Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing device: acquires a first deterioration degree information item related to the degree of deterioration of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and a plurality of second deterioration degree information items related to the degrees of deterioration of a plurality of second batteries that are different from the first battery; outputs a future replacement timing for the first battery on the basis of the first deterioration degree information item and the replacement conditions; searches for, among the plurality of second batteries, a second battery that has an estimated degree of deterioration that satisfies predetermined conditions at the replacement timing, on the basis of the plurality of second deterioration degree information items; and outputs candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

Description

Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for searching for a battery.

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an information processing system that includes determining whether a first battery attached to a first battery-powered terminal is capable of driving the first battery-powered terminal for a first desired driving time, and if it is determined that the first battery-powered terminal cannot be driven for the first desired driving time, searching for a second battery that can drive the first battery-powered terminal for longer than the first desired driving time from among batteries attached to multiple battery-powered terminals managed in a database.

[0003] However, since Patent Document 1 only takes into consideration the current state of the second battery, it is not possible to search for a second battery that has an appropriate degree of deterioration when it is time to replace the battery in the future.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-243209

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a technology for searching for a battery with a degree of deterioration suitable for replacement when it is time to replace the battery in the future.

[0006] An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, which includes acquiring first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery, outputting a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions, searching for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple second deterioration level information, and outputting candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to search for a battery having a degree of deterioration suitable for replacement when it is time to replace the battery in the future.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for searching for candidate batteries in a comparative example of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for searching for candidate batteries of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the information processing system in embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of a deterioration level estimation line. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the information processing system in embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the information processing system in embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating processing for changing the replacement price. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating an example of changing the expected deterioration range.

[0009] (Insights leading to one aspect of the present disclosure) When batteries operating a facility such as a factory deteriorate, the deteriorated batteries are typically replaced with new batteries, but because this is costly, in recent years, replacement of deteriorated batteries with recycled batteries has also become common. In this case, if the timing for battery replacement is predicted in the future rather than in the present, and recycled batteries are secured in advance, the facility can operate stably.

[0010] When securing recycled batteries, if only the current level of degradation is considered, there is a possibility that when they are replaced in the future, the recycled batteries will have deteriorated to an advanced stage, making it impossible to operate the facility, or that the recycled batteries will soon reach the end of their lifespan.

[0011] To prevent this, it is necessary to search for a reusable battery with an appropriate degradation level at the time of future replacement. In addition, because the rate of battery degradation varies depending on how the battery is used, it is also necessary to take such factors into account when evaluating the degradation level of a reusable battery at the time of future replacement.

[0012] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, conventionally, there has been no attempt to search for a battery with an appropriate level of deterioration when it is time to replace it in the future.

[0013] Therefore, the inventors discovered that by estimating the future deterioration level of multiple second batteries to be searched for at the time of future replacement of the first battery from the deterioration level information of the second batteries, and searching for second batteries whose estimated deterioration level meets specified conditions, it is possible to search for a battery with a deterioration level suitable for replacement, and this led to the present disclosure.

[0014] (1) An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, which includes acquiring first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery, outputting a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions, searching for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information, and outputting candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

[0015] According to this configuration, a search is made for a second battery among the plurality of second batteries based on the second deterioration level information, the second battery having an estimated deterioration level at the time of future replacement of the first battery that satisfies a predetermined condition, and candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate is output, thereby making it possible to search for a battery having a deterioration level suitable for replacement at the time of future replacement.

[0016] (2) In the information processing method described above in (1), the exchange condition may include an estimated deterioration level of the first battery being equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately estimate the future replacement time for the first battery.

[0018] (3) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the exchange condition may include that the maximum capacity of the first battery is less than or equal to a required amount of power, which is the amount of power required by a system in which the first battery is installed.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the future replacement time for the first battery, taking into consideration the amount of power required by the system in which the first battery is installed.

[0020] (4) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, the first deterioration level information may include the current deterioration level of the first battery and its usage history up to the present, or the progression of the deterioration level of the first battery up to the present.

[0021] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately estimate the future replacement time for the first battery.

[0022] (5) In the information processing method described in any of (1) to (3) above, the second deterioration level information may include the current deterioration level of the second battery and its usage history up to the present, or the progression of the deterioration level of the second battery up to the present.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately estimate the estimated deterioration level of the second battery at the time of future replacement of the first battery.

[0024] (6) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the plurality of second batteries may include a battery installed in a system different from the system in which the first battery is installed, or a battery used in a manner different from that of the first battery.

[0025] With this configuration, even if the second battery is a battery installed in a system different from the system in which the first battery is installed or a battery that is used in a manner different from that of the first battery, it is possible to search for a battery suitable for replacing the first battery when it is time to replace it in the future from among such batteries.

