Information processing apparatus, information processing system, computer readable recording medium and information processing method

Provided is an information processing apparatus distributed in a member configured to be removable in a mobile object, the information processing apparatus including: a type information obtaining unit, configured to obtain type information to distinguish at least one of a type and an application of the mobile object, when the member is installed in the mobile object; and a mobile object determination unit, configured to determine at least one of a type and an application of the mobile object installed by the member, based on the type information obtained by the type information obtaining unit.

The contents of the following Japanese patent application are incorporated herein by reference:

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a computer readable recording medium and an information processing method.

2. Related Art

Patent Document 1 discloses that a server for determining a candidate for replacement of an assembled battery installed in a vehicle from a plurality of assembled batteries including reused ones (i) obtains the degradation state of the assembled batteries, (ii) selects an assembly battery having a life longer than the period until the time of replacement of the plurality of assembled batteries by calculating the distance (life) that can be traveled before the remained capacity ratio of the assembled battery reaches the threshold value Qth, and (iii) determines a candidate for replacement using the selection result and cost information.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Document

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention. In addition, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments necessarily have to be essential to solving means of the invention. Note that identical or similar portions in figures are given identical reference numbers and the same explanation is omitted in some cases.

[Overview of a Reuse Assistance System100]

FIG.1schematically illustrates one example of a system configuration of the reuse assistance system100. In the present embodiment, the reuse assistance system100includes a vehicle120and an assistance server140. In the present embodiment, the vehicle120includes a power accumulation unit122, a driving unit124, a sensing unit126, a storage unit128, a TCU132and an ECU134. The vehicle120may include a plurality of power accumulation units122. The vehicle120may include a plurality of ECUs134. In the present embodiment, the assistance server140includes a history data obtaining unit142, a history data storage unit144, a remaining life estimation unit146, and an application determination unit148.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle120and the assistance server140can transmit and receive information from each other via a communication network10. In one embodiment, the vehicle120transmits the information stored in the storage unit128to the assistance server140. In another embodiment, the vehicle120transmits a recording apparatus (not illustrated inFIG.1) installed in the power accumulation unit122to the assistance server140. Furthermore in another embodiment, the vehicle120transmits information indicating the output results of the sensing unit126to the assistance server140.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle120and the assistance server140can transmit and receive information to and from the communication terminal30of the user20who utilizes the service provided by the reuse assistance system100via the communication network10. In one embodiment, the communication terminal30accesses the storage unit128and obtains the information stored in the storage unit128. The communication terminal30transmits the information obtained from the storage unit128to the assistance server140. In another embodiment, the power accumulation unit122is accessed to obtain information stored in the recording apparatus (not illustrated inFIG.1) installed in the power accumulation unit122. The communication terminal30transmits the information obtained from the power accumulation unit122to the assistance server140.

In the present embodiment, the details of the reuse assistance system100are explained using the case where the power accumulation unit122is reused as a power accumulation apparatus for other devices that use electrical energy after being installed and used in the vehicle120. In the present embodiment, the reuse assistance system100utilizes, for example, information collected by the vehicle120or a portion thereof to determine other devices to reuse the power accumulation unit122. More specifically, the power accumulation unit122includes a recording apparatus (not illustrated inFIG.1), and the details of the reuse assistance system100are explained using the example of a case in which the assistance server140utilizes the information stored on the recording apparatus of the power accumulation unit122to determine other devices to which the power accumulation unit122is to be reused.

As the other device that uses the above-mentioned electrical energy, a mobile object, transportation equipment, a power source and the like are exemplified. As the mobile object, a vehicle, a flying object, a marine vessel and the like are exemplified. As the transportation equipment, a mobile object, a lifter, a conveyor, an elevator, an escalator, and a belt conveyor and the like are exemplified. The power source may be a portable power source, or may be a stationary power source.

As the vehicle, an automobile, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a vehicle for standing ride with a power unit, a working machine, a train and the like are exemplified. As the automobile, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), a hybrid vehicle, a small communicator, an electronic cart and the like are exemplified. As the motorcycle, a bicycle, a three-wheeled bicycle and the like are exemplified. A bicycle may be a bicycle with an electric motor. The bicycle with an electric motor may be an electric bicycle, or may be an electrically power assisted bicycle. As the flying object, an air plane, an air ship or a balloon, a hot-air balloon, a helicopter, a drone and the like are exemplified. As the marine vessel, a ship, a hovercraft, a water bike, a submarine, a submersible craft, an underwater scooter and the like are exemplified. As a working machine, a forklift, a cultivator, a lawn mower and the like are exemplified.

