Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing system

Abstract

An information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system are provided that can increase the utility value of a battery. [Solution] The information processing method acquires battery-related information about automotive batteries from a battery database, uses a diagnostic method to diagnose the degree of deterioration of the battery according to the acquired battery-related information, records the degree of deterioration of the diagnosed battery in the diagnostic database, and presents the trading price of the battery whose degree of deterioration has been diagnosed using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of battery deterioration and the trading price.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art As hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) become more widespread, deterioration diagnosis of secondary batteries (also simply called "batteries") mounted on these vehicles is becoming increasingly important.

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-152551 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The device in Patent Document 1 judges the deterioration of a battery when it is installed in a vehicle, and can only diagnose the deterioration of a specific battery installed in the vehicle. In EVs, the battery capacity generally decreases with age, shortening the driving range, so each automobile manufacturer sets a warranty period and a guaranteed value for the battery capacity. However, a high-speed diagnostic method suitable for many types of batteries has not been established. In addition, even batteries that have passed the warranty period or fallen below the guaranteed value are not being fully used in situations where the driving range is short or in stationary use, despite their market value.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system that can increase the utility value of a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above problems, but as one example, an information processing method obtains battery-related information about an automotive battery from a battery DB, uses a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery according to the obtained battery-related information, records the diagnosed degree of deterioration in the diagnostic DB, and presents the trading price of the battery whose degree of deterioration has been diagnosed using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of the battery and the trading price. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the utility value of the battery can be increased. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ledger management node. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a distributed ledger. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a diagnosis management terminal; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a simple diagnosis field terminal; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a diagnostic information server. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of a battery. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery information input mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result presentation mode. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery evaluation result mode. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded in association with a battery diagnosis result and a purchase price. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchase price of a battery as a comparative example. [Figure 13] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded in association with a diagnostic result and a purchase price after a decision has been made to purchase a battery. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detailed diagnosis field terminal; [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is repaired and refurbished. [Figure 16] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detailed diagnosis management terminal. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is recycled. [Figure 18] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a battery management terminal; FIG. [Figure 19] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is reused; FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between a simple diagnosis field terminal and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between a detailed diagnosis field terminal and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between a battery management terminal and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 23] A flow diagram showing an example of processing between a detailed diagnosis management terminal and a distributed ledger system. [Figure 24] A flow diagram showing an example of processing between a diagnostic management terminal and a distributed ledger system. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a business evaluation information display screen. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a certification information display screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation information search screen. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation information ranking screen. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery search screen. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery usage information screen. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a battery history information screen. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a battery history information screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system includes a distributed ledger system including a plurality of ledger management nodes 10 connected to a peer-to-peer (P2P) network 1, a diagnosis management terminal 20, a simple diagnosis site terminal 30, a detailed diagnosis site terminal 40, a detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, a battery management terminal 60, a sales management terminal 70, a battery information server 110, a diagnosis information server 120, an operation information server 130, a sales information server 140, a recycle server 150, and a history information server 170, all of which are connected to the ledger management nodes. A diagnosis method analysis terminal 160 is connected to the diagnosis information server 120. Note that the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, the operation information server 130, the sales information server 140, the recycle server 150, and the history information server 170 are each divided for convenience, and the functions of each server may be integrated with other servers or distributed to other servers. The servers may be integrated into one server or distributed across two or more servers. Also, the distributed ledger system may be configured as a client-server system, which is not a required configuration and is composed of each terminal and each server.

[0011] The diagnosis management terminal 20 is a terminal installed in the business establishment or office of a manufacturer of automobiles or batteries, a business operator of automobile sharing, etc. The simple diagnosis site terminal 30 is a terminal installed in the maintenance site or office of a maintenance business operator of a 4S store (4S) (a dealer store in China) or a sharing service. The detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 is a terminal installed in the factory or office of a refurbishment or dismantling business operator. The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 is a terminal installed in the factory or office of a recycling business operator. The battery management terminal 60 is a terminal installed in the business establishment or office of a reuse operation manager. The sales management terminal 70 is a terminal installed in the business establishment or office of a user of reused batteries such as an electric power company. In this specification, the automobile or vehicle is assumed to be an HEV or an EV.

[0012] The battery information server 110 is a server for accessing a battery DB (not shown) that records battery information related to the battery, and has a function of writing battery information to the battery DB, a function of reading battery information from the battery DB, a function of updating the battery DB, and the like. The diagnostic information server 120 has a function of diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery. The diagnostic information server 120 is also a server for accessing a diagnostic DB (not shown) that records battery diagnostic information, and has a function of writing diagnostic information to the diagnostic DB, a function of reading diagnostic information from the diagnostic DB, a function of updating the diagnostic DB, and the like. The operation information server 130 is a server for accessing an operation DB (not shown) that records battery operation information, and has a function of writing operation information to the operation DB, a function of reading operation information from the operation DB, a function of updating the operation DB, and the like. The sales information server 140 is a server for accessing a sales DB (not shown) that records battery sales-related information, and has a function of writing sales-related information to the sales DB, a function of reading sales-related information from the sales DB, a function of updating the sales DB, and the like. Recycle server 150 is a server for accessing a recycle DB (not shown) that records recycle-related information of batteries, and has a function for writing recycle-related information to the recycle DB, a function for reading recycle-related information from the recycle DB, a function for updating the recycle DB, etc. History information server 170 is a server for accessing a history DB (not shown) that records history information of batteries, and has a function for writing history information to the history DB, a function for reading history information from the history DB, a function for updating the history DB, etc.

[0013] The distributed ledger system records and manages, in a distributed ledger described below, information relating to the processing executed at each of the diagnosis management terminal 20, the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the battery management terminal 60, and the sales management terminal 70, as well as information provided from each of the terminals. The distributed ledger system can also provide the information recorded in the distributed ledger to each of the terminals.

[0014] The distributed ledger system records and manages in a distributed ledger information relating to the processes executed in each of the servers, battery information server 110, diagnosis information server 120, operation information server 130, sales information server 140, and recycle server 150, and information provided by each of the servers. The distributed ledger system can also provide each of the servers with the information recorded in the distributed ledger.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ledger management node 10. The ledger management node 10 can be configured as a computer or a computer system. The ledger management node 10 is installed in the business establishments and offices of automobile and battery manufacturers, business operators such as car sharing, 4S stores (Chinese dealer stores), maintenance facilities and offices of maintenance operators such as sharing, factories and offices of refurbishment and dismantling businesses, factories and offices of recycling businesses, business establishments and offices of reuse operation managers, and business establishments and offices of reuse battery users such as electric power companies. The ledger management node 10 may function as a diagnosis management terminal 20, a simple diagnosis site terminal 30, a detailed diagnosis site terminal 40, a detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, a battery management terminal 60, or a sales management terminal 70.

[0016] The ledger management node 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a ledger information generation unit 12, a ledger recording unit 13, a ledger information reference unit 14, and a database 15.

[0017] The communication unit 11 has a function for communicating with other ledger management nodes 10 connected to the network 1. The communication unit 11 has a function for communicating with the diagnosis management terminal 20, the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the battery management terminal 60, and the sales management terminal 70. The communication unit 11 also has a function for communicating with the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, the operation information server 130, the sales information server 140, and the recycle server 150.

[0018] The database 15 can be configured with a rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The database 15 records a node list 151 and a distributed ledger 152.

[0019] In the node list 151, the IP address and electronic certificate of a ledger management node 10 that has been properly registered in the distributed ledger system are registered in association with identification information that identifies the ledger management node 10. The electronic certificate records the public key and electronic signature of each ledger management node 10. When a new ledger management node 10 is properly registered, the registration is reflected in the node list 151.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distributed ledger 152. As shown in FIG. 3, the distributed ledger 152 includes a plurality of ledger information 200. The plurality of ledger information 200 are connected in series to form a so-called block chain. Each ledger information 200 includes a timestamp 201, a hash value (also called a hash value) 202 of the previous ledger information, and record information 203. The timestamp 201 is information indicating the date and time when the ledger information was generated. The hash value 202 is a value generated based on a hash function preset for the previous ledger information. The record information 203 is a main part of information to be registered in the ledger information 200. The record information 203 includes, for example, information on each event such as diagnosis of the deterioration degree, buying and selling transactions, repair and regeneration, reuse such as driving use and stationary use, and disposal from the time of battery manufacture to recycling, associated with a battery ID (identification information for identifying a battery), information on the use history of the battery, operation history of the battery, and the like.

[0021] The ledger information generation unit 12 generates ledger information 200 to be recorded in the distributed ledger 152 using information obtained via the communication unit 11 from the diagnosis management terminal 20, the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the battery management terminal 60, and the sales management terminal 70, as well as the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, the operation information server 130, the sales information server 140, and the recycle server 150.

[0022] The ledger recorder 13 determines whether or not the newly generated ledger information 200 in another ledger management node 10 satisfies a consensus rule (also called a "consensus algorithm") preset in the distributed ledger system. The ledger recorder 13 records the ledger information 200 that satisfies the predetermined consensus rule in the distributed ledger 152. In this case, the new ledger information is added to the end of the cascaded ledger information 200.

