Battery information output method, battery information output system, and computer program

Abstract

Provided is a battery information output method wherein: a computer stores battery information including carbon footprint data of a battery in association with identification data for the battery; and when, after shipment from a manufacturer of the battery, update of the carbon footprint data is received, and a request for acquisition of the battery information designating the identification data is received, the updated carbon footprint data is output to a request source.

Description

Battery Information Output Method, Battery Information Output System, and Computer Program

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery information output method, a battery information output system, and a computer program for outputting the carbon footprint of battery-related products.

[0002] For the major goal of achieving carbon neutrality, it is required to record information on carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing to the use and disposal of products. Since a battery does not emit carbon dioxide during its use, it is selected as a product that can contribute to carbon neutrality.

[0003] The carbon dioxide emissions of a battery are evaluated as the amount per power supply amount during the period from the manufacturing to the disposal of the product (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-034068

[0005] Since the carbon dioxide emissions of a battery are evaluated as the amount per power supply amount during the period from the manufacturing to the disposal of the product, a method for accurately outputting the power supply amount of the battery is required for more accurately calculating the carbon dioxide emissions.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide a battery information output method, a battery information output system, and a computer program for outputting the carbon footprint of battery-related products.

[0007] In a battery information output method according to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer stores battery information including carbon footprint data of a battery in association with identification data of the battery, accepts an update to the carbon footprint data after shipment from the manufacturer of the battery, and outputs the updated carbon footprint data to the requester when accepting an acquisition request for the battery information specifying the identification data.

[0008] According to the battery information output method of an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to output carbon footprint data appropriately calculated for the carbon dioxide emissions per power supply amount of the battery.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery information output system. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the database. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first terminal device. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second terminal device. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an update processing procedure in the information processing device. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a database update. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an output procedure in the information processing device. Figure 9 shows an example of carbon footprint data display in the second terminal device. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an update processing procedure in a modified information processing device.

[0010] First, an overview of the information processing methods, information processing devices, and computer programs disclosed herein will be provided.

[0011] (1) The battery information output method involves a computer storing battery information, including the carbon footprint data of the battery, in association with the identification data of the battery, receiving an update to the carbon footprint data after the battery has been shipped from the manufacturer, and receiving a request to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, and outputting the updated carbon footprint data to the requester.

[0012] The battery information output method described herein allows for updating of carbon footprint data even after the battery has been shipped. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, a lead-acid battery, or another type of rechargeable battery.

[0013] With the above configuration, the amount of power supplied during testing of the battery-equipped product before use after shipment can be added and updated. This allows for updating the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of battery power supply to a more appropriate value.

[0014] Batteries are installed in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric aircraft, or electric boats. The carbon footprint of batteries installed in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric aircraft, or electric boats can be updated to a more appropriate value.

[0015] (2) In the battery information output method described in (1) above, the computer divides the carbon dioxide emissions up to the time of manufacturing the battery by the power supply amount of a representative battery of the same model as the battery obtained at any point before the battery is shipped, and stores the result of the division as the carbon footprint data associated with the battery identification data.

[0016] The carbon dioxide emissions during battery manufacturing include data from the raw material procurement process, such as the extraction and transportation of battery raw materials, to the manufacturing process using those raw materials. If testing is conducted before shipment, the carbon dioxide emissions from the testing process are also reflected. With the above configuration, at any point in the pre-shipment testing, the power supply amount, which is the sum of the output from testing one or more representative batteries of the same type, can be used to update the value to a more appropriate one.

[0017] (3) In the battery information output method of (1) or (2) above, the computer accepts updates to the carbon footprint data two or more times.

[0018] With the above configuration, it is possible to accept updates to the power supply amount two or more times, and the power supply amount before the user starts up the battery or product equipped with a battery can be updated to a more appropriate value using the power supply amount of a representative battery.

[0019] (4) In any one of the battery information output methods described in (1) to (3) above, the computer accepts the update at any point between the time the battery is shipped and the time the product equipped with the battery is shipped, obtains the amount of power supplied by a representative battery of the same model as the battery that has increased up to the time the update is accepted, and updates the carbon footprint data by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions of the battery by the obtained amount of power supplied.

