Processing device, processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a processing device (10) which comprises: a result information storage unit (11) that acquires result information pertaining to a usage result of a storage battery and stores the result information in a result storage means; a residual value information storage unit (12) that acquires residual value information pertaining to residual values of the storage battery which have been calculated, on the basis of the result information, by at least one calculation method; and an issuing unit (13) that carries out issue processing of a diagnosis result indicating at least one specified residual value among the residual values which have been calculated by said at least one calculation method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing method, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery degradation determination system. The battery degradation determination system is connected to an on-board device mounted on a vehicle via a communication network. The battery degradation determination system receives state quantities of the batteries mounted on multiple on-board devices and determines battery degradation.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for calculating the SOC (State Of Charge) using the QV (Quiescent Voltage) instead of the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage). The QV is a voltage measured when a small amount of current may be flowing due to the device being in standby mode.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for calculating the deterioration state of a battery in an EV (Electric Vehicle) from vehicle characteristics (weight, etc.), road conditions, external environment, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-124419 [Patent Document 2] EP1598913A2 [Patent Document 3] US2013 / 0085696A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Electric vehicles and other electrically powered devices are becoming more and more common. As a result, there is a demand for technology that allows owners of such devices to easily obtain diagnostic results for the residual value of their devices.

[0008] In assessing the residual value of electrically-powered equipment, the residual value of the storage battery installed in the electrically-powered equipment is an extremely important indicator. The residual value of the storage battery is expressed, for example, by SOH (State of health).

[0009] SOH is calculated, for example, based on the measured discharge current when a battery is completely discharged from a fully charged state. However, as storage batteries have become larger in capacity in recent years, this measurement method requires a lot of time and cost. Therefore, many calculation methods have been developed to predict SOH from various data, such as usage data of electrically powered devices, environmental data, and charging history data. Using these calculation methods can reduce the time and cost burdens mentioned above.

[0010] However, users who own electrically powered devices often have difficulty determining which of the various calculation methods to use to assess the residual value of the storage battery installed in their electrically powered devices. The choice of method naturally affects the SOH prediction results, i.e., the assessment results of the residual value of their electrically powered devices. Furthermore, it requires a great deal of effort for users to assess the residual value of their storage batteries using each of the various calculation methods. Therefore, a technology is needed that provides users with the assessment results of the residual value of their storage batteries calculated using the calculation method of their choice.

[0011] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining the deterioration of a battery installed in an on-board device. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for calculating the SOC using QV. Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for calculating the deterioration state of an EV (Electric Vehicle) battery from vehicle characteristics (weight, etc.), road conditions, external environment, etc. However, none of Patent Documents 1 to 3 describes or suggests a technology for providing a user with a diagnosis result of the residual value of a storage battery calculated using a calculation method desired by the user.

[0012] One example of the object of the present invention is to provide a processing device, processing method, and recording medium that solve the problem of providing a user with diagnostic results of the residual value of a storage battery calculated using a calculation method desired by the user, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the present invention, a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; issuing means for executing a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods; A processing device is provided having:

[0014] Further, according to the present invention, One or more computers Acquire performance information relating to the performance of storage battery usage and store it in performance storage means; acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; A processing method is provided for performing a process for issuing a diagnostic result indicative of at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods.

[0015] Further, according to the present invention, Computer, a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; an issuing means for executing an issuing process of a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods; A recording medium is provided on which a program for causing the device to function as the above is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a processing device, a processing method, and a recording medium are realized that solve the problem of providing a user with a diagnosis result of the residual value of a storage battery calculated using a calculation method desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages are described below. Suitable This will become more apparent from the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an example of processing by a processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by a processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information processed by a processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a screen output by the processing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnosis result issued by the processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of another example of processing by the processing device. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is another example of a functional block diagram of the processing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is another example of a functional block diagram of the processing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of information processed by the processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0020] First Embodiment 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a processing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing device 10 includes a performance information storage unit 11, a residual value information storage unit 12, and an issuing unit 13.

[0021] The performance information accumulation unit 11 acquires performance information relating to the usage performance of the storage battery and accumulates it in performance storage means. The residual value information accumulation unit 12 acquires residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information and accumulates it in residual value storage means. The issuing unit 13 executes processing to issue a diagnostic result indicating at least one specified residual value calculated by at least one calculation method.

[0022] The processing device 10, which includes the performance information accumulation unit 11, can acquire and accumulate performance information regarding the usage performance of a storage battery provided in an electrically-powered device owned by a user. Furthermore, the processing device 10, which includes the residual value information accumulation unit 12, can acquire and accumulate residual value information regarding the residual value of a storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information. Furthermore, the processing device 10, which includes the issuing unit 13, can issue a diagnostic result indicating a residual value designated by the user from among the residual values ​​indicated by the accumulated residual value information. As a result, the processing device 10 solves the problem of providing the user with a diagnostic result of the residual value of a storage battery calculated by the calculation method desired by the user.

[0023] <Second embodiment> "overview" The processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a specific embodiment of the processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. The processing apparatus 10 is outlined below.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, in a service using the processing device 10, the processing device 10, a user terminal 20, and a server 30 cooperate with each other.

[0025] The processing device 10 is a device managed by a business operator (service provider) involved in a service that provides users (sellers) with diagnostic results of residual values ​​of storage batteries calculated using various calculation methods. The processing device 10 acquires and stores performance information on the usage history of storage batteries from a user terminal 20. The processing device 10 also provides the performance information to a server 30, and acquires and stores residual value information calculated based on the performance information from the server 30. The processing device 10 then issues diagnostic results based on the accumulated residual value information and transmits the diagnostic results to the user terminal 20.

[0026] The user terminal 20 is a device managed by a user (seller) who desires the diagnosis result of the residual value of a storage battery installed in an electrically-powered device that the user owns. The user terminal 20 transmits performance information to the processing device 10. The user terminal 20 also acquires the diagnosis result from the processing device 10.

[0027] The server 30 is a device managed by a business (diagnostic business) that diagnoses the residual value of a storage battery of a user (seller). The server 30 acquires performance information from the processing device 10. The server 30 also calculates residual value information based on the performance information. The server 30 then transmits the calculated residual value information to the processing device 10.

