. If the nominal battery capacity BY of the vehicle Ve is not publicly available as a known value, the control unit 14 obtains the AC power consumption rate E included in the catalog value information CJ. WLTC and driving range per charge D WLTCBy applying it to the following mathematical formula (2), the nominal battery capacity BY is estimated. The constant D1 in the following mathematical formula (2) is set as a predetermined value.

[0049] [Equation]

[0050] Note that instead of performing the calculation using the above mathematical formula (2), the control unit 14 may, for example, obtain a known value input by an operation of the input unit 13 as the nominal battery capacity BY.

[0051] [Estimation of the total battery capacity] The control unit 14 estimates the total capacity of the battery of the vehicle Ve (hereinafter also referred to as the battery total capacity C) by applying the nominal battery capacity BY to the following mathematical formula (3). The battery total capacity C d can also be regarded as the battery capacity when BH = 100%, that is, the battery capacity in a non-degraded state. The constant D2 in the following mathematical formula (3) is set, for example, to a value greater than "100". d The control unit 14 sets the constant D2 to different values according to the nominal battery capacity BY when performing the calculation using the above mathematical formula (3). Specifically, for example, when the nominal battery capacity BY is 20 kWh or less, the control unit 14 sets the constant D2 to the constant D

[0052] [Equation]

[0053] to. Also, for example, when the nominal battery capacity BY is greater than 20 kWh and 40 kWh or less, the control unit 14 sets the constant D2 to the constant D 21 to. Further, for example, when the nominal battery capacity BY is greater than 40 kWh, the control unit 14 sets the constant D2 to the constant D 22 to. Also, for example, when the nominal battery capacity BY is greater than 40 kWh, the control unit 14 sets the constant D2 to the constant D 23 to. The constants D 21 D 22 and D 23For example, D 21 <D 22 <D 23 It is desirable to set the value to one that satisfies the given relationship.

[0054] [Battery level conversion] When measuring the change in battery level of a vehicle Ve while it is in motion, the remaining battery level of the vehicle Ve, as notified to the user by a battery level indicator, etc. (hereinafter referred to as battery level C) car (Also known as) the actual remaining battery capacity of the vehicle Ve (hereinafter referred to as battery capacity C) real It is desirable to use (also known as). In light of these circumstances, the control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery level C by performing a calculation using the following formula (4). car Battery level C real Convert to C. In the formula (4) below, the value in percent is the remaining amount C. car and C real It is applied as follows. Also, in formula (4) below, 0 <C car The value that satisfies <100 is the remaining amount C. car Applies as follows: Remaining amount C car and C real This can be treated as a value equivalent to SoC (State of Charge). The constants D3 and Q3 in the following formula (4) are set as predetermined values.

[0055]

number

[0056] When the control unit 14 performs calculations using the above formula (4), it sets the constants D3 and Q3 to different values ​​depending on the nominal battery capacity BY. Specifically, for example, when the nominal battery capacity BY is 40kWh or less, the control unit 14 sets the constant D3 to the constant Q3. 31 Set the constant Q3 to the constant Q 31 The control unit 14 sets the constant D3 to the constant D if, for example, the nominal battery capacity BY is greater than 40kWh. 32 Set the constant Q3 to the constant Q32 Set to constant D. 31 , constant D 32 , constant Q 31 and constant Q 32 For example, D 31 >D 32 Katsu Q 31 >Q 32 It is desirable to set the value to one that satisfies the given relationship.

[0057] [Measurement of changes in battery level] The control unit 14 measures the remaining battery level C at any point before the vehicle Ve starts moving, such as when the vehicle Ve is started up. car Battery level SC car It will be obtained as follows: Battery level SC car This may be, for example, a value displayed on the display unit 16, or a value entered by the user operating the input unit 13. Furthermore, the control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery level SC using the above formula (4). car Battery level SC corresponding to real Calculates the remaining battery level. real This can be treated as the actual remaining battery capacity of the vehicle Ve at the time before the start of driving.

[0058] The control unit 14 calculates an estimated value SV of energy consumption by the vehicle Ve by performing calculations using the energy consumption estimation model SM from the time the vehicle Ve starts moving. Furthermore, the control unit 14 calculates an estimated value RV of energy consumption by the vehicle Ve from its starting point to the charging point by, for example, summing the estimated values ​​SV calculated at regular intervals during the vehicle Ve's movement. The control unit 14 also calculates the battery health BH and the total battery capacity C. d And, battery level SC real By applying the estimated value RV and the following formula (5), the remaining battery capacity GC, which corresponds to the remaining battery capacity of the vehicle Ve at the charging point, can be calculated. real Calculates the remaining battery level (GC). real This is calculated as a percentage.

