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

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: a demand information acquisition unit; a deterioration information acquisition unit; and a first notification unit. The demand information acquisition unit acquires demand information relating to a storage battery that a purchaser wishing to purchase a storage battery wishes to purchase. The deterioration information acquisition unit acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of the storage battery in use. If the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, the first notification unit transmits a first notification to a first terminal associated with the in-use storage battery that satisfies the condition.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] For example, in the battery regeneration service system described in Patent Document 1, a network is formed for mutual information exchange among the management entity, regeneration entity, and supply entity included therein.

[0003] The management entity manages maintenance information, including the maintenance timing of batteries used by customers. The maintenance information includes information such as the replacement timing, type, and number of used batteries that need to be replaced due to the end of their service life, breakage, or damage, and is notified to the management entity by the customer.

[0004] The recycling entity collects used batteries from customers and delivers recycled batteries to the customers based on the maintenance information notified by the management entity via the network.

[0005] At the same time, the recycling entity notifies the supply entity via the network of shortage information for batteries used by customers that are in short supply due to the collection of used batteries or that are in short supply due to a shortage of recycled batteries at the time of delivery of recycled batteries. As a result, the battery recycling service system is configured so that the supply entity supplies new batteries to the customer based on the shortage information.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-097900

[0007] The battery recycling service system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to collect batteries used by customers (i.e., storage batteries in use) when they need to be replaced, and to deliver recycled batteries or supply new batteries to the customers.

[0008] However, generally, potential buyers of storage batteries are not limited to users of currently used storage batteries, and there may be other potential buyers. The technology described in Patent Document 1 makes it difficult to meet the demand of potential buyers other than the current users. This poses a problem in that it is difficult to ensure smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0009] The information processing device of the present disclosure includes a demand information acquisition means for acquiring demand information regarding a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase, a deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use, and a first notification means for transmitting a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies a condition included in the demand information when the deterioration information satisfies the condition.

[0010] The information processing system of the present disclosure comprises a first terminal that communicates with the information processing device, and the information processing device comprises: a demand information acquisition means that acquires demand information regarding the storage battery that a prospective purchaser of the storage battery wishes to purchase; a deterioration information acquisition means that acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and a first notification means that, when the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, sends a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

[0011] The information processing method disclosed herein includes one or more computers acquiring demand information regarding a storage battery that a potential purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase, acquiring deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use, and, if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, sending a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

[0012] The recording medium of the present disclosure has recorded thereon a program for causing one or more computers to execute the following: acquire demand information regarding the storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase; acquire deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and, if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, send a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of demand information according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of deterioration information according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of a first information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a demand information acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deterioration information acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a deterioration information acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first notification unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a first notification unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a third information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the present disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments.

[0016] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1 , an information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a demand information acquisition unit 110, a deterioration information acquisition unit 120, and a first notification unit 130.

[0017] The demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information relating to a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of the storage battery wishes to purchase.

[0018] The deterioration information acquisition unit 120 acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of the storage battery in use.

[0019] When the degradation information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, the first notification unit 130 transmits a first notification to a first terminal associated with an in-use storage battery that satisfies the condition.

[0020] The information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure executes information processing as shown in FIG.

[0021] The demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information relating to a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of the storage battery wishes to purchase (step S110).

[0022] The deterioration information acquisition unit 120 acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of the storage battery in use (step S120).

[0023] When the degradation information satisfies the condition included in the demand information, the first notification unit 130 transmits a first notification to a first terminal associated with an in-use storage battery that satisfies the condition (step S130).

[0024] (Detailed Example) A detailed example of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0025] (Regarding storage battery buyers) A storage battery buyer is, for example, a person who wishes to purchase a recycled storage battery. Note that a storage battery buyer may be any person who wishes to purchase a storage battery, and may be, for example, a person who wishes to purchase a storage battery regardless of whether it is a recycled storage battery or a new storage battery.

[0026] Here, the recycled battery is a battery that has been regenerated from a battery in use. The in-use battery is a battery that is currently in use, and will be described in detail later.

[0027] (Demand Information) Demand information is information including conditions related to the storage battery that a prospective purchaser wishes to purchase.