[0028] Users (sellers) use the acquired diagnostic results for various purposes. One example is use in the secondhand market. For example, users (sellers) sell their own electric equipment on the secondhand market by attaching the acquired diagnostic results. Users (buyers) can check the condition of the storage batteries of electric equipment being sold on the secondhand market based on the diagnostic results and use them as information to decide whether or not to purchase it.

[0029] "Hardware Configuration" Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the processing device 10 will be described. Each functional unit of the processing device 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered around a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of any computer, memory, programs loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk that stores the programs (this can store programs that are pre-loaded when the device is shipped, as well as programs downloaded from storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs) or servers on the Internet), and a network connection interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations in the realization methods and devices.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing device 10 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The processing device 10 does not necessarily have to have the peripheral circuit 4A. Note that the processing device 10 may be composed of multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated. In this case, each of the multiple devices may have the above hardware configuration.

[0031] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data among them. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, a camera, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, physical buttons, a touch panel, etc. Examples of output devices include a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0032] "Function Configuration" Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the processing device 10. Fig. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 has a performance information accumulation unit 11, a residual value information accumulation unit 12, and an issuing unit 13.

[0033] The performance information accumulation unit 11 acquires performance information relating to the usage record of the storage battery and accumulates it in performance storage means. The performance information accumulation unit 11 can repeatedly acquire performance information of the storage battery and accumulate it in the performance storage means. As a result, historical data of performance information of the storage battery is accumulated in the performance storage means. Furthermore, the performance information accumulation unit 11 can acquire performance information of each of the multiple storage batteries, associate it with identification information of each of the multiple storage batteries, and accumulate each piece of performance information in the performance storage means.

[0034] A "storage battery" is a device equipped with the function of storing electricity in an electrically powered device. The electrically powered device is driven by the electricity stored in the storage battery. The storage battery is also called a secondary battery or a battery. There are no particular restrictions on the size or configuration of the storage battery.

[0035] The "performance data storage means" is a non-volatile memory. The performance data storage means may be provided within the processing device 10, or may be provided in an external device connected to the processing device 10 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0036] The "performance information" is various information used by the diagnostic company to calculate the residual value of the storage battery. For example, the performance information includes various data such as charging history data, environmental data, and usage data.

[0037] "Charging history data" is data related to charging processes performed on the storage battery. The charging history data includes, for example, the number of charges, measured voltage and current values ​​during charging, SOC at the start of charging, and SOC at the end of charging. These data can be measured, for example, by a sensor provided in the storage battery.

[0038] "Environmental data" is data related to the usage environment of an electrically powered device equipped with a storage battery. The environmental data includes, for example, temperature, humidity, weather, location information, etc. This data may be measured by, for example, a sensor provided on the storage battery or the electrically powered device, or may be obtained from a predetermined server (such as a server that provides weather information).

[0039] "Usage data" is data that indicates the usage status of an electric device equipped with a storage battery. The content of the usage data varies depending on the type of electric device. An example of an electric device is an electric vehicle, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the electric device is an electric vehicle, the usage data would include driving data (distance traveled, driving location, speed, acceleration, data indicating operation of the steering wheel, brake, accelerator, etc.). This data can be measured, for example, by sensors provided on the electric device.

[0040] An "electric vehicle" is a vehicle that runs on electrical energy as a power source. Examples of electric vehicles include, but are not limited to, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars.

[0041] Here, an example of a means by which the performance information accumulation unit 11 acquires performance information will be described. The performance information accumulation unit 11 can acquire performance information from the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 may be the electrically powered device itself equipped with a communication function. Furthermore, if the electrically powered device is an electrically powered vehicle, the user terminal 20 may be an in-vehicle device equipped with a communication function installed in the vehicle. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 may be a communication device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smartwatch, or a personal computer.

[0042] First, the above-mentioned data is continuously measured by a sensor provided in the electrically-powered device or the storage battery, and is accumulated in an arbitrary storage device provided in the electrically-powered device.

[0043] For example, an electrically powered device or an in-vehicle device equipped with a communication function may transmit performance information to the processing device 10. The transmission timing may vary, and for example, data accumulated up to that point may be transmitted at a predetermined timing (predetermined time) every day, or may be transmitted when an operation to turn on or off the power of the electrically powered device is received, or may be transmitted when a transmission instruction is received from the user, or may be transmitted at other timings. Furthermore, the electrically powered device or the in-vehicle device may transmit data to the processing device 10 in real time processing.

[0044] Alternatively, the user may transfer the data stored in the storage device to another device (such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, smartwatch, or portable storage device) by any means, and then transmit the data transferred to the other device to the processing device 10 using any communication terminal (such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, smartwatch, or personal computer).

[0045] The sequence diagram in Fig. 4 shows an example of the flow of processing realized by the performance information accumulation unit 11. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 20 transmits performance information to the processing device 10 at a predetermined timing (S10). The processing device 10 accumulates the received performance information in performance storage means (S11). Thereafter, this processing is repeated.

[0046] Returning to Figure 1, the residual value information accumulation unit 12 acquires residual value information regarding the residual value of the storage battery calculated using at least one, for example, multiple calculation methods based on the performance information accumulated by the performance information accumulation unit 11, and accumulates it in a residual value storage means.

[0047] The "residual value storage means" is a non-volatile memory. The residual value storage means may be provided within the processing device 10, or may be provided in an external device communicatively connected to the processing device 10.

[0048] The "residual value of the battery" is expressed as SOH.

[0049] The "residual value information" indicates the current SOH. The residual value information may further indicate a predicted value of the SOH at a predetermined time in the future. The future SOH may be, for example, the SOH one year from now, the SOH three years from now, the SOH five years from now, etc.

[0050] The residual value information accumulation unit 12 transmits the performance information accumulated in the performance storage means to an external device (the diagnostic business operator's server 30) that calculates the residual value information based on the performance information. The residual value information accumulation unit 12 then acquires the residual value information from the external device and accumulates it in the residual value storage means.

