Information processing device, method of storing secondary cell diagnostic data, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with a determination information acquisition unit, a control unit, a diagnostic data acquisition unit, an apparatus image acquisition unit, and a storage processing unit. As determination information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnosis device for diagnosing the state of a secondary cell, the determination information acquisition unit acquires first location information indicating the location of the diagnosis device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device provided with an image-capturing function. The control unit transmits an operation enabling signal permitting execution of the diagnosis operation to the diagnosis device on the condition that the first location information and the second location information meet a criterion. The diagnostic data acquisition unit acquires diagnostic data of the secondary cell generated by the diagnosis device which has received the operation enabling signal. The apparatus image acquisition unit acquires, from the communication device, an apparatus image including apparatus identification information about a first apparatus that is an apparatus that uses the secondary cell as at least part of a power source. The storage processing unit associates the diagnostic data of the secondary cell and the apparatus image and stores the foregoing in a predetermined storage device.

Description

Information processing device, method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a method for storing diagnostic data for a secondary battery, and a recording medium.

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that enables efficient determination of fuel cell degradation in a fuel cell vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that outputs a notification about the fuel cell of a first vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source, based on correspondence information that associates the driving history of the first vehicle with the degradation state of the fuel cell, and driving history information acquired from the second vehicle. Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which the degradation state of the fuel cell of the vehicle is measured when the vehicle is serviced and inspected at a maintenance shop, and the measured state is stored in a server device as part of the correspondence information.

[0003] JP 2024-033586 A

[0004] Information indicating the measurement results of the degradation state of a fuel cell, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, is important information for determining the asset value of a vehicle that uses that fuel cell as a power source. The same is true for a wide variety of devices that use secondary batteries as at least part of their power source. By linking a device that uses a secondary battery as at least part of its power source with the diagnostic results of the secondary battery's condition, information for evaluating the asset value of the device can be generated, but there is also a risk that the information may be tampered with to make the asset value of the device appear higher than it actually is.

[0005] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a judgment information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of a diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function as judgment information for determining whether or not to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses a state of a secondary battery; a control means for transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal permitting execution of a diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; a diagnostic data acquisition means for acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; a device image acquisition means for acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and a storage processing means for linking the diagnostic data and the device image and storing them in a predetermined storage device.

[0006] A method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a computer acquiring, as determination information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses a state of a secondary battery, first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function; transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal permitting execution of the diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that is a device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and linking the diagnostic data and the device image and storing them in a predetermined storage device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium storing a specific program. The program, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function as determination information for determining whether to permit operation of the diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery; transmitting an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device permitting execution of the diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that received the operation permission signal; acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and storing the diagnostic data and the device image in a predetermined storage device in association with each other.

[0008] According to an example of the present disclosure, there is provided a technique for reducing the risk of tampering with information that affects the asset value of a device that uses a secondary battery as at least part of its power source.

[0009] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example configuration of a system for diagnosing the state of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message output via a display of a diagnostic device and / or a communication device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second processing executed by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a message output via a display of a diagnostic device and / or a communication device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third example functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a third processing executed by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a message output via a display of a diagnostic device and / or a communication device.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration. Furthermore, when elements such as blocks in a diagram are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely intended to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication).

[0011] In the following description, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device going to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and a device inputting data or information output from another device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0012] System Overview Fig. 1 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example configuration of a system for diagnosing the state of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure. The system 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes an information processing device 10, a diagnostic device 20, and a communication device 30. The information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure is connected to the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 via an arbitrary network 50.

[0013] The diagnostic device 20 in the present disclosure is a device that has a function of diagnosing the state of the secondary battery 42. For example, the diagnostic device performs a test on the secondary battery 42 connected via a cable or the like to measure various parameters related to battery performance, such as current value, voltage value, and internal resistance value, and generates diagnostic data indicating the state of the secondary battery 42 based on the results of the measurement.

[0014] Here, the device 40 in the present disclosure is any device that uses a secondary battery 42 as at least a part of its power source, that is, any device whose overall asset value may fluctuate depending on the state of the secondary battery 42. While not particularly limited, the device 40 is a vehicle that can use the secondary battery 42 as a power source when traveling, such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, for example, the device 40 may be an electronic device that operates using power from the secondary battery 42, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop computer.

[0015] The communication device 30 in the present disclosure is a device having an image capturing function. For example, the communication device 30 is a portable device having an image capturing function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The communication device 30 in the present disclosure uses the image capturing function to capture an image of the device 40 including the secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as an "device image").

[0016] The information processing device 10 in the present disclosure acquires diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic device 20 and an equipment image generated by the communication device 30, and stores the diagnostic data and the equipment image in association with each other in a predetermined storage device (not shown).