[0026] (7) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the method may further include notifying a user of the searched second battery of a request to replace the second battery when it is time to replace it.

[0027] With this configuration, the user of the second battery can be asked in advance about battery replacement.

[0028] (8) In the information processing method described in (7) above, the method may further include determining a replacement price for the searched second battery based on an estimated degree of deterioration of the searched second battery, and the notifying step may include notifying the replacement price.

[0029] According to this configuration, the exchange price of the second battery is notified to the user of the second battery, thereby providing the user with information to help them decide whether or not to accept the exchange.

[0030] (9) The information processing method described in (8) above may further include obtaining the actual degree of deterioration of the searched second battery at the time of replacement, and executing a process to change the replacement price based on the actual degree of deterioration.

[0031] With this configuration, the replacement price can be changed depending on the actual degree of deterioration of the second battery at the time of future replacement.

[0032] (10) In the information processing method described in (9) above, the exchange price may be changed if the actual degree of deterioration is outside an expected deterioration range, and the expected deterioration range may be determined according to the second deterioration level information of the searched second battery.

[0033] With this configuration, the exchange price can be changed depending on whether the second battery has deteriorated as expected, relative to the expected deterioration range of the second battery estimated from the second deterioration level information at the time of search.

[0034] (11) In the information processing method described in any one of (7) to (10) above, the plurality of second batteries may include an on-board battery installed in a vehicle, and the user may include a user of the on-board battery.

[0035] This configuration is useful for vehicle battery users who do not currently wish to replace the second battery, but who may wish to replace the second battery in the future.

[0036] (12) In the information processing method described in (10) above, the exchange price may be increased if the actual degree of deterioration indicates that the product has not deteriorated compared to the expected deterioration range, and may be decreased if the actual degree of deterioration indicates that the product has deteriorated compared to the expected deterioration range.

[0037] With this configuration, if the second battery is more deteriorated than expected, the replacement price is discounted, which prevents users of the second battery from using it excessively in the time remaining until the replacement date. Also, if the second battery is not more deteriorated than expected, the replacement price is increased, which provides an incentive for users of the second battery to use the second battery carefully in the time remaining until the replacement date.

[0038] (13) In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery; a first output unit that outputs a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions; a search unit that searches for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information; and a second output unit that outputs candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

[0039] This configuration makes it possible to provide an information processing device that searches for a battery with a degree of deterioration suitable for replacement when it is time for future replacement.

[0040] (14) In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing program causes a computer to acquire first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery; output a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions; search for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information; and output candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

[0041] This configuration makes it possible to provide an information processing program that can search for a battery with a degree of deterioration suitable for replacement when it is time for future replacement.

[0042] The present disclosure can also be realized as an information processing system operated by such an information processing program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0043] Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0044] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 in embodiment 1. The information processing system 1 is a system that searches for a second battery 30 suitable for replacement from among second batteries 31, ..., 3N when it is time to replace a first battery 20 in the future. A first terminal 40 is a terminal corresponding to the user of the first battery 20. Second terminals 51, ..., 5N are terminals of N users corresponding to the second batteries 31, ..., 3N, respectively. The second batteries 31, ..., 3N are collectively referred to as second batteries 30. The second terminals 51, ..., 5N are collectively referred to as second terminals 50, where N is a positive integer.

[0045] The information processing system 1 includes a server 10, a first battery 20, a second battery 31, ..., 3N, a first terminal 40, and second terminals 51, ..., 5N. The server 10, the first battery 20, the second battery 31, ..., 3N, the first terminal 40, and the second terminals 51, ..., 5N are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network. The network is, for example, a wide area communication network including a mobile phone communication network and an Internet communication network.

[0046] The server 10 is, for example, a cloud server including one or more computers. The first battery 20 and the second batteries 31, . . . , 3N are batteries to be managed by the information processing system 1.

[0047] The first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are rechargeable secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. The first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are batteries with communication capabilities and periodically transmit battery log data to the server 10. The battery log data transmission interval can be set to an appropriate value, such as one minute, five minutes, or one hour. The battery log data is data that associates a battery ID (identifier), battery status information, and a timestamp. The status information includes, for example, SOC (state of charge), voltage, current, temperature, and deterioration level. The deterioration level is, for example, SOH (state of health). Therefore, the smaller the deterioration level value, the greater the deterioration. The timestamp indicates the date and time when the status information was measured. The first battery 20 and the second battery 30 include a sensor, a processor, and a communication interface. The sensors include a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like. The sensors detect voltage, current, and temperature. The processor calculates the SOC and the degradation level based on the sensing data detected by the sensor. The processor generates battery log data including the sensing data, the SOC, and the degradation level. The communication interface transmits the battery log data to the server 10.