[0051] The remaining value information accumulation unit 12 can transmit performance information to a plurality of external devices and acquire remaining value information from a plurality of external devices.

[0052] The diagnostic business operator's server 30 calculates the residual value information using a unique calculation method. The details of the calculation method are not particularly limited. The calculation methods may use different data for calculation. Furthermore, the calculation methods may use different calculation algorithms.

[0053] As described above, the performance information stored in the performance storage means is updated as needed. The servers 30 of the diagnostic businesses can acquire performance information from the processing device 10 at their own specific frequency / timing and calculate residual value information. For example, the server 30 of one diagnostic business may acquire performance information from the processing device 10 once a month and calculate residual value information. The server 30 of another diagnostic business may acquire performance information from the processing device 10 once a week and calculate residual value information. Note that the servers 30 of all diagnostic businesses may acquire performance information from the processing device 10 at the same frequency / timing and calculate residual value information.

[0054] The frequency / timing for transmitting performance information to the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator may be registered in advance in the processing device 10. Then, the residual value information accumulation unit 12 may transmit performance information to the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator at that frequency / timing and acquire the residual value information. Alternatively, the frequency / timing for acquiring performance information may be registered in the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator. Then, the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator may transmit a request for performance information to the processing device 10 at that frequency / timing. In this case, the residual value information accumulation unit 12 transmits performance information to the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator in response to a request from the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator.

[0055] Note that the server 30 of one diagnostic business operator may calculate the residual value information using one calculation method, or may calculate the residual value information using each of a plurality of different calculation methods. When the server 30 of one diagnostic business operator calculates the residual value information using each of a plurality of different calculation methods, the frequency / timing of calculation may be the same or different.

[0056] The sequence diagram of Fig. 5 shows an example of the flow of processing realized by the residual value information accumulation unit 12. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 transmits performance information accumulated in performance storage means to the diagnostic business operator's server 30 at a predetermined timing (S20). The diagnostic business operator's server 30 calculates the residual value of the storage battery using a predetermined calculation method based on the received performance information (S21). The diagnostic business operator's server 30 then transmits residual value information indicating the calculated residual value to the processing device 10 (S22). The processing device 10 accumulates the received residual value information in the residual value storage means (S23). Thereafter, this processing is repeated.

[0057] The processing device 10 repeatedly performs the process shown in FIG. 5 with the server 30 of each diagnostic business operator at a frequency / timing specific to each operator.

[0058] 6 shows a schematic example of information stored in the residual value storage means. The information shown is information about a storage battery identified by storage battery identification information "B171811" of a user identified by user identification information "M1718112." In the information shown, the diagnostic business operator identification information, calculation method number, current residual value, residual value after X years, calculation date, and number of calculations are linked to each other.

[0059] "Diagnostic provider identification information" is information that identifies multiple diagnostic providers from each other.

[0060] The "calculation method number" is information that identifies the calculation methods implemented by each diagnostic business operator. As described above, one diagnostic business operator may calculate the residual value using one calculation method, or may calculate the residual value using multiple calculation methods. In the latter case, the calculation method number identifies the multiple calculation methods implemented by one diagnostic business operator.

[0061] "Current residual value" is the current (at the time of calculation) residual value of the storage battery calculated by each calculation method of each diagnostic company. As described above, the residual value is repeatedly calculated by each calculation method of each diagnostic company. The latest residual value may be shown in this column.

[0062] "Residual value after X years" is the predicted value of the residual value of the storage battery after X years, calculated by each calculation method of each diagnostic company. For example, it can be the predicted value of the residual value after one year, three years, five years, etc. As described above, the residual value is repeatedly calculated by each calculation method of each diagnostic company. The most recent predicted value may be shown in this column.

[0063] The "calculation date" is the date on which the values ​​shown in the "current residual value" column and the "residual value after X years" column were calculated. As mentioned above, each diagnostic service provider can calculate residual value at a frequency / timing specific to their calculation method. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the calculation dates for the latest "current residual value" and "residual value after X years" registered at a given time may differ depending on the calculation method.

[0064] "Number of calculations" is the number of times the residual value has been calculated. As mentioned above, each diagnostic company can calculate the residual value at a frequency / timing specific to their calculation method. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the number of calculations at a given point in time may differ depending on the calculation method.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 1, the issuing unit 13 executes a process of issuing a diagnosis result indicating at least one, for example, at least one designated residual value out of the residual values ​​calculated by a plurality of calculation methods.

[0066] Specifically, the issuing unit 13 presents information about residual values ​​calculated using at least one calculation method to a user and accepts user input specifying at least one residual value from the information. The issuing unit 13 then performs processing to issue a diagnostic result indicating at least one specified residual value. The issuing unit 13 may also execute processing to pay a predetermined fee to a diagnostic business associated with the calculation method used to calculate at least one specified residual value. This processing may, for example, be registration that the calculation method has been specified. Alternatively, this processing may be processing to count the number of times each calculation method has been specified.

[0067] The sequence diagram of FIG. 7 shows an example of the flow of processing realized by the remaining value information accumulation unit 12.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 receives a request for issuing a diagnosis result from the user terminal 20 (S30).

[0069] The user terminal 20 may be an electrically powered device itself equipped with a communication function. If the electrically powered device is an electrically powered vehicle, the user terminal 20 may be an in-vehicle device. The user terminal 20 may be a communication device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smartwatch, or a personal computer. The user terminal 20 that transmits performance information to the processing device 10 and the user terminal 20 used in the process of issuing a diagnostic result may be the same terminal or different terminals.

[0070] The user operates the user terminal 20 to access the processing device 10 via an application or web page related to the processing device 10. Then, the user requests issuance of a diagnostic result via a UI (user interface) screen on the application or web page. Note that the issuance request may also include designation of user identification information and storage battery identification information.

[0071] In response to the issuance request, the processing device 10 transmits information indicating the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method to the user terminal 20 (S31). The user terminal 20 displays the information on a display. An example of the information is shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] The information shown in FIG. 8 displays a list of information related to residual values ​​calculated using multiple calculation methods. Specifically, for each calculation method, the current residual value, the residual value after X years, the calculation date, the number of calculations to date, the name of the diagnosed business, the calculation method, etc. are displayed. UI components (check boxes) are also displayed for specifying at least one residual value from among these. Note that one residual value may also be specified using UI components such as radio buttons. The information to be transmitted is generated based on information stored in the residual value storage means (see FIG. 6).