[0017] First Embodiment <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes a determination information acquisition unit 110, a control unit 120, a diagnostic data acquisition unit 130, a device image acquisition unit 140, and a storage processing unit 150.

[0018] Determination information acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating the location of diagnostic device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "first location information") and information indicating the location of communication device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "second location information"). The first location information and the second location information are used as information (hereinafter also referred to as "determination information") for determining whether or not to permit operation of diagnostic device 20.

[0019] The control unit 120 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 on the condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion. The "criterion" here includes a criterion for determining whether the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 are located in approximately the same location. As an example, the "criterion" here includes a condition in which the difference between the location indicated by the first location information and the location indicated by the second location information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. As another example, the "criterion" here includes a condition in which both the first location information and the second location information indicate locations within the same area (e.g., within a specific address range or within the premises of a specific facility). The "operation permission signal" is a control signal that grants permission for the diagnostic device 20 to perform a diagnostic operation on the secondary battery.

[0020] When the diagnostic device 20 receives an operation permission signal transmitted from the control unit 120, the diagnostic device 20 transitions to a state in which it can perform a test operation on the secondary battery 42 connected via a cable or the like. For example, the diagnostic device 20 performs a diagnostic operation (test operation) on the secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 in response to receiving the operation permission signal, or in response to receiving a predetermined operation start operation via an input unit (not shown) after receiving the operation permission signal. This generates diagnostic data regarding the state of the secondary battery 42. Here, the diagnostic device 20 generates diagnostic data regarding any index indicating the state of health / deterioration of the secondary battery 42. The "index" here is, for example, State of Health (SOH). The diagnostic data acquisition unit 130 then acquires the diagnostic data of the secondary battery 42 generated by the diagnostic device 20 via the network 50.

[0021] A person using communication device 30 captures an image of a device (hereinafter also referred to as "first device") that uses secondary battery 42 connected to diagnostic device 20 as at least part of its power source. Here, the "device image" is an image that includes device identification information that identifies the first device, such as a serial number or other similar number that is uniquely assigned to the first device. Device image acquisition unit 140 acquires the device image generated by communication device 30 via network 50.

[0022] The storage processing unit 150 associates the diagnostic data of the secondary battery 42 generated by the diagnostic device 20 with the device image of the first device generated by the communication device 30 and stores the data in a predetermined storage device (not shown).

[0023] <Hardware Configuration Example> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0024] The computer 1000 illustrated in this figure includes a bus 1010 , a processor 1020 , a memory 1030 , a storage device 1040 , an input / output interface 1050 , and a network interface 1060 .

[0025] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0026] The processor 1020 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0027] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0028] 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), etc. The storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize the functions of the information processing device 10 described above (the determination information acquisition unit 110, the control unit 120, the diagnostic data acquisition unit 130, the device image acquisition unit 140, and the storage processing unit 150).

[0029] The processor 1020 loads a program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the determination information acquisition unit 110 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the determination information acquisition unit 110 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the control unit 120 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the control unit 120 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the diagnostic data acquisition unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the diagnostic data acquisition unit 130 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the diagnostic data acquisition unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the device image acquisition unit 140 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 implements the functions of the storage processing unit 150 described in this disclosure by reading a program module corresponding to the storage processing unit 150 onto the memory 1030 and executing the program module. The operation of the processor 1020 is common to each embodiment included in this disclosure.

[0030] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that is readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0031] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to various devices. The "various devices" referred to here are not particularly limited, but include, for example, input devices such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and a microphone, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0032] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to a network. This network includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 supports various wireless and wired communication standards and establishes communication between the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) and other devices on the network (e.g., the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30).

[0033] Furthermore, the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) may be connected to the above-mentioned “various devices” via a network interface 1060.

[0034] <Example of Operation of Information Processing Apparatus> An example of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The determination information acquisition unit 110 acquires first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device 20 and second location information indicating the location of the communication device 30 (step S102). The first location information is transmitted from the diagnostic device 20, for example, in response to the diagnostic device 20 being powered on or in response to the secondary battery 42 to be diagnosed being connected to the diagnostic device 20. The second location information is transmitted from the communication device 30, for example, in response to the launch of a diagnostic application installed on the communication device 30 or the execution of an operation to start the diagnostic application on the application. The determination information acquisition unit 110 can acquire the first location information transmitted from the diagnostic device 20 and the second location information transmitted from the communication device 30 via the network 50.

[0036] The control unit 120 determines whether the first location information and the second location information acquired in the processing of step S102 satisfy a criterion (step S104). Specifically, the control unit 120 uses the first location information and the second location information to determine whether the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 are located at approximately the same location (close locations). As an example, the control unit 120 calculates the difference between the location indicated by the first location information and the location indicated by the second location information, and determines whether the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold. As another example, the control unit 120 may determine whether the first location information and the second location information both indicate locations within the same area (e.g., within a specific address range or within the premises of a specific facility).