[0020] With the above configuration, the amount of power supplied by the battery from the time of manufacturing to before shipment of the product could not be reflected in the battery's carbon footprint. However, it is now possible to reflect the amount of power supplied before the product is shipped. The value can be updated by adding the amount of power supplied before the product is shipped and dividing it by the carbon dioxide emissions during battery manufacturing.

[0021] (5) In any one of the battery information output methods described in (1) to (4) above, the computer receives the update during the battery's usage period, obtains the power supply amount of a representative battery of the same model as the battery that has increased after the usage period, and updates the carbon footprint data by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions of the battery by the increased power supply amount.

[0022] With the above configuration, at any point during the lifespan of a product equipped with a battery, the power supply amount, including all output up to the time of update, can be updated to a value obtained by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions during the battery's manufacture by this value.

[0023] (6) The battery information output system includes a database that stores battery information, including carbon footprint data of the battery, associated with identification data of the battery; a first terminal device that has the authority to update the battery information in the database; a second terminal device that acquires data from the database; and an information processing device that communicates with the database, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device. The information processing device receives an update to the carbon footprint data from the first terminal device after the battery has been shipped from the battery manufacturer, receives a request from the second terminal device to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, and outputs the carbon footprint data corresponding to the updated identification data to the second terminal device.

[0024] (7) In the battery information output system described in (6) above, the identification data is attached to the outer surface of the battery housing as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a string of characters, the second terminal device acquires an image of the barcode, two-dimensional code, or string of characters, and transmits the acquisition request including the data recognized from the image to the information processing device, and the information processing device displays a web page with updated battery information for the battery corresponding to the acquisition request on the display unit of the second terminal device.

[0025] With the above configuration, more accurately updated carbon footprint data can be viewed through a simple operation: reading the identification data attached to the battery housing with a terminal device.

[0026] (8) The computer program stores battery information, including the carbon footprint data of the battery, in association with the identification data of the battery, and after the battery is shipped from the manufacturer, it accepts updates to the carbon footprint data, and when it receives a request to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, it executes a process to output the updated carbon footprint data to the requester.

[0027] A battery information output method, a battery information output system, and a computer program according to one aspect of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to drawings illustrating their embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery information output system 100. The battery information output system 100 includes an information processing device 1, a first terminal device 2, and a second terminal device 3. The information processing device 1, the first terminal device 2, and the second terminal device 3 can communicate with each other via a network N.

[0029] The battery B that the battery information output system 100 processes is a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, or another type of secondary battery. As shown in Figure 1, the battery B is distributed with a housing B0 that contains an energy storage element. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 1, the battery B is installed in products V, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, at a manufacturing plant.

[0030] The housing B0 of battery B is adorned with a two-dimensional code B1, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 1. The two-dimensional code B1 encodes a serial number that allows for the individual identification of battery B. This code is not limited to a two-dimensional code B1; it could also be a barcode, a string of characters, or a wireless tag that stores the serial number in a readable format.

[0031] The information processing device 1 is a server device managed by the manufacturer of battery B. The information processing device 1 can read and write battery information to the database 110. The database 110 stores battery information, including the carbon footprint data of battery B, in association with the identification data of battery B.

[0032] The first terminal device 2 is a terminal device used by operators authorized to update battery information, such as operators belonging to the manufacturer of battery B, or operators of the manufacturer of product V which contains battery B. The first terminal device 2 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a local network LN or a network N which includes other communication media.

[0033] The second terminal device 3 is a terminal device used by a user who is the owner of battery B or the owner of product V equipped with battery B. The second terminal device 3 can access information from the information processing device 1 via the public communication network of network N. The second terminal device 3 is a terminal device used by the manufacturer of product V, and communication via network LN may not be possible.

[0034] Network N includes the local network LN and public communication networks IN, such as the so-called Internet and carrier networks.

[0035] In the battery information output system 100 configured in this way, the database 110 stores individual battery information for each battery B, linked to the serial number of each battery B being manufactured, in a traceable manner until disposal. The battery information includes carbon footprint data. The information processing device 1 stores the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing and pre-shipment testing processes of the battery B as carbon footprint data.