[0028] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of demand information according to the present disclosure. The demand information may include, for example, at least one of the quantity of storage batteries that the prospective purchaser wishes to purchase and the storage capacity of the storage batteries that the prospective purchaser wishes to purchase as conditions.

[0029] The configuration of the demand information is not limited to the example shown here. For example, the demand information may include the size of the storage battery that the prospective buyer wishes to purchase. This size may be expressed, for example, as the maximum size or a range of sizes of the storage battery that the prospective buyer wishes to purchase.

[0030] (Regarding Storage Batteries in Use) As described above, storage batteries in use are storage batteries that are currently in use.

[0031] A storage battery in use is managed, for example, by a business entity that uses the storage battery in use. That is, the manager of a storage battery in use is, for example, the business entity that uses the storage battery in use.

[0032] When the manager of the in-use storage battery is a business entity, an example of the business entity is a transportation company that transports goods or people by electric vehicle (EV). When the manager of the in-use storage battery is a transportation company, the in-use storage battery is, for example, a storage battery installed in an EV vehicle.

[0033] The in-use storage battery is not limited to a storage battery installed in an EV vehicle. For example, the in-use storage battery may be a storage battery installed in various vehicles such as a hybrid car, or may be a stationary storage battery used in general businesses, homes, etc.

[0034] (Regarding Deterioration Information) The deterioration information is information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use. The deterioration state is information indicating, for example, the degree to which the storage battery in use has deteriorated compared to a predetermined time (for example, when it was new).

[0035] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the deterioration information, which associates, for example, the diagnosis time with a resistance value representing the deterioration state.

[0036] The resistance value may be calculated based on charging status information indicating the charging status of the storage battery in use during charging. The charging status information may include at least one of a current value and a voltage value of the storage battery in use during charging. In particular, the resistance value may be calculated using reference information such as a formula or table used in general techniques for diagnosing the SOH (State of Health) of the storage battery.

[0037] The reference information may be predetermined information for calculating the deterioration information based on the charge status information, and is not limited to general techniques. For example, the reference information may include a calculation formula, a table, etc. obtained by an experiment, a simulation, etc., or may include a calculation formula, a table, etc. obtained theoretically.

[0038] The diagnosis time is information indicating a time corresponding to the associated degradation state. In detail, for example, it may include at least one of the time when the storage battery in use was charged, the time when the charge status information was acquired, the time when the associated resistance value was calculated, etc. This time may be expressed using a date, a time, etc. Note that the diagnosis time is not limited to the examples given here.

[0039] (Regarding the First Notification) The first notification is a notification that includes predetermined content regarding the storage battery in use.

[0040] The first notification may be, for example, a notification recommending replacement of the in-use storage battery to the manager of the in-use storage battery. In detail, for example, the first notification may include at least one of information indicating that the in-use storage battery is nearing the time to replace the in-use storage battery, a recommended replacement time for the in-use storage battery, etc.

[0041] A detailed example of the first terminal will be described later.

[0042] In the information processing of this embodiment, the acquisition of deterioration information (step S120) and the transmission of the first notification (step S130) are each performed simultaneously in real time when demand information is acquired (step S110).

[0043] The timing at which the acquisition of the degradation information (step S120) and the transmission of the first notification (step S130) are performed are not limited to this example. The acquisition of the degradation information (step S120) and the transmission of the first notification (step S130) may be performed periodically (for example, at a predetermined time, day of the week, and time) at the same or different times.

[0044] (Example of physical configuration of information processing device 100) The information processing device 100 physically includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input interface 1060, and an output interface 1070, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, network interface 1050, input interface 1060, and output interface 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0046] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0047] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0048] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the information processing device 100. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize the function corresponding to the program module.

[0049] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to a network. The network is a communication network for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (not shown), and may be configured as a wired or wireless network or a combination of these.

[0050] The input interface 1060 is an interface for the user to input information, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0051] The output interface 1070 is an interface for presenting information to the user, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0052] Although the information processing device 100 has been described as being physically composed of one device (e.g., a computer), the information processing device 100 may be composed of multiple devices (e.g., computers) that transmit and receive information to and from each other via a network. In this case, the multiple devices may cooperate to execute information processing.