[0037] If the first location information and the second location information do not satisfy the criteria (step S104: NO), the control unit 120 does not execute the processing described below. Instead, the control unit 120 may output a notification (error notification) indicating that the diagnostic operation by the diagnostic device 20 is not permitted to be performed to the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30 via a display or speaker (step S114). For example, the control unit 120 may transmit visual and / or auditory data for outputting a predetermined message to the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30. The diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 use data acquired from the control unit 120 to output a notification, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message output via the display of the diagnostic device 20 and / or the communication device 30 when the first location information and the second location information do not satisfy the criteria. The message illustrated in this figure includes information indicating that the diagnostic operation of the secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 was not permitted (not performed) and information indicating the reason. By outputting such a message, the user can easily understand that the target secondary battery was not diagnosed and the reason for this.

[0038] On the other hand, if the first location information and the second location information satisfy the criteria (step S104: YES), the control unit 120 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 (step S106). By receiving the operation permission signal from the control unit 120, the diagnostic device 20 transitions to a state in which it can perform a diagnostic operation on the secondary battery 42. Then, in response to receiving the operation permission signal or in response to a predetermined operation (an input operation for starting the diagnostic operation) performed on the diagnostic device 20 after receiving the operation permission signal, the diagnostic device 20 performs an operation to diagnose the state of the secondary battery 42. After completing the diagnosis of the state of the secondary battery 42, the communication device 30 transmits diagnostic data indicating the results of the diagnosis to the information processing device 10. The diagnostic data acquisition unit 130 acquires the diagnostic data on the secondary battery 42 transmitted from the communication device 30 (step S108).

[0039] The device image acquisition unit 140 also acquires a device image captured using the communication device 30 (step S110). The device image is generated, for example, when a person using the communication device 30 activates the image capture function of the communication device 30 and captures a picture of the device 40 at an angle of view that includes information that can identify the device 40 (device identification information). The device image may be one or more still images or a moving image.

[0040] The storage processing unit 150 associates the diagnostic data acquired in step S108 with the device image acquired in step S110 and stores them in a predetermined storage device (step S112).

[0041] As described above, by the operation of the information processing device of the present disclosure, information linking diagnostic data regarding the state of a target secondary battery with a device image including device identification information that identifies a device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source is stored in a predetermined storage device. Here, the information linking the diagnostic data with the device image is generated when consistency in terms of "location" is recognized between the device that generates the diagnostic data and the device that generates the device image.

[0042] This configuration makes it possible to prevent tampering with data relating to the combination of diagnostic data of a secondary battery and a device that uses the secondary battery. For example, the information processing device of the present disclosure can prevent unauthorized tampering, such as linking diagnostic data of a secondary battery (e.g., a nearly new secondary battery) different from the secondary battery actually installed in a certain device as "diagnostic data relating to the status of the secondary battery of the device."

[0043] In this way, the information processing device according to the present disclosure solves the problem of "reducing the risk of tampering with information that affects the asset value of equipment that uses a secondary battery as at least part of its power source." The present disclosure also provides a method for saving secondary battery diagnostic data executed by the information processing device (computer), a program for realizing each function of the information processing device (computer), and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0044] <Modification> It should be noted that a plurality of diagnostic devices 20 and a plurality of communication devices 30 may be used in a facility (shop) that performs diagnostic work on secondary batteries 42. In this case, information processing device 10 is configured to be able to identify a pair of diagnostic devices 20 and communication devices 30 whose position information should be compared.

[0045] As an example, the determination information acquisition unit 110 may further acquire user identification information that identifies the user of the communication device 30, and the control unit 120 may be configured to identify a pair of the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 whose location information should be compared based on the user identification information. For example, assume that information that previously associates the identification information of the diagnostic device 20 with the account of the user of the diagnostic device 20 (an individual or a facility such as a store) is stored in a predetermined storage area (e.g., the storage device 1040 of the information processing device 10). In this case, the determination information acquisition unit 110 acquires, as user identification information, information indicating the user account from the login information (a combination of a user account and a password) input to the communication device 30. Then, the control unit 120 acquires, from the above information, the identification information of the diagnostic device 20 associated with the user account acquired as the user identification information. As a result, the control unit 120 can identify the diagnostic device 20 associated with the user account included in the login information and the communication device 30 into which the login information was input as a "pair of the diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 whose location information should be compared."