[0036] The carbon footprint data for battery B corresponds to the amount per kWh of electricity supplied, calculated by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions used in manufacturing and charging / discharging by the cumulative amount of electricity supplied up to each point in time. The carbon dioxide emissions stored in the database 110 by the manufacturer are basically the sum of the carbon dioxide emissions related to the materials used during manufacturing and the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the amount of electricity consumed before shipment, divided by the amount of electricity supplied (discharged) of battery B before shipment.

[0037] Although the power supply of a manufactured battery B should increase by the time the product V equipped with battery B reaches the user, this data has not been properly reflected in the past. When product V is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, after battery B is installed in the electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, charging and discharging of battery B is performed for testing of product V and to suppress battery B degradation. The power supply amount of product V before shipment has not been reflected by the battery B manufacturer in the past. In the battery information output system 100 of this disclosure, in order to appropriately calculate carbon dioxide emissions as a value of battery B, the battery information in the database 110 from the first terminal device 2 can be updated even after shipment.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 may be either a personal computer or a server computer. If it is a server computer, the information processing device 1 is not limited to one unit, but may be distributed among multiple units. The information processing device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12.

[0039] The processing unit 10 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 also includes memory, which is a temporary storage medium such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The processing unit 10 may be configured as a single hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) integrating the processor, memory, storage unit 11, and communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 reads the information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11 into memory and executes it, thereby causing a general-purpose computer to perform various processes described later, and to function as the information processing device 1 of this disclosure.

[0040] The storage unit 11 is a relatively large-capacity non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores the program (program product) necessary for the processing unit 10 to execute processing. The program product includes an information processing program P1 and a web server program for performing web server functions.

[0041] The information processing program P1 stored in the memory unit 11 may be one that the processing unit 10 downloads from a download server via the communication unit 12 and stores in the memory unit 11, or it may be one that the processing unit 10 reads and stores from an information processing program P9 stored on a non-temporary storage medium 9 that can be read from a computer.

[0042] A database 110, which can be read from and written to by the processing unit 10, is constructed in the storage unit 11. The database 110 may also be constructed in another storage device that can be connected to by communication from the information processing device 1.

[0043] The database 110 stores the battery information of an individual battery B in association with the serial number of the battery B to be manufactured. The battery information includes production management data in the manufacturer, such as the model number, lot number, manufacturing date, and shipping date of the battery B. The information processing device 1 managed by the manufacturer stores the model number, lot number, and manufacturing date in the database 110 in联动with the production management system before shipping the battery B. The battery information may also include, as information on the charge-discharge history before and after shipping, the cumulative charge amount and the cumulative power supply amount. The battery information includes carbon footprint data including data on carbon dioxide emissions (see FIG. 3).

[0044] The communication unit 12 realizes communication with the first terminal device 2 via the network LN or the second terminal device 3 via the network N. The communication unit 12 is a wired communication device such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless communication device for WiFi.

[0045] The information processing device 1 makes the battery information stored in the database 110 accessible from the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 via a web page by means of the function of the web server. The processing unit 10 is not limited to the function of the web server, and the communication unit 12 transmits and receives data regarding the battery information to and from the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an example of data stored in database 110. As shown in Figure 3, database 110 associates each battery B, such as "0x01012345abcd", with an individually identifiable serial number and stores the model number and lot number of the battery B. In the example in Figure 3, it is recorded that battery B with serial number "0x01012345abcd" has a model number of "LIB-0001", a lot number of "2400123", was manufactured on "July 19, 2024", and shipped on "August 19, 2024". Database 110 stores one or more representative batteries B stored as samples for testing, each with an identifiable model number or an identifiable lot number. In the example shown in Figure 3, for model numbers "LIB-0001" and "LIB-1234," data (flags) indicating that the corresponding battery B is the representative battery B for testing is stored in serial numbers "0x01054321abcd" and "0x09012345edcb," respectively. Even with the same model number, multiple representative batteries B from different production lots may be stored for testing.