[0023] When the ledger information reference unit 14 receives a request to reference the contents of the distributed ledger 152 from the diagnosis management terminal 20, the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the battery management terminal 60, the sales management terminal 70, the battery information server 110, the diagnosis information server 120, the operation information server 130, the sales information server 140, and the recycle server 150 via the communication unit 11, it reads out the record information 203 corresponding to the request from the distributed ledger 152 and transmits the read record information 203 to the requestor.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the diagnostic management terminal 20. The diagnostic management terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls the entire terminal, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display panel 24, an operation unit 25, and an information providing unit 26. The diagnostic management terminal 20 can be configured with a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0025] The control unit 21 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0026] The communication unit 22 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The storage unit 23 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 22. The storage unit 23 can also store required information such as processing results in the diagnosis management terminal 20.

[0027] The display panel 24 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 25 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 25 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 24, and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 24.

[0028] The information providing unit 26 can provide information such as battery performance data and optimal operation methods to the ledger management node 10 via the communication unit 22. The information providing unit 26 can identify the battery operation performance or calculate the average lifespan, recycle rate, etc. of the battery based on information such as battery information, battery diagnostic information, operation state, and usage history. The information providing unit 26 can identify the optimal operation method of the battery based on information such as the battery operation performance and average lifespan.

[0029] As described above, battery and automobile manufacturers and sharing businesses can use the diagnostic management terminal 20 to obtain remaining capacity information for batteries related to their companies and clarify operation methods that enable longer battery life by comparing it with vehicle operation methods. In addition, the businesses can understand the proper disposal of batteries, recycling rates, etc. by tracing the usage history up until the battery is recycled.

[0030] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the simple diagnosis field terminal 30. The simple diagnosis field terminal 30 includes a control unit 31 that controls the entire terminal, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display panel 34, an operation unit 35, and an interface unit 36. The simple diagnosis field terminal 30 can be configured with a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0031] The control unit 31 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0032] The communication unit 32 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The storage unit 33 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 32. The storage unit 33 can also store required information such as processing results in the simple diagnosis field terminal 30.

[0033] The display panel 34 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 35 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 35 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 34, and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 34.

[0034] The interface unit 36 ​​includes a plurality of terminals for connecting a battery (e.g., a battery pack), a measurement changeover switch for measuring the battery, and the like, and can measure data such as the battery current, voltage, etc. Here, the battery pack is composed of a plurality of battery modules, and each battery module has a plurality of cells (battery cells) connected in series or in series and parallel.

[0035] The control unit 31 can transmit a diagnostic information request together with battery information of the battery (e.g., the manufacturer name, model, and year of the vehicle in which the battery is mounted, battery ID, battery measurement data, etc.) to the diagnostic information server 120 via the communication unit 32. The diagnostic information server 120 can diagnose the degree of deterioration of the battery using the received battery information and measurement data. Furthermore, by linking with the sales information server 140, the diagnostic information server 120 can obtain the transaction price of the battery whose degree of deterioration has been diagnosed using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of the battery and the transaction price. The control unit 31 can obtain the diagnosis result (diagnosis information) indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery and the transaction price of the battery from the diagnostic information server 120 via the communication unit 32.

[0036] Maintenance businesses such as 4S shops and sharing companies can use the simple diagnosis site terminal 30 to measure the remaining battery capacity of various batteries installed in cars of various manufacturers brought into their maintenance yards, input the necessary vehicle information into the simple diagnosis site terminal 30, connect the battery to the terminals, perform a comprehensive diagnosis using multiple diagnostic techniques, and confirm the battery diagnosis results and purchase price. The details of this wide-ranging diagnostic system that is compatible with many types of batteries are explained below.

[0037] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the diagnostic information server 120. The diagnostic information server 120 includes a control unit 121 that controls the entire server, a communication unit 122, a storage unit 123, a switching unit 124, a registration unit 125, and a diagnosis unit 126. The control unit 121 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0038] The communication unit 122 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 122 receives, for example, battery information and battery measurement data together with a diagnostic information request from the simple diagnosis field terminal 30. The communication unit 122 can also acquire battery information from the battery information server 110. The communication unit 122 can also acquire battery sales-related information from the sales information server 140.

[0039] The storage unit 123 is composed of a hard disk or a semiconductor memory, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 122. The storage unit 123 can also store required information such as processing results in the diagnostic information server 120.

[0040] The switching unit 124 can selectively switch the diagnostic method used for diagnosing deterioration of the battery based on the battery information acquired via the communication unit 122.

[0041] The registration unit 125 has a function of registering a newly developed or designed simplified diagnostic algorithm. The registration unit 125 can add a new simplified diagnostic algorithm and update an old simplified algorithm.

[0042] The diagnostic unit 126 includes a diagnostic algorithm D1 (127), a diagnostic algorithm D2 (128), a diagnostic algorithm D3 (129), and a charge / discharge algorithm 135. The diagnostic algorithms D1 to D3 are simplified diagnostic algorithms, and are high-speed diagnostic methods that require a relatively short time for diagnosis. The charge / discharge algorithm provides a highly accurate diagnostic result, but requires a relatively long time for diagnosis. The switching unit 124 can select a required diagnostic algorithm based on the battery information or a diagnostic method selected by the user. The diagnostic unit 126 diagnoses the degree of deterioration of the battery using the selected diagnostic algorithm. Note that, in the example of FIG. 6, for convenience, three simplified diagnostic algorithms are illustrated, but the diagnostic unit 126 can have four or more diagnostic algorithms.

[0043] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a diagnostic method for diagnosing the deterioration degree of a battery. The first diagnostic method is characterized by the fact that it takes a long time to diagnose but the diagnostic result is highly accurate. The first diagnostic method, for example, measures capacity using complete charging and discharging. This diagnostic method is based on a discharge current integration method during complete charging and discharging, in which a battery is once fully charged (SOC: State of Charge is 100%), and then discharged until the SOC becomes 0%, and the current integration method is used during discharging to determine the full charge capacity, which is then divided by the initial full charge capacity to estimate the SOH (State of Health).

[0044] The second diagnostic method is a simplified diagnostic method that has a shorter diagnostic time (e.g., about 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes) than the first diagnostic method. The second diagnostic method includes, for example, a charge curve analysis method, a discharge curve analysis method, a table lookup from an internal resistance, and a model-based estimation.

[0045] The charging curve analysis method involves first measuring the voltage, current, and temperature of a battery during charging, recording this data as a charging curve, setting initial values ​​for parameters that represent the internal state of the battery, and estimating the parameters through regression calculations to calculate the battery state (e.g., battery capacity).

[0046] The discharge curve analysis method involves characterizing the discharge curve by, for example, differentiating it with respect to voltage, extracting the capacity changes of each active material in the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, and calculating the state of the battery (for example, battery capacity).

[0047] Table lookup from internal resistance involves obtaining the relationship between SOH and internal resistance in advance and putting it into a table, and then determining SOH from the measured internal resistance by table lookup.

[0048] In the model-based estimation, the SOH is estimated by associating a specific parameter in the model used in the SOC estimation with the SOH and estimating the parameter. For example, the full charge capacity of the battery is expressed by the capacity of a capacitor in an equivalent circuit model, and the capacity is estimated to obtain the SOH. It is also possible to estimate the SOH using a neural network. The diagnosis method is not limited to the one illustrated in the figure. The diagnosis method illustrated in FIG. 7 may be configured by dividing the method into categories, for example, for each automobile manufacturer, each battery manufacturer, and each type of battery. For example, the method may be divided into categories for automobile manufacturers M1, M2, and M3, and for other automobile manufacturers.

[0049] The diagnostic method analysis terminal 160 includes hardware such as a CPU (e.g., a multiprocessor having multiple processor cores), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), etc. The diagnostic method analysis terminal 160 can generate a new diagnostic algorithm for the diagnostic information server 120 or re-learn the simplified diagnostic algorithm by using data obtained by a first diagnostic method with high diagnostic accuracy as learning data for a simplified diagnostic algorithm configured by a neural network.

[0050] The diagnostic information server 120 (registration unit 125) can register a second diagnostic method, which has a shorter diagnostic time than the first diagnostic method, from time to time and diagnose the degree of deterioration of the battery using the registered second diagnostic method. This makes it possible to timely estimate the degree of deterioration of new automobiles and new batteries installed in the automobiles that are newly introduced on the market.

[0051] Furthermore, diagnostic method analysis terminal 160 can provide the data obtained by the first diagnostic method as learning data to a business operator who analyzes the diagnostic method.

[0052] Next, there will be described operations on the simple diagnosis field terminal 30. The simple diagnosis field terminal 30 can switch between and display a battery information input mode, a diagnosis result presentation mode, and a battery evaluation result mode.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the battery information input mode 301. A battery installed in a vehicle brought into a maintenance facility of a maintenance company or the like is connected to the simple diagnosis site terminal 30, and a user of the maintenance company or the like can input or select various information by selecting the battery information input mode 301. The information to be input or selected includes, for example, the manufacturer name, model, year, management number of the vehicle, vehicle number (manufacturer's serial number, etc.), and usage status of the vehicle (for example, mileage, years of use, frequency of use, average daily mileage, etc.). The information to be input may be input directly, or multiple options may be displayed and the corresponding one selected. Although not shown, the simple diagnosis site terminal 30 can include a battery ID and measurement data of the battery (for example, current, voltage, temperature, etc.) in the input information. The battery ID can be input, for example, by reading a two-dimensional barcode attached to the battery. The information to be input in the battery information input mode 301 may be transmitted to the simple diagnosis site terminal 30 by wireless communication from a communication terminal (for example, a smartphone, etc.) carried by the user.