[0046] As another example, the control unit 120 may be configured to identify a pair of a diagnostic device 20 and a communication device 30 whose location information should be compared, using information that manages the startup status of the diagnostic device 20 in a predetermined unit (e.g., by facility). For example, when an application is started on a communication device 30 used in a certain store, it is assumed that only one diagnostic device 20 is running among the multiple diagnostic devices 20 used in the store. In this case, the control unit 120 can refer to the managed information and identify the pair of the diagnostic device 20 that has been assigned a status indicating that it is running and the communication device 30 that has started the application as the "pair of a diagnostic device 20 and a communication device 30 whose location information should be compared."

[0047] It is possible that multiple pairs of diagnostic devices 20 and communication devices 30 whose location information should be compared are identified. In this case, the control unit 120 may be configured to output a screen on the display of the communication device 30 that prompts the business person to select one of the multiple pairs. For example, if multiple diagnostic devices 20 are associated with a certain user account, the control unit 120 may be configured to transmit data to the communication device 30 that causes a list including the multiple diagnostic devices 20 to be displayed on the screen. The communication device 30 displays the list of the multiple diagnostic devices 20 on the display using the data transmitted from the control unit 120. A person using the communication device 30 selects a diagnostic device 20 that the person also uses from the list displayed on the display, thereby identifying an appropriate pair of diagnostic devices 20 and communication devices 30 whose location information should be compared. Furthermore, the control unit 120 may set a priority for each diagnostic device 20 based on a predetermined rule. For example, the control unit 120 may calculate the difference between the time when the diagnostic device 20 transmits location information (first location information) and the time when the communication device 30 transmits location information (second location information), and set a higher priority as the time difference is smaller. In this case, the list displayed on the display of the communication device 30 arranges the diagnostic devices 20 in descending order of priority. This makes it easier for a person using the communication device 30 to find the diagnostic device 20 they should select.

[0048] Then, control unit 120 determines whether the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion by using the location information (first location information and second location information) acquired for the identified pair of diagnostic device 20 and communication device 30. The subsequent processing is as described in this disclosure.

[0049] Second embodiment The information processing device 10 in the present disclosure may further have a configuration that uses the timing at which the first location information and the second location information are acquired as judgment information for determining whether or not to transmit an operation permission signal.

[0050] <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 6, the control unit 120 further includes a time difference determination unit 122.

[0051] The time difference determination unit 122 calculates the difference between the timing at which the location information (first location information) of the diagnostic device 20 is acquired and the timing at which the location information (second location information) of the communication device 30 is acquired. The time difference determination unit 122 then determines whether the calculated difference is equal to or less than a reference value. The control unit 120 then further uses the determination result by the time difference determination unit 122 to determine whether to transmit an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20. For example, the control unit 120 transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 on the additional condition that the difference between the timing at which the first location information regarding the diagnostic device 20 is acquired and the timing at which the second location information regarding the communication device 30 is acquired is determined to be equal to or less than a reference value.

[0052] <Operation Example> Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second process executed by the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure. The flowchart illustrated in this figure differs from the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 4 in that it further includes steps S202 and S204. The following mainly describes the new steps (steps S202 and S204).

[0053] The time difference determination unit 122 calculates the difference between the timing at which the location information (first location information) of the diagnostic device 20 is acquired and the timing at which the location information (second location information) of the communication device 30 is acquired (step S202). For example, the time difference determination unit 122 refers to the timestamps at the time of transmission or reception of each of the first location information and the second location information, and calculates the difference between the timestamps.

[0054] The time difference determination unit 122 then determines whether the difference calculated in step S202 is equal to or smaller than a reference value (step S204). The reference value used in this determination is stored in advance in a storage area accessible by the time difference determination unit 122, such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040.

[0055] If the difference calculated in step S202 exceeds the reference value (step S204: NO), the time difference determination unit 122 notifies the control unit 120 that the difference exceeds the reference value. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 120 does not transmit an operation permission signal. As in the flowchart of FIG. 4 , the control unit 120 may output a notification (error notification) indicating that the diagnostic operation by the diagnostic device 20 is not permitted via the display or speaker of the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30 (step S114). For example, the control unit 120 may transmit visual and / or auditory data for outputting a predetermined message to the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30. The diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 use data acquired from the control unit 120 to output a notification, such as that illustrated in FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a message output via the display of the diagnostic device 20 and / or the communication device 30. The message illustrated in this figure includes information indicating that the diagnostic operation of the secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 was not permitted (not performed) and information indicating the reason. Note that the information indicating the reason why the diagnostic operation was not permitted (performed) differs between the example in this figure and the example in Figure 5. By outputting such a message, the user can easily understand that the diagnosis of the target secondary battery was not performed and the reason for this.