[0073] Thereafter, the user terminal 20 accepts a user input specifying at least one remaining value (S32), and then transmits the specification indicating which remaining value has been specified to the processing device 10 (S33).

[0074] Next, the processing device 10 performs a process of issuing a diagnosis result indicating at least one specified residual value (S34), and then transmits the issued diagnosis result to the user terminal 20 (S35).

[0075] In the process of issuing the diagnostic result, the processing device 10 generates the diagnostic result in, for example, a predetermined format. FIG. 9 shows an example of the diagnostic result generated by the processing device 10. The illustrated diagnostic result includes the date of issue, the issuer, information about the owner of the storage battery (name, address, etc.), information about the storage battery (storage battery manufacturer, type and manufacturer of electrically powered equipment equipped with the storage battery, etc.), residual value, information about the diagnostic business that calculated the residual value (name, etc.), etc. The diagnostic result may not include some of this information, or may include other information. The diagnostic result may also be issued under another name, such as a "diagnostic certificate."

[0076] The diagnostic results are preferably in a format that makes them difficult to tamper with. For example, they may be recorded on a blockchain or generated in other data formats.

[0077] "Action and effect" The processing device 10 can acquire and store performance information on the usage history of storage batteries from users who own electrically powered devices. The processing device 10 can also transmit the stored performance information to at least one server 30 of a diagnostic business operator, and acquire and store residual value information of storage batteries calculated by the server 30 based on the performance information. The processing device 10 can then present residual values ​​calculated by at least one calculation method in response to a request from a user, and issue a diagnostic result indicating at least one specified value from among the calculated residual values.

[0078] The processing device 10 solves the problem of providing the user with the diagnosis result of the residual value of the storage battery calculated by the calculation method desired by the user.

[0079] In addition, since users can obtain the diagnostic results relatively easily, it becomes easier for them to sell their own electric devices on the secondhand market. Furthermore, users who are considering purchasing electric devices on the secondhand market can confidently evaluate and check the quality of products on the secondhand market based on the diagnostic results. As a result, further spread of electric devices and the secondhand market for electric devices is expected.

[0080] <Third embodiment> The processing device 10 of this embodiment has a function to support a user's operation of specifying at least one of the residual values ​​of a storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method (an operation of specifying at least one residual value on a UI screen such as that shown in FIG. 8). Specifically, the processing device 10 has a function to present the user with information for determining which calculation method to specify. This will be described in detail below.

[0081] The issuing unit 13 outputs the characteristic information of each calculation method to the user, linked to the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method. The issuing unit 13 can transmit the information to the user terminal 20 in response to a request for issuing a diagnosis result from the user terminal 20 (S30 in FIG. 7). For example, the characteristic information of each calculation method is displayed on a screen showing the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method as shown in FIG. 8.

[0082] Thereafter, the issuing unit 13 receives a user input specifying the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method, and executes a process of issuing a diagnosis result indicating the residual value specified by the user input.

[0083] The "characteristic information for each calculation method" indicates at least one of the number of calculations of residual value information performed so far in relation to the storage battery, reliability, track record designated in the past as a calculation method for executing the diagnostic result issuance process, word-of-mouth information, and track record of specified processing using the issued diagnostic results.

[0084] The "number of calculations of residual value information performed so far in relation to the storage battery" is the number of calculations shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 described in the second embodiment. It is considered that the more the number of calculations, the more likely the user is to trust the calculation results.

[0085] "Reliability" is the reliability of each calculation method. There are various methods for calculating reliability, but an example will be described in the fifth embodiment.

[0086] "Past designation record as a calculation method for executing the diagnostic result issuing process" indicates the number of times it has been designated in the past as a calculation method for executing the diagnostic result issuing process. In other words, it indicates the number of times it has been designated in the past on a UI screen such as that shown in Fig. 8. The more times it has been designated, the more likely the user is to trust the calculation result.

[0087] "Word-of-mouth information" is information about each calculation method registered by unspecified users. Word-of-mouth information may include, for example, comments registered by users. Word-of-mouth information may also include, for example, evaluation results registered by users (e.g., 5-point evaluation results).

[0088] The "performance of the predetermined process using the issued diagnostic results" indicates the sales results on the secondhand market using the diagnostic results calculated by each calculation method. In other words, the "predetermined process" refers to sales on the secondhand market, and the "performance" refers to the sales results. Specifically, the performance indicates the number of successful sales. The performance may also indicate at least one of the statistical values ​​(average, minimum, maximum, mode, median, etc.) of the time from listing on the secondhand market to the successful sale. This data is generated, for example, based on information provided by the user who issued the diagnostic results. Specifically, after issuing the diagnostic results, the service provider provides the user with a questionnaire by any means inquiring about whether or not a sale was successful, the time from listing to the successful sale, etc. Then, the above data is collected by obtaining the answers to the questionnaire.

[0089] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0090] The processing device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments. The processing device 10 also has a function to assist the user in specifying at least one of the residual values ​​of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method. Specifically, the processing device 10 has a function to present the user with information to help them decide which calculation method to specify. With such a processing device 10, the user can easily specify the desired calculation method.

[0091] <Fourth embodiment> The processing device 10 of this embodiment has a function for improving the reliability of the residual value of the storage battery calculated by each diagnostic company.

[0092] An overview of this function will be explained using Figure 10. The processing device 10 acquires residual value information from a diagnostic business that calculated the residual value of a storage battery and accepts a deposit. After a sale of an electrically powered device is concluded using a diagnostic result indicating the residual value of the storage battery calculated by a diagnostic business, if the processing device 10 receives a compensation request from the buyer regarding the performance of the storage battery, the processing device 10 compensates the buyer using the diagnostic business's deposit. In this case, some or all of the diagnosed party's deposit will not be returned to the diagnostic business. In order to increase the deposit refund rate, it is expected that diagnostic businesses will strive to calculate residual values ​​with higher accuracy. This will be explained in detail below.