[0053] (Operations and Effects) According to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes the demand information acquisition unit 110, the deterioration information acquisition unit 120, and the first notification unit 130, as described above.

[0054] The demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information regarding storage batteries that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase. The deterioration information acquisition unit 120 acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use. When the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, the first notification unit 130 transmits a first notification to a first terminal associated with the storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

[0055] According to this information processing device 100, by sending a first notification to the first terminal, it is possible to encourage the replacement of a storage battery in use in accordance with the demand information, and to provide the storage battery to a prospective purchaser. Therefore, it is possible to ensure smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0056] According to this embodiment, one or more computers execute the information processing including steps S110 to S130 as described above.

[0057] The demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information regarding a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase (step S110). The deterioration information acquisition unit 120 acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use (step S120). If the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, the first notification unit 130 transmits a first notification to a first terminal associated with the storage battery in use that satisfies the condition (step S130).

[0058] According to this information processing, by sending the first notification to the first terminal, it is possible to encourage replacement of storage batteries in use in accordance with the demand information, and to provide storage batteries to prospective buyers, thereby enabling smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0059] For example, the demand information may include the storage capacity of the storage battery.

[0060] In this way, by sending the first notification to the first terminal, it is possible to encourage the replacement of storage batteries in use according to the storage capacity in demand, and to provide storage batteries to those who wish to purchase them, thereby enabling the smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0061] For example, the acquisition of the degradation information and the transmission of the first notification may be performed periodically at the same or different times.

[0062] This allows the deterioration information to be updated periodically and the first notification to be sent periodically to the first terminal, thereby periodically encouraging the replacement of storage batteries in use in accordance with the demand information, and making it possible to provide storage batteries to prospective buyers. This makes it possible to ensure smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0063] Second Embodiment An information processing system including an information processing device, and a detailed example of the information processing device will be described.

[0064] (Information Processing System S1) As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system S1 includes an information processing device 200, a first terminal 150, a charging device 160, and a second terminal 170.

[0065] The information processing device 200, the first terminal 150, the charging device 160, and the second terminal 170 may be connected to each other via a network configured by, for example, a wired or wireless connection or a combination of these, so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0066] The number of first terminals 150, charging devices 160, and second terminals 170 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, one or more managers may each manage one or more first terminals 150 and one or more charging devices 160. Furthermore, for example, one or more prospective buyers may each use one or more second terminals 170.

[0067] (Regarding the first terminal 150) The first terminal 150 is a terminal device that is the destination of the first notification. The first terminal 150 is associated with a storage battery in use and is, for example, a terminal device used by a manager of the storage battery in use.

[0068] For example, when the first terminal 150 receives the transmitted first notification, it displays the first notification. This allows the manager of the storage battery in use, its staff, etc. to view the first notification. Furthermore, the first terminal 150 may have a function to respond to the first notification based on input from the manager of the storage battery in use, its staff, etc.

[0069] (Regarding charging device 160) Charging device 160 is a device for charging a storage battery in use. For example, when charging device 160 charges a storage battery in use, it transmits the above-mentioned charging status information to information processing device 200. The charging status information may be transmitted in real time during charging, or may be transmitted after charging is completed.

[0070] (Second Terminal 170) The second terminal 170 is, for example, a terminal device used by a playback company.

[0071] The recycling company produces recycled storage batteries using, for example, collected used storage batteries. The recycled storage batteries may be, for example, stationary storage batteries or storage batteries to be installed in electric vehicles.

[0072] The second terminal 170 generates demand information based on information acquired from a prospective purchaser, for example, and transmits the generated demand information to the information processing device 200. As a result, the demand information is acquired and registered in the information processing device 200.

[0073] 7 , the information processing device 200 includes a demand information acquisition unit 110, a deterioration information acquisition unit 120, and a first notification unit 130. The information processing device 200 further includes a purchaser memory unit 141, a demand memory unit 142, an administrator memory unit 143, an in-use battery memory unit 144, and a deterioration memory unit 145.