[0056] On the other hand, if the difference calculated in the process of step S202 is equal to or less than the reference value (step S204: YES), the time difference determination unit 122 notifies the control unit 120 that the difference exceeds the reference value. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 120 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 (step S106), assuming that the first position information and the second position information have been determined to satisfy the reference value in the process of step S104. The subsequent processes are as described in this disclosure.

[0057] As described above, the information processing device 10 described in this embodiment is configured to determine whether to transmit an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20, further taking into consideration the timing of acquisition of the location information (first location information) of the diagnostic device 20 and the location information (second location information) of the communication device 30. This configuration improves the effectiveness of deterring tampering with data related to the combination of diagnostic data of a secondary battery and a device using the secondary battery. For example, according to the configuration of this embodiment, an operation permission signal is transmitted to the diagnostic device 20 in response to confirmation that the diagnostic data generating device 20 and the communication device 30 generating a device image are present at approximately the same place at approximately the same time. This makes it possible to deter unauthorized tampering, such as linking diagnostic data of a certain secondary battery to a device image of another device generated at a different time, or linking diagnostic data of another secondary battery generated at a different time to a device image.

[0058] Third embodiment: The information processing device 10 in the present disclosure may further have a configuration that uses an image of the surroundings of the first device captured by the communication device 30 as determination information for determining whether or not to transmit an operation permission signal.

[0059] <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a third example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 9, the control unit 120 further includes a surrounding image determination unit 124.

[0060] In the example shown in this figure, the judgment information acquisition unit 110 acquires, as judgment information, from the communication device 30 an image (hereinafter also referred to as an “ambient image”) of the surroundings of a device (first device) that uses a secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 as at least part of its power source.

[0061] The surrounding image determination unit 124 analyzes the surrounding image acquired by the determination information acquisition unit 110 and determines whether a device different from the first device (hereinafter also referred to as a "second device") exists within a predetermined distance. The surrounding image determination unit 124 converts the pixel-based dimensions of the surrounding image into real-world dimensions, for example, using camera parameters when the surrounding image was captured. Then, the surrounding image determination unit 124 can use the converted real-world dimensions to determine whether the second device exists within a predetermined distance from the first device.

[0062] Then, in the example shown in the figure, the control unit 120 further uses the determination result by the surrounding image determination unit 124 to determine whether or not to transmit an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20. For example, the control unit 120 transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 on the additional condition that the surrounding image determination unit 124 has determined that the second device does not exist within a predetermined distance from the first device.

[0063] <Operation Example> Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third process executed by the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure. The flowchart illustrated in this figure differs from the flowcharts illustrated in Fig. 4 and 7 in that it further includes steps S302 and S304. The following mainly describes the new steps (steps S302 and S304).

[0064] The surrounding image determination unit 124 acquires a surrounding image obtained by capturing an image of the surroundings of the first device from the communication device 30 (step S302). The surrounding image is generated, for example, by a person performing an operation to diagnose the state of the secondary battery 42 operating the communication device 30 to capture an image of the surroundings of the first device. Note that the surrounding image may be one or more still images or may be a moving image.

[0065] Then, the surrounding image determination unit 124 determines whether or not the second device is located within a predetermined distance from the first device based on the analysis result of the surrounding image acquired in the process of step S302 (step S304). For example, the surrounding image determination unit 124 can determine whether or not the second device is located within a predetermined distance from the first device by converting the pixel-based dimensions of the surrounding image into real-world dimensions using camera parameters at the time the surrounding image was captured.

[0066] If, as a result of analyzing the surrounding image, it is determined that the second device is located within a predetermined distance from the first device (step S304: YES), the surrounding image determination unit 124 notifies the control unit 120 that the second device is located near the first device. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 120 does not transmit an operation permission signal. As with the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 7 , the control unit 120 may output a notification (error notification) indicating that the diagnostic device 20 is not permitted to perform a diagnostic operation via the display or speaker of the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30 (step S114). For example, the control unit 120 may transmit visual and / or auditory data for outputting a predetermined message to the diagnostic device 20 or the communication device 30. The diagnostic device 20 and the communication device 30 may output a notification, such as that illustrated in FIG. 11 , using data acquired from the control unit 120. FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a message output via the display of the diagnostic device 20 and / or the communication device 30. The message shown in this figure includes information indicating that diagnostic operation of the secondary battery 42 connected to the diagnostic device 20 was not permitted (not performed), and information indicating the reason for this. Note that the example in this figure differs from the examples in Figures 5 and 8 in the information indicating the reason why diagnostic operation was not permitted (not performed). By outputting such a message, the user can easily understand that diagnosis of the target secondary battery was not performed and the reason for this.

[0067] On the other hand, if the analysis of the surrounding image determines that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device (step S304: NO), the surrounding image determination unit 124 notifies the control unit 120 that the second device is not present near the first device. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 120 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 (step S106), assuming that the first position information and the second position information were determined to satisfy the criteria in the processing of step S104. The subsequent processing is as described in this disclosure.