On the other hand, in recent years, various sensors have been installed in vehicles120or parts thereof (in some cases simply referred to as vehicles120), and data related to a wide variety of items can be collected. In the case where the assistance server140utilizes the information collected by the vehicle120to determine other devices to which the power accumulation unit122is to be reused, the vehicle120or the assistance server140may record data related to all items that can be collected in a recording apparatus, and the assistance server140may access the recording apparatus to obtain data related to the necessary items, as needed.

However, it is not economical for unnecessary data to be stored for a long period of time until the power accumulation unit122is finally disposed of or recycled as a resource. Also, considering that, for example, the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can be distributed from one place to another in the second-hand market, it is preferable that these data are recorded in a recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122for at least a predetermined period of time, in order to prevent the dissipation of useful data.

On the other hand, there is a limit to the recording capacity of the recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122. In such a case, a technique for collecting data over a relatively long period of time is to reduce the number of data items collected or to increase the sampling interval of the data.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122reduces the capacity of the data used in the process of determining where to reuse the power accumulation unit122by reducing the number of data items collected. More specifically, the inventors noted that among the items for which the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can collect data, the items that have a significant impact on the determination of where to reuse the power accumulation unit122are relatively limited.

For example, the progress level of degradation of the power accumulation unit122has a significant impact on the determination of where to reuse the power accumulation unit122. The progress level of degradation of the power accumulation unit122is highly dependent on the use of the power accumulation unit122. And the use of the power accumulation unit122depends on the type or application of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein.

Therefore, with the reuse assistance system100according to the present embodiment, first, when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120, for example, the power accumulation unit122obtains a type code for distinguishing at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120. As the type of the vehicle120, a generic term, a vehicle type, a model and the like are exemplified. As a generic term, automobile, hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, fuel battery vehicle, motorcycle, electric motorcycle, bicycle, electric bicycle and the like are exemplified. As the vehicle type, heavy-duty vehicle, medium-duty vehicle, light-duty vehicle, passenger vehicle, cargo vehicle, and a combination of these are exemplified. As the application of the vehicle120, private use, commercial use and the like are exemplified.

Note that the timing for the power accumulation unit122to obtain the type code is not limited to immediately after the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120. In one embodiment, the power accumulation unit122obtains the type code stored in the storage unit128during the manufacturing process or commissioning process of the vehicle120after the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120. In another embodiment, the power accumulation unit122obtains the type code stored in the storage unit128after the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120and before the vehicle120is delivered to the purchaser or user of the vehicle120.

Next, for example, the power accumulation unit122determines at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein based on the above-mentioned type code. The power accumulation unit122also determines which items, among the items that the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can collect, should be recorded in the recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122.

For example, the power accumulation unit122determines the items that are stored (sometimes referred to as “stored items”) in a recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, among the items that are related (sometimes referred to as “related items”) to at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122installed in the vehicle120. Based on at least one of the determined type and application of the vehicle120, the power accumulation unit122may determine a stored item from among one or more related items that the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can collect.

This can save the resources of the recording apparatuses distributed in the vehicle120, the power accumulation unit122, or the assistance server140. In addition, the calculation amount and calculation time in the process of determining where to reuse the power accumulation unit122can be reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of data collected is reduced, the transmission time of the collected data to the assistance server140is also reduced. In this way, for example, the estimation of the remaining life is speeded up.

Also, according to the reuse assistance system100of the present embodiment, the assistance server140determines where to reuse the power accumulation unit122by utilizing the information stored in the recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122. For example, the assistance server140obtains information stored in a recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122. The assistance server140estimates the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122by referring to the above-mentioned information. Also, the assistance server140also determines where to reuse the power accumulation unit122based on the estimated remaining life of the power accumulation unit122. For example, the assistance server140determines the next application of the power accumulation unit122when it is removed from the vehicle120and reused. As an above-mentioned application, the assistance server140may then determine the type of device in which the power accumulation unit122is to be installed.