[0074] The intending purchaser storage unit 141 is a storage unit for storing intending purchaser information, which is information relating to intending purchasers. The intending purchaser information may be stored in the intending purchaser storage unit 141 in advance.

[0075] The potential purchaser information may be associated with, for example, a potential purchaser ID (Identification), contact information for the potential purchaser, etc. The potential purchaser ID is information for identifying the potential purchaser. The contact information for the potential purchaser may include, for example, the address of the second terminal 170 in the network. However, the configuration of the potential purchaser information is not limited to this.

[0076] The demand storage unit 142 is a storage unit for storing the above-mentioned demand information.

[0077] The administrator storage unit 143 is a storage unit for storing administrator information, which is information about an administrator. The administrator information may be stored in the administrator storage unit 143 in advance.

[0078] The administrator information may be associated with an administrator ID, contact information for the administrator, etc. The administrator ID is information for identifying the administrator. The contact information for the administrator may include, for example, the address of the first terminal 150 in the network. However, the configuration of the administrator information is not limited to this.

[0079] The in-use battery storage unit 144 is a storage unit for storing in-use battery information, which is information relating to in-use batteries. The in-use battery information may be stored in the in-use battery storage unit 144 in advance.

[0080] The in-use battery information may be associated with an in-use battery ID, an administrator ID, etc. The in-use battery ID is information for identifying the in-use battery. The administrator ID associated with the in-use battery ID may be the administrator ID of the administrator who manages the in-use battery identified using the in-use battery ID. Note that the configuration of the in-use battery information is not limited to this, and for example, the in-use battery information may further include the model number, size, etc. of the in-use battery.

[0081] According to this example, the first terminal 150 (e.g., the address of the first terminal 150) is associated with the in-use storage battery via the administrator ID between the administrator information and the in-use storage battery information. Note that the method of associating the first terminal 150 with the in-use storage battery is not limited to this method.

[0082] The degradation storage unit 145 is a storage unit for storing the above-mentioned degradation information.

[0083] (Detailed Example of Demand Information Acquisition Unit 110 and Step S110) The demand information acquisition unit 110 may acquire demand information, for example, as described above, and store the acquired demand information in the demand storage unit 142. In this case, the demand information acquisition unit 110 may execute a demand information acquisition process (Step S110) as shown in FIG.

[0084] The demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information, for example, from the first terminal 150 or based on an input (step S111).

[0085] The demand information acquisition unit 110 stores the demand information acquired in step S111 in the demand storage unit 142 (step S112).

[0086] (Detailed Example of Degradation Information Acquisition Unit 120 and Step S120) The degradation information acquisition unit 120 may include, for example, a second acquisition unit 121 and a degradation information generation unit 122, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0087] The second acquisition unit 121 acquires charging status information from the charging device 160 that charges the storage battery in use. The deterioration information generation unit 122 generates deterioration information based on the charging status information acquired by the second acquisition unit 121. Then, the deterioration information generation unit 122 stores the generated deterioration information in the deterioration storage unit 145.

[0088] The degradation information acquisition unit 120 may execute a degradation information acquisition process (step S120) as shown in FIG.

[0089] The second acquisition unit 121 acquires charging status information from the charging device 160 that charges the storage battery in use (step S121).

[0090] The deterioration information generating unit 122 generates deterioration information based on the charging status information acquired in step S121 (step S122).

[0091] In detail, for example, the deterioration information acquisition unit 120 may store the above-described reference information in advance, and may generate (calculate) the deterioration information based on the reference information and the charging status information acquired in step S121.

[0092] The degradation information generating unit 122 stores the degradation information generated in step S122 in the degradation storage unit 145 (step S123).

[0093] The deterioration information and the charging status information used to acquire the deterioration information may be stored in association with each other in the deterioration storage unit 145. In this case, when acquiring the deterioration information, the deterioration information acquisition unit 120 may store the acquired deterioration information and the charging status information used to acquire the deterioration information in the deterioration storage unit 145.

[0094] (Detailed Example of First Notification Unit 130 and Step S130) As shown in FIG. 11 , the first notification unit 130 includes a replacement time estimation unit 131, a determination unit 132, and a transmission unit 133, for example.