[0068] <Variation> When information identifying the product type of the device (first device) that uses the secondary battery to be diagnosed (hereinafter also referred to as "type information") can be acquired, the surrounding image determination unit 124 may be configured to make a determination further using the type information.

[0069] For example, if the diagnostic device 20 can acquire type information of the first device, the judgment information acquisition unit 110 acquires the above-mentioned surrounding image from the communication device 30 as judgment information and further acquires type information of the first device from the diagnostic device 20.

[0070] The surrounding image determination unit 124 then analyzes the surrounding image acquired by the judgment information acquisition unit 110 and determines whether a second device, which is the same type as the first device but different from the first device, is present within a predetermined distance. In this case, the surrounding image determination unit 124 is configured to be able to detect devices of the product type indicated by the type information from the surrounding image, for example, by using a known object recognition algorithm. Then, as a result of analyzing the surrounding image, the surrounding image determination unit 124 detects another device (second device) corresponding to the product type indicated by the type information of the first device. In this case, the surrounding image determination unit 124 determines whether the second device detected as a "device of the same product type as the first device" is present within a predetermined distance from the first device.

[0071] For example, the pixel-based dimensions of the surrounding image are converted into real-world dimensions using camera parameters when the surrounding image was captured. The surrounding image determination unit 124 can then use the converted real-world dimensions to determine whether a second device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device. The control unit 120 then further uses the determination result by the surrounding image determination unit 124 to decide whether to send an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20. For example, the control unit 120 sends the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 on the additional condition that the surrounding image determination unit 124 determines that a second device is not present within a predetermined distance from the first device.

[0072] The information processing device 10 described in the present embodiment is configured to determine whether to send an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 by further considering the analysis results of the surrounding image of the first device that uses the secondary battery to be diagnosed. This configuration improves the effectiveness of deterring tampering with data related to the combination of diagnostic data for a secondary battery and a device that uses the secondary battery. For example, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, if it is confirmed that no other device (a different device of the same type) is present around the first device that uses the secondary battery to be diagnosed, the operation permission signal is sent to the diagnostic device 20. This more accurately deters unauthorized tampering, such as linking diagnostic data for a certain secondary battery to a device image of another device generated at a different time.

[0073] Specific application examples of the information processing device according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0074] <Application Example> Here, an example will be described in which the system 1 including the information processing device 10 of the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle, specifically an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, in which the device (first device) that uses the secondary battery 42 is a vehicle.

[0075] First, a person (hereinafter also referred to as "worker") who will diagnose secondary battery 42 installed in a target vehicle (first device) inserts the connection cable of diagnostic device 20 into a charging plug socket or the like provided on the target vehicle. At this time, diagnostic device 20 transmits first location information indicating the location of diagnostic device 20 to information processing device 10.

[0076] The worker also inputs login information assigned to each user (e.g., an individual or a facility such as a store) to launch a predetermined application installed in the communication device 30. At this time, the communication device 30 transmits second location information indicating the location of the communication device 30 to the information processing device 10.

[0077] The determination information acquisition unit 110 of the information processing device 10 acquires the first location information transmitted from the diagnosis device 20 and the second location information transmitted from the communication device 30. The control unit 120 of the information processing device 10 then determines whether the acquired first location information and second location information satisfy a criterion. If the first location information and second location information satisfy the criterion, the control unit 120 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnosis device 20.

[0078] After receiving the operation permission signal transmitted from the control unit 120, the diagnostic device 20 transitions to a state in which it can perform a diagnostic operation on the secondary battery. Then, in response to receiving the operation permission signal, or in response to a predetermined operation executed on the diagnostic device 20 after receiving the operation permission signal, the diagnostic device 20 executes a test operation to diagnose the state of the secondary battery 42 mounted on the vehicle. This generates diagnostic data regarding the state of the secondary battery 42 mounted on the target vehicle. The diagnostic device 20 transmits the generated diagnostic data to the information processing device 10.

[0079] The worker also uses the image capturing function of the communication device 30 to capture an image of a location of the target vehicle that includes information such as the vehicle identification number. This generates a device image that includes information that can identify the target vehicle (e.g., the vehicle identification number) as the device identification information. The communication device 30 then transmits the generated device image to the information processing device 10.

[0080] The information processing device 10 associates the diagnostic data transmitted from the diagnostic device 20 with the equipment data transmitted from the communication device 30 and stores them in a predetermined storage device (for example, the storage device 1040 or an external storage device not shown).