[0048] The first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are each mounted in a system. The system is, for example, a mobile object or an energy management system. The mobile object is, for example, an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, an electric kick scooter, etc. The energy management system supplies commercial power to loads in a facility, supplies power generated by a power generation device such as a solar cell or a fuel cell to loads in the facility, supplies surplus power generated by the power generation device to commercial power, and stores the surplus power in the first battery 20 or the second battery 30.

[0049] The facility may be, for example, a factory, a school, a commercial facility, a house, an apartment building, etc. The first battery 20 and the second battery 30 may transmit battery log data to the server 10 using a communication function of the system.

[0050] The second batteries 31, ..., 3N do not need to be connected to a load. For example, the second batteries 31, ..., 3N may be batteries stored in a warehouse of a trading company that trades the second batteries 30.

[0051] The first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 may be portable computers such as smartphones and tablet computers, or may be desktop computers. The user of the first battery 20 is a user who owns or manages a load of the first battery 20. The user of the second battery 30 is a user who owns or manages a load of the second battery 30. In the case where the second battery 30 is stored in a warehouse, the user is a battery trader.

[0052] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 10. The server 10 includes a processor 11, a communication unit 12, and a memory 13. The processor 11 is configured with a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a first output unit 112, a search unit 113, a second output unit 114, and a notification unit 115. The acquisition unit 111 to the notification unit 115 are realized by the processor 11 executing an information processing program. However, this is just an example, and the acquisition unit 111 to the notification unit 115 may also be configured with dedicated integrated circuits.

[0053] The acquisition unit 111 acquires battery log data from the first battery 20 and the second battery 31, ..., 3N using the communication unit 12, and stores the acquired battery log data in a history database stored in the memory 13. The history database is a database that stores one piece of battery log data per record. Therefore, the history database stores status information and a timestamp in association with each other for each of the first battery 20 and the second battery 31, ..., 3N.

[0054] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the battery log data of the first battery 20 from the history database as first deterioration level information. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the battery log data of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N as second deterioration level information.

[0055] The first deterioration level information includes the current deterioration level of the first battery 20 and its usage history up to the present. The usage history up to the present includes the number of charge / discharge cycles and the usage frequency during the usage period from when the first battery 20 was first used until the present. The number of charge / discharge cycles can be calculated, for example, from the SOC transition, current transition, and voltage transition identified from the battery log data during the usage period. The usage frequency can be calculated, for example, by dividing the usage period into multiple unit periods and counting the number of discharges in each unit period. The first deterioration level information includes the progression of the deterioration level of the first battery 20 up to the present.

[0056] The content of the second deterioration level information is the same as that of the first deterioration level information, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the exchange conditions for the first battery 20. The exchange conditions are stored in advance in the memory 13, for example. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire the exchange conditions from the memory 13.

[0058] A first example of the replacement condition is a condition in which the estimated degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The estimated degree of deterioration is the future degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 estimated from the first deterioration degree information. An example of the predetermined value is 50%. However, this is just an example, and the predetermined value can be any appropriate value such as 30%, 40%, 60%, or 70%. When the first example of the replacement condition is adopted, the time when the estimated degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 is equal to or less than the predetermined value is identified as the time to replace the first battery 20.

[0059] A second example of the replacement condition is a condition in which the maximum capacity of the first battery 20 is equal to or less than the required amount of power, which is the amount of power required by the system in which the first battery 20 is installed. The maximum capacity of the first battery 20 decreases as the first battery 20 deteriorates. The required amount of power can be the amount of power required by the system in each unit period when the usage period from when the first battery 20 began to be used to the present is divided into multiple unit periods. The unit period is, for example, one month, one week, one day, etc. The unit period may also be a season. When the second example of the replacement condition is adopted, the time when the estimated degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 becomes equal to or less than the required amount of power per unit period is identified as the time to replace the battery.

[0060] For example, if the first battery 20 is installed in an energy management system, the required amount of power in summer and winter, when use of air conditioning equipment is high, will be higher than the required amount of power in other seasons. In a second example of the replacement condition, if the maximum capacity of the first battery 20 is equal to or greater than the required amount of power at the time of search, but three months later in summer, the maximum capacity of the first battery 20 will be equal to or less than the required amount of power, this period can be identified as the time for replacement. The following explanation will exemplify a case in which the first example of the replacement condition is adopted.

[0061] The first output unit 112 outputs the future replacement time of the first battery 20 based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions to the search unit 113. In detail, the first output unit 112 calculates a deterioration level estimation line 701 ( FIG. 6 ) from the first deterioration level information, and identifies the time when the deterioration level estimation line 701 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value as the replacement time.

[0062] 6 is a graph showing an example of a degradation level estimation line 701. In this graph, the vertical axis represents the degradation level, and the horizontal axis represents the root of the usage period. The degradation level of a battery decreases according to a root law. The root law states that the degradation level of a battery decreases linearly in proportion to the root of the usage period. The first output unit 112 calculates the degradation level estimation line 701 of the first battery 20 according to this root law.