[0093] 11 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the processing device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 has a performance information accumulation unit 11, a residual value information accumulation unit 12, an issuing unit 13, and a deposit management unit 14.

[0094] The deposit management unit 14 performs the "processing of accepting a deposit from a diagnostic business operator," the "processing of compensation using the deposit," and the "processing of refunding the deposit." Each process will be explained below.

[0095] -Processing to receive deposits from diagnostic businesses- When the residual value information accumulation unit 12 acquires the residual value information and accumulates it in the residual value storage means, the deposit management unit 14 accordingly receives a predetermined deposit from the diagnostic business operator that calculated the residual value information.

[0096] The "deposit" is a deposit received from the diagnostic company. If the diagnostic company calculates the residual value of a storage battery and the buyer / user of the electric device equipped with the storage battery suffers an unexpected disadvantage, the deposit will be used to carry out compensation processing.

[0097] The deposit management unit 14 may receive a deposit from a diagnostic business operator every time the residual value information accumulation unit 12 acquires residual value information from the server 30 of the diagnostic business operator and accumulates the information in the residual value storage means.

[0098] The sequence diagram of FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of the process realized by the deposit management unit 14. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 transmits performance information stored in performance storage means to the diagnostic business operator's server 30 at a predetermined timing (S40). The diagnostic business operator's server 30 calculates the residual value of the storage battery using a predetermined calculation method based on the received performance information (S41). The diagnostic business operator's server 30 then transmits residual value information indicating the calculated residual value to the processing device 10 and deposits a deposit with the processing device 10 (S42). The processing device 10 stores the received residual value information in the residual value storage means and accepts the deposit (S43). Thereafter, the process is repeated.

[0099] As explained in the second embodiment, the diagnostic business operator can repeatedly calculate the residual value of a certain user's storage battery. As a result, the calculation is performed multiple times as shown in Figures 6 and 8. The deposit management unit 14 may accept a deposit from the diagnostic business operator in response to each of these multiple calculations. In this case, the total amount of deposits accepted from the diagnostic business operator increases as the number of calculations increases.

[0100] As another example, the deposit management unit 14 may accept a fixed deposit from a diagnostic business operator that has stored at least one calculation of residual value information in the residual value storage means. In this case, the deposit accepted from each diagnostic business operator is a fixed amount regardless of the number of calculations.

[0101] The means for accepting deposits is not particularly limited, and any technology can be employed. For example, the deposit management unit 14 may communicate with a server that manages predetermined electronic money and accept deposits in the predetermined electronic money. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may communicate with a server of a predetermined credit card company and accept deposits by payment using a credit card. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may accept deposits by online transfer processing to a predetermined financial institution such as a bank or post office.

[0102] - Compensation processing using deposits - First, the diagnostic results issued by the issuing unit 13 are used in the buying and selling of electric devices equipped with storage batteries. Specifically, a user (seller) sells his / her own electric device on the secondhand market, attaching the acquired diagnostic results. A user (buyer) checks the state of the storage battery of the electric device being sold on the secondhand market based on the diagnostic results, and uses the results as a basis for deciding whether or not to purchase it.

[0103] The sequence diagram in Fig. 13 shows an example of the flow of processing realized by the deposit management unit 14. As shown in the figure, when the processing device 10 receives a compensation request from the user terminal 40 of the user (buyer) (S50), it determines whether compensation is necessary and the compensation content (S51). Then, the processing device 10 executes compensation using a deposit linked to the calculation method used to calculate the diagnostic result used in the sale (a deposit made by the diagnostic business operator that calculated the residual value indicated by the diagnostic result) (S52).

[0104] ○ Compensation request acceptance (S50) A user (buyer) operates the user terminal 40 to access the processing device 10 via an application or a web page related to the processing device 10. Then, the user (buyer) makes a compensation request via a UI screen on the application or web page.

[0105] In addition, when operating the compensation request, information about the user requesting compensation (such as name, address, and telephone number), information about the purchased electric equipment and the storage battery installed therein (information that identifies them), information about the seller (such as name, address, and telephone number), and information about the diagnosis results presented by the seller at the time of sale (such as diagnosis result identification information and a copy of the diagnosis results) may be entered.

[0106] Compensation processing (S51, S52) The deposit management unit 14 determines whether to provide compensation and the details of the compensation based on the residual value of the storage battery indicated in the diagnosis result and the residual value of the storage battery at the time of the compensation request. Specifically, the deposit management unit 14 evaluates the accuracy of the residual value of the storage battery indicated in the diagnosis result based on the residual value of the storage battery indicated in the diagnosis result and the residual value of the storage battery at the time of the compensation request. The deposit management unit 14 then determines to provide compensation if the accuracy is below a reference level, and not to provide compensation if the accuracy is above the reference level. Furthermore, if compensation is to be provided, the deposit management unit 14 determines the details of the compensation based on the deviation between the accuracy and the reference level. The larger the deviation, the larger the compensation amount the deposit management unit 14 can decide to pay.

[0107] There are various methods for calculating the accuracy, but one example will be explained below.

[0108] For example, the deposit management unit 14 may determine the remaining value of the storage battery at the time of the compensation request from the remaining value of the storage battery predicted based on the diagnosis result. pond The accuracy can be calculated based on the difference between the measured residual value of the vehicle and the measured residual value of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "first difference"). The larger the first difference, the lower the accuracy.

[0109] The predicted residual value of the storage battery at the time of a compensation request based on the diagnosis result is calculated, for example, as follows.

[0110] First, as shown in FIG. 9, the diagnostic result includes the current residual value of the storage battery (at the time of issuing the diagnostic result or at the time of calculating the residual value indicated in the diagnostic result) and a predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future. The deposit management unit 14 predicts the residual value of the storage battery at any time between the two time points based on the residual values ​​at the two time points. For example, the deposit management unit 14 may make the prediction under the assumption that the current residual value of the storage battery (at the time of issuing the diagnostic result or at the time of calculating the residual value indicated in the diagnostic result) decreases linearly toward the predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may make the prediction under the assumption that the current residual value of the storage battery (at the time of issuing the diagnostic result or at the time of calculating the residual value indicated in the diagnostic result) decreases toward the predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future according to a predetermined decreasing function.