[0095] The replacement time estimation unit 131 generates a recommended replacement time for an in-use storage battery based on, for example, deterioration information of the in-use storage battery acquired by the deterioration information acquisition unit 120. The replacement time estimation unit 131 may acquire the deterioration information from either the deterioration information acquisition unit 120 or the deterioration storage unit 145.

[0096] The determination unit 132 determines whether the deterioration information satisfies the conditions included in the demand information, for example, based on the demand information and deterioration information of the storage battery in use acquired by the demand information acquisition unit 110 and the deterioration information acquisition unit 120, respectively.

[0097] The determination unit 132 may acquire demand information from either the demand information acquisition unit 110 or the demand storage unit 142. The determination unit 132 may also acquire deterioration information from either the deterioration information acquisition unit 120 or the deterioration storage unit 145. A plurality of pieces of deterioration information may be used for the determination. The deterioration information used for the determination may be, for example, deterioration information acquired at a predetermined time (for example, within a predetermined period from the time when the determination unit 132 makes the determination).

[0098] In the above example of demand information, the conditions included in the demand information are the quantity and storage capacity of the storage batteries. In the above example of deterioration information, the deterioration information includes the resistance value of the used storage batteries.

[0099] In this case, by using common technology, it is possible to estimate the storage capacity of the storage battery in use based on the resistance value of the storage battery in use. Therefore, the determination unit 132 can determine whether or not the storage capacity included in the demand information is satisfied by using the resistance value included in each of one or more pieces of deterioration information. Furthermore, the determination unit 132 can determine whether or not the quantity included in the demand information is satisfied based on the number of pieces of deterioration information that satisfy the storage capacity included in the demand information.

[0100] The transmitting unit 133 transmits the first notification to the first terminal 150 based on the result of the determination made by the determining unit 132. When there are multiple storage batteries in use that satisfy the conditions included in the demand information, the transmitting unit 133 may transmit the first notification to multiple first terminals 150 that are associated with the multiple storage batteries in use, respectively.

[0101] This includes cases where there are multiple storage batteries in use that meet the conditions included in the demand information, cases where multiple storage batteries in use are required to meet the conditions included in the demand information, and cases where each of the multiple storage batteries in use meets the conditions included in the demand information.

[0102] The first notification unit 130 may execute a first notification process (step S130) as shown in FIG.

[0103] The replacement timing estimation unit 131 generates a recommended replacement timing for each of one or more in-use storage batteries based on the deterioration information of the storage batteries (step S131).

[0104] The determination unit 132 determines whether or not the one or more pieces of degradation information satisfy the condition included in the demand information, for example, based on the demand information and the one or more pieces of degradation information (step S132). If the determination unit 132 determines that the condition is not satisfied (step S132; No), the first notification process (step S130) is terminated and the process returns to information processing.

[0105] If it is determined that the condition is satisfied (step S132; Yes), the determination unit 132 transmits a first notification to the first terminal 150 associated with the in-use storage battery that is determined to satisfy the condition (step S133). As a result, the determination unit 132 ends the first notification process (step S130) and returns to information processing.

[0106] (Operations and Effects) For example, when the demand information acquisition unit 110 acquires demand information from the second terminal 170 used by the prospective purchaser, it stores the acquired demand information in the demand storage unit 142 .

[0107] This allows the storage battery to be provided to potential buyers by storing a history of demand information and periodically prompting replacement of storage batteries in use in accordance with the demand information, thereby enabling the smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0108] For example, the deterioration information acquisition unit 120 includes a second acquisition unit 121 and a deterioration information generation unit 122. The second acquisition unit 121 acquires charging information related to charging of the storage battery in use. The deterioration information generation unit 122 generates deterioration information based on the acquired charging information.

[0109] This allows for identifying a storage battery in use that satisfies the conditions included in the demand information based on the charging information, and for transmitting a first notification to the first terminal associated with the identified storage battery in use. This makes it possible to encourage the replacement of the storage battery in use in accordance with the demand information, and to provide the storage battery to prospective buyers. This enables the smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0110] Third Embodiment An information processing system including an information processing device, and other detailed examples of the information processing device will be described.