[0047] The database 110 stores carbon footprint data including carbon dioxide emissions, associating them with serial numbers that can individually identify the battery B. The data on carbon dioxide emissions is the data on carbon dioxide emissions used in the processes from procuring raw materials including mining of raw materials to the manufacturing process and test processes such as capacity determination, and is derived and stored by the information processing device 1 or the production management system. The carbon dioxide emissions used in the manufacturing process and test processes are derived as the value obtained by dividing the sum of the carbon dioxide emissions related to the materials used in manufacturing and the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption, water consumption, drainage volume, etc. used for the lot before shipment by the power supply amount (discharge amount) of the battery B before shipment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, for the batteries B identified by the serial numbers "0x01012345abcd", "0x01054321abcd", and "0x09012345edcb" respectively, at the time of shipment, the carbon dioxide emissions and the cumulative power supply amount are stored for the model numbers "LIB-0001", "LIB-1234", the lot numbers "2400123", and the lot number "2400321" respectively. The carbon dioxide emissions (integrated) are the value obtained by adding up the emissions determined by the suppliers of the materials used, the emissions required for procuring the materials, the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumption, water consumption, drainage volume, etc. during manufacturing, and the power consumption in the capacity determination process. The cumulative power supply amount is the amount of power output in tests etc. before shipment.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the database 110 stores, for each battery B, the carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply amount, which is obtained by dividing the integrated carbon dioxide emissions by the cumulative power supply amount, at the time of shipment of the battery B.

[0049] In database 110, the battery information for battery B, which is stored as a representative battery, is updated each time a test is performed that is not carried out before shipment, either by the information processing device 1 or via the first terminal device 2 used by the battery manufacturer. The test on representative battery B includes a process of performing multiple charge-discharge cycles at a low rate under predetermined test ambient temperature and other conditions to suppress degradation. For each representative battery B, the information processing device 1 updates the carbon dioxide emissions (cumulative) and cumulative power supply in database 110 based on the increase in power consumption used during charging and the increase in power supply during discharge.

[0050] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first terminal device 2. The first terminal device 2 is a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., used by the operator. The first terminal device 2 comprises a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24.

[0051] The processing unit 20 includes one or more processors such as CPUs, MPUs, and GPUs. The processing unit 10 includes memory, which is a temporary storage medium such as SRAM or DRAM. The processing unit 20 reads various programs stored in the storage unit 21 into memory and executes them.

[0052] The storage unit 21 is a non-temporary storage medium such as flash memory or an SSD. The storage unit 21 stores the program (program product) necessary for the processing unit 20 to execute processing. The program product includes a web browser program.

[0053] The communication unit 22 enables communication with the information processing device 1 via the network LN. The communication unit 22 is a Wi-Fi wireless communication device or a wireless communication device that connects to a carrier network. The communication unit 22 may also be a wired communication device corresponding to the communication unit 12 of the information processing device 1.

[0054] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 may also be a touch panel display. The processing unit 20 displays a screen on the display unit 23 that allows the user to view and edit the information in the database 110 of the information processing device 1, based on a web browser program stored in the storage unit 21, and the operator can operate the screen.

[0055] The operation unit 24 is a user interface that can input and output to the processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 receives operator input from the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 is a touch panel with a built-in display unit 23. The operation unit 24 may include physical buttons, switches, and physical dials. The operation unit 24 may be connected to a user interface such as a keyboard or mouse. The first terminal device 2 may also include an audio input / output unit, including a speaker and a microphone, as one of its user interfaces.

[0056] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second terminal device 3. The second terminal device 3 comprises a processing unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a reading unit 35. The configuration of the second terminal device 3 is the same as that of the first terminal device 2 in terms of hardware, except that the user is different from that of the operator using the first terminal device 2, and that it includes a reading unit 35. Therefore, in the following, corresponding reference numerals are used and a detailed explanation of the hardware is omitted.

[0057] The reading unit 35 of the second terminal device 3 is a camera. The reading unit 35 reads the serial number from the two-dimensional code B1 attached to the outer surface of the housing B0 of the battery B as shown in Figure 1, and notifies the processing unit 30. The reading unit 35 is not limited to a camera; it may also be a reader capable of reading serial numbers from wireless tags.