[0059]

number

[0060] The control unit 14 performs calculations using the above formula (4) to determine the remaining battery charge GC. real Battery level corresponding to GC car Calculates the remaining battery level (GC). car This can be treated as the remaining battery level that is notified to the user at the charging station. car This refers to the remaining battery level before charging (hereinafter referred to as "battery level S"). start It can be treated as (also known as)

[0061] [Battery temperature calculation] Before charging the vehicle Ve that has traveled to the charging point, the control unit 14 calculates the estimated value RV using the following formula (6) to obtain the power value W. s Convert to the following formula (6) t r This represents, for example, the time required for vehicle Ve to travel from its starting point to the charging point. In formula (6) below, the value in kilowatt-hours is applied as the estimated value RV. Also, in formula (6) below, the value in seconds is applied as time t. r It is applied as follows.

[0062]

number

[0063] The control unit 14 processes the battery temperature T0 and ambient temperature T included in the temperature information TJ. Amb And the time t used in the calculation of the above formula (6) r And the power value W obtained as a result of the calculation of the above formula (6) s By applying the following formula (7), the battery temperature ST of the vehicle Ve before charging can be calculated. Batt The following formula (7) calculates the following: In the formula below, the values ​​of Celsius are the battery temperature T0 and the ambient temperature T.Amb It is applied as follows. The constants D4 and Q4 in the following formula (7) are set as predetermined values. Note that the battery temperature ST Batt It is desirable that the value be calculated as a value within a predetermined range, such as the range from the lower limit to the upper limit set in the battery temperature management function. The control unit 14 may also obtain the battery temperature T0 at the time of departure from the vehicle Ve. If the control unit 14 cannot obtain the battery temperature T0 at the time of departure from the vehicle Ve, it may set the outside temperature at the time of departure of the vehicle Ve as the battery temperature T0 at the time of departure.

[0064]

number

[0065] The control unit 14, for example, sets the power value W of the formula (7) above to the power value supplied to the vehicle Ve during charging. s Apply this to the above formula (7), and the elapsed time from the moment when charging of the vehicle Ve began is calculated as time t. r By applying this, the change in battery temperature ΔST from that timing is calculated. Batt It is possible to calculate the battery temperature ST. In addition, in such cases, the control unit 14 can calculate the battery temperature ST. Batt For comparison, the change is ΔST Batt By adding this, the battery temperature CT of the vehicle Ve during charging is calculated. Batt This can be calculated. For the sake of explanation, in the following, the battery temperature ST will be used. Batt and battery temperature CT Batt Battery temperature T is the temperature corresponding to any of the following Batt It shall be referred to as such.

[0066] [Estimation of battery charge status] The control unit 14 estimates the battery charge status of the vehicle Ve using different estimation methods depending on the nominal battery capacity BY of the vehicle Ve during the period from when the vehicle Ve starts to when it finishes charging. For example, if the nominal battery capacity BY of the vehicle Ve is 40kWh or less, the control unit 14 estimates the battery charge status of the vehicle Ve using the following first estimation method. Also, if the nominal battery capacity BY of the vehicle Ve is greater than 40kWh, the control unit 14 estimates the battery charge status of the vehicle Ve using the following second estimation method.

[0067] (First estimation method) The control unit 14 calculates the following formula (8) with respect to the battery temperature T Batt By applying this and also applying the health level BH to the following formula (9), the remaining battery level S becomes the remaining battery level S 11 The charge reduction rate a applicable when the value exceeds a certain threshold is calculated. The charge reduction rate a is calculated as a value with an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence. The charge reduction rate a is also calculated as a value representing the rate of decrease in the charging rate per unit time. The constants D5 and Q5 in the following formula (8) are set as predetermined values. The control unit 14, for example, if the vehicle Ve and charger support rapid charging such as 800 volts, applies twice the value of a0 obtained by the calculation using the following formula (8) to the following formula (9).