This allows, for example, the reuse assistance system100to provide a service to the user20to assist the reuse of the power accumulation unit122installed in the vehicle120. Also, according to the present embodiment, the power accumulation unit122can be effectively utilized throughout the entire life cycle of the power accumulation unit122. Furthermore, the reuse of one or more power accumulation units122can be properly managed.

For example, depending on the degradation of the power accumulation unit122installed in the vehicle120, reusing the power accumulation unit122(or a part of it) as a battery for electric bicycles may be over-specified. However, according to the reuse assistance system100of the present embodiment, the above-mentioned power accumulation unit122is first reused as a battery for light-duty vehicles, electric motorcycles for sharing services and so on. Then, at a time point when the degradation of the above-mentioned power accumulation unit122has further progressed, the reuse assistance system100proposes to reuse the above-mentioned power accumulation unit122as a battery for electric bicycles, for example, taking into account the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122throughout its life cycle.

[Overview of Elements Related to the Reuse Assistance System100]

In the present embodiment, the communication network10may be a wired communication transmission path, a wireless communication transmission path, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission path and a wired communication transmission path. The communication network10may include a wireless packet communication network, the Internet, a P2P network, a dedicated line, a VPN, an electrical power communication line, an Inter-vehicle communication line, a road-to-vehicle communication line, and the like. The communication network10: (i) may include a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone line network; and (ii) may include a wireless communication network such as a wireless MAN (for example, WiMAX (registered trademark)), a wireless LAN (for example, WiFi (registered trademark)), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

In the present embodiment, the user20utilizes the reuse assistance system100. For example, when the power accumulation unit122installed in the vehicle120is to be removed from the vehicle120and reused, the user20utilizes the reuse assistance system100to determine where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

The communication terminal30is utilized by the user20. The communication terminal30, for example, functions as an interface between the reuse assistance system100and the user20. The communication terminal30may be a device that can transmit and receive information to and from each unit of the reuse assistance system100(for example, the assistance server140) via the communication network10and the details are not specifically limited thereto. As the communication terminal30, a personal computer, a mobile terminal and the like can be exemplified. As the mobile terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a tablet, a notebook computer or a laptop computer, a wearable computer and the like can be exemplified.

The vehicle120moves by utilizing the electrical energy accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. As the vehicle120, an automobile, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a vehicle for standing ride with a power unit, a train and the like are exemplified. As the automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electronic cart and the like are exemplified. The automobile may be a gasoline vehicle or a fuel battery vehicle with a power accumulation unit122installed therein.

In the present embodiment, the power accumulation unit122accumulates electrical energy. The power accumulation unit122supplies electrical power to each unit of the vehicle120. The power accumulation unit122is configured to be removable from the vehicle120. In one embodiment, the power accumulation unit122is configured to be able to be easily attached and removed by the user of the vehicle120himself. The power accumulation unit122may be a replaceable or portable battery. A replaceable or portable battery is replaced with a new, charged battery when the remaining capacity of the battery is low. In another embodiment, the power accumulation unit122is configured in such a way that it can not be easily removed by the user of the vehicle120himself, but can be removed by a maintenance shop, dealer, or other business operator. The power accumulation unit122may be a fixed battery. The fixed battery is charged while installed in the vehicle120.

In the present embodiment, the driving unit124moves the vehicle120using the electrical power supplied from the power accumulation unit122. The driving unit124may have a motor to drive the vehicle120.

In the present embodiment, the sensing unit126obtains information about the usage state of the vehicle120. The sensing unit126may output information about the usage state of the vehicle120to the assistance server140via the TCU132. In this case, the information about the usage state of the vehicle120is, for example, stored in the history data obtaining unit142. The sensing unit126may also output the information about the usage state of the vehicle120to the ECU134. In this case, the information about the usage state of the vehicle120is, for example, stored in the storage unit128.

The usage state of the vehicle120can affect the usage state and/or degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. Accordingly, at least a part of the information output by the sensing unit126may be one example of the information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122.