[0058] In the second terminal device 3, the storage unit 31 stores the account data of the user who owns the battery B. In the second terminal device 3, the processing unit 30 can output a screen to the display unit 33 for viewing information in the database 110 of the information processing device 1, based on the web browser program stored in the storage unit 31.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an update processing procedure in the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 performs the following processing in response to access from the first terminal device 2 after the battery B has been shipped from the manufacturer and at any time during the manufacturing stage of product V, such as an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, electric airplane, or electric ship, or before or after the shipment of product V.

[0060] The processing unit 20 of the first terminal device 2 is authenticated by the information processing device 1 as a terminal authorized to update battery information (step S201). In step S201, the processing unit 20 performs authentication by login and password, authentication based on a pre-assigned certificate, etc. If authentication fails in step S201, the following processes are not executed.

[0061] If authentication is successful, the processing unit 20 sends an update request to the information processing device 1, specifying the serial number of the battery B to be updated (step S202). In step S202, the processing unit 20 may send update requests for multiple batteries B at once.

[0062] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives an update request from the authenticated first terminal device 2 (step S101). The processing unit 10 retrieves the battery information of the serial number of battery B specified in the update request from the database 110 (step S102). The processing unit 10 retrieves the battery information of a representative battery B with the same model number as the battery B specified in the update request from the database 110 (step S103). If the lot number is also specified, the battery information of the representative battery B with the same lot number is retrieved preferentially.

[0063] The processing unit 10 divides the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process, as referenced in step S102, by the cumulative power supply amount in the carbon footprint data included in the battery information referenced in step S103 (step S104). The manufacturing process may include testing processes such as capacity determination.

[0064] The processing unit 10 updates the division result as the carbon dioxide emissions per kWh of power supply in the carbon footprint data of the battery B with the specified serial number (step S105), and transmits the updated result to the first terminal device 2 that requested the update (step S106).

[0065] The processing unit 20 of the first terminal device 2 receives the update result (step S203), displays the update result on the display unit 23 (step S204), and terminates the process.

[0066] The processing procedure shown in Figure 6 may be executed by an operator operating the first terminal device 2, or it may be executed automatically by the processing unit 10 of the first terminal device 2 upon receiving notification from the manufacturer of product V equipped with battery B. The notification from the manufacturer of product V equipped with battery B is a notification to store the serial number of the installed battery B, along with the serial number of the product V to which it is installed, as traceable battery information after the completion of the process of installing battery B into product V.

[0067] The processing procedure shown in Figure 6 may be executed two or more times in response to access from the first terminal device 2, at any point before the shipment of product V, such as when battery B is installed in product V, which is an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, electric airplane, or electric ship.

[0068] By the time an update request is sent from the first terminal device 2, the cumulative power supply amount in the database 110 has increased each time a life test is performed on the representative battery B. Therefore, each time the processing procedure shown in Figure 6 is executed, in step S104, the processing unit 10 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply using the cumulative power supply amount in the representative battery B that has increased up to the time the update is received.

[0069] As a result, while previously the increase in power supply output by battery B from the time of manufacturing to before shipment of product V, which is equipped with battery B, could not be reflected in the carbon footprint of battery B, the increased power supply can now be reflected in the carbon footprint data at the time before product V is shipped.

[0070] The processing procedure shown in Figure 6 may also be executed in response to access from the first terminal device 2 after product V, such as an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, electric airplane, or electric ship equipped with battery B, has been shipped from the manufacturer of product V and put into use. In this case as well, by the time an update request is sent from the first terminal device 2, the cumulative power supply amount in the database 110 has increased each time a life test is performed on the representative battery B. By executing a charge-discharge cycle that replicates the one performed when installed in product V on the representative battery B, the carbon dioxide emissions per kWh of power supply can be appropriately calculated using the cumulative power supply amount that increases in the representative battery B.