[0068]

number

number

[0069] The control unit 14 determines the power value W, which corresponds to the output of the charger used to charge the vehicle Ve. e The control unit 14 obtains the nominal battery capacity BY and power value W in the following formula (10). e By applying this and also applying the health level BH to the following formula (11), the remaining battery level S becomes the remaining battery level S 11The charging speed I applicable in the following cases is calculated. The charging speed I is calculated as a value representing the increase in battery charge per unit time. In the following formula (10), k represents the charging efficiency set to a predetermined value. The control unit 14 controls the power value W. e The upper limit of power W that can be accepted in vehicle Ve f If it is greater than the upper limit W, f The power value W e This is applied to the following formula (10). The control unit 14, for example, includes the upper limit value W as information contained in the vehicle information VJ. f It is possible to obtain it.

[0070]

number

number

[0071] The control unit 14 applies the charge reduction rate a and the charging speed I to the following formula (12) to determine the battery level S at which the charging speed decreases. 11 We estimate S in the following formula (12). fulla This represents the battery level at which the current supplied to the battery during charging becomes zero. Battery Level S fulla For example, it is set to a value greater than 100%.

[0072]

number

[0073] Here, the battery level is S start If charging starts from a 0% state, the control unit 14 adds the charging speed I and battery remaining amount S to the following formula (13). 11 By applying this, the time t from the time when battery charging starts until the time when the charging speed of the battery decreases is reduced. 11 It is possible to calculate this.

[0074]

Number

[0075] Also, when charging starts from a state where the battery remaining amount S start is 0%, and the elapsed time t since the start of charging the battery is the time t 11 or less, the control by applying the charging rate I to the following mathematical formula (14), the control unit 14 can calculate the battery remaining amount S during charging.

[0076]

Number

[0077] Also, when charging starts from a state where the battery remaining amount S start is 0%, and the elapsed time t since the start of charging the battery is greater than the time t 11 applying the battery remaining amount S 11 , the charging reduction rate a, the charging rate I, the time t, and the time t 11 to the following mathematical formula (15), the control unit 14 can calculate the battery remaining amount S during charging.

[0078]

Number

[0079] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of charging characteristics. According to the above mathematical formulas (8) to (15), the relationship between the battery remaining amount S and the charging rate in the first estimation method can be represented as charging characteristics CC1 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0080] The charging characteristics CC1 include two types of charging characteristics represented by a straight line SL11 and a straight line SL12. The straight line SL11 represents charging characteristics such that the charging rate is a constant charging rate I 11 regardless of the battery remaining amount S. The straight line SL12 represents charging characteristics such that the charging rate is the charging rate I 12It represents a charging characteristic that decreases from 0 to 0. Specifically, for example, when the charging speed is IS, the straight line SL12 represents a charging characteristic that satisfies the relationship of "IS = -a×S + I" 12 ".

[0081] The straight line SL12 represents a charging characteristic in which the charging speed decreases as the battery remaining amount S increases, and the charging speed increases as the battery temperature T Batt increases. Also, the straight line SL12 has a slope that changes according to the result of applying the battery temperature T Batt to the Arrhenius-type temperature characteristic as in the above equation (8). The battery remaining amount S fulla represents the battery remaining amount at which the charging speed becomes 0 in the straight line SL12, and is set as a value independent of the battery temperature T Batt . The charging speed I 11 and the charging speed I 12 have a relationship represented as I 11 <I 12 .

[0082] The control unit 14 can calculate the charging speed defined by the straight line SL11 as a charging speed independent of the battery temperature T Batt and the battery remaining amount S by performing calculations using the above equations (10) and (11). Also, the control unit 14 can calculate the slope of the straight line SL12 as the charging reduction rate a by performing calculations using the above equations (8) and (9). Also, the control unit 14 can calculate the charging speed defined by the straight line SL12 as a charging speed dependent on the battery temperature T Batt and the battery remaining amount S. Also, the control unit 14 can calculate the increase amount of the battery remaining amount per unit time as the charging speed. Also, the control unit 14 can calculate the charging speed based on the soundness BH. Also, the control unit 14 can estimate the charging status of the battery of the vehicle Ve by using the relatively lower charging speed between the charging speed defined by the straight line SL11 and the charging speed defined by the straight line SL12.

[0083] In the first estimation method, the control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery level S based on the above formulas (13) to (15) using the following first calculation method. start Battery charging starts from a predetermined time Δt p Battery level after elapsed time S end1 It is possible to estimate this. Note that the first calculation method below is 0 start end1 This shall apply under the condition that the value is <100.