[0054] The simple diagnosis field terminal 30 transmits the input information to the diagnosis information server 120 .

[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the diagnostic result presentation mode 302. The diagnostic information server 120 acquires battery information on the battery from the battery information server 110 based on the input information, selects one or more diagnostic algorithms to be used for diagnosing the deterioration degree of the battery based on the information, and can diagnose the deterioration degree of the battery using the selected diagnostic algorithm. The diagnostic result presentation mode 302 includes the diagnostic result. In the diagnostic result presentation mode 302, for example, the vehicle serial number, diagnostic method, recommended method, and diagnostic methods A to C are displayed. Here, the recommended method can be, for example, a diagnostic method specific to the automobile manufacturer or a battery manufacturer linked to the automobile manufacturer, or a diagnostic method that is optimal for each vehicle manufacturer. In addition, the diagnostic method can be recommended according to the model number of the battery. When the user selects a diagnostic method and operates the "execute diagnosis" icon, diagnostic results 1 to 3 according to the selected diagnostic method are displayed. The diagnostic result (degree of deterioration) can be displayed, for example, as a percentage of the battery capacity (the capacity of a new battery is taken as 100%). Generally, 70% is the guaranteed capacity. The degree of deterioration may also be indicated by the remaining life of the battery (how many years it will last).

[0056] The number of diagnostic methods and corresponding diagnostic results may be selected by the user or may be a preset number. As shown in Fig. 9, by displaying diagnostic results based on at least three diagnostic methods, even if the diagnostic results vary, the most likely diagnostic result can be identified. In addition, the battery degradation degree may be diagnosed by the simple diagnosis field terminal 30, and the diagnostic results by the diagnosis performed by the simple diagnosis field terminal 30 may be transmitted to the distributed ledger system and recorded in the diagnostic DB or a specified DB.

[0057] As described above, a diagnostic method for the degree of battery deterioration and the diagnostic results of the degree of deterioration when using the diagnostic method are displayed, so that automobile users can easily grasp the degree of deterioration of the battery installed in their own vehicles without having to ask an authorized dealer.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the battery evaluation result mode 303. In the battery evaluation result mode 303, the diagnostic method, the overall result, the purchase price, and the detailed conditions are displayed. In the example shown in the figure, both the overall result and the purchase price are displayed, but only one of them may be displayed. Also, instead of the overall result, each diagnostic result by each diagnostic method may be displayed. The detailed conditions include, for example, information such as contract terms regarding the purchase and sale of the battery. The contract terms include, for example, wording that specifies the purchase and sale by the seller and the buyer, the purchase price, the payment deadline, the time of ownership transfer, the liability for non-compliance with the contract, and risk of risk. When the "Execute" icon is operated, the process for establishing the purchase contract for the battery is executed, and when the "Do not execute" icon is operated, the purchase and sale contract for the battery is not established. Note that only one of the diagnostic result and the purchase price may be displayed.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded in association with the diagnosis result of the battery and the purchase price. The information shown in FIG. 11 can be recorded in, for example, a diagnosis DB, but may be recorded in another DB. As shown in FIG. 11, information on the vehicle model, year, diagnosis date, diagnosis method, diagnosis result (for example, SOH), and purchase price is recorded in association with the battery ID. The vehicle model and year are the vehicle model and year of the vehicle in which the battery is mounted. The diagnosis method may be either the first diagnosis method (full charge / discharge method) or the second diagnosis method (simple method), but here, the simple method is used, which is expected to be used frequently. The diagnosis result is, for example, SOH=75%, and the purchase price calculated based on the diagnosis result, etc. is 100,000 yen. Note that the purchase price is merely an example for explanation and is not limited to this. The information shown in FIG. 11 is recorded in a distributed ledger system.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase price of a battery as a comparative example. The comparative example shown in FIG. 12 shows an example of a purchase price determined without performing the first diagnostic method (full charge / discharge method) or the second diagnostic method (simplified method) of the present embodiment. That is, there are various types and years of automobiles, and the batteries installed in automobiles may also differ depending on the automobile manufacturer, and the types of batteries are also various. In this case, even if an attempt is made to diagnose the degree of deterioration of a battery, there are circumstances such as not knowing an appropriate diagnostic method or not having a diagnostic method established in the first place, and it is considered that the degree of deterioration of the battery cannot be used as a judgment material when determining the purchase price of the battery in many cases. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 12, the purchase price of the battery is determined based on the mileage and period of use (the period from new car registration to the present) of the automobile in which the battery is installed. In addition, since the degree of deterioration of the battery is not known, there is a tendency in the market to set the purchase price as low as possible. In the example of FIG. 12, the purchase price of a battery equivalent to that in FIG. 11 is set at 70,000 yen.

[0061] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a wide range of diagnostic systems can be provided that can diagnose various batteries in one stop, so that the degree of deterioration of the battery (diagnosis result) can be incorporated into the calculation of the purchase price of the battery, and the decrease in the market price of the battery can be suppressed. This makes the residual value of the battery clear, and it is possible to expand and create a leasing market for reusing batteries.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded in association with the diagnostic result and the purchase price after the purchase decision of the battery. The information shown in FIG. 13 can be recorded in, for example, a diagnostic DB, but may be recorded in another DB. As shown in FIG. 13A, each piece of information, such as the purchase price, the diagnostic date, the diagnostic method, the diagnostic result (for example, SOH), and the updated purchase price, is recorded in association with the battery ID. The purchase price is the purchase price exemplified in FIG. 11. It is also assumed that the battery is diagnosed after the purchase decision of the battery is made. The diagnosis date is the diagnosis date after the purchase decision is made. Compared to the diagnosis performed by bringing the car to a repair shop, it is assumed that the diagnosis of the battery for which the purchase decision has been made is performed with a margin of time, so here, the diagnosis method of the battery is the full charge and discharge method. As a result of the full charge and discharge method, the SOH is assumed to be 85%. With the simplified method exemplified in FIG. 11, the SOH was 75%. It is assumed that the degree of deterioration of the battery by a more accurate diagnosis method is not as advanced as the initial diagnosis result. In this case, the purchase price can be set higher, for example, the purchase price after renewal can be set at 120,000 yen. The purchase price after renewal is the transaction price when the 4S store, sharing or other maintenance business that purchased the battery resells it to the reuse operation manager (which may include the refurbishment and dismantling business). The actual transaction price of the battery may be the purchase price after renewal, or the recent market price (market price). The transaction unit can be the battery pack unit, but it may also be the battery module unit or the cell unit.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 13B, information on the purchase price, recent transaction status, and updated purchase price is recorded in association with the battery ID. The purchase price is the purchase price exemplified in FIG. 11. It is also assumed that the transaction status of the battery is updated after the purchase of the battery is decided. In the example of FIG. 13B, the recent market price of battery ID: XXX is 105,000 yen to 115,000 yen. In this case, since the market price is higher than the initially set purchase price, the purchase price can be set higher, and the updated purchase price can be set to 110,000 yen, for example. The information exemplified in FIG. 13 is recorded in the distributed ledger system.

[0064] Even after the buyback price of the battery is determined, it is conceivable that the battery may be diagnosed again or the market price may fluctuate. By updating the buyback price in consideration of these factors, the residual value of the battery can be made even clearer.

[0065] As described above, since the diagnosis result of the degree of battery degradation and the transaction price are displayed, the user can easily grasp the market value of the battery they own. Also, as described above, by displaying the contract terms regarding the battery transaction and configuring to accept the availability of the battery transaction, the battery transaction can be easily carried out, and the circulation of batteries with sufficient remaining market value can be promoted.

[0066] The calculation method of the battery transaction price (buyback price) can be obtained by, for example, the following formula. That is, the transaction price C = (a + b + c + d + e) × C0. Here, a is the weight coefficient for the degree of degradation, that is, SOH (health). The larger the SOH, the larger the value of a can be. b is the weight coefficient for the diagnosis method. For example, when the diagnosis method is a single simple method, when it is a comprehensive diagnosis by a plurality of simple methods, and when it is a full charge and discharge method, if the respective weight coefficients are b1, b2, b3, they can be set such that b1 < b2 < b3. The higher the reliability of the diagnosis method, the larger the value of b (b1, b2, b3) can be. c is the weight coefficient for the brand power of the automobile manufacturer or battery manufacturer, and the larger the brand power, the larger the value of c can be. d is the weight coefficient for the usage period of the battery, and the shorter the usage period, the larger the value of d can be. e is the weight coefficient reflecting the battery transaction situation, and the higher the market price, the larger the value of e can be. Note that the weight coefficients a to e may be normalized as appropriate. The transaction price may be calculated using a learned model generated by machine learning. The aforementioned weight coefficients are not fixed. For example, by collecting information regarding the diagnosis result, the weight coefficients can be corrected and the learned model can be re-learned to calculate a more appropriate buyback price.