[0071] Figure 7 shows an example of updating database 110. The example content shown in Figure 7 shows that the cumulative power supply has increased with respect to the carbon footprint data shown in Figure 3, according to the processing procedure in Figure 6. As the cumulative power supply increases, the carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply of battery B, using the carbon dioxide emissions at the time of manufacture, become smaller. The power supply of a representative battery B of the same model as battery B with serial number "0x01012345abcd" has increased from "20 kWh" to "30 kWh". As a result, the carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply of battery B with serial number "0x01012345abcd" become smaller than the value at the time of shipment of battery B (Figure 3).

[0072] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the output procedure in the information processing device 1. The following process is executed when the user of battery B operates the second terminal device 3 at any time. The operator of the second terminal device 3 may be the manufacturer of product V equipped with battery B, or the distributor of product V.

[0073] When a user uses the second terminal device 3 to access a web page for referencing the carbon footprint data of battery B, the processing unit 30 activates the reading unit 35 (step S301). The process in step S301 may be performed by an operation on the user's operation unit 34, or it may be activated from a web page provided by the information processing device 1.

[0074] The processing unit 30 acquires an image from the reading unit 35 of the two-dimensional code B1 attached to the outer surface of the battery B housing B0 (step S302), and recognizes the serial number from the image (step S303).

[0075] The processing unit 30 sends a request to the information processing device 1 to acquire battery information, including carbon footprint data, specifying the recognized serial number (step S304).

[0076] The processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives a request to acquire battery information (step S111), and reads the battery information for the serial number specified in the received acquisition request from the database 110 (step S112).

[0077] The processing unit 10 transmits carbon footprint data, which includes data on carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply included in the read battery information, to the second terminal device 3 that requested the acquisition (step S113). The carbon footprint data may include not only carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply, but also carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing. As will be described later in the modified example, if the power supply amount is updated over the usage period and information on carbon dioxide emissions due to charge-discharge cycles during the usage period can be obtained, the processing unit 10 may transmit screen data (Web data) including a graph showing the trend of carbon dioxide emissions.

[0078] The processing unit 30 of the second terminal device 3 receives the carbon footprint data of the target battery B in response to the acquisition request (step S305), displays the carbon footprint data on the display unit 33 (step S306), and then terminates the process.

[0079] Figure 9 shows an example of carbon footprint data display in the second terminal device 3. Figure 9 shows the screen 330 displayed on the display unit 33. Screen 330 is a web screen based on a web browser program. Screen 330 includes an input field 331 for the serial numbers of multiple batteries B that are the target of the acquisition request, a button 332 for activating the reading unit 35, and a display field 333 for carbon footprint data including carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply for each battery B. In the screen 330 shown in Figure 9, the serial numbers are reflected after they have been read by the reading unit 35. Screen 330 displays the acquisition results of carbon dioxide emissions (cumulative), power supply amount, and carbon dioxide emissions per 1 kWh of power supply for the battery B identified by its serial number.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the screen 330 allows the user to visually confirm the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of power supplied by the appropriately updated battery B with the simple operation of reading the serial number with the reading unit 35. The screen 330 may also include a graph showing the trend of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of power supplied.

[0081] (Modified representation) The carbon dioxide emissions (cumulative) of battery B may be calculated as an increase during charging over the entire service life of product V equipped with battery B. Therefore, in the modified representation, it is possible to calculate a more accurate carbon dioxide emission per kWh of power supplied by reflecting not only the amount of power supplied but also the increase in carbon dioxide emissions over the service life.

[0082] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the update processing procedure in the modified information processing device 1. In the modified example, not only the carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing but also the increase in carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the energy used during charging and discharging over the period of use are reflected. Of the processing procedures shown in Figure 10, those that are common with the processing procedures shown in Figure 6 are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0083] In the modified example, if authentication is successful in step S201, the processing unit 20 of the first terminal device 2 sends an update request to the information processing device 1 for each battery B, specifying the serial number and including the increase in carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the power consumed in the charge-discharge cycle (step S212).

[0084] When the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 receives an update request (S101), it refers to the battery information of the serial number of battery B specified in the update request from the database 110 (S102). The processing unit 10 adds the increase in carbon dioxide emissions included in the update request received in step S101 to the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process associated with the serial number (step S121).

[0085] The processing unit 10 retrieves battery information for a representative battery B of the same model number as the target battery B from the database 110 (S103).