[0084] The control unit 14, for example, "S start +I×Δt p ≤S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (16) is used, with charging speed I and predetermined time Δt. p and battery level S start By applying this, the battery level S end1 We estimate this.

[0085]

number

[0086] The control unit 14, for example, "S start ≤S 11 and S start +I×Δt p >S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (17) is used, with charging speed I, charge loss rate a, and predetermined time Δt. p Battery level S 11 , and battery level S start By applying this, the battery level S end1 We estimate this.

[0087]

number

[0088] The control unit 14, for example, "S start >S 11 ​​If the following condition is met, then the following formula (18) is used, with charging speed I, charge reduction rate a, and battery level S. 11 , and battery level S start By applying this, time Δt start Calculate the time Δt. start Battery level S 11 Battery level S start This corresponds to the estimated time required for charging up to that point. Also, the control unit 14 says, "S start >S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (19) is used, with charging speed I, charge loss rate a, and predetermined time Δt. p , time Δt start , and battery level S 11 By applying this, the battery level S end1 We estimate this.

[0089]

number

number

[0090] According to the first calculation method described above, the control unit 14 determines a first charging speed that does not depend on the remaining battery level S, or the remaining battery level S and the battery temperature T. Batt Using a second charging speed corresponding to the charging characteristics defined accordingly, the remaining battery level S end1 It is possible to estimate the battery remaining amount S. end1 Furthermore, according to the first calculation method described above, the control unit 14 can estimate the remaining battery level S as an estimated result SR indicating the state of the battery when charging is complete. end1 The acquired battery level S end1 Information related to this can be displayed on the display unit 16.

[0091] In the first estimation method, the control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery level S based on the above formulas (13) to (15) using the following second calculation method. start From the specified battery level S endp The charging time Δt1 required to charge the battery to this point can be estimated. Note that the second calculation method below is 0 start endp This shall apply under the condition that the value is <100.

[0092] The control unit 14, for example, "S endp ≤S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (20) is used, with charging speed I and battery level S. endp , and battery level S start By applying this, the charging time Δt1 is estimated.

[0093]

number

[0094] The control unit 14, for example, "S start ≤S 11 and S endp >S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (21) is used, with charging speed I, charge reduction rate a, and battery level S. 11 Battery level S endp , and battery level S start By applying this, the charging time Δt1 is estimated.

[0095]

number

[0096] The control unit 14, for example, "S start >S 11 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (22) is used, with charging speed I, charge reduction rate a, and battery level S. 11 Battery level S endp ​​, and battery level S start By applying this, the charging time Δt1 is estimated.

[0097]

number

[0098] According to the second calculation method described above, the control unit 14 determines a first charging speed that does not depend on the remaining battery level S, or the remaining battery level S and the battery temperature T. Batt The charging time Δt1 can be estimated using a second charging speed corresponding to the charging characteristics defined accordingly. Furthermore, according to the second calculation method described above, the control unit 14 can estimate the charging time Δt1 using the relatively lower of the first charging speed and the second charging speed described above, depending on the remaining battery charge S during charging. Furthermore, according to the second calculation method described above, the control unit 14 can, for example, obtain the charging time Δt1 as an estimated result SR indicating the state of the battery at the end of charging, and display the information related to the obtained charging time Δt1 on the display unit 16.

[0099] (Second estimation method) The control unit 14 calculates the following formula (23) with respect to the battery temperature T Batt By applying this and also applying the health level BH to the following formula (24), the remaining battery level S becomes the remaining battery level S 21 The charge reduction rate a1 applicable when it exceeds a certain value is calculated. The charge reduction rate a1 is calculated as a value with an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence. Furthermore, the charge reduction rate a1 is calculated as a value representing the rate of decrease in the charging rate per unit time. The constants D6 and Q6 in the following formula (23) are set as predetermined values. Note that, for example, if the vehicle Ve and charger support rapid charging such as 800 volts, the control unit 14 calculates the a obtained by the calculation using the following formula (23). 10 Apply twice the value to the following formula (24).