[0067] As described above, the diagnostic information server 120 can acquire battery information (battery-related information) on the battery, diagnose the degree of deterioration of the battery using the acquired battery information and a plurality of diagnostic methods for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery, and output at least one of the diagnosed degree of deterioration and the trading price of the battery according to the degree of deterioration. The diagnostic information server 120 can calculate the trading price of the battery according to the diagnosed degree of deterioration using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of the battery and the trading price.

[0068] Furthermore, the diagnostic information server 120 can diagnose the degree of deterioration of the battery (total result) by performing a predetermined calculation on each degree of deterioration diagnosed using multiple diagnostic methods. The predetermined calculation may be, for example, the average value or the median value of the multiple diagnostic results.

[0069] There are many different car manufacturers on the market, and the batteries installed in the cars are also diverse, and a method for accurately estimating the capacity of these various batteries has not been established in the past. In this embodiment, battery information of the battery to be diagnosed is obtained, and a plurality of diagnostic algorithms applicable to the battery are selected to estimate the degree of deterioration, so that the degree of deterioration of various batteries installed in cars of each manufacturer that are being used by car users can be estimated. This allows car users to easily grasp the degree of deterioration of the batteries installed in their cars without having to ask an authorized dealer. Also, from the perspective of the entire industry, a method for evaluating the capacity of batteries in cars being used in the market can be established.

[0070] In this embodiment, the purchase price is displayed, so that the automobile user can judge how much money can be deducted from the price of the new battery if the automobile battery is replaced now, and at the same time, the maintenance business can grasp the transaction price of the battery. Generally, the smaller the degree of deterioration of the battery, the higher the market value of the battery, so the battery can be reused for driving or stationary use at a timing when the market value is not lost, and it is possible to provide an opportunity to fully utilize the battery that has market value.

[0071] 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40. The detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 includes a control unit 41 that controls the entire terminal, a communication unit 42, a storage unit 43, a battery pack diagnosis unit 44, a display panel 45, an operation unit 46, and a cell diagnosis unit 47. The detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 can be configured with a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0072] The control unit 41 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0073] The communication unit 42 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 42 can acquire battery information of the target battery from the battery information server 110. In addition, the communication unit 42 can acquire diagnostic information of the target battery from the diagnostic information server 120.

[0074] The storage unit 43 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 42. The storage unit 43 can also store required information such as the processing results in the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40.

[0075] The display panel 45 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 46 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 46 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 45, and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 45.

[0076] The battery pack diagnostic unit 44 has a function of diagnosing the state of a battery pack that is the target of repair and regeneration (refurbishment, etc.). By connecting the battery pack to the required terminals, it is possible to measure the battery voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc. The battery pack diagnostic unit 44 can estimate the degree of deterioration of the battery pack using the first diagnostic method based on the discharge current integration method during complete charging and discharging described above. The battery pack diagnostic unit 44 can also perform diagnosis using the second diagnostic method described above.

[0077] The cell diagnosis unit 47 can measure the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc. for each cell after dividing the target battery pack into cells. The cell diagnosis unit 47 can estimate the deterioration degree of the battery pack using the first diagnosis method based on the discharge current integration method during complete charging and discharging described above. In the case of a cell in which the cell state (e.g., time-series data such as voltage, current, and temperature) can be recorded in a memory installed in each cell, the cell diagnosis unit 47 can estimate the deterioration degree of the cell by reading data from the memory in the cell. In addition, the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 can provide the data obtained by the cell diagnosis unit 47 as learning data to a business operator who analyzes the diagnosis method.

[0078] The detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 (control unit 41) acquires battery information on the battery removed from the vehicle from the battery information server 110 via the communication unit 42, acquires diagnostic information indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery from the diagnostic information server 120, and can determine whether or not the battery can be repaired and reconditioned based on the acquired battery information and diagnostic information. For example, if the SOH indicating the degree of deterioration is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the battery cannot be repaired and reconditioned. Here, the threshold can be, for example, a value at which the battery cannot be used for stationary use.

[0079] The detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 obtains battery information relating to the battery to be repaired and reconditioned or the repaired and reconditioned battery from the battery information server 110, and diagnoses the degree of battery deterioration using the obtained battery-related information and a first diagnostic method based on the discharge current accumulation method during complete charging and discharging, and transmits the diagnostic results to the diagnostic information server 120 and records them in the diagnostic DB.

[0080] The detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 can use a required diagnostic method to diagnose the degree of deterioration of each of the multiple cells included in the battery to be repaired and reconditioned, and transmit the diagnostic results to the diagnostic information server 120 to record them in the diagnostic DB.

[0081] The refurbishment / dismantling business operator can use the detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 to obtain battery information and diagnostic information of the battery to be repaired and reconditioned (refurbished, etc.) from the battery information server 110 and the diagnostic information server 120, respectively. The refurbishment / dismantling business operator can use the detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 to check the preliminary diagnosis status of the battery pack and further perform a detailed diagnosis on a cell-by-cell basis. The detailed diagnosis results performed by the refurbishment / dismantling business operator are recorded in the diagnostic DB by the diagnostic information server 120. In addition, when the refurbishment / dismantling business operator repairs and reconditioned the battery (for example, when replacing some defective cells in a battery pack, or when collecting and repacking cells determined to be non-defective to assemble a battery pack), the battery-related information on the repaired and reconditioned battery can be transmitted to the diagnostic information server 120 and recorded in the diagnostic DB.

[0082] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is repaired and reconditioned. The information shown in FIG. 15 can be recorded in, for example, a diagnosis DB, but may be recorded in another DB. As shown in FIG. 15, the following information is recorded in association with the battery ID: the date of repair and reconditioning, the diagnosis result before repair and reconditioning, the diagnosis method of the diagnosis before repair and reconditioning, the repair and reconditioning content, the diagnosis result after repair and reconditioning, and the diagnosis method of the diagnosis after repair and reconditioning. In the example of FIG. 15, the diagnosis method before repair and reconditioning is a full charge and discharge method, and the diagnosis result is 75%. The repair and reconditioning content can be a battery pack replacement or a cell replacement, but here, it is a cell replacement. Although not shown, the number of replaced cells, the cell ID of the cell incorporated in the battery, the cell ID of the cell removed from the battery, the diagnosis result of each cell, and the like may be recorded. The diagnosis method after repair and reconditioning is a full charge and discharge method, and the diagnosis result is 85%. By removing the defective cell and replacing it with a good cell, the SOH of the battery is increased, and the residual value of the battery can be improved. 15, the diagnosis method before repair and refurbishment is the full charge and discharge method, and the diagnosis result is that the SOH is 40%. If the threshold value is 45%, the SOH is below the threshold value, so it is determined that the battery cannot be repaired and refurbished, and the battery is sent to a recycling company, for example.

[0083] 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detailed diagnosis management terminal 50. The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the entire terminal, a communication unit 52, a storage unit 53, a display panel 54, an operation unit 55, and an interface unit 56. The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 can be configured with a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0084] The control unit 51 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0085] The communication unit 52 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 52 can acquire battery information (e.g., information on batteries to be discarded) from the battery information server 110. The communication unit 52 can acquire diagnostic information on batteries to be discarded from the diagnostic information server 120.

[0086] The storage unit 53 is composed of a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 52. The storage unit 53 can also store required information such as processing results in the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50.

[0087] The display panel 54 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 55 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 55 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 54, and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 54.

[0088] The interface unit 56 includes a plurality of terminals for connecting a battery (e.g., a battery pack), a measurement changeover switch for measuring the battery, etc., and can measure data such as the battery current, voltage, etc. The interface unit 56 can be connected to a battery to be disposed of.

[0089] The control unit 51 measures the battery to be disposed of via the interface unit 56, for example, measures the remaining capacity, and if there is remaining capacity, can completely discharge the battery at a predetermined discharge current value. This makes it possible to prevent electric shock when disassembling the battery for disposal.

[0090] Using the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the recycling company can obtain information on the batteries to be discarded (e.g., information on the rare metal components contained in the discarded batteries based on component information at the time of the battery's manufacture, etc.) and can also obtain and confirm diagnostic information for the batteries. The rare metal components can be obtained, for example, from a battery DB. Furthermore, using the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the recycling company can check how the batteries should be handled and perform refining or the like in accordance with the rare metal components contained in the batteries. When recycling, the discarded batteries can be separated according to their rare metal components, and discarded batteries with similar components can be collected and recycled.

[0091] The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 can transmit the contents of the recycling process according to the rare metal components contained in the discarded waste batteries to the recycling server 150. The recycling server 150 can record the contents of the recycling in the recycling DB.

[0092] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is recycled. The information shown in FIG. 17 can be recorded in, for example, a recycling DB, but may be recorded in another DB. As shown in FIG. 17, information such as the recycling completion date, the recycling company, the battery type, the rare metal components, and the recycling method are recorded in association with the battery ID. The battery type indicates, for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, and the like. The rare metal components include, for example, lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and the like. The recycling method can perform recycling processing according to the rare metal components. For example, the recycling method can be determined according to the component ratio of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and the like, the most abundant component, and the like. In addition, the optimal recycling method is determined according to the battery type, and the method actually performed is recorded. This allows the user to grasp information regarding the recycling of the battery.