[0111] In this case, the deposit management unit 14 can decide to provide compensation when the condition "the first difference is greater than the threshold (the accuracy is equal to or less than the reference level)" is satisfied. The deposit management unit 14 can then decide to pay a larger compensation amount the greater the difference between the first difference and the threshold.

[0112] The deposit management unit 14 may decide to provide compensation when, in addition to the above conditions, other conditions are met, such as "meeting specified usage conditions." The usage conditions define that the electrically powered device and the storage battery are used under conditions that do not cause unexpected deterioration of the storage battery. Examples of usage conditions include, but are not limited to, the mileage of the electric vehicle (electric device) being below a standard value, or the number of times the storage battery is charged being below a standard value.

[0113] In addition, the condition for receiving compensation is that the above-mentioned "energy storage at the time of compensation request" pond The "measured value of the residual value of the battery" may be determined to be measured using a predetermined measurement method. The predetermined measurement method may be, for example, calculation based on a measurement of the discharge current when the battery is completely discharged from a fully charged state.

[0114] Furthermore, a condition for receiving compensation may be stipulated as follows: "The user (buyer) who purchased the electric vehicle must periodically transmit post-purchase performance information of the storage battery installed in the purchased electric vehicle to the processing device 10." In this way, the processing device 10 can acquire performance information of the storage battery before and after purchase. Then, based on this information, the processing device 10 can determine whether to provide compensation and the content of the compensation. For example, the above-mentioned "residual value of the storage battery at the time of compensation request" may be calculated based on the "post-purchase performance information of the storage battery" transmitted to the processing device 10 after purchase.

[0115] The payment of compensation to the user (buyer) may be realized by any means. For example, the deposit management unit 14 may communicate with a server that manages predetermined electronic money and pay the compensation in the predetermined electronic money. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may pay the compensation by online transfer processing to a predetermined financial institution such as a bank or post office.

[0116] -Deposit refund process- The deposit management unit 14 refunds the deposit received from the diagnostic business operator to the diagnostic business operator at a predetermined timing. The deposit management unit 14 can execute at least one of the following refund examples.

[0117] ○Refund example 1 In this example, a user who periodically transmits performance information of an electric device he or she owns to the processing device 10 transmits an instruction to terminate the processing to the processing device 10 at a timing of his or her choosing. The user issues this instruction, for example, when selling the user's electric device to another user. The user operates, for example, the user terminal 20 to access the processing device 10 via an application or web page related to the processing device 10. The user then issues this instruction via a UI screen on the application or web page.

[0118] Upon receiving the instruction, the deposit management unit 14 refunds the deposits to some of the diagnostic businesses. Specifically, the deposit management unit 14 refunds to each diagnostic business the deposits linked to calculation methods other than the method used to calculate the diagnostic result issued to the user (deposits deposited by the diagnostic business that calculated the residual value indicated in the diagnostic result).

[0119] The deposit associated with the calculation method used to calculate the diagnosis result issued to the user may be used for a subsequent compensation request, so this deposit will not be refunded to the diagnosis provider at this time.

[0120] ○Refund example 2 This example is an example of refunding a deposit linked to the calculation method used to calculate the diagnostic result issued to the user. The deposit management unit 14 refunds the deposit linked to the calculation method used to calculate the diagnostic result issued to the user to the diagnostic business operator at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is the timing (termination timing) when the compensation obligation to the user (buyer) ends.

[0121] The end timing may be, for example, a timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the time of purchase of the electrically-powered device. Alternatively, the end timing may be a timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the date on which the diagnostic result was issued. Alternatively, the end timing may be a timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the date on which the residual value indicated in the diagnostic result was calculated. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, if the diagnostic result indicates a residual value at a predetermined time in the future, the end timing may be that predetermined time in the future.

[0122] The deposit management unit 14 monitors the arrival of the end timing as described above. Then, in response to the arrival of the end timing, the deposit management unit 14 returns to the diagnostic business operator the deposit linked to the calculation method used to calculate the diagnostic result issued to the user.

[0123] The deposit may be returned to the diagnostic business operator by any means. For example, the deposit management unit 14 may communicate with a server that manages predetermined electronic money and return the deposit in the predetermined electronic money. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may communicate with a server of a predetermined credit card company and return the deposit. Alternatively, the deposit management unit 14 may return the deposit by online transfer processing to a predetermined financial institution such as a bank or post office.

[0124] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

[0125] The processing device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, the processing device 10 can accept a deposit from a diagnostic business and use it to compensate a user (buyer) who purchases an electric device through a transaction using the diagnostic results. As a result, it is expected that the diagnostic business will strive to calculate a residual value with higher accuracy in order to increase the deposit refund rate. Furthermore, the user (buyer) can purchase an electric device with peace of mind.

[0126] <Fifth embodiment> The processing device 10 of this embodiment has a function of calculating the reliability of each calculation method. Then, based on this reliability, the processing device 10 can determine the compensation to be paid to the diagnostic company for the calculation of the residual value. Furthermore, the processing device 10 can use this reliability in the processing described in the third embodiment. This will be explained in detail below.

[0127] 14 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the processing device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 has a performance information accumulation unit 11, a residual value information accumulation unit 12, an issuing unit 13, and a calculation method evaluation unit 15. Although not shown, the processing device 10 may also have a deposit management unit 14.

[0128] - Calculating the reliability of each calculation method - The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the reliability of at least one calculation method for calculating the residual value of the storage battery. The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can perform at least one of the following calculation examples.

[0129] ○Calculation example 1 The residual value information calculated by each calculation method includes the current residual value and a predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future.

[0130] The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the reliability of each calculation method based on the accuracy of the predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future indicated by the residual value information calculated in the past. Specifically, after the arrival of the "predetermined time in the future indicated by the residual value information calculated in the past," the calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the difference between the "predetermined value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future indicated by the residual value information calculated in the past" and the "current residual value at that time." The smaller the difference, the higher the reliability calculated by the calculation method evaluation unit 15.