[0100]

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number

[0101] The control unit 14 calculates the following formula (25) with respect to the battery temperature T Batt By applying this and also applying the health level BH to the following formula (26), the remaining battery level S becomes the remaining battery level S 21 Larger battery level S 22 The charge reduction rate a2 applicable when it exceeds is calculated. The charge reduction rate a2 is calculated as a value having an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence. Furthermore, the charge reduction rate a2 is calculated as a value representing the rate of decrease in the charging rate per unit time. The constant D6 in the following formula (25) is set to the same value as the constant D6 in the above formula (23). Also, the constant Q7 in the following formula (25) is set to a predetermined value that is smaller than, for example, the constant Q6 in the above formula (23). Note that the control unit 14, for example, when the vehicle Ve and charger support rapid charging such as 800 volts, calculates a using the formula (25) below. 20 Apply twice the value of the following formula (26).

[0102]

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number

[0103] The control unit 14 uses the above formulas (10) and (11) and performs calculations similar to the first estimation method, thereby determining that the remaining battery charge S is equal to the remaining battery charge S 21 The applicable charging speed I in the following cases is calculated.

[0104] The control unit 14 applies the charging speed I, the charge reduction rate a1, and the health level BH to the following formula (27) to determine the battery level S at which the charging speed decreases. 21 We estimate the following equation (27): 100This represents the increase in battery level per unit time when the battery level is 100%, and is set to a predetermined value greater than 0. That is, I in the following formula (27) 100 This corresponds to the charging speed when the battery level is 100%. Note that charging speed I 100 For example, if the vehicle Ve and charger support fast charging such as 800 volts, the value is set to twice the value used when fast charging is not supported. In addition, the control unit 14 adds the charging speed I and battery remaining amount S to the following formula (28). 21 By applying this, the remaining battery amount S 21 Time t to reach 21 We estimate this.

[0105]

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number

[0106] The control unit 14 applies the charging speed I, charge reduction rate a1, charge reduction rate a2, and battery health BH to the following formula (29) to determine the battery level S at which the charging speed decreases. 22 We estimate the charging speed I in the following formula (29). 100 This is the charging speed I in the above formula (27). 100 It is set to the same value as in formula (29) below. fullb This represents the battery level at which the current supplied to the battery during charging becomes zero. Battery Level S fullb For example, this is set to a value greater than 100%. Furthermore, the control unit 14 uses the following formula (30) with charging speed I, charge depletion rate a1, and time t. 21 Battery level S 21 , and battery level S 22 By applying this, the remaining battery amount S 22 Time t to reach 22 We estimate this.

[0107]

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[0108] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of charging characteristics. According to the above formulas (10), (11), (13) to (15), (23) to (27) and (29), the relationship between the remaining battery charge S and the charging speed in the second estimation method can be expressed as the charging characteristic CC2 shown in Figure 4.

[0109] The charging characteristics CC2 include three types of charging characteristics represented by linear SL21, linear SL22, and linear SL23. Linear SL21 is a charging speed I that is constant regardless of the remaining battery level S. 21 This represents the charging characteristics such that the charging speed I depends on the remaining battery level S. 22 This represents a charging characteristic that decreases from to 0. Specifically, the linear SL22 is, for example, when the charging speed is IS, "IS = -a1 × S + I 22 This represents charging characteristics that satisfy the relationship ''. Charging speed I 22 For example, "a1 × 100 + I 100 This can be calculated by performing the following calculation. The linear SL23 is calculated by the charging speed I according to the remaining battery amount S. 23 This represents a charging characteristic that decreases from to 0. Specifically, the linear SL23 is, for example, when the charging speed is IS, "IS = -a² × S + I 23 This represents charging characteristics that satisfy the relationship ''. Charging speed I 23 For example, "a2×S fullb It can be calculated by performing the following calculation:

[0110] Linear SL22 and Linear SL23 show a decrease in charging speed as the battery level S increases, and the battery temperature T BattThis represents a charging characteristic in which the charging speed increases as the temperature increases. Furthermore, the linear SL22 curve represents the Arrhenius-type temperature characteristic as shown in equation (23) above, with the battery temperature T Batt The slope changes depending on the result of applying the formula. Furthermore, the straight line SL23 has an Arrhenius-type temperature characteristic as shown in formula (25) above, with respect to the battery temperature T Batt It has a slope that changes depending on the result of applying it. Charging speed I 100 This represents the charging speed when the battery level S reaches 100% in a straight line SL22. fullc This represents the battery level at which the charging speed becomes 0 in the straight line SL22, and the battery temperature T Batt It is set as a value that does not depend on [something]. Battery level S fullb This represents the battery level at which the charging speed becomes 0 in the straight line SL23, and the battery temperature T Batt It is set as a value that does not depend on the charging speed I. 21 , charging speed I 22 and charging speed I 23 is, I 21 22 23 The relationship is expressed as follows: Battery level S fullb and battery level S fullc is, S fullb fullc They have a relationship that can be expressed as follows.