[0081] In this way, information associating diagnostic data related to the secondary battery 42 with the target vehicle (first device) that uses the secondary battery is stored in a predetermined storage device. Such information is particularly utilized as information for assessing the value of vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Here, as described above, the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure makes it possible to prevent tampering with data related to the combination of diagnostic data of the secondary battery and the device that uses the secondary battery. In other words, the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure can provide highly reliable information for assessing the value of vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

[0082] Furthermore, if the diagnostic device 20 can access the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the target vehicle and acquire vehicle model information of the target vehicle, the information processing device 10 may further be configured to utilize the vehicle model information. For example, the diagnostic device 20 acquires vehicle model information via the ECU of the target vehicle in response to connecting a cable to a charging plug socket provided on the target vehicle. The diagnostic device 20 then transmits the acquired vehicle model information to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 transmits the vehicle model information to a communication device 30 paired with the diagnostic device 20. The communication device 30 displays the vehicle model information transmitted from the information processing device 10 on a display. The operator checks the vehicle model information displayed on the display and performs a confirmation operation (e.g., pressing a predetermined button) to indicate that the vehicle model information is correct. The information processing device 10 transmits an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device 20 when the location information (first location information) of the diagnostic device 20 and the location information (second location information) of the communication device 30 satisfy a criterion and acquires information output in response to the confirmation operation on the communication device 30. In this way, the information generated by the information processing device 10 in the present disclosure (information combining the diagnostic data and the device data generated by the communication device 30) becomes more reliable.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An information processing device comprising: a determination information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of a diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capture function as determination information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery; a control means for transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal permitting execution of a diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; a diagnostic data acquisition means for acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; a device image acquisition means for acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and a storage processing means for linking the diagnostic data and the device image and storing them in a predetermined storage device. 2. The information processing device described in 1., wherein the control means transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device on the further condition that the difference between the timing at which the first location information and the timing at which the second location information are acquired is equal to or less than a reference value. 3. 3. The information processing device according to 1. or 2., wherein the determination information acquisition means further acquires, as the determination information, a surrounding image captured around the first device from the communication device, and the control means analyzes the surrounding image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device under a further condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.4. The information processing device described in 1. or 2., wherein the determination information acquisition means further acquires, as the determination information, an ambient image captured of the periphery of the first device from the communication device, and further acquires type information indicating a product type of the first device from the diagnostic device, and the control means analyzes the ambient image to determine whether a second device, which is a device of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information but different from the first device, is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device. 5. The information processing device described in any one of 1. to 4., wherein the determination information acquisition means further acquires user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device, and the control means specifies a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device whose position information should be compared based on the user identification information. 6. The information processing device described in any one of 1. to 5., wherein the device identification information includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the first device. 7. 6. The information processing device according to 6., wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle. 8. A method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data, comprising: a computer acquiring first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function as determination information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery, transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal permitting execution of the diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion, acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal, acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that is a device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source, and storing the diagnostic data and the device image in a predetermined storage device while linking them together.9. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data set forth in 8., including the computer transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the difference between the timing at which the first location information was acquired and the timing at which the second location information was acquired is equal to or less than a reference value. 10. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data set forth in 8. or 9., including the computer further obtaining, as the determination information, a surrounding image taken of the surroundings of the first device from the communication device, analyzing the surrounding image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device. 11. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data according to 8. or 9., wherein the computer further acquires, as the determination information, an ambient image captured around the first device from the communication device, and further acquires type information indicating a product type of the first device from the diagnostic device, analyzes the ambient image to determine whether a second device, which is a device of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information but different from the first device, is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device. 12. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data according to any one of 8. to 11., wherein the computer further acquires user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device, and specifies a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device for which position information is to be compared based on the user identification information. 13. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data according to any one of 8. to 12., wherein the device identification information includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the first device. 14. 14. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data according to 13., wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle.15. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function as determination information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery; transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal permitting execution of the diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and storing the diagnostic data and the device image in a predetermined storage device while linking them together. 16. The recording medium described in 15., wherein the operations include transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device on the further condition that the difference between the timing at which the first location information and the timing at which the second location information is acquired is equal to or less than a reference value. 17. The recording medium described in 15. or 16., wherein the operation includes: further acquiring, as the determination information, an ambient image captured around the first device from the communication device; analyzing the ambient image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device; and transmitting the operation enable signal to the diagnostic device with a further condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device. 18. The recording medium described in 15. or 16., wherein the operation includes: further acquiring, as the determination information, an ambient image captured around the first device from the communication device and further acquiring type information indicating a product type of the first device from the diagnostic device; analyzing the ambient image to determine whether a second device different from the first device but of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information is present within a predetermined distance from the first device; and transmitting the operation enable signal to the diagnostic device with a further condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.19. The recording medium described in any one of 15. to 18., wherein the operation includes further acquiring user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device, and specifying a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device for which location information is to be compared based on the user identification information. 20. The recording medium described in any one of 15. to 19., wherein the device identification information includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the first device. 21. The recording medium described in 20., wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle.