[0063] Specifically, the first output unit 112 acquires the change in the degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 from the start of use to time T0, which indicates the present time, from the first deterioration information. The first output unit 112 calculates a regression line of the change in the degree of deterioration from the acquired change in the degree of deterioration using a least squares method or the like. The first output unit 112 calculates this regression line as the deterioration level estimation line 701. In the example of FIG. 6 , the deterioration level estimation line 701 crosses a predetermined value at time T1. Therefore, time T1 is identified as the time to replace the first battery 20.

[0064] Based on the plurality of second deterioration level information, the search unit 113 searches for a second battery 30 among the second batteries 31, ..., 3N whose estimated deterioration level at the time of replacement satisfies a predetermined condition. Hereinafter, the searched second battery 30 is referred to as a candidate battery. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition in which the estimated deterioration level of the second battery 30 is equal to or greater than a threshold. As the threshold, an appropriate value such as 50%, 60%, or 70% can be used. A value greater than the above-mentioned predetermined value is used as the threshold. As the predetermined condition, a range of deterioration levels, such as 50% to 70%, may also be used. In this case, a second battery 30 whose estimated deterioration level falls within the range of deterioration levels is searched for.

[0065] The search unit 113 calculates the deterioration level estimation line 701 for each of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N in the same manner as for the first battery 20. The following description will use the second battery 31 as an example. The search unit 113 acquires the deterioration level transition of the second battery 31 from the start of use to time T0 from the second deterioration level information. The search unit 113 obtains a regression line of the deterioration level transition from the acquired deterioration level transition using the least squares method or the like. The search unit 113 can calculate this regression line as the deterioration level estimation line 701 for the second battery 31.

[0066] The search unit 113 also identifies the estimated degradation levels of the other second batteries 32, ..., 3N at the time of replacement of the first battery 20 from the degradation level estimation line 701, in the same manner as for the second battery 31. Finally, the search unit 113 searches for the second battery 30, among the second batteries 31, ..., 3N, whose estimated degradation level is equal to or greater than the threshold, as a candidate battery.

[0067] The second output unit 114 outputs candidate information that indicates the candidate batteries found by the search unit 113 as replacement candidates for the first battery 20. The replacement battery information is information that displays a list of meta-information about the candidate batteries. The meta-information includes the battery ID, manufacturer, product name, model number, deterioration level, estimated deterioration level, and usage period. The second output unit 114 simply transmits the candidate information to the first terminal 40 using the communication unit 12. The first terminal 40 displays a display screen of the candidate information on its display. This allows the user of the first battery 20 to check the candidate batteries.

[0068] The notification unit 115 will be described later in the second and third embodiments, and therefore will not be described in this embodiment. The notification unit 115 is not an essential component in the first embodiment.

[0069] The communication unit 12 is configured with a communication interface that connects the server 10 to a network. The communication unit 12 receives battery log data from the first battery 20 and the second batteries 31, ..., 3N and inputs the data to the acquisition unit 111. The communication unit 12 transmits candidate information to the first terminal 40.

[0070] The memory 13 is configured as a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, etc. The memory 13 stores a history database, exchange conditions, etc.

[0071] 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for searching for candidate batteries in a comparative example of the present disclosure. In the comparative example, when the current degradation level of the first battery 20 reaches a predetermined value (50%), the search method searches for a second battery "B" from among the second batteries "A," "B," and "C" whose current degradation level is equal to or greater than a threshold value (75%). In this example, a second battery "B" whose degradation level is equal to or greater than the threshold value is found by luck, but there is also the possibility that a second battery "B" whose degradation level is equal to or greater than the threshold value cannot be secured. This would prevent stable operation of a system equipped with the first battery 20.

[0072] 4 is a diagram illustrating a candidate battery search method according to the present disclosure. The candidate battery search method according to the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present method) identifies a future replacement time when the estimated deterioration level of the first battery 20 will be equal to or less than a threshold value (50%), rather than the current deterioration level of the first battery 20. The present method calculates the estimated deterioration levels of the second batteries "A," "B," and "C" at the future replacement time of the first battery 20. The present method then searches for the second batteries "A," "B," and "C" whose estimated deterioration levels are equal to or greater than the threshold value (50%) as candidate batteries.

[0073] This method can search for suitable second batteries "A," "B," and "C" when it is time to replace the first battery 20 in the future. This makes it possible to secure a suitable battery for replacement in advance, ensuring stable operation of the system in which the first battery 20 is installed.

[0074] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of information processing system 1 in embodiment 1. This flowchart starts, for example, when a user of first battery 20 inputs a search request to first terminal 40 and the search request is received by server 10.