[0111] The control unit 14 calculates the battery temperature T by performing calculations using the above formulas (10) and (11). Batt Furthermore, the charging speed defined by the straight line SL21 can be calculated as a charging speed independent of the remaining battery charge S. The control unit 14 can also calculate the slope of the straight line SL22 as the charge reduction rate a1 by performing calculations using the above formulas (23) and (24). The control unit 14 can also calculate the slope of the straight line SL23 as the charge reduction rate a2 by performing calculations using the above formulas (25) and (26). The control unit 14 also calculates the battery temperature T Batt ​​​Furthermore, the charging speed, which depends on the remaining battery charge S, can be calculated using the linear formula SL22. In addition, the control unit 14 can calculate the charging speed based on the battery temperature T Batt Furthermore, the charging speed can be calculated as a charging speed dependent on the remaining battery charge S, as defined by the linear SL23. The control unit 14 can also calculate the increase in remaining battery charge per unit time as the charging speed. The control unit 14 can also calculate the charging speed based on the health level BH. In addition, the control unit 14 can estimate the charging status of the vehicle Ve battery using the relatively lower charging speed among the charging speed defined by the linear SL21, the charging speed defined by the linear SL22, and the charging speed defined by the linear SL23.

[0112] In the second estimation method, the control unit 14 modifies equations (13) to (15) according to equations (27) to (30) and calculates the remaining battery amount S using the following third calculation method. start Battery charging starts from a predetermined time Δt p Battery level after elapsed time S end2 It is possible to estimate this. Furthermore, the third calculation method below is 0 start end2 This shall apply under the condition that the value is <100. The control unit 14 adjusts the battery level from 0 to S start The estimated time required to charge until [date] start Calculate.

[0113] The control unit 14, for example, "S start ≤S 21 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (31) is used, with charging speed I and battery level S added. start By applying this, time t start Calculate.

[0114]

number

[0115] ​​The control unit 14, for example, "S 21 start ≤S 22 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (32) is used, with charging speed I, charge depletion rate a1, and time t. 21 Battery level S 21 , and battery level S start By applying this, time t start Calculate.

[0116]

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[0117] The control unit 14, for example, "S 22 start If the following condition is met, then the following formula (33) is used, with charge reduction rate a2 and time t 22 Battery level S 22 Battery level S fullb , and battery level S start By applying this, time t start Calculate.

[0118]

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[0119] The control unit 14 calculates the time t using any of the above formulas (31) to (33). start Battery level S corresponding to end2 We estimate this.

[0120] The control unit 14, for example, "t start ≤t 21 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (34) is used, with charging speed I and predetermined time Δt. p , and time t start By applying this, the battery level S end2 We estimate this.

[0121]

number

[0122] The control unit 14, for example, "t 21 <t start ≤t 22 If the following condition is met, then the following formula (35) is used, with charging speed I, charge loss rate a1, and predetermined time Δt. p , time t 21 , time t start , and battery level S 21 By applying this, the battery level S end2 We estimate this.

[0123]

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[0124] The control unit 14, for example, "t 22 <t start If the following condition is met, then the following formula (36) is used, with the charge reduction rate a2 and the predetermined time Δt. p , time t 22 , time t start Battery level S fullb , and battery level S 22 By applying this, the battery level S end2 We estimate this.

[0125]

number

[0126] According to the third calculation method described above, the control unit 14 determines a first charging speed that does not depend on the remaining battery level S, or the remaining battery level S and the battery temperature T. Batt Using a second charging speed corresponding to the charging characteristics defined accordingly, the remaining battery level S end2 It is possible to estimate the remaining battery charge S. end2It is possible to estimate the following. Furthermore, according to the third calculation method described above, the second charging speed mentioned above is calculated as a value corresponding to either the straight line SL22 or the straight line SL23. Furthermore, according to the third calculation method described above, the control unit 14 can estimate the remaining battery level S as an estimated result SR indicating the state of the battery at the end of charging, for example. end2 The acquired battery level S end2 Information related to this can be displayed on the display unit 16.