[0093] The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 may transmit the contents of the recycling process to a terminal device of the battery manufacturer or the automobile manufacturer. The contents of the recycling process may include, for example, the recycled weight (recycled and waste amount) and the recycling rate for the weight of the battery material name (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, resin, LiNiO2, etc.). This allows the automobile manufacturer and battery manufacturer to have an overview of the battery recycling rate, processed weight, etc.

[0094] 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery management terminal 60. The battery management terminal 60 includes a control unit 61 that controls the entire terminal, a communication unit 62, a storage unit 63, a display panel 64, an operation unit 65, and an information providing unit 66. The battery management terminal 60 can be configured with a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0095] The control unit 61 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM).

[0096] The communication unit 62 has a function of communicating with the ledger management node 10. The communication unit 52 can acquire battery information (e.g., information on reused batteries) from the battery information server 110. The communication unit 52 can acquire diagnostic information of reused batteries from the diagnostic information server 120. In addition, the communication unit 52 can acquire operation information of reused batteries from the operation information server 130.

[0097] Here, the reused battery may be, for example, a battery that has been used in a stationary location. Diagnostic information of the battery may be acquired by a diagnostic device installed in the facility in which the battery is installed (for example, a power supply facility of an electric power company, a base station of a communication company, etc.), and the diagnostic information is transmitted from the diagnostic device to diagnostic information server 120 and recorded in the diagnostic DB. Operational information may also be acquired by a management device installed in the facility in which the battery is installed, and the operational information is transmitted from the management device to operational information server 130 and recorded in the operational DB.

[0098] The storage unit 63 is composed of a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and can store information acquired via the communication unit 62. The storage unit 63 can also store required information such as processing results in the battery management terminal 60.

[0099] The display panel 64 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 65 can be configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 65 can also be configured with a touch panel or the like, and can be used to input characters on the display panel 64, and to operate icons, images, characters, etc. displayed on the display panel 64.

[0100] The information providing unit 66 can generate information for providing the operational status and diagnostic information (eg, degree of deterioration) of the reused battery acquired via the communication unit 62 to the insurance company.

[0101] The battery management terminal 60 can obtain battery information on reused batteries made by reusing vehicle batteries from the battery information server 110, and can transmit the diagnosed degree of deterioration of the reused battery to the diagnostic information server 120 and record it in the diagnostic DB using a diagnostic method according to the obtained battery information. In this case, the function of the diagnostic information server 120 can be used to diagnose the battery.

[0102] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information recorded when a battery is reused. The information shown in FIG. 19 can be recorded in, for example, an operation DB, but may be recorded in another DB. As shown in FIG. 19, information such as a reuse business operator, reuse location, reuse period, diagnostic date during reuse, and diagnostic result is recorded in association with a battery ID. The reuse business operator may be the name of the business operator or an ID, etc. If the reuse is for driving use, the reuse business operator is an owner (user) of the vehicle or a company operating the vehicle, and if the reuse is for stationary use, the reuse business operator is a business operator such as an electric power company, a power supply equipment company, or a communication company. The reuse location can be, for example, a storage battery at XX factory, a storage battery at OO power plant, an electric vehicle at OX company, or Mr. XX (individual) in OO city. The reuse period indicates the usage period of the battery. If a diagnosis date during reuse is performed again during the usage period, the diagnosis date indicates the diagnosis date. The diagnosis result is, for example, SOH, which is 60% in the example shown in the figure. Although they cannot be installed in automobiles that require the required driving distance, they can be fully reused for stationary use, making it possible to provide high added-value battery services.

[0103] The battery management terminal 60 can obtain the operational status of the reused battery from the operational information server 130 and the degree of deterioration of the reused battery from the diagnostic information server 120, and provide the obtained operational status and degree of deterioration to the insurance company.

[0104] As described above, after providing a battery to be reused to a reuse battery user, the reuse operation manager can continuously diagnose the reused battery and manage the quality of the reused battery using the battery management terminal 60. In addition, the reuse operation manager can provide the insurance company with the operation status and diagnostic information (e.g., degree of deterioration) of the reused battery at the required timing.

[0105] The sales management terminal 70 can be configured as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. A reuse battery user uses the sales management terminal 70 to input a transaction price (purchase price) when trading a battery to reuse an in-vehicle battery (for example, for stationary use or driving use). The sales management terminal 70 transmits the input transaction price to the sales information server 140, which can record transaction information including the transaction price in a transaction DB.

[0106] The sales information server 140 records the actual transaction price of the battery whose deterioration level has been diagnosed in the transaction DB, and can determine a calculation method that defines the relationship between the deterioration level of the battery and the transaction price based on the transaction price recorded in the transaction DB. The calculation method can be calculated, for example, by the following formula. That is, transaction price C=(α+β+γ)×C0, where α is the weighting coefficient for the deterioration level, i.e., SOH (state of health), β is the weighting coefficient for the brand power of the automobile manufacturer and battery manufacturer, γ is the weighting coefficient for the battery's usage period, and C0 is the reference transaction price. The higher the SOH, the larger the coefficient α can be, the higher the brand power, the larger the coefficient β can be, and the shorter the battery's usage period, the larger the coefficient γ can be. By collecting the transaction prices of various batteries from users who have purchased various batteries to be reused, the price fluctuations of batteries in the market can be known. By adjusting the calculation method as needed according to price fluctuations, a calculation method that takes into account the transaction circumstances of the market can be determined, and the accuracy of the calculation method can be improved.

[0107] Next, we will explain how a comprehensive diagnostic system can be made into a platform using a distributed ledger system.

[0108] 20 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing between the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 and the distributed ledger system. Since the "4S store, sharing or other maintenance business operator" uses the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, the following explanation will be centered on the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30. The processing of S1 to S11 will be explained below.

[0109] S1: Battery information is input to the simple diagnosis field terminal 30. Here, battery information of the battery pack ID: 001 to be serviced is input. The input battery information may be the information exemplified in FIG. 8.

[0110] S2: The simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 sends a diagnostic information request to the distributed ledger system. The simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 can send the input battery information (including the battery ID and battery measurement data) together with the diagnostic information request to the distributed ledger system.

[0111] S3: The distributed ledger system sends a diagnosis request to the diagnostic information server 120 via the ledger management node 10. Here, the diagnostic information server 120 can diagnose the degree of battery degradation using the acquired battery information and multiple diagnostic methods for diagnosing the degree of battery degradation. Note that the diagnosis of the degree of battery degradation may be performed by the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30, and the diagnosis results from the diagnosis performed by the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 may be sent to the distributed ledger system and recorded in a diagnosis DB or a specified DB.

[0112] S4: The distributed ledger system obtains the diagnosis result (the estimated degree of deterioration of the battery) from the diagnosis information server 120 via the ledger management node 10.

[0113] S5: The distributed ledger system records the diagnosis results in the distributed ledger 152.

[0114] S6: The distributed ledger system calculates a purchase price according to the diagnosis result. Note that, here, the distributed ledger system requests the diagnosis information server 120 or the sales information server 140 to calculate the purchase price, and obtains the purchase price calculated by the diagnosis information server 120 or the sales information server 140.

[0115] S7: The distributed ledger system notifies the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 of the diagnosis result and the purchase price. Here, the simple diagnosis on-site terminal 30 can display the information exemplified in Fig. 10. Also, at this point, the information exemplified in Fig. 11 is recorded in the diagnosis DB or a specified DB.

[0116] S8: The purchase decision is made on the simple diagnosis site terminal 30.

[0117] S9: The simple diagnosis field terminal 30 sends a request to record transaction information to the distributed ledger system.

[0118] S10: The distributed ledger system records the transaction information in the distributed ledger 152.

[0119] S11: The distributed ledger system generates certification information (certification date, regular assessment flag, etc.) and records it in the distributed ledger 152. In addition, from this point onwards, the information exemplified in Fig. 13 is recorded in the diagnosis DB or a specified DB.

[0120] As described above, when a diagnosis of the degree of deterioration of an on-board battery is performed using a pre-registered diagnostic method, and when a transaction is performed at a transaction price, certification information (certification date, legitimate appraisal) associated with identification information for identifying the battery (e.g., battery ID) can be stored in the distributed ledger 152. In this case, the ID of a maintenance business such as a 4S store or sharing may be stored in the distributed ledger 152 in association with the battery ID. The certification information may be in any form as long as it is information that can prove that a legitimate diagnostic method was used by a legitimate business and that a legitimate transaction was performed on the platform of the diagnostic system. The certification information includes both certification information for the business and certification information for the battery.

[0121] The process executed by the ledger management node 10 can be realized by a smart contract. That is, when the degree of deterioration of the battery is diagnosed by a pre-registered diagnostic method and a transaction is made under the pre-registered buying and selling conditions, a flag indicating a regular appraisal is set for the battery ID and business ID (an identification code that identifies a business) without the involvement of an intermediary, and a program is automatically executed so that, for example, 1 is added to the number of certified batteries for that battery ID and the number of certified businesses for that business ID.