[0075] In step S1, the acquisition unit 111 acquires first deterioration level information from the history database stored in the memory 13. Here, the transition of the deterioration level of the first battery 20 is acquired as the first deterioration level information.

[0076] Next, in step S2, the first output unit 112 calculates an estimated deterioration level of the first battery 20. The first output unit 112 calculates a deterioration level estimation line 701 from the first deterioration level information, and calculates the calculated deterioration level estimation line 701 as the estimated deterioration level of the first battery 20.

[0077] Next, in step S3, the acquisition unit 111 acquires exchange conditions from the memory 13. Here, a first example of the exchange conditions is acquired.

[0078] Next, in step S4, the first output unit 112 identifies the time when the deterioration level estimation line 701 calculated in step S1 crosses the predetermined value indicated by the replacement condition as the replacement time for the first battery 20, and outputs the identified replacement time to the search unit 113.

[0079] Next, in step S5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires second deterioration level information for each of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N from the history database stored in the memory 13. Here, the acquired second deterioration level information is the progress of the deterioration level for each of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N.

[0080] Next, in step S6, the search unit 113 searches the second batteries 31, ..., 3N for candidate batteries that are second batteries 30 whose estimated degradation levels satisfy a predetermined condition. Specifically, the search unit 113 calculates a degradation level estimation line 701 from the second degradation level information for each of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N. The search unit 113 calculates the degradation levels of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N at the replacement times identified in step S4 from the calculated degradation level estimation line 701. The search unit 113 searches the second batteries 31, ..., 3N for second batteries 30 whose estimated degradation levels are equal to or greater than a threshold, as candidate batteries.

[0081] If a candidate battery exists (YES in step S7), the second output unit 114 outputs the candidate information to the first terminal 40 using the communication unit 12 (step S8). On the other hand, if a candidate battery does not exist (NO in step S7), the processing ends. In this case, the second output unit 114 may display a message on the display of the first terminal 40 indicating that a candidate battery does not exist.

[0082] As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment, based on the second deterioration level information of the second battery, a search is made for a second battery 30 among the second batteries 31, ..., 3N whose estimated deterioration level at the time of the future replacement of the first battery 20 satisfies a predetermined condition as a candidate battery, and candidate information indicating the searched candidate battery as a replacement candidate is output. Therefore, it is possible to search for a candidate battery having a deterioration level suitable for replacement at the time of the future replacement.

[0083] (Embodiment 2) In embodiment 2, a replacement request is notified to the user of a candidate battery. In embodiment 2, the same components as in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In embodiment 2, the overall configuration diagram and the configuration diagram of the server 10 are respectively shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0084] 2, the notification unit 115 notifies the second terminal 50 of the user of the candidate battery of a request to replace the candidate battery when it is time to replace the first battery 20, using the communication unit 12. The second terminal 50 displays the replacement request on a display.

[0085] The display screen for the exchange request includes, for example, the exchange price, meta information of the first battery 20, user information of the first battery 20, the time to exchange the first battery 20, a message, and a reply button.

[0086] The replacement price is the amount paid to the user of the candidate battery if the user agrees to the replacement. The notification unit 115 may determine the replacement price based on the estimated degree of deterioration of the candidate battery at the time of replacement. For example, the notification unit 115 may determine the replacement price as a value obtained by discounting the sales price of a new candidate battery according to the estimated degree of deterioration.

[0087] The message may include, for example, a statement inviting an exchange. The response buttons include an accept button that is selected when accepting the exchange, and a reject button that is selected when not accepting the exchange.

[0088] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing system 1 in embodiment 2. The processing of steps S21 to S28 is the same as steps S1 to S8 in FIG.

[0089] In step S29, the notification unit 115 calculates the replacement price of the candidate battery.

[0090] In step S30, the notification unit 115 notifies the second terminal 50 of the user of the candidate battery of a replacement request. As a result, the second terminal 50 displays a replacement request display screen on its display. If there are multiple candidate batteries, the notification unit 115 may notify the replacement requests in descending order of the estimated degree of deterioration of the first battery 20 at the time of replacement. After checking the replacement request display screen, the user inputs an operation to select either the accept button or the reject button. If the operation to select the accept button is accepted, the second terminal 50 transmits acceptance information to the server 10. If the operation to select the reject button is accepted, the second terminal 50 transmits rejection information to the server 10.

[0091] Next, in step S31, the notification unit 115 determines whether the server 10 has received consent information. If consent information has been received (YES in step S31), the notification unit 115 notifies the first terminal 40 of the consent information using the communication unit 12 (step S32). In this case, the first terminal 40 displays the consent information on its display. The consent information display screen includes a message indicating that the replacement of the first battery 20 has been approved, the replacement price, meta information of the candidate battery, and user information of the candidate battery.