[0127] In the second estimation method, the control unit 14 modifies equations (13) to (15) according to equations (27) to (30) and performs the calculation using the following fourth calculation method to determine the remaining battery level S start From the specified battery level S endp The charging time Δt2 required to charge the battery to this point can be estimated. Note that the fourth calculation method below is 0 start endp This shall apply under the condition that the value is <100.

[0128] The control unit 14 determines the remaining battery value S from the above formulas (31) to (33). start The control unit 14 selects formula F1 that corresponds to the conditions related to the above. In addition, the control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery amount S in the third calculation method described above. start Battery level S endp In the state where it has been replaced, the remaining battery amount S is obtained from the above formulas (31) to (33). endp Select formula F2 that meets the conditions related to the above.

[0129] The control unit 14 performs calculations using the formula F1 to determine the battery level from 0 to S. start The estimated time required to charge until [date] start The control unit 14 calculates the remaining battery level S from the remaining battery level 0 by performing calculations using the formula F2. endp The estimated time required to charge until [date] end The control unit 14 calculates the time t. end From time t start ​​By performing a calculation to subtract it, the charging time Δt2 is estimated.

[0130] According to the fourth calculation method described above, the control unit 14 uses the first charging speed that does not depend on the battery remaining amount S, or the second charging speed according to the charging characteristics defined according to the battery remaining amount S and the battery temperature T Batt to estimate the charging time Δt2. Also, according to the fourth calculation method described above, the control unit 14 uses the relatively lower one of the first charging speed and the second charging speed according to the battery remaining amount S during charging to estimate the charging time Δt2. Also, according to the fourth calculation method described above, the control unit 14 can obtain the charging time Δt2 as an estimation result SR indicating the situation at the end of battery charging, for example, and cause the display unit 16 to display the information related to the obtained charging time Δt2. Also, according to the fourth calculation method described above, the second charging speed described above is calculated as a value corresponding to either the straight line SL22 or the straight line SL23.

[0131] [Processing Flow] Subsequently, the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0132] First, the information processing device 1 acquires the battery health BH of the vehicle Ve (step S11).

[0133] Next, the information processing device 1 estimates the total battery capacity C of the vehicle Ve by performing a calculation using the nominal battery capacity BY, etc. d (step S12).

[0134] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 calculates the battery remaining amount S corresponding to the battery remaining amount before charging when the vehicle Ve travels from the departure place to the charging point by performing a calculation using the energy consumption estimation model SM, etc. start (step S13).

[0135] Subsequently, after the vehicle Ve arrives at the charging point, the information processing device 1 calculates the battery temperature T of the vehicle Ve Batt (step S14). In the process of step S14, the information processing device 1 can calculate the battery temperature before or during charging as the battery temperature T Batt .

[0136] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 calculates the charging speed I of the battery of the vehicle Ve during the period from the start of charging to the end of charging of the battery by performing calculations using the battery temperature T Batt and the like (step S15).

[0137] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 estimates the charging status of the battery of the vehicle Ve by performing calculations using the soundness BH, the battery remaining amount S start and the charging speed I and the like (step S16). According to the process of step S16, the information processing device 1 can estimate any one of the battery remaining amount S end1 , the charging time Δt1, the battery remaining amount S end2 , and the charging time Δt2 as the status at the end of charging.

[0138] As described above, according to this embodiment, based on the soundness of the battery of the vehicle Ve and the like, it is possible to estimate the battery remaining amount S d at which the charging speed decreases during charging of the battery. Further, according to this embodiment, when the battery remaining amount of the vehicle Ve is less than or equal to the battery remaining amount S d , it is possible to estimate that charging is performed at a constant charging speed independent of the battery temperature. Further, according to this embodiment, when the battery remaining amount of the vehicle Ve exceeds the battery remaining amount S d , it is possible to estimate that charging is performed at a charging speed that changes according to the battery temperature and the battery remaining amount. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the estimation accuracy when estimating the status at the end of battery charging.

[0139] <Modified Example> Next, we will describe a suitable modification of the above-described embodiment.

[0140] According to the embodiment described above, at least some of the processes performed by the information processing device 1 may be performed by a server device that communicates data with the information processing device 1.

[0141] Figure 6 shows an example configuration of a modified charging status estimation system. The charging status estimation system 100A includes an information processing device 1A and a server device 200. The information processing device 1A and the server device 200 communicate data via a network 150.