[0122] The certification information may include a certification level (for example, levels 1 to 5). In the case of certification information for a business, the certification level may be determined according to the number of processes (events such as diagnosis and buying and selling) by the business, the number of certifications within a certain period, etc. In the case of certification information for a battery, the certification level may be determined according to, for example, the certification level (for example, an average value) of one or more businesses that handled the battery. In addition, the certification level of a battery diagnosed by multiple diagnostic methods can be set to a higher level than that of a battery diagnosed by one diagnostic method. In addition, the certification level of a battery diagnosed by a first diagnostic method based on complete charging and discharging can be set to a higher level than that of a battery diagnosed by a simple second diagnostic method. This makes it possible to reflect the credibility of the battery being traded. In addition, it is possible to reflect the credibility of businesses that are members of the platform of the diagnostic system. Regarding the certification level for batteries, for example, when recycled through a regular (certified) 4S store, sharing business operator, refurbishing / dismantling business operator, reuse operation manager, or recycling business operator, points are added according to the processing by each business operator, and if some of the businesses are not regular, points can be set not to be added. The certification level assigned to each battery ID is tallied as the certification level of the automobile manufacturer or battery manufacturer, for example.

[0123] 21 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40 and the distributed ledger system. Since the "refurbishment and dismantling business operator" uses the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40, the following description will be centered on the detailed diagnosis on-site terminal 40. The processing of S31 to S41 will be described below.

[0124] S31: A battery ID is input to the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40. Here, the battery ID of battery pack ID: 002 that has been removed from a vehicle and is to be repaired and reconditioned is input.

[0125] S32: The detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 transmits a battery information request and a diagnostic information request related to the input battery ID to the distributed ledger system.

[0126] S33: The distributed ledger system transmits a battery information request to the battery information server 110 via the ledger management node 10, and acquires battery information related to the battery ID from the battery information server 110.

[0127] S34: The distributed ledger system sends a diagnostic information request to the diagnostic information server 120 via the ledger management node 10, and obtains diagnostic information related to the battery ID from the diagnostic information server 120.

[0128] S35: The distributed ledger system notifies the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 of the acquired battery information and diagnosis information.

[0129] S36: Detailed diagnosis The on-site terminal 40 diagnoses the condition of the battery pack that is the target of repair and refurbishment (refurbishment, etc.).

[0130] S37: Detailed Diagnosis The on-site terminal 40 performs cell diagnosis by dividing the target battery pack into cells and then measuring the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, etc. for each cell. Here, it is possible to distinguish between good cells and bad cells.

[0131] S38: The refurbishment and dismantling business entity repairs and refurbishes the battery, and inputs information that can identify the details of the repair and refurbishment into the detailed diagnosis site terminal 40.

[0132] S39: The detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 transmits a request to record battery information of the repaired and refurbished battery (e.g., replaced cells, replaced modules, etc.) to the distributed ledger system. Although not shown, the refurbishment and dismantling business may diagnose the repaired and refurbished battery using, for example, a first diagnosis method based on a discharge current integration method during full charge and discharge, and transmit the diagnosis results to the diagnosis information server 120 to record them in the diagnosis DB.

[0133] S40: The distributed ledger system records battery information of the repaired and refurbished battery in the distributed ledger 152. Also, at this point, the information exemplified in Fig. 15 is recorded in the diagnosis DB or a specified DB.

[0134] S41: The distributed ledger system generates certification information (certification date, regular appraisal flag, etc.) and records it in the distributed ledger 152.

[0135] The certification information may include a certification level (e.g., levels 1 to 5). For example, the certification level may be determined according to the number of processes (repair and refurbishment cases) handled by the business (certification number) or the number of certifications within a certain period of time.

[0136] As in the case of Figure 20, the processing performed by the ledger management node 10 can be realized by a smart contract.

[0137] As described above, the detailed diagnosis site terminal 40 may acquire battery information regarding the battery removed from the vehicle from the battery information server 110 (battery DB), acquire the degree of deterioration of the battery from the diagnosis information server 120 (diagnosis DB), and determine at least one of the possibility of repair and restoration and the diagnosis method based on the acquired battery information and degree of deterioration.

[0138] Furthermore, the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 may use a required diagnostic method to diagnose the degree of deterioration of each of a plurality of cells included in the battery to be repaired and remanufactured, and record the diagnostic results in the diagnostic information server 120 (diagnosis DB).

[0139] Furthermore, the detailed diagnosis field terminal 40 may record battery information relating to the repaired and reconditioned battery in the battery information server 110 (battery DB).

[0140] When a battery is repaired and reconditioned, the name of the refurbishment / dismantling company that performed the repair and servicing (company ID), the details of the repair and servicing (e.g., the number of replaced cells, cell IDs, the number of replaced modules, module IDs, etc.), and the diagnosis results after the repair and servicing (final diagnosis information) may be stored in the distributed ledger system in association with the battery ID of the battery.

[0141] 22 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between the battery management terminal 60 and the distributed ledger system. Since the "reuse operation manager" uses the battery management terminal 60, the following description will be centered on the battery management terminal 60. The processing of S51 to S61 will be described below.

[0142] S51: The battery management terminal 60 transmits a battery information request for the reused battery to the distributed ledger system.

[0143] S52: The distributed ledger system transmits a battery information request to the battery information server 110 via the ledger management node 10, and obtains battery information of the reused battery from the battery information server 110.

[0144] S53: The distributed ledger system notifies the battery management terminal 60 of the acquired battery information.

[0145] S54: The battery management terminal 60 transmits a request for the operational status of the reused battery to the distributed ledger system.

[0146] S55: The distributed ledger system sends an operation status request to the operation information server 130 via the ledger management node 10, and obtains the operation status of the reused battery from the operation information server 130.

[0147] S56: The distributed ledger system notifies the battery management terminal 60 of the acquired operational status.

[0148] S57: The battery management terminal 60 diagnoses the reused battery. Here, the diagnosis results can be obtained from a diagnostic device that diagnoses reused batteries installed as stationary batteries in the power supply facilities of the power company. In addition, the diagnostic device can use an appropriate diagnostic method depending on the battery information of the reused battery.

[0149] S58: The battery management terminal 60 sends a request to record the diagnosis results to the distributed ledger system.

[0150] S59: The distributed ledger system records the diagnosis result of the reused battery in the distributed ledger 152. Also, at this point, the information exemplified in Fig. 19 is recorded in the operation DB or a specified DB.

[0151] S60: The distributed ledger system generates certification information (certification date, regular appraisal flag, etc.) and records it in the distributed ledger 152.

[0152] The certification information may include a certification level (e.g., levels 1 to 5). For example, the certification level may be determined by the reuse operation manager according to the number of reused batteries, the operation performance period, the number of reuse businesses, the number of certifications, and the number of certifications within a certain period.

[0153] S61: The battery management terminal 60 reports the operational status and diagnostic results of the reused battery to the insurance company at the required timing.

[0154] As in the case of Figure 20, the processing performed by the ledger management node 10 can be realized by a smart contract.

[0155] As described above, the battery management terminal 60 may acquire battery information relating to reused batteries that are reused vehicle batteries from the battery information server 110 (battery DB), and record the degree of deterioration of the diagnosed reused battery in the diagnostic information server 120 (diagnosis DB) using a diagnostic method according to the acquired battery information.

[0156] In addition, the battery management terminal 60 may obtain the operational status of the reused battery from the operational information server 130 (operation DB) and the degree of deterioration of the reused battery from the diagnostic information server 120 (diagnostic DB), and output the obtained operational status and degree of deterioration to the insurance company's terminal device.

[0157] 23 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 and the distributed ledger system. Since the "recycle business operator" uses the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50, the following description will be centered on the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50. The processing of S71 to S80 will be described below.

[0158] S71: Assume that a large number of batteries to be discarded (in the figure, battery IDs: 00X, 00Y, 00Z, ...) are brought to a recycling company. The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 transmits a battery information request for the batteries to be discarded to the distributed ledger system.

[0159] S72: The distributed ledger system transmits a battery information request to the battery information server 110 via the ledger management node 10, and obtains battery information of the battery to be disposed of from the battery information server 110.

[0160] S73: The distributed ledger system notifies the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 of the acquired battery information.

[0161] S74: The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 measures the battery to be disposed of. Here, the remaining capacity of the battery is measured. If there is remaining capacity, the battery can be completely discharged at a predetermined discharge current value. This makes it possible to prevent electric shock when disassembling the battery for disposal.

[0162] S75: The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 determines the rare metal content of many batteries to be discarded based on the battery information of the batteries to be discarded (for example, the rare metal content contained in the batteries based on the component information at the time of the battery's manufacture).

[0163] S76: The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 separates the discarded batteries. Here, a program for separating the discarded batteries is pre-installed, and the separation of the discarded batteries can be supported by classifying batteries with similar components into the same group according to the amount of rare metal components in each discarded battery.

[0164] S77: The recycling company performs refining.

[0165] S78: The detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 sends a request to record the completion of recycling to the distributed ledger system.