[0086] The processing unit 10 divides the carbon dioxide emissions after addition in step S121 by the cumulative power supply amount in the carbon footprint data included in the battery information referenced in step S103 (step S122). The manufacturing process may include testing steps such as capacity determination.

[0087] The processing unit 10 updates the division result as the carbon dioxide emissions per kWh of power supply in the carbon footprint data of the battery B with the specified serial number (S105), and transmits the updated result to the first terminal device 2 that requested the update (S106).

[0088] As shown in Figure 10, by incorporating carbon dioxide emission data, which becomes difficult to track from manufacturers after shipment, into the update process, it becomes possible to calculate a more accurate carbon dioxide emission per kWh of electricity supplied.

[0089] In a modified example, if the manufacturer of battery B manages a database 110 that stores traceable carbon footprint data for battery B, the data may be continuously updated from the time battery B is shipped until it is disposed of after its service life. This makes it possible for the manufacturer of battery B to provide this data when reusing or recycling battery B.

[0090] Regarding the processing procedures shown in Figures 6 and 10, the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 may execute all of them, or it may execute some or a combination of some of them.

[0091] As mentioned above, by reflecting the progress of life tests for battery B and tests for product V equipped with battery B, it is possible to update the calculated carbon dioxide emissions to an appropriate value.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are equivalent.

[0093] 100 Battery Information Output System 1 Information Processing Device 10 Processing Unit 11 Storage Unit 12 Communication Unit P1 Information Processing Program (Computer Program) 2 First Terminal Device 3 Second Terminal Device 20, 30 Processing Units 22, 32 Communication Units 23, 33 Display Units 24, 34 Operation Units 35 Reading Unit B Battery B0 Housing B1 Two-Dimensional Code

Claims

1. A battery information output method comprising: a computer storing battery information, including carbon footprint data of a battery, associated with identification data of the battery; receiving an update to the carbon footprint data after the battery has been shipped from the manufacturer; and, upon receiving a request to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, outputting the updated carbon footprint data to the requesting party.

2. The battery information output method according to claim 1, wherein the computer divides the carbon dioxide emissions up to the time of manufacturing the battery by the power supply amount of a representative battery of the same model as the battery obtained at any point before the battery is shipped, and stores the result of the division as carbon footprint data associated with the battery identification data.

3. The battery information output method according to claim 1, wherein the computer receives updates to the carbon footprint data two or more times.

4. The battery information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer accepts the update at any point between the time the battery is shipped and the time the product equipped with the battery is shipped, obtains the amount of power supplied by a representative battery of the same model number as the battery that has increased up to the time the update was accepted, and updates the carbon footprint data by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions of the battery by the obtained amount of power supplied.

5. The battery information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer accepts the update during the battery's service life, obtains the power supply amount of a representative battery of the same model as the battery that has increased after the service life, and updates the carbon footprint data by dividing the carbon dioxide emissions of the battery by the increased power supply amount.

6. A battery information output system comprising: a database storing battery information, including carbon footprint data of a battery, associated with identification data of the battery; a first terminal device having the authority to update the battery information in the database; a second terminal device acquiring data from the database; and an information processing device communicating with the database, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device, wherein the information processing device receives an update to the carbon footprint data from the first terminal device after the battery has been shipped from the battery manufacturer, receives a request from the second terminal device to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, and outputs the carbon footprint data corresponding to the updated identification data to the second terminal device.

7. The battery information output system according to claim 6, wherein the identification data is attached to the outer surface of the battery housing as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a string of characters, the second terminal device acquires an image of the barcode, two-dimensional code, or string of characters, transmits the acquisition request including the data recognized from the image to the information processing device, and the information processing device displays a web page with updated battery information for the battery corresponding to the acquisition request on the display unit of the second terminal device.

8. A computer program that stores battery information, including the carbon footprint data of a battery, in association with the identification data of the battery, accepts updates to the carbon footprint data after the battery has been shipped from the manufacturer, and, upon receiving a request to acquire the battery information specifying the identification data, executes a process to output the updated carbon footprint data to the requesting party.

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