[0092] On the other hand, if non-approval information is received (NO in step S31), the process returns to step S27. In this case, if a candidate battery with the next highest estimated level of deterioration exists (YES in step S27), a replacement request is notified to the second terminal 50 of the user of this candidate battery (step S30). If a candidate battery with the next highest estimated level of deterioration does not exist (NO in step S27), the process ends.

[0093] In this way, according to the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to ask the user of the candidate battery about battery replacement in advance. Furthermore, since the replacement price is notified to the user of the candidate battery, it is possible to provide information on whether or not to agree to the replacement.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the first battery 20 may be a stationary storage battery installed in the system, and the second batteries 31, ..., 3N may be vehicle batteries installed in a mobile body. There is a possibility that no one will buy a second battery 30 that has deteriorated. Conversely, there is a possibility that a disposal fee will be charged for a second battery 30 that has deteriorated. In the second embodiment, if a replacement request is accepted, future purchase is guaranteed. This allows users who do not currently wish to replace the second battery 30 but who wish to replace the second battery 30 in the future to continue using the second battery 30 with peace of mind. Therefore, the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment is useful for users of such mobile bodies.

[0095] (Embodiment 3) In embodiment 3, the exchange price is reviewed depending on how the candidate battery is used during the period from the time of exchange until the exchange is due. In embodiment 3, the same components as in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. In embodiment 3, the overall configuration diagram and the configuration diagram of the server 10 are respectively shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0096] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing system 1 in embodiment 3. Steps S41 to S48 are the same as steps S1 to S8 in Fig. 5. The processing of step S49 is the same as step S29 in Fig. 7.

[0097] In step S50, the notification unit 115 determines an expected deterioration range. The expected deterioration range is determined based on the second deterioration level information of the candidate battery. The notification unit 115 determines a predetermined range that includes the estimated deterioration level of the candidate battery at the time of replacement as the expected deterioration range. For example, if the estimated deterioration level of the candidate battery at the time of replacement is 75%, the notification unit 115 may determine a range of plus or minus 5% around 75% (a range of 70% to 80%) as the expected deterioration range. Note that plus or minus 5% is just an example, and other appropriate values ​​such as 3%, 7%, or 10% can be used.

[0098] The processes in steps S51 to S53 are the same as the processes in steps S30 to S32 in FIG.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing system 1 at the time of replacement.

[0100] In step S61, the notification unit 115 determines whether it is time to replace the first battery 20. If it is time to replace the first battery 20 (YES in step S61), the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if it is not time to replace the first battery 20 (NO in step S61), the process waits in step S61.

[0101] Next, in step S62, the notification unit 115 acquires the actual degradation level of the candidate battery. The notification unit 115 reads the latest degradation level of the candidate battery from the history database stored in the memory 13, and acquires the read latest degradation level as the actual degradation level of the candidate battery.

[0102] Next, in step S63, notification unit 115 executes a process for changing the exchange price based on the actual degree of deterioration of the candidate battery.

[0103] The exchange price change process will be described in detail below. The notification unit 115 changes the exchange price when the actual deterioration level is outside the assumed deterioration range. The assumed deterioration range is determined in step S50 of FIG. 8.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the exchange price change process. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis indicates the actual degree of deterioration of the candidate battery at the time of replacement. In this example, the estimated degree of deterioration of the replacement battery is 75%, so the estimated range is set to 70% to 80%. This graph includes an estimated range 900, two regions 901 and 902 on the left side of the estimated range 900, and an area 904 on the right side of the estimated range 900. Area 901 is the area where the actual degree of deterioration is 50% or less. Area 902 is the area where the actual degree of deterioration is greater than 50% and less than or equal to 70%. Area 904 is the area where the actual degree of deterioration is greater than 80%.

[0105] If the actual deterioration level is within the predictable range 900, the notification unit 115 does not change the final replacement price from the proposed replacement price (as proposed). In other words, the replacement price is not changed because the candidate battery was used as expected. If the actual deterioration level is within region 904, the notification unit 115 determines the final replacement price to be a price obtained by raising the proposed replacement price. In other words, because the candidate battery was used carefully so that deterioration was less than expected, the replacement price is raised to provide an incentive. If the actual deterioration level is within region 902, the notification unit 115 determines the final replacement price to be a price obtained by lowering the replacement price. In other words, because the candidate battery was used heavily so that deterioration was more accelerated than expected, the replacement price is lowered to provide a penalty. If the actual deterioration level is within region 901, the notification unit 115 determines that the replacement is not successful. In other words, because the actual deterioration level of the candidate battery is lower than the expected deterioration level of the first battery 20, the candidate battery should not be replaced with the first battery 20, and the replacement is not successful.

[0106] In step S64, the notification unit 115 notifies the first terminal 40 of the user of the first battery 20 and the second terminal 50 of the user of the candidate battery of final price information indicating the final exchange price. The first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 display the final price information on their displays. The display screen of the final price information includes the final exchange price. If the final exchange price has been changed, the display screen of the final price information may also include the reason for the change and the exchange price before the change. If the exchange was not successful, the display screen of the final price information may also include the reason.