[0166] S79: The distributed ledger system records the completion of recycling in the distributed ledger 152. Also, at this point, the information exemplified in Fig. 17 is recorded in the recycling DB or a specified DB.

[0167] S80: The distributed ledger system generates certification information (certification date, regular appraisal flag, etc.) and records it in the distributed ledger 152.

[0168] The certification information may include a certification level (e.g., levels 1 to 5). For example, the certification level may be determined by the recycling company according to the recycled weight (recycled and waste amounts), recycling rate, number of certifications, and number of certifications within a certain period of time.

[0169] As in the case of Figure 20, the processing performed by the ledger management node 10 can be realized by a smart contract.

[0170] As described above, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 may record the contents of the recycling process according to the rare metal components contained in the discarded waste batteries in the recycling server 150 (recycle DB).

[0171] Furthermore, the detailed diagnosis management terminal 50 may provide the details of the recycling process to the battery manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer.

[0172] When a battery is recycled, the details of the recycling process carried out by the recycler may be stored in the distributed ledger system in association with the battery ID of the battery.

[0173] 24 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing between the diagnostic management terminal 20 and the distributed ledger system. Since the "manufacturer and sharing business operator" uses the diagnostic management terminal 20, the following explanation will be centered on the diagnostic management terminal 20. The processing of S91 to S99 will be explained below.

[0174] S91: The diagnosis management terminal 20 sends a battery information request, a diagnostic information request, an operational status request, and a usage history request for the battery to the distributed ledger system.

[0175] S92: The distributed ledger system sends a battery information request to battery information server 110 via ledger management node 10, and obtains battery information from battery information server 110. The distributed ledger system sends a diagnostic information request to diagnostic information server 120 via ledger management node 10, and obtains diagnostic information from diagnostic information server 120. The distributed ledger system sends an operation status request to operation information server 130 via ledger management node 10, and obtains the battery operation status from operation information server 130. The distributed ledger system sends a usage history request to recycle server 150 via ledger management node 10, and obtains the battery usage history from recycle server 150. Note that although the battery usage history is recorded in the recycle DB here, it may be recorded in another DB.

[0176] S93: The distributed ledger system notifies the diagnosis management terminal 20 of the battery information, diagnostic information, operational status, and usage history of the battery.

[0177] S94: The diagnostic management terminal 20 identifies the operational performance of the battery.

[0178] S95: The diagnostic management terminal 20 calculates the average life span and recycle rate of the batteries based on the identified operational performance.

[0179] S96: The diagnostic management terminal 20 identifies the optimal operation method for the battery based on the calculated average lifespan, operation record, diagnostic information, etc. Here, the optimal operation method may differ depending on the type of battery, and even for the same type of battery, it may differ depending on the battery operation plan (for example, a daily charge / discharge plan, a load pattern such as the amount of charge / discharge, etc.).

[0180] S97: The diagnosis management terminal 20 provides the battery performance data and optimal operation methods to the distributed ledger system.

[0181] S98: The distributed ledger system records the provided information in the distributed ledger 152.

[0182] S99: The distributed ledger system generates certification information (certification date, regular appraisal flag, etc.) and records it in the distributed ledger 152.

[0183] The certification information may include a certification level (e.g., levels 1 to 5). For example, the certification level may be determined according to the number of information provided by the manufacturer or sharing business operator, the amount of information, the recycling rate, the number of certifications, or the number of certifications within a certain period of time.

[0184] As in the case of Figure 20, the processing performed by the ledger management node 10 can be realized by a smart contract.

[0185] According to this embodiment, battery information, diagnostic information, operation status, and usage history of various batteries are shared under a common platform, so that it is possible to propose optimal operation methods to customers not only for the company's own batteries but also for batteries of other companies. Furthermore, if automobile manufacturers and battery manufacturers that join the diagnostic system platform increase the number of certifications for their own company and for the batteries they manufacture and sell, they will be highly evaluated in the market and will be able to have an advantage.

[0186] Next, we will explain examples of how information provided by the distributed ledger system is displayed.

[0187] 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a business evaluation information display screen 311. Here, the business may be any type of business that joins the platform of the diagnostic system, such as the aforementioned battery or automobile manufacturer or sharing business, the 4S store or sharing maintenance business, the refurbishment or dismantling business, the recycling business, the reuse operation manager, or the reuse battery user.

[0188] In the evaluation information display screen 311, the business operator can input the business type and business name. The business type and business name can be input directly, or a list can be displayed and selected from the list. Operating the "Confirm" icon displays the evaluation information of the input business operator. The evaluation information includes, for example, overall evaluation, business period, total number of certifications, number of certifications in the past year, etc., but is not limited to these. The overall evaluation is expressed on a five-point scale, for example, and the evaluation value can be displayed as the number of stars (4.5 points in the example shown). Operating the "Details" icon can display the certification details as shown below.

[0189] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the certification information display screen 312. The certification information can be displayed in list format, including the certification date and the certification details. The display order can be changed as appropriate, such as by date. The certification details can be specific events (e.g., diagnosis, buying and selling, repair and refurbishment, reuse, recycling, etc.). When there is a large amount of certification information, the filtering conditions are a field for setting conditions such as the most recent 50 cases or a date range, and the certification information can be filtered by setting the filtering conditions and operating the "Execute" icon.

[0190] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the evaluation information search screen 313. In the example shown in the figure, search conditions can be set such as business type (business operators such as manufacturers and sharing, maintenance businesses such as 4S stores and sharing, refurbishment and dismantling businesses, recycling businesses, reuse operation managers, reuse battery users), overall evaluation of OO or more, and number of certifications of OO or more. Note that the search conditions are not limited to the example shown in the figure. By setting the search conditions and operating the "search" icon, it is possible to display information such as the evaluation information exemplified in Fig. 25.

[0191] 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the evaluation information ranking screen 314. On the evaluation information ranking screen 314, the overall evaluation, number of certifications, and name of the business are displayed in a list format for each business type in descending order of overall evaluation. In addition, by selecting a desired business from the displayed businesses (by checking the selection box) and operating the "Details" icon, the user can check the details of the evaluation information of the selected business.

[0192] This makes it easy to see which businesses are highly rated by business type. Also, from the business perspective, the public recognition of their own company's evaluation serves as an incentive to improve their own services. Also, because it allows comparison with other companies in the same industry, it is easy to determine whether your company's position is better or worse than others, and can be used as reference information for promoting or changing your own services.

[0193] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery search screen 315. In the battery search screen 315, all or part of the automobile manufacturer, model, year, and battery manufacturer can be input as search conditions. In addition, the current usage form of the battery can be input as a search condition. As the usage form, one of "vehicle use", "stationary use", and "recycled" can be selected. Vehicle use refers to a case where a new battery is installed in a vehicle, and then the battery is removed from the vehicle and reused in another vehicle (for example, a vehicle that may have a short driving range). Stationary use refers to a case where a new battery is installed in a vehicle, and then the battery is removed from the vehicle and reused in a stationary power storage device or the like. In addition, the price range of the battery can be input as a search condition. When the battery is distributed on the market as a single unit, the battery can be searched for by the price range. By inputting the search conditions and operating the "search" icon, the following battery usage information can be displayed.

[0194] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery usage information screen 316. In the battery usage information screen 316, the usage state, price, etc. are displayed in association with the battery ID. The example in FIG. 30 shows a case where "recycled" is selected as the battery usage form, and all usage states up to recycling are displayed. In addition, by selecting a desired battery ID from the displayed battery IDs (by checking the selection box) and operating the "select" icon, history information related to the selected battery ID can be displayed as follows.

[0195] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a battery history information screen 317. In the battery history information screen 317, the battery manufacturer, battery model number, battery evaluation, and battery history information are displayed for each battery ID. The evaluation is expressed, for example, on a five-point scale, and the evaluation value (4.5 points in the example shown in the figure) can be displayed as the number of stars. The history information displays the date, company, event, and usage type (driving use or stationary use) in chronological order. For example, manufacturing by a battery manufacturer, diagnosis and sales by a maintenance company, regeneration and sales by a refurbishment / dismantling company, diagnosis by a reuse company, recycling by a recycling company, etc. are displayed in a list. The history information is recorded in the history DB by the history information server 170.

[0196] The vendors displayed in the history information in Figure 31 are properly registered businesses, and it can be confirmed that proper processing (each process shown in the event) has been carried out by a properly registered business, and it can be proven that the vendor has been platform certified in association with the battery ID.

[0197] As described above, when at least one of diagnosis of the degree of deterioration of an automotive battery from the start of its use until its disposal, operation, trading, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling is performed by a pre-registered business operator, certification information associated with identification information that identifies the battery may be stored in the distributed ledger system.

[0198] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the battery history information screen 318. In the example of FIG. 32, the history information of two batteries (battery ID: XXXX and battery ID: OOOO) is displayed. The user can select the two batteries as appropriate. For battery ID: XXXX, predetermined processing is performed by each manufacturer, and history information from the time of battery manufacture to the present is recorded in a traceable state. Assume that each manufacturer and each processing is certified. Since the battery has been properly processed by a proper manufacturer and the usage history up to the present is clear, the evaluation is relatively high, for example, 4.5. On the other hand, for battery ID: OOOO, history information remains only up to a certain point in the past, and tracing is not possible after that point, so the evaluation of the battery is relatively low, for example, 2.5.