[0111] (Information Processing System S2) As shown in FIG. 13, the information processing system S2 includes an information processing device 300, a first terminal 150, a charging device 160, a second terminal 170, and a third terminal 180.

[0112] As described above, the first terminal 150 according to this embodiment may have a function of responding to the first notification in addition to the function of viewing the first notification.

[0113] The third terminal 180 may be connected to, for example, the information processing device 200, the first terminal 150, the charging device 160, and the second terminal 170 via a network configured via a wired, wireless, or combination of these so that information can be sent and received between them.

[0114] The number of third terminals 180 is not limited to one, but may be multiple.

[0115] (Third Terminal 180) The third terminal 180 is a terminal used by, for example, a used storage battery collection business.

[0116] For example, when the third terminal 180 receives the transmitted third notification (described in detail later), it displays the third notification. This allows the staff of the collection business to view the third notification. The third terminal 180 may also have a function to respond to the third notification based on input by a predetermined operation or the like by the staff of the collection business.

[0117] 14 , the information processing device 300 includes a demand information acquisition unit 110, a deterioration information acquisition unit 120, a first notification unit 130, a purchaser memory unit 141, a demand memory unit 142, an administrator memory unit 143, an in-use battery memory unit 144, and a deterioration memory unit 145. The information processing device 300 further includes a second notification unit 147 and a third notification unit 148.

[0118] The second notification unit 147 acquires a second notification, which is a response to the first notification, from the first terminal 150 .

[0119] When the second notification unit 147 acquires the second notification, the third notification unit 148 transmits the third notification based on the acquired second notification.

[0120] The information processing device 300 according to the present disclosure executes information processing as shown in FIG.

[0121] Steps S110 to S130 are performed as described above.

[0122] The second notification unit 147 acquires a second notification, which is a response to the first notification, from the first terminal 150 (step S140).

[0123] When the second notification is acquired in step S140, the third notification unit 148 transmits a third notification based on the acquired second notification (step S150).

[0124] (Regarding the Third Notification) The destination of the third notification may be determined in advance by, for example, being included in the demand information, etc. In detail, for example, the destination of the third notification may be at least one of the second terminal 170 and the third terminal 180.

[0125] When the third notification is sent to the second terminal 170, this third notification is, for example, a notification that there is a storage battery in use that satisfies the conditions included in the demand information. This allows the recycling business operator who views the third notification to, for example, request a collection business operator to collect the storage battery in use, or to collect the storage battery in use themselves.

[0126] When the third terminal 180 transmits the third notification to the third terminal 180, the third notification is, for example, a notification requesting the collection of storage batteries in use that satisfy the conditions included in the demand information. This allows a collection business operator who views the third notification to collect the storage batteries in use, for example.

[0127] The third notice may further include contact information for the recycling business operator that registered this demand information in the information processing device 300, i.e., the second terminal 170 (e.g., the address of the second terminal 170). A collection business operator that views the third notice can, for example, notify the recycling business operator that registered demand information that meets the conditions that collection of the collected storage batteries in use has been completed, or deliver the collected storage batteries in use to the recycling business operator.

[0128] (Operations and Effects) For example, the information processing device 300 includes a second notification unit 147 and a third notification unit 148 .

[0129] The second notification unit 147 acquires a second notification, which is a response to the first notification, from the first terminal 150. When the second notification unit 147 acquires the second notification, the third notification unit 148 transmits a third notification based on the acquired second notification.

[0130] This allows for the rapid and easy collection, regeneration, etc. of storage batteries in use in response to demand information, thereby enabling smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0131] For example, the third notification is sent to a third terminal 180 used by a recovery company that recovers storage batteries in use.

[0132] This allows for the rapid or easy collection of storage batteries in use in response to demand information, thereby enabling the smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0133] For example, the third notification is sent to the second terminal 170 used by the playback company.

[0134] This allows for the rapid or easy regeneration of storage batteries in use in response to demand information, thereby enabling the smooth distribution of storage batteries.