[0086] Furthermore, not limited to Appendix 1, Appendix 8, and Appendix 15, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may be subordinated to various hardware, software (programs, etc.), various recording means for recording software, or systems.

[0087] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 10 Information processing device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage device 1050 Input / output interface 1060 Network interface 110 Determination information acquisition unit 120 Control unit 122 Time difference determination unit 124 Surrounding image determination unit 130 Diagnostic data acquisition unit 140 Device image acquisition unit 150 Storage processing unit 20 Diagnostic device 30 Communication device 40 Device 42 Secondary battery 50 Network

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a judgment information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capture function as judgment information for determining whether to permit the operation of the diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of the secondary battery; a control means for transmitting to the diagnostic device an operation permission signal that permits the execution of diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; a diagnostic data acquisition means for acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; a device image acquisition means for acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that is a device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and a storage processing means for linking the diagnostic data and the device image and storing them in a predetermined storage device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device on the further condition that the difference between the timing at which the first position information was acquired and the timing at which the second position information was acquired is equal to or less than a reference value.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the judgment information acquisition means further acquires, as the judgment information, an ambient image captured around the first device from the communication device, and the control means analyzes the ambient image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

4. The information processing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the judgment information acquisition means further acquires, as the judgment information, an ambient image of the area around the first device from the communication device, and further acquires type information indicating the product type of the first device from the diagnostic device; the control means analyzes the ambient image to determine whether a second device, which is of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information but different from the first device, is present within a predetermined distance from the first device; and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

5. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the judgment information acquisition means further acquires user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device, and the control means identifies a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device whose location information should be compared based on the user identification information.

6. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device identification information includes a serial number that is uniquely assigned to the first device.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle.

8. A method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data, comprising: a computer acquiring first location information indicating the location of a diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device having an image capturing function as judgment information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery; transmitting an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device that permits execution of the diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that has received the operation permission signal; acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and linking the diagnostic data and the device image and storing them in a predetermined storage device.

9. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data described in claim 8, further comprising the computer transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device on the further condition that the difference between the timing at which the first position information was acquired and the timing at which the second position information was acquired is equal to or less than a reference value.

10. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the computer further acquires, as the judgment information, an ambient image taken around the first device from the communication device, analyzes the ambient image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmits the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

11. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data described in claim 8 or 9, including the computer further acquiring, as the determination information, an ambient image taken of the surroundings of the first device from the communication device, and further acquiring type information indicating the product type of the first device from the diagnostic device, analyzing the ambient image to determine whether a second device that is of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information but different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device, and transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device with the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

12. A method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data described in any one of claims 8 to 11, including the computer further acquiring user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device, and identifying a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device for which location information should be compared based on the user identification information.

13. The secondary battery diagnostic data storage method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the device identification information includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the first device.

14. The method for storing secondary battery diagnostic data according to claim 13, wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle.

15. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of the diagnostic device and second location information indicating the location of a communication device equipped with an image capturing function as judgment information for determining whether to permit operation of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of a secondary battery; transmitting an operation permission signal to the diagnostic device that permits execution of diagnostic operation on condition that the first location information and the second location information satisfy a criterion; acquiring diagnostic data of the secondary battery generated by the diagnostic device that received the operation permission signal; acquiring from the communication device a device image including device identification information of a first device that uses the secondary battery as at least part of its power source; and linking the diagnostic data and the device image and saving them in a specified storage device.

16. The recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the operation includes transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device on the further condition that the difference between the timing at which the first position information was acquired and the timing at which the second position information was acquired is equal to or less than a reference value.

17. The recording medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the operation further includes: acquiring, as the judgment information, an ambient image of the area around the first device from the communication device; analyzing the ambient image to determine whether a second device different from the first device is present within a predetermined distance from the first device; and transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device under the additional condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

18. The recording medium described in claim 15 or 16, wherein the operation further comprises: acquiring, as the determination information, an ambient image of the area around the first device from the communication device, and further acquiring type information indicating the product type of the first device from the diagnostic device; analyzing the ambient image to determine whether a second device, which is of the same type as the product type indicated by the type information but different from the first device, is present within a predetermined distance from the first device; and transmitting the operation permission signal to the diagnostic device, with the further condition that the second device is not present within the predetermined distance from the first device.

19. A recording medium described in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the operation further includes: acquiring user identification information that identifies a user of the communication device; and identifying a pair of the diagnostic device and the communication device for which location information is to be compared based on the user identification information.

20. A recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first device is a vehicle, and the device identification information includes a chassis number of the vehicle.

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