[0199] In this way, by differentiating between batteries whose history information has been recorded up to the present time and batteries whose history information is partially or completely missing, it is possible to motivate people to properly process the batteries by proper dealers and ensure that they are traced, thereby promoting the distribution of proper batteries and increasing the market value of batteries.

[0200] The information processing method of this embodiment acquires battery-related information about an in-vehicle battery, diagnoses the degree of deterioration of the battery using the acquired battery-related information and a plurality of diagnostic methods for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery, and outputs at least one of the diagnosed degree of deterioration and a trading price of the battery corresponding to the degree of deterioration.

[0201] The information processing method of this embodiment performs a predetermined calculation for each degree of deterioration diagnosed using the plurality of diagnosis methods, thereby diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery.

[0202] The information processing method of this embodiment uses a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of a battery and the trading price, and outputs the trading price of the battery according to the diagnosed degree of deterioration.

[0203] The information processing method of this embodiment collects actual transaction prices of batteries whose degradation levels have been diagnosed, and determines the calculation method based on the collected transaction prices.

[0204] The information processing method of this embodiment acquires battery-related information regarding a battery to be repaired and refurbished or a repaired and refurbished battery, and diagnoses the degree of battery deterioration using the acquired battery-related information and a first diagnostic method based on a discharge current accumulation method during complete charging and discharging, and records the diagnostic results.

[0205] The information processing method of this embodiment continually registers a second diagnostic method that has a shorter diagnostic time than the first diagnostic method, and diagnoses the degree of deterioration of the battery using the registered second diagnostic method.

[0206] In the information processing method of this embodiment, when a diagnosis of the degree of deterioration of an automotive battery is performed using a pre-registered diagnostic method and a transaction is made at the transaction price, certification information associated with identification information that identifies the battery is stored in a distributed ledger system.

[0207] The information processing method of this embodiment displays a method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of a battery and a result of diagnosing the degree of deterioration using the diagnosing method.

[0208] The information processing method of this embodiment displays the diagnosis result of the deterioration degree of the battery and the transaction price.

[0209] The information processing method of this embodiment displays contract terms related to battery trading and accepts a request for approval or disapproval of the battery trading.

[0210] The information processing device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires battery-related information regarding an in-vehicle battery, a diagnosis unit that diagnoses the degree of deterioration of the battery using the acquired battery-related information and a plurality of diagnostic methods for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery, and an output unit that outputs at least one of the diagnosed degree of deterioration and a trading price of the battery corresponding to the degree of deterioration.

[0211] The information processing method of this embodiment acquires battery-related information about automotive batteries from a battery DB, uses a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery according to the acquired battery-related information, records the degree of deterioration of the diagnosed battery in the diagnostic DB, and presents the trading price of the battery whose degree of deterioration has been diagnosed using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of the battery and the trading price.

[0212] The information processing method of this embodiment records the actual transaction price of a battery whose degree of degradation has been diagnosed in a transaction DB, and determines the calculation method based on the transaction price recorded in the transaction DB.

[0213] The information processing method of this embodiment obtains battery-related information about a battery removed from a vehicle from the battery DB, obtains the degree of deterioration of the battery from the diagnostic DB, and determines at least one of the possibility of repair and restoration and the diagnosis method based on the obtained battery-related information and the degree of deterioration.

[0214] The information processing method of this embodiment uses a required diagnostic method to diagnose the degree of deterioration of each of a plurality of cells included in a battery to be repaired and remanufactured, and records the diagnostic results in the diagnostic DB.

[0215] The information processing method of this embodiment records battery-related information about the repaired and refurbished battery in the battery DB.

[0216] The information processing method of this embodiment obtains battery-related information about recycled batteries that are reused automotive batteries from the battery DB, and records the degree of deterioration of the diagnosed reused battery in the diagnostic DB using the diagnostic method corresponding to the obtained battery-related information.

[0217] The information processing method of this embodiment obtains the operational state of a reused battery from the operation DB, obtains the degree of deterioration of the reused battery from the diagnosis DB, and provides the obtained operational state and degree of deterioration to an insurance company.

[0218] The information processing method of this embodiment records the details of the recycling process corresponding to the rare metal components contained in the discarded batteries in a recycling DB.

[0219] The information processing method of this embodiment provides the details of the recycling process to the battery manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer.

[0220] In the information processing method of this embodiment, when at least one of diagnosis of the degree of deterioration of an automotive battery from the start of its use until its disposal, operation, trading, reuse, repair and refurbishment, and recycling is performed by a pre-registered business operator, certification information associated with identification information that identifies the battery is stored in a distributed ledger system.

[0221] The information processing device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires battery-related information about vehicle-mounted batteries from a battery DB, a diagnostic DB that records the degree of deterioration of the diagnosed battery using a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery according to the acquired battery-related information, and a presentation unit that presents the trading price of the battery whose degree of deterioration has been diagnosed using a calculation method that defines the relationship between the degree of deterioration of the battery and the trading price.

[0222] The information processing system of this embodiment includes a maintenance company terminal device, a refurbishment company terminal device, a recycle company terminal device, and a server, and the server diagnoses the degree of deterioration of a battery using a diagnostic method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of the battery according to battery-related information input from the maintenance company terminal device and records the diagnostic result in a diagnostic DB, diagnoses the degree of deterioration of each of a plurality of cells contained in a battery to be repaired and regenerated using the battery-related information input from the refurbishment company terminal device and a required diagnostic method and records the diagnostic result in the diagnostic DB, and records in the recycle DB the contents of the recycling process according to the rare metal components contained in the discarded batteries input from the recycle company terminal device, and the maintenance company terminal device, refurbishment company terminal device, and recycle company terminal device are able to access the diagnostic DB and the recycle DB. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1 Network 10 Ledger Management Node 11 Communications Department 12 Ledger Information Generation Unit 13. Ledger Record Section 14 Ledger information reference section 15 Database 151 Node List 152 Distributed Ledgers 20 Diagnostic management terminal 21 Control section 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 24 Display Panel 25 Control section 26 Information Provision Department 30 Simple diagnostic field terminal 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display Panel 35 Control section 36 Interface section 40 Detailed diagnostics on-site terminal 41 Control section 42 Communications Department 43 Storage section 44 Battery pack diagnostic section 45 Display Panel 46 Control section 47 Cell Diagnosis Section 50 Detailed diagnosis management terminal 51 Control section 52 Communications Department 53 Storage section 54 Display Panel 55 Operation section 56 Interface section 60 Battery Management Terminal 61 Control section 62 Communications Department 63 Storage section 64 Display Panel 65 Operation section 66 Information Provision Department 70 Sales management terminal 110 Battery Information Server 120 Diagnostic Information Server 121 Control Unit 122 Communications Department 123 Storage section 124 Switching section 125 Registration Department 126 Diagnostics Department 127 Diagnostic Algorithm D1 128 Diagnostic Algorithm D2 129 Diagnostic Algorithm D3 135 Charging and discharging algorithm 130 Operational Information Server 140 Sales Information Server 150 Recycle Server 170 History Information Server 200 Ledger Information 201 Timestamp 202 Hash value of the previous ledger information 203 Record Information 301 Battery information input mode 302 Diagnostic result display mode 303 Battery evaluation result mode 311 Evaluation information display screen 312 Certification information display screen 313 Evaluation information search screen 314 Evaluation information ranking screen 315 Battery search screen 316 Battery usage information screen 317 History Information Screen

Claims

1. A battery management terminal acquires battery information, including at least a diagnostic date, a diagnostic method, and a diagnostic result during reuse, from a battery information server, regarding a reused battery obtained by reusing an in-vehicle battery; the battery management terminal selectively switches a diagnostic method used for diagnosing deterioration of the reused battery based on the acquired battery information; The battery management terminal diagnoses the degree of deterioration of the reused battery using the switched diagnosis method. Information processing methods.

2. The battery management terminal transmits the degree of deterioration of the reused battery diagnosed using the diagnosis method to a diagnosis information server; The diagnostic information server records the degree of deterioration in a diagnostic DB. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. an acquisition unit that acquires battery information, which is related to a reused battery obtained by reusing an in-vehicle battery, from a battery information server, the battery information including at least a diagnosis date, a diagnosis method, and a diagnosis result during reuse; A switching unit that selectively switches a diagnostic method used for diagnosing deterioration of the reused battery based on the acquired battery information; a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a degree of deterioration of the reused battery using the switched diagnostic method; Equipped with Information processing device.

4. a transmission unit that transmits the degree of deterioration of the reused battery diagnosed by using the diagnosis method to a diagnosis information server; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The information processing device according to claim 3 or 4, a battery information server, and a diagnostic information server, The information processing device includes: Obtaining battery information from the battery information server, the battery information including at least a diagnostic date, a diagnostic method, and a diagnostic result during reuse, regarding a reused battery obtained by reusing an in-vehicle battery; transmitting to the diagnostic information server a degree of deterioration of the reused battery diagnosed using the diagnostic method selectively switched based on the acquired battery information; Information processing system.

Images