[0135] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0136] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0137] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to them. 1. An information processing device comprising: demand information acquisition means for acquiring demand information related to a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase; deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and first notification means for transmitting a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies a condition included in the demand information when the deterioration information satisfies the condition. 2. The information processing device described in 1., wherein the demand information includes the storage capacity of the storage battery. 3. The information processing device described in 1. or 2., wherein the demand information acquisition means, upon acquiring the demand information from a second terminal used by a recycling business operator, stores the acquired demand information in demand storage means. 4. The information processing device described in any one of 1. to 3., wherein the acquisition of the deterioration information and the transmission of the first notification are each performed periodically at the same or different times. 5. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 4., wherein the deterioration information acquisition means includes: second acquisition means that acquires charging information related to charging of the in-use storage battery; and deterioration information generation means that generates the deterioration information based on the acquired charging information. 6. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 5., wherein the first notification is a notification that recommends replacement of the in-use storage battery to a manager of the in-use storage battery. 7. The information processing device according to 6., wherein the first notification includes a recommended replacement time for the in-use storage battery. 8. The information processing device according to any one of 1. to 5., further comprising: second notification acquisition means that acquires from the first terminal a second notification that is a response to the first notification; and third notification means that, when the second notification is acquired, transmits a third notification based on the acquired second notification. 9. The information processing device according to 6., wherein the third notification is transmitted to a third terminal used by a collection business that collects the in-use storage battery. 10. 6. The information processing device according to Item 6, wherein the third notification is transmitted to a second terminal used by a playback business operator.11. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device; and a first terminal communicating with the information processing device, wherein the information processing device comprises: demand information acquisition means for acquiring demand information relating to the storage battery desired by a prospective purchaser of a storage battery; deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and first notification means for transmitting a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies a condition included in the demand information. 12. The information processing system described in 11., wherein the demand information includes the storage capacity of the storage battery. 13. The information processing system described in 11. or 12., wherein, upon acquiring the demand information from a second terminal used by a recycling business operator, the demand information acquisition means stores the acquired demand information in demand storage means. 14. The information processing system described in any one of 11. to 13., wherein the acquisition of the deterioration information and the transmission of the first notification are each performed periodically at the same or different times. 15. The information processing system according to any one of 11. to 14., wherein the deterioration information acquisition means includes: second acquisition means for acquiring charging information related to charging of the in-use storage battery; and deterioration information generation means for generating the deterioration information based on the acquired charging information. 16. The information processing system according to any one of 11. to 15., wherein the first notification is a notification recommending replacement of the in-use storage battery to a manager of the in-use storage battery. 17. The information processing system according to 16., wherein the first notification includes a recommended replacement time for the in-use storage battery. 18. The information processing system according to any one of 11. to 15., further comprising: second notification acquisition means for acquiring a second notification from the first terminal that is a response to the first notification; and third notification means for transmitting a third notification based on the acquired second notification when the second notification has been acquired. 19. The third notification is transmitted to a third terminal used by a collection business operator that collects the in-use storage battery. 16. 20. The information processing system according to 16., wherein the third notification is transmitted to a second terminal used by a playback business operator.21. An information processing method in which one or more computers acquire demand information regarding a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase, acquire deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use, and, if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, transmit a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition. 22. The information processing method described in 21., in which the demand information includes the storage capacity of the storage battery. 23. The information processing method described in 21. or 22., further comprising, upon acquiring the demand information from a second terminal used by a recycling business operator, storing the acquired demand information in demand storage means. 24. The information processing method described in any one of 21. to 23., in which the acquisition of the deterioration information and the transmission of the first notification are each performed periodically at the same or different times. 25. The information processing method described in any one of 21. to 24., in which acquiring the deterioration information includes: acquiring charging information regarding charging of the storage battery in use; and generating the deterioration information based on the acquired charging information. 26. The information processing method set forth in any one of 21. to 25., wherein the first notification is a notification recommending replacement of the in-use storage battery to a manager of the in-use storage battery. 27. The information processing method set forth in 26., wherein the first notification includes a recommended replacement time for the in-use storage battery. 28. The information processing method set forth in any one of 21. to 25., further comprising: acquiring from the first terminal a second notification that is a response to the first notification; and, when the second notification has been acquired, transmitting a third notification based on the acquired second notification. 29. The information processing method set forth in 26., wherein the third notification is transmitted to a third terminal used by a recovery company that recovers the in-use storage battery. 30. The information processing method set forth in 26., wherein the third notification is transmitted to a second terminal used by a recycling company. 31. A program for causing one or more computers to execute the following: acquire demand information regarding a storage battery that a prospective purchaser of a storage battery wishes to purchase; acquire deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and, if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, send a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.32. The program described in 31., wherein the demand information includes the storage capacity of the storage battery. 33. The program described in 31. or 32., further comprising, upon acquiring the demand information from a second terminal used by the recycling operator, storing the acquired demand information in a demand storage means. 34. The program described in any one of 31. to 33., wherein acquiring the deterioration information and transmitting the first notification are each performed periodically at the same or different times. 35. The program described in any one of 31. to 34., wherein acquiring the deterioration information includes acquiring charging information related to charging of the in-use storage battery, and generating the deterioration information based on the acquired charging information. 36. The program described in any one of 31. to 35., wherein the first notification is a notification recommending replacement of the in-use storage battery to the manager of the in-use storage battery. 37. The program described in 36., wherein the first notification includes a recommended replacement time for the in-use storage battery. 38. The program described in any one of 31. to 35., further including acquiring a second notification from the first terminal that is a response to the first notification, and, when the second notification has been acquired, transmitting a third notification based on the acquired second notification. 39. The program described in 36., in which the third notification is transmitted to a third terminal used by a recovery company that recovers the in-use storage battery. 40. The program described in 36., in which the third notification is transmitted to a second terminal used by a recycling company. 41. A recording medium having recorded thereon the program described in any one of 31. to 40.