[0131] The "current residual value" may be the current residual value calculated by each calculation method, a statistical value (average, median, mode, etc.) of the current residual values ​​calculated by multiple calculation methods, or a value measured by a predetermined measurement method. The predetermined measurement method may be, for example, calculation based on the measured value of the discharge current when the battery is completely discharged from a fully charged state.

[0132] ○Calculation example 2 The diagnostic results issued by the issuing unit 13 are used in the buying and selling of electrically-powered devices equipped with storage batteries, as described in the above embodiment.

[0133] The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the reliability of the calculation method used to calculate the residual value indicated by the diagnostic result used in the transaction based on the result of the transaction. Specifically, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates a higher reliability if the transaction is successful. On the other hand, if the transaction is not successful, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates a lower reliability.

[0134] For example, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 may calculate the reliability of each calculation method based on the total number of successful trades. The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates a higher reliability as the total number of successful trades increases.

[0135] Furthermore, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 may calculate the reliability of each calculation method based on the total number of successful trades and the total number of unsuccessful trades. The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates a higher reliability the greater the total number of successful trades and the higher the probability of successful trades. The probability of successful trades is calculated by dividing the total number of successful trades by the number of trades (the sum of the total number of successful trades and the total number of unsuccessful trades).

[0136] ○Calculation example 3 The calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the reliability of each calculation method based on at least one of the track record of calculation methods previously designated as calculation methods for executing the process of issuing diagnostic results and word-of-mouth information about the calculation methods.

[0137] The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability the more times a calculation method has been specified in the past as a calculation method for executing the process of issuing a diagnostic result (the more times it has been specified in the past on a UI screen such as that shown in Figure 8).

[0138] Furthermore, the word-of-mouth information may also show, for example, user ratings (e.g., a five-point rating). The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability as the statistical results (average value, median value, mode, etc.) of ratings by multiple users are higher.

[0139] ○Calculation example 4 The diagnostic results issued by the issuing unit 13 are used in the buying and selling of electrically-powered devices equipped with storage batteries, and details of the diagnostic results are displayed on a web page introducing the electrically-powered devices.

[0140] The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate the reliability based on at least one of the number of views of the web page and the number of favorites. Specifically, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability as the number of views increases. Furthermore, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability as the number of favorites increases.

[0141] ○Calculation example 5 The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate the reliability of each calculation method based on the track record of compensation using deposits described in the fourth embodiment. Specifically, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability the fewer the number of times compensation using deposits has been performed. Furthermore, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate a higher reliability the lower the total amount of compensation using deposits.

[0142] ○Calculation example 6 The calculation method evaluation unit 15 can calculate the reliability of each calculation method based on any multiple of the above-mentioned calculation examples 1 to 5. Specifically, the calculation method evaluation unit 15 calculates the reliability for each of the multiple calculation examples, and then integrates them to calculate the final reliability. There are no particular limitations on the method of integration, and examples include, but are not limited to, averaging, weighted averaging, adding up, multiplying, etc.

[0143] - Determination of the compensation to be paid to the diagnostic company for calculating the residual value - In this embodiment, each time the residual value information accumulation unit 12 acquires residual value information and accumulates it in the residual value storage means, a predetermined compensation is paid to each diagnosed business that calculated the residual value information. The calculation method evaluation unit 15 determines the compensation based on the reliability of each calculation method calculated as described above. The calculation method evaluation unit 15 determines a higher compensation as the reliability increases. Figure 15 shows a schematic example of the content determined by the calculation method evaluation unit 15.

[0144] -Other uses of reliability- Furthermore, as described in the third embodiment, the issuing unit 13 can output characteristic information of each calculation method to the user, linked to the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method. Thereafter, the issuing unit 13 accepts user input specifying the residual value calculated by at least one calculation method, and executes a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating the residual value specified by the user input. The "characteristic information of each calculation method" can include the reliability of each calculation method.

[0145] The issuing unit 13 can use the reliability calculated by the calculation method evaluation unit 15 as "characteristic information of each calculation method" to perform the above processing.

[0146] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0147] The processing device 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments. The processing device 10 also calculates the reliability of each calculation method and, based on this reliability, determines the compensation to be paid to the diagnostic business operator for the calculation of the residual value. The processing device 10 can also present this reliability to the user. As a result, it is expected that the diagnostic business operator will make efforts to further increase the reliability.

[0148] <Modification> "Variation 1" In the above embodiment, the residual value of a storage battery calculated using multiple calculation methods by multiple diagnostic companies is assumed to be stored in the residual value storage means, but the residual value of a storage battery calculated using one calculation method by one diagnostic company may also be stored in the residual value storage means.

[0149] "Variation 2" In the above embodiment, the residual value is calculated repeatedly for one storage battery using each calculation method, but the residual value may be calculated only once for one storage battery using each calculation method. For example, when the processing device 10 receives a request for issuance of a diagnostic result from a user, the processing device 10 may transmit performance information accumulated up to that point to at least one server 30 (a server of a diagnostic business operator) in response to the request, and request calculation of the residual value. The processing device 10 may then present the residual values ​​calculated in response to the request to the user, and issue a diagnostic result indicating at least one selected value from the calculated residual values.

[0150] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations may be adopted. The configurations of the above-described embodiments may be combined with each other, or some of the configurations may be replaced with other configurations. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to the configurations of the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and processes disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0151] In addition, although the sequence diagrams used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in order, the execution order of the steps in each embodiment is not limited to the order shown. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as long as the content does not contradict each other.

[0152] In this specification, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: "the device retrieves data stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data by making a request or inquiry to another device, or accessing and reading out another device or storage medium; "the device inputs data output from another device (passive acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.), and selecting and acquiring data from received data or information; and "the device generates new data by editing data (converting it to text, rearranging data, extracting some data, changing the file format, etc.), and then acquires the new data."