[0142] The information processing device 1A has the same configuration as the information processing device 1 described in the above embodiment (see Figure 2). The information processing device 1A also transmits the information input at the input unit 13 and the information obtained by the sensor group 15 to the server device 200. For example, the information processing device 1A transmits the temperature information TJ obtained at the vehicle Ve to the server device 200. The information processing device 1A also transmits data necessary for calculating the estimated value SV, such as the position, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle Ve, to the server device 200.

[0143] Figure 7 shows a schematic configuration of a modified server device. As shown in Figure 7, the server device 200 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a control unit 304. The communication unit 301, the storage unit 302, and the control unit 304 are interconnected via a bus line 300.

[0144] The communication unit 301 transmits and receives various data via the network 150 based on the control of the control unit 304. The storage unit 302 is composed of, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 302 also stores data that can be used to estimate the charging status of the vehicle Ve, such as the database 4, vehicle information VJ, catalog value information CJ, and temperature information TJ. The control unit 304 has memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and performs overall control of the server device 200 by executing programs stored in memory. The control unit 304 can also be treated as an example of a computer.

[0145] According to the configuration described above, the control unit 304 will determine the remaining battery level S start And, battery temperature T Batt The control unit 304 can calculate a first charging speed that does not depend on the remaining battery charge of the vehicle Ve, and a second charging speed that corresponds to the charging characteristics defined according to the remaining battery charge and battery temperature. The control unit 304 can also use the first or second charging speed to calculate the remaining battery charge S start Battery level S, which corresponds to the battery level after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging began. end1 or battery level S end2 The control unit 304 can estimate the remaining battery amount S using either the first or second charging speed. start It is possible to estimate the charging time Δt1 or charging time Δt2 required to charge the battery from a certain charge level to a predetermined charge level.

[0146] According to this modified example, the same processing performed in server device 200 may be performed in a server system having multiple server devices.

[0147] In the embodiments described above, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium and supplied to a control unit, which is a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)).

[0148] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that those skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents and other references is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. 1A Information Processing Device 11, 301 Communications Department 12, 302 Storage section 14, 304 Control Unit 15 Sensor Groups

Claims

1. A first calculation means for calculating a first charge amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery, A second calculation means for calculating a first charging speed independent of the remaining battery capacity, and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining battery capacity and the battery temperature, An estimation means for estimating either a second charge amount, which corresponds to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount, using the first charging speed or the second charging speed; A charging status estimation device having the following features.

2. The charging status estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates either the second charge amount or the charging time using the relatively lower of the first charging speed and the second charging speed, depending on the remaining charge of the battery during charging.

3. The charging status estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the charging characteristics are expressed as a characteristic in which the charging speed decreases as the remaining charge of the battery increases, and the charging speed increases as the temperature of the battery increases.

4. The charging characteristics are represented as at least one straight line having a slope that changes according to the result of applying the temperature of the battery to an Arrhenius-type temperature characteristic, and the remaining charge of the battery at which the charging speed becomes 0 on the straight line is set as a value that does not depend on the temperature of the battery, as described in claim 3.

5. The charging status estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the increase in the amount of charge per unit time as the first charging speed and the second charging speed.

6. The charging status estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the second charging speed using different charging characteristics according to the capacity of the battery.

7. The charging status estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the first charging speed and the second charging speed based on the degradation state of the battery.

8. A method for estimating the charging status performed by a computer, The first charge amount, which corresponds to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery are calculated. A first charging speed independent of the remaining battery capacity and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining battery capacity and the battery temperature are calculated. A charging status estimation method that uses the first charging speed or the second charging speed to estimate either a second charging amount corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charging amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charging amount to the predetermined charging amount.

9. A program executed by a computer, The first charge amount, which corresponds to the remaining charge of the mobile device's battery before charging, and the temperature of the battery are calculated. A first charging speed independent of the remaining battery capacity and a second charging speed according to charging characteristics defined according to the remaining battery capacity and the battery temperature are calculated. A program that causes a computer to perform a process to estimate either a second charge amount, which corresponds to the remaining charge of the battery after a predetermined time has elapsed since charging the battery began from the first charge amount, or the charging time required to charge the battery from the first charge amount to the predetermined charge amount, using the first charging speed or the second charging speed.

10. A storage medium storing the program described in claim 9.

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