[0107] In this way, according to the information processing system 1 of embodiment 3, the replacement price can be changed depending on whether the candidate battery has deteriorated as expected, relative to the expected deterioration range of the candidate battery estimated from the second deterioration level information during the search.

[0108] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0109] (1) The expected deterioration range may be changed depending on the usage pattern of the candidate battery. Fig. 11 is a graph showing an example of changing the expected deterioration range. The left diagram of Fig. 11 shows a deterioration level estimation line 701 for a candidate battery in a first usage pattern in which the usage pattern is not intense from the start of use to time T0, which indicates the current time. The right diagram of Fig. 11 shows a deterioration level estimation line 701 for a candidate battery in a second usage pattern in which the usage pattern is intense from the start of use to time T0, which indicates the current time. In both graphs, the vertical axis indicates the deterioration level, and the horizontal axis indicates the route of the usage period.

[0110] The notification unit 115 determines whether the usage mode of the candidate battery is the first usage mode or the second usage mode based on the second deterioration level information of the candidate battery. For example, the notification unit 115 calculates a deterioration level estimation line 701 of the candidate battery from the second deterioration level information, and determines that the usage mode is the first usage mode if the slope of the calculated deterioration level estimation line 701 is gentler than the slope within the reference slope range. On the other hand, the notification unit 115 may determine that the usage mode is the second usage mode if the slope of the deterioration level estimation line 701 is steeper than the slope within the reference slope range. The reference slope range is stored in advance in the memory 13.

[0111] The notification unit 115 calculates the estimated degree of deterioration of the candidate battery at time T1, which indicates the replacement time for the first battery 20, from the deterioration degree estimation line 701. In this example, the estimated degree of deterioration of the candidate battery at time T1 is calculated to be 75% in both graphs. The notification unit 115 sets the expected deterioration range to be between 70% and 80%, which is a range of plus or minus 5% around the estimated degree of deterioration of 75%.

[0112] If the usage pattern of the candidate battery corresponds to the first usage pattern, the notification unit 115 shifts the expected deterioration range to the positive side by a predetermined shift amount. In this example, a shift amount of 2% is used. Therefore, the expected deterioration range is changed to 72% to 82%. The shift amount of 2% is just an example, and appropriate values ​​such as 3%, 5%, and 10% can be used as the shift amount. This increases the likelihood that the actual deterioration level at time T1 will fall within the expected usage range and the replacement price will be maintained, even if the candidate battery that has not been used much is not used as expected after time T0. As a result, the likelihood of an incentive being added decreases. On the other hand, if the candidate battery that has not been used much is suddenly used intensively after time T0, the actual deterioration level at time T1 will fall below the expected usage range, and the replacement price will be reduced. As a result, the likelihood of a penalty being imposed increases.

[0113] On the other hand, if the usage pattern of the candidate battery corresponds to the second usage pattern, the notification unit 115 shifts the expected deterioration range negatively by a predetermined shift amount. In this example, a shift amount of 3% is used. Therefore, the expected deterioration range is changed to 67% to 77%. This increases the likelihood that even if a heavily used candidate battery is used heavily as expected after time T0, its actual deterioration level at time T1 will fall within the expected usage range, and the replacement price will be maintained. As a result, the likelihood of a penalty being imposed decreases. On the other hand, if a heavily used candidate battery suddenly becomes less used after time T0, its actual deterioration level at time T1 will exceed the expected usage range, and the replacement price will be increased. As a result, the likelihood of an incentive being added increases.

[0114] The first usage mode and the second usage mode may be determined based on the frequency of use of the candidate battery up to time T0, the number of sudden starts of a mobile body equipped with the candidate battery, or the distance traveled by the mobile body. When the candidate battery is installed in a mobile body, the frequency of use is calculated by dividing the number of times the battery is driven by the number of days (or hours) of use. When the candidate battery is installed in an energy system, the frequency of use is calculated by, for example, dividing the number of times the battery is discharged by the number of days (or hours) of use. For example, the number of sudden starts is calculated by the cumulative number of times the acceleration of a mobile body equipped with the candidate battery exceeds a reference value. For the distance traveled, the cumulative value of the distance traveled by a mobile body equipped with the candidate battery up to time T0 can be used.

[0115] (2) The first output unit 112 identified the replacement time of the first battery 20 using the deterioration level estimation line 701, but this is just one example. For example, the first output unit 112 may identify the replacement time using the number of charge / discharge cycles of the first battery 20 up to the current time, the operating period of the first battery 20 up to the current time, or the amount of charge / discharge of the first battery 20 up to the current time. The operating time is the time spent charging and discharging the first battery 20. The first output unit 112 may calculate the deterioration level estimation line 701 using the current deterioration level of the first battery 20 at the time of search and the number of charge / discharge cycles, the operating period, or the amount of charge / discharge, and identify the replacement time of the first battery 20 from this deterioration level estimation line 701.