[0153] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of storage battery usage and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; issuing means for executing a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods; A processing device having: 2. The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information stored in the performance storage means to an external device that calculates the residual value information based on the performance information; 1, the processing device according to claim 1, which acquires the residual value information from the external device. 3. The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information to a plurality of the external devices and acquiring the residual value information from the plurality of the external devices; The plurality of external devices 3. The processing device according to 2, which calculates the residual value information using the calculation method specific to each device. 4. The performance information accumulation means repeatedly acquiring the performance information of the storage battery and storing it in the performance storage means; The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information to a plurality of external devices at frequencies specific to each of the external devices, and acquiring the residual value information; The plurality of external devices 4. The processing device according to 2 or 3, which calculates the residual value information at a frequency specific to each device. 5. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the residual value information includes a current residual value and a predicted value of a residual value at a predetermined time in the future. 6. The processing device according to any one of 1 to 5, further comprising a deposit management means for accepting a predetermined deposit when the residual value information accumulation means acquires the residual value information and stores it in the residual value storage means. 7. The issued diagnostic results are used in the purchase and sale of electrically powered equipment equipped with the storage battery, The deposit management means executes compensation processing using the deposit linked to the calculation method used to calculate the diagnostic result used in the sale and purchase of the electric equipment in response to a compensation request from the buyer of the electric equipment. 8. The diagnostic results include a predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined time in the future; The processing device described in 7, wherein the deposit management means determines whether to provide compensation and the content of the compensation based on the residual value of the storage battery equipped in the electric equipment at the time of the compensation request and the predicted value. 9. The issuing means: A processing device described in any one of 1 to 8, which outputs characteristic information of each of the calculation methods to a user, linked to the residual value calculated using at least one of the calculation methods, and then accepts user input specifying the residual value calculated using at least one of the calculation methods, and executes a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating the residual value specified by the user input. 10. The processing device described in 9, wherein the characteristic information indicates at least one of the number of calculations of the residual value information performed so far in relation to the storage battery, reliability, track record of previously specified calculation methods for executing the process of issuing the diagnostic result, word-of-mouth information, and track record of specified processing using the issued diagnostic result. 11. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 10, further comprising a calculation method evaluation means for calculating the reliability of at least one of the calculation methods. 12. The residual value information includes a current residual value and a forecast of a residual value at a predetermined time in the future; The processing device described in 11, wherein the calculation method evaluation means calculates the reliability based on the difference between the predicted value of the residual value at a predetermined future timing indicated by the residual value information calculated in the past and the residual value at that predetermined timing. 13. The issued diagnostic results are used in the purchase and sale of electrically powered equipment equipped with the storage battery, 13. The processing device according to 11 or 12, wherein the calculation method evaluation means calculates the reliability based on the results of the buying and selling. 14. A processing device described in any one of 11 to 13, wherein the calculation method evaluation means calculates the reliability based on at least one of the track record of having been previously designated as the calculation method for executing the diagnostic result issuance process and word-of-mouth information about the calculation method. 15. The issued diagnostic results are used in the purchase and sale of electrically powered equipment equipped with the storage battery, details of the diagnosis results are displayed on a web page introducing the electrically powered device; The calculation method evaluation means 15. The processing device according to any one of 11 to 14, wherein the reliability is calculated based on at least one of the number of times the web page is viewed and the number of times it is registered as a favorite. 16. A processing device described in any one of 11 to 14, wherein the calculation method evaluation means determines the compensation to be paid to each diagnosed business operator that calculated the residual value information based on the reliability each time the residual value information accumulation means acquires the residual value information and stores it in the residual value storage means. 17. One or more computers Acquire performance information relating to the performance of storage battery usage and store it in performance storage means; acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; A processing method that executes a process of issuing a diagnostic result that indicates at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods. 18. Computer, a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; an issuing means for executing an issuing process of a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods; A recording medium on which a program that functions as a 19. Computer, a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by at least one calculation method based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; an issuing means for executing an issuing process of a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by at least one of the calculation methods; A program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10 Processing equipment 11. Performance Information Storage Unit 12 Residual Value Information Storage Unit 13 Publishing Department 14 Deposit Management Department 15 Calculation Method Evaluation Section 20 User terminal 30 servers 40 User terminals 1A processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A peripheral circuit 5A Bus

Claims

1. a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by a plurality of calculation methods based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; issuing means for executing a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by the plurality of calculation methods; A processing device having:

2. The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information stored in the performance storage means to an external device that calculates the residual value information based on the performance information; The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the residual value information is acquired from the external device.

3. The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information to a plurality of the external devices and acquiring the residual value information from the plurality of the external devices; The plurality of external devices The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the residual value information is calculated using the calculation method specific to each device.

4. The performance information accumulation means repeatedly acquiring the performance information of the storage battery and storing it in the performance storage means; The residual value information storage means transmitting the performance information to a plurality of external devices at frequencies specific to each of the external devices, and acquiring the residual value information; The plurality of external devices The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the residual value information is calculated at a frequency specific to each of the vehicles.

5. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the residual value information includes a current residual value and a predicted value of a residual value at a predetermined time in the future.

6. 2. The processing device according to claim 1, further comprising deposit management means for accepting a predetermined deposit when said remaining value information accumulation means acquires said remaining value information and stores it in said remaining value storage means.

7. The issuing means 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device outputs characteristic information of each of the calculation methods to a user, linked to the residual values ​​calculated using a plurality of the calculation methods, and then accepts user input specifying the residual value calculated using at least one of the calculation methods, and executes a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating the residual value specified by the user input.

8. The processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation method evaluation means for calculating the reliability of each of the plurality of calculation methods.

9. One or more computers Acquire performance information relating to the performance of storage battery usage and store it in performance storage means; acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by a plurality of calculation methods based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; A processing method for executing a process for issuing a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by the plurality of calculation methods.

10. Computer, a performance information storage means for acquiring performance information relating to the performance of the storage battery and storing the information in a performance storage means; a residual value information storage means for acquiring residual value information relating to the residual value of the storage battery calculated by a plurality of calculation methods based on the performance information, and storing the information in a residual value storage means; issuing means for executing a process of issuing a diagnostic result indicating at least one designated one of the residual values ​​calculated by the plurality of calculation methods; A program that functions as a

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