The sensing unit126outputs data on various items related to at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. In one embodiment, the sensing unit126outputs information indicating the measured value. In another embodiment, the sensing unit126outputs information indicating that the measured value is greater than a predetermined threshold when the measured value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

As the data item output by the sensing unit126, at least one of the number of power accumulation apparatuses actually installed in the vehicle120, the geographical location of the vehicle120, the acceleration of the vehicle120, the number or frequency with which the acceleration of the vehicle120exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the magnitude of the impact applied to the vehicle120, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact applied to the vehicle120exceeds a predetermined second threshold, the inclination of the vehicle120, the number or frequency with which the inclination of the vehicle120exceeds a predetermined third threshold, and moving distance of the vehicle120is exemplified. The geographical location of the vehicle120may be considered as the geographical location of the power accumulation unit122. The acceleration of the vehicle120may be considered as the acceleration of the power accumulation unit122. The magnitude of the impact applied to the vehicle120may be considered as the magnitude of the impact applied to the power accumulation unit122.

The sensing unit126may have one or a plurality of (sometimes referred to simply as one or more) sensors. As the above-mentioned sensor, at least one of a positioning sensor that estimates the self-position of the vehicle120, a mounting detection sensor that detects the number of power accumulation units122actually installed in the vehicle120, an abnormality detection sensor that detects abnormalities occurred in the vehicle120, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the outside air of the vehicle120, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the outside air of the vehicle120, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature at a specific location inside the vehicle120, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity at a specific location inside the vehicle120, an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the vehicle120, an angular acceleration sensor that measures angular acceleration of the vehicle120, a vibration sensor that measures the magnitude of vibration of the vehicle120, an inclination sensor that measures the magnitude of inclination of a vehicle120, an impact sensor that detects the magnitude of impact applied to the vehicle120, and a distance sensor that measures the moving distance of the vehicle120is exemplified. As a positioning sensor, a GPS signal receiver, an acceleration sensor, a rotary encoder and the like are exemplified.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit128stores various types of information. The storage unit128, for example, in response to an access request from another device, extracts the data requested by the access request and outputs the extracted data to the another device.

In one embodiment, the storage unit128stores various types of information output by the power accumulation unit122. For example, the storage unit128stores information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. The storage unit128may store information indicating the time of day and information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122at the time of day, in a corresponding manner.

In another embodiment, the storage unit128stores the various types of information output by the sensing unit126. The storage unit128may store the information indicating the time and the information indicating the output of the sensing unit126at that time in a corresponding manner. As described above, at least a part of the information output by the sensing unit126may be one example of information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the storage unit128stores information about the specifications of the vehicle120or each unit thereof. As the above-mentioned specification, the number of power accumulation units122that can be installed in the vehicle120, the inclination of the power accumulation units122when the power accumulation units122are properly installed in the vehicle120, the rated voltage of the power accumulation units122, the rated current of the power accumulation units122, the rated capacity of the power accumulation units122and the like are exemplified.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the storage unit128stores the type code of the vehicle120. As described above, the type code of the vehicle120is information to distinguish at least one of the types and applications of the vehicle120, and is output from the vehicle120to the power accumulation unit122when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120.

The inclination of the power accumulation unit122, when the power accumulation unit122is normally installed in the vehicle120, may be the inclination of the power accumulation unit122when the power accumulation unit122is normally installed in the vehicle120distributed on a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the inclination of the power accumulation unit122is represented as the smaller angle of, for example, the angle between the reference directions set for the power accumulation unit122and the vertical direction. In another embodiment, the inclination of the power accumulation unit122is represented as the angle of rotation of the power accumulation unit122around each of three orthogonal axes passing through and orthogonal to the center of gravity of the power accumulation unit122, set in the power accumulation unit122. When the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the power accumulation unit122are determined, the above three axes are represented, for example, as (i) an x-axis running through the power accumulation unit122in the front-back direction with the center of gravity of the power accumulation unit122at the center, (ii) a y-axis running through the power accumulation unit122in the left-right direction with the center of gravity of the power accumulation unit122at the center, and (iii) a z-axis running through the power accumulation unit122in the up-down direction with the center of gravity of the power accumulation unit122at the center.

In the present embodiment, the TCU132(telematics control unit) controls the connection between the vehicle120and the communication network10. The TCU132may control communication between each unit of the vehicle120and at least one of the communication terminal30and the assistance server140.