[0116] (3) The search unit 113 calculated the estimated deterioration level of the second battery 30 at the replacement time using the deterioration level estimation line 701 of the second battery 31, ..., 3N, but this is just one example. For example, the search unit 113 may calculate the estimated deterioration level of the second battery 30 at the replacement time from the number of charge / discharge cycles of the second battery 30 up to the current time, or may calculate the estimated deterioration level using the operating period of the second battery 30 up to the current time, or may calculate the estimated deterioration level using the amount of charge / discharge cycles of the second battery 30 up to the current time. The search unit 113 may calculate the deterioration level estimation line 701 using the current deterioration level of the second battery 30 at the time of the search and the number of charge / discharge cycles, the operating period, or the amount of charge / discharge cycles, and then identify the replacement time of the first battery 20 from this deterioration level estimation line 701.

[0117] (4) The second battery 30 may be a battery installed in a system different from the system in which the first battery 20 is installed. An example of a different system is when one of the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 is installed in a mobile object and the other is installed in a facility such as a factory. Another example of a different system is when the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are installed in different factories. Alternatively, the second battery 30 may be a battery that is used in a different manner from the first battery 20. An example of a different manner of use is when one of the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 is stored in a trading company's warehouse and the other is installed in a system.

[0118] (5) If the second batteries 31, . . . , 3N are batteries stored in a warehouse of a trading company that trades the second battery 30, the following configuration can be adopted.

[0119] All or some of the second batteries 31, . . . , 3N may be batteries stored in a warehouse of a trading company that trades the second battery 30.

[0120] The second terminals 51 to 5N corresponding to the batteries stored by a single trading company may be collectively configured as a single terminal. For example, if all of the second batteries 31, ..., 3N are stored in a warehouse of a single trading company, there may be at least one second terminal 51 to 5N, and there may also be at least one user.

[0121] For example, second batteries 31, . . . , 3N may be batteries stored by trading company A, second batteries 3M, . . . , 3O may be batteries stored by trading company B, and second batteries 3P, . . . , 3Q may be batteries used by (Q-P) users.

[0122] The present disclosure is useful when reusing batteries.

Claims

1. An information processing method in a computer, comprising: acquiring first deterioration level information relating to the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information relating to the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery; outputting a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions; searching for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the time of replacement satisfies a specified condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information; and outputting candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the replacement condition includes that the estimated deterioration level of the first battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the exchange conditions include that the maximum capacity of the first battery be equal to or less than a required amount of power, which is the amount of power required by a system equipped with the first battery.

4. An information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first deterioration level information includes the current deterioration level and usage history of the first battery up to the present, or the progress of the deterioration level of the first battery up to the present.

5. An information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second deterioration level information includes the current deterioration level and usage history of the second battery up to the present, or the progress of the deterioration level of the second battery up to the present.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second batteries include a battery installed in a system different from the system in which the first battery is installed, or a battery used in a manner different from that of the first battery.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising notifying a user of the searched second battery of a request to replace the second battery when the replacement time comes.

8. The information processing method of claim 7, further comprising: determining a replacement price for the retrieved second battery based on an estimated degree of deterioration of the retrieved second battery; and notifying the user of the replacement price.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: acquiring an actual deterioration level of the searched second battery at the time of replacement; and executing a process for changing the replacement price based on the actual deterioration level.

10. The information processing method described in claim 9, wherein the exchange price is changed when the actual degree of deterioration is outside an expected deterioration range, and the expected deterioration range is determined according to the second deterioration level information of the searched second battery.

11. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of second batteries include an on-board battery mounted in a vehicle, and the user includes a user of the on-board battery.

12. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein the exchange price is increased when the actual degree of deterioration indicates that the product has not deteriorated compared to the expected deterioration range, and is decreased when the actual degree of deterioration indicates that the product has deteriorated compared to the expected deterioration range.

13. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery; a first output unit that outputs a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions; a search unit that searches for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information; and a second output unit that outputs candidate information indicating the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

14. An information processing program that causes a computer to: acquire first deterioration level information regarding the deterioration level of a first battery, replacement conditions for the first battery, and multiple pieces of second deterioration level information regarding the deterioration levels of multiple second batteries different from the first battery; output a future replacement time for the first battery based on the first deterioration level information and the replacement conditions; search for a second battery among the multiple second batteries whose estimated deterioration level at the replacement time satisfies a predetermined condition based on the multiple pieces of second deterioration level information; and output candidate information that indicates the searched second battery as a replacement candidate for the first battery.

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