[0138] 100, 200, 300 Information processing device 110 Demand information acquisition unit 120 Deterioration information acquisition unit 121 Second acquisition unit 122 Deterioration information generation unit 130 First notification unit 131 Replacement time estimation unit 132 Determination unit 133 Transmission unit 141 Purchaser memory unit 142 Demand memory unit 143 Administrator memory unit 144 In-use storage battery memory unit 145 Deterioration memory unit 147 Second notification unit 148 Third notification unit 150 First terminal 160 Charging device 170 Second terminal 180 Third terminal S1, S2 Information processing system

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a demand information acquisition means for acquiring demand information regarding a storage battery that a person wishing to purchase a storage battery wishes to purchase; a deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and a first notification means for transmitting a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies a condition included in the demand information when the deterioration information satisfies the condition.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the demand information includes a storage capacity of the storage battery.

3. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the demand information acquisition means, upon acquiring the demand information from a second terminal used by the playback company, stores the acquired demand information in a demand storage means.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition of the degradation information and the transmission of the first notification are each performed periodically at the same or different times.

5. An information processing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deterioration information acquisition means includes: a second acquisition means for acquiring charging information relating to charging of the storage battery in use; and a deterioration information generation means for generating the deterioration information based on the acquired charging information.

6. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first notification is a notification recommending replacement of the storage battery in use to a manager of the storage battery in use.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the first notification includes a recommended replacement time for the storage battery in use.

8. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a second notification acquisition means for acquiring a second notification from the first terminal, the second notification being a response to the first notification; and a third notification means for transmitting a third notification based on the acquired second notification when the second notification has been acquired.

9. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the third notification is transmitted to a third terminal used by a recovery company that recovers the storage battery in use.

10. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the third notification is transmitted to a second terminal used by the playback operator.

11. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device; and a first terminal that communicates with the information processing device, wherein the information processing device comprises: a demand information acquisition means that acquires demand information regarding a storage battery that a person wishing to purchase a storage battery wishes to purchase; a deterioration information acquisition means that acquires deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and a first notification means that, when the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, sends a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

12. An information processing method in which one or more computers acquire demand information regarding a storage battery that a buyer of a storage battery wishes to purchase, acquire deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use, and if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, send a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

13. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon to cause one or more computers to execute the following: acquire demand information regarding a storage battery that a person wishing to purchase a storage battery wishes to purchase; acquire deterioration information including the deterioration state of a storage battery in use; and, if the deterioration information satisfies a condition included in the demand information, send a first notification to a first terminal associated with a storage battery in use that satisfies the condition.

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