In one embodiment, the TCU132receives the data output by the sensing unit126and transmits the data to the assistance server140. In another embodiment, the TCU132receives various requests from the assistance server140and transfers the requests to the ECU134. Further, in another embodiment, the TCU132controls the transmission of data from the ECU134to the assistance server140.

In the present embodiment, the ECU134controls the operation of each unit of the vehicle120. The ECU134also responds to requests from the assistance server140and performs processing to respond to such requests. The ECU134may transmit the results of the execution of the above process to the assistance server140. For example, the ECU134transmits information about the power accumulation unit122stored in the storage unit128to the assistance server140in response to a request from the assistance server140.

The ECU134may manage information about the vehicle120. For example, the ECU134detects that the power accumulation unit122has been installed in the vehicle120. When it is detected that the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120, the ECU134outputs the type code of the vehicle120stored in the storage unit128to the power accumulation unit122.

In the present embodiment, the assistance server140provides a service to the user20to assist the reuse of the power accumulation unit122. The assistance server140may obtain instructions or requests from the user20via the communication terminal30. The assistance server140may present the information to the user20via the communication terminal30.

In the present embodiment, the history data obtaining unit142obtains information from the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122regarding at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. The history data obtaining unit142may obtain data on specific related items among the data on one or more related items that the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can collect. The history data obtaining unit142may obtain data (sometimes referred to as history data) that corresponds to the information indicating the time and the information indicating the contents of each of the one or more related items at that time.

The history data obtaining unit142may store information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122in the history data storage unit144. For example, for each of the one or more power accumulation units122, the history data obtaining unit142stores the identification information of each power accumulation unit and the history data described above in the history data storage unit144in a corresponding manner.

In the present embodiment, the history data storage unit144stores information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of each of the one or more power accumulation units122. For example, for each of the one or more power accumulation units122, the history data storage unit144stores the identification information of each power accumulation unit and the history data described above in a corresponding manner.

In the present embodiment, the remaining life estimation unit146estimates the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122. The remaining life estimation unit146may estimate the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122by referring to the information stored in the history data obtaining unit142. As described above, the history data obtaining unit142stores information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. Therefore, for example, the remaining life estimation unit146estimates the current degradation state of the power accumulation unit122, based on information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. Also, the remaining life estimation unit146estimates the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122based on the current degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. As an estimation technique of the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122, a known estimation technique or a newly developed estimation technique in the future, may be employed.

In the present embodiment, the application determination unit148determines the next application when the power accumulation unit122is removed from the vehicle120and reused, based on the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122estimated by the remaining life estimation unit146. The above application may then be the type of device in which the power accumulation unit122is installed. As the type of the device, vehicle, marine vessel, flying object, transportation equipment, working machine, power sources and the like are exemplified. The type of the device may be further subdivided than the above-mentioned classification. As the subdivided type of the device, automobile, electronic cart, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, drone, water pump, high-pressure washer, power sprayer, blower, elevator, cultivator, snow plow, lawn mower, grass cutter, brush cutter, walking assist device, stationary power source, portable power source and the like are exemplified. This can determine a candidate for the reuse of the power accumulation unit122.

In the present embodiment, the application determination unit148may transmit information indicating the next application of the power accumulation unit122to the communication terminal30of the user20. The user20can determine where to reuse the power accumulation unit122by referring to the information presented by the assistance server140.

As described above, the application determination unit148determines the next application of the power accumulation unit122, taking into account the usage of the power accumulation unit122during the period when the power accumulation unit122was installed in the vehicle120. If the power accumulation unit122has been installed in one or more power-using devices in the past, the application determination unit148can also determine the next application of the power accumulation unit122, taking into account the usage of the power accumulation unit122during the period when the power accumulation unit122was installed in these power-using devices. Therefore, by the user20determining where to reuse the power accumulation unit122with reference to the information presented by the assistance server140, the power accumulation unit122can be effectively utilized throughout the life cycle of the power accumulation unit122. In addition, the reuse of one or more power accumulation units122can be properly managed.

[Specific Configuration of Each Unit of the Reuse Assistance System100]

Each unit of the reuse assistance system100may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Each unit of the reuse assistance system100may be, at least partially, realized by a single server or a plurality of servers. Each unit of the reuse assistance system100may be, at least partially, realized on a virtual machine or cloud system. Each unit of the reuse assistance system100may be, at least partially, realized by a personal computer or mobile terminal. As the mobile terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a tablet, a notebook computer or a laptop computer, a wearable computer and the like can be exemplified. Each unit of the reuse assistance system100may store information utilizing a distributed ledger technology or distributed network such as a block chain.

If at least some of components constituting the reuse assistance system100are realized by software, the components realized by the software may be realized by activating, in an information processing apparatus having a general configuration, software or a program stipulating operations about the components. The above-described information processing apparatus with a general configuration may include (i) a data processing apparatus having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface and the like, (ii) an input apparatus such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a camera, a voice/sound input apparatus, a gesture input apparatus, various kinds of sensors, a GPS receiver, and (iii) an output apparatus such as a display apparatus, a voice/sound output apparatus, a vibration apparatus, and (iv) a recording apparatus (including an external recording apparatus) such as a memory, an HDD, an SSD and the like.

In the above-mentioned information processing apparatus with a general configuration, the above-mentioned data processing apparatus or recording apparatus may record the above-mentioned software or program. Upon being executed by a processor, the above-described software or program causes the above-described information processing apparatus to execute operations stipulated by the software or program. The software or the program described above may also be stored in a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. The software or program described above may be a program that allows a computer to function as the reuse assistance system100or a part thereof. The software or program described above may be a program for causing a computer to perform an information processing method in the reuse assistance system100or a part thereof.

In one embodiment, the information processing method in each unit of the reuse assistance system100relates to the information processing for determining the vehicle120. The above-mentioned information processing method is executed by, for example, a computer of the power accumulation unit122.

The above-mentioned information processing method includes obtaining type information to obtain type information for distinguishing at least one of the types and applications of the mobile objects by the information processing apparatus distributed to a member, when the member, which is configured to be removable from the mobile objects, is installed in the mobile objects, for example. The above-mentioned information processing method includes determining a mobile object to determine at least one of the types and applications of the mobile objects in which a member is installed, based on the type information obtained during obtaining type information by the information processing apparatus, for example.

In another embodiment, the information processing method in each unit of the reuse assistance system100relates to the information processing for determining data items stored in the power accumulation unit122, the storage unit128or the history data storage unit144. The above-mentioned information processing method is executed by a computer of the vehicle120, the power accumulation unit122or the assistance server140, for example.

The above-mentioned information processing method includes obtaining type information to obtain type information for distinguishing the mobile objects by at least one of the types and applications of the mobile objects, for example. The above-mentioned information processing method includes determining items to determine, based on the type information obtained by the type obtaining unit, items stored in a first storage apparatus among one or more items related to at least one of the usage state and degradation state of a member installed in the mobile objects, for example. In the above-mentioned information processing method, the first storage apparatus stores information indicating at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the member for each of the one or more members, for example. The first storage apparatus may be one example of a first storage unit.

In another embodiment, the information processing method in each unit of the reuse assistance system100relates to the information processing to assist the reuse of members installed in the mobile objects. The information processing to assist the reuse of members installed in the mobile objects may be information processing to determine a next application of the power accumulation unit122, which is installed in the vehicle120. The above-mentioned information processing method is executed by a computer of the assistance server140, for example.

The above-mentioned information processing method refers to the information stored in the first storage apparatus and includes estimating remaining life to estimate the remaining life of the members, for example. In the above-mentioned information processing method, the first storage apparatus stores information indicating at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the member for each of the one or more members, for example. The first storage apparatus may be one example of the first storage unit. The above-mentioned information processing method includes determining application to determine a next application when the members are removed from the mobile objects and reused, based on the remaining life of the members estimated during estimating remaining life, for example.

The reuse assistance system100may be one example of the information processing apparatus or the information processing system. The vehicle120may be one example of the mobile object. The power accumulation unit122may be one example of the member or the power accumulation apparatus. The power accumulation unit122may be one example of the information processing apparatus. The sensor included in the sensing unit126may be one example of the sensor installed in the mobile object. The type code may be one example of the type information. The recording apparatus installed in the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122may be one example of the first storage unit. The history data storage unit144may be one example of the first storage unit.

One Example of Another Embodiment

In the present embodiment, a case is exemplified where the application determination unit148determines a next application of the power accumulation unit122, taking the usage of the power accumulation unit122during a period when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120into account, to describe one example of the application determination unit148in detail. However, the application determination unit148is not limited to the present embodiment.

In another embodiment, the application determination unit148may determine a next application of the power accumulation unit122, taking into account (i) the usage of the power accumulation unit122during the period when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120, (ii) the storage of the power accumulation unit122during the period when the power accumulation unit122is removed from the vehicle120and stored. In this way, until the next application of the power accumulation unit122is determined, even if the power accumulation unit122has been stored for a relatively long period, the application determination unit148can determine properly the next application of the power accumulation unit122.

FIG.2schematically illustrates one example of an internal configuration of the power accumulation unit122. In the present embodiment, the power accumulation unit122includes an electric storage cell220, a BMS230, a sensing unit240and a memory250. The power accumulation unit122may include a plurality of electric storage cells220. In the present embodiment, the memory250has a history data storage unit252and a buffer data storage unit254.

In the present embodiment, the electric storage cell220accumulates electrical energy. The electric storage cell220supplies electrical power to each unit of the vehicle120. For example, with the control of the BMS230, when the electric storage cell220is electrically connected with the power line of the vehicle120(not illustrated), electrical power is supplied from the electric storage cell220to each unit of the vehicle120. On the other hand, with the control of the BMS230, when the electric storage cell220is electrically disconnected with the power line of the vehicle120(not illustrated), the electrical power supply to each unit of the vehicle120from the electric storage cell220is stopped.

In the present embodiment, the BMS230controls the operations of the power accumulation unit122. For example, the BMS230controls the electrical power supply to the vehicle120from the electric storage cell220. Also, the BMS230manages the state of the power accumulation unit122. The BMS230may manage the information indicating the state of the power accumulation unit122.

In one embodiment, the BMS230stores information indicating the state of the power accumulation unit122output by the sensing unit240in the memory250. In another embodiment, the BMS230stores at least a part of the information indicating the state of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122output by the sensing unit126in the memory250. Furthermore in another embodiment, the BMS230may output the information indicating the measurement result of the sensing unit240to the ECU134or the assistance server140.

In the present embodiment, the BMS230obtains a type code of the vehicle120when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120. The BMS230may determine data items stored in the memory250or the like based on the type or application of the vehicle120indicated by the above-mentioned type code. Details of the BMS230are described below.

In the present embodiment, the sensing unit240obtains information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. The sensing unit240outputs data related to various items regarding at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. In one embodiment, the sensing unit240outputs information indicating the measured value. In another embodiment, the sensing unit240outputs information indicating that the measured value is larger than the predetermined threshold when the measured value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

As the data item output by the sensing unit240, at least one of the acceleration of the power accumulation unit122, the number or frequency with which the acceleration of the power accumulation unit122exceeds the predetermined first threshold, the magnitude of the impact applied on the power accumulation unit122, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact applied on the power accumulation unit122exceeds the predetermined second threshold value, the inclination of the power accumulation unit122, the number or frequency with which the inclination of the power accumulation unit122exceeds the predetermined third threshold, the number of charging or the charging frequency of the power accumulation unit122, the accumulated value of the discharge capacity of the power accumulation unit122, the accumulated value of the charging capacity of the power accumulation unit122, and the operation environment of the power accumulation unit122is exemplified. As the operation environment of the power accumulation unit122, the temperature of a specific location of the power accumulation unit122, the humidity of a specific location of the power accumulation unit122and the like are exemplified.

The sensing unit240may include one or more sensors. As the above-mentioned sensor, an acceleration sensor for measuring the acceleration of the power accumulation unit122, an angular acceleration sensor for measuring the angular acceleration of the power accumulation unit122, a vibration sensor for measuring the magnitude of the vibration of the power accumulation unit122, an inclination sensor for measuring the magnitude of the inclination of the power accumulation unit122, an impact sensor for detecting the magnitude of the impact applied on the power accumulation unit122, a voltage sensor for measuring the output voltage of the power accumulation unit122, a current sensor for measuring the output current of the power accumulation unit122, a voltage sensor for measuring the input voltage of the power accumulation unit122, a current sensor for measuring the input current of the power accumulation unit122, a charging cycle detection sensor for detecting the charging cycle of the power accumulation unit122, the abnormality detection sensor for detecting anomalous of the power accumulation unit122and the like are exemplified. The number of charging or the charging frequency may be counted as one cycle from the end-of-discharge voltage to the end-of-charge voltage.

In the present embodiment, the memory250stores information about at least one of the usage state and degradation state of each of one or more power accumulation units122. For example, the memory250stores, according to the control of the BMS230, the type code stored in the storage unit128of the vehicle120with the power accumulation unit122installed therein, at least a part of the data output by the sensing unit126, and at least a part of the data output by the sensing unit240, in the history data storage unit252.

In one embodiment, among the data output by the sensing unit126and the data output by the sensing unit240, the data that has not been determined to be stored in the history data storage unit252by the BMS230is not stored in the memory250. In another embodiment, among the data output by the sensing unit126and the data output by the sensing unit240, the data that has not been determined to be stored in the history data storage unit252by the BMS230is stored in the buffer data storage unit254.

In the present embodiment, the history data storage unit252stores the type code stored in the storage unit128of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein, at least a part of the data output by the sensing unit126and at least a part of the data output by the sensing unit240. The history data storage unit252stores (i) the type code stored in the storage unit128of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein, (ii) the data that has not been determined to be stored in the history data storage unit252by the BMS230among the data output by the sensing unit126and the data output by the sensing unit240.

In the present embodiment, the buffer data storage unit254temporarily stores the data that has not been determined to be stored in the history data storage unit252by the BMS230among the data output by the sensing unit126and the data output by the sensing unit240, different from the history data storage unit252. The storage period of the data stored in the buffer data storage unit254may be shorter than the storage period of the data stored in the history data storage unit252.

In one embodiment, the data stored in the buffer data storage unit254is deleted after the elapse of a predetermined period. In another embodiment, the data stored in the buffer data storage unit254may be overwritten by other data. For example, when the recording capacity of the buffer data storage unit254becomes full, the data stored in the buffer data storage unit254is overwritten by other data.

The electric storage cell220may be one example of the member or the power accumulation apparatus. The BMS230may be one example of the information processing apparatus. The sensor included in the sensing unit240may be one example of the sensor installed in the members. The memory250may be one example of the first storage unit or the second storage unit. The history data storage unit252may be one example of the first storage unit. The buffer data storage unit254may be one example of the second storage unit.

One Example of Another Embodiment

In the present embodiment, the details of one example of the reuse assistance system100have been explained using the case where the power accumulation unit122is subject to reuse. However, the reuse assistance system100is not limited to the present embodiment. In another embodiment, the electric storage cell220may be subject to reuse.

FIG.3schematically illustrates one example of an internal configuration of the BMS230. In the present embodiment, the BMS230includes a communication control unit322, a type code obtaining unit332, a car type determination unit334, a recorded item determination unit336, a data obtaining unit342, and a memory control unit344.

In the present embodiment, the communication control unit322controls the communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120. In one embodiment, the communication control unit322obtains the information flowing over the communication network (not illustrated) distributed in the vehicle120. The communication control unit322may flow the information output by the sensing unit240over a communication network distributed in the vehicle120(not illustrated). In another embodiment, the communication control unit322accesses to the sensing unit126of the vehicle120and obtains information output by the sensing unit126. The communication control unit322may access to the storage unit128of the vehicle120and obtain the information stored in the storage unit128. Furthermore in another embodiment, the communication control unit322transmits and receives information between the ECU134of the vehicle120and itself. For example, the communication control unit322outputs the information output by the sensing unit240to the ECU134. The communication control unit322may output the information stored in the memory250to the ECU134, according to the request from the ECU134.

The communication control unit322may determine whether to establish the communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120. The communication control unit322may also output the signal indicating that the communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120has been established to the type code obtaining unit332, when the communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120has been established.

In the present embodiment, the type code obtaining unit332obtains the type code stored in the storage unit128of the vehicle120when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120. In one embodiment, the type code obtaining unit332accesses to the storage unit128of the vehicle120and obtains the above-mentioned type code when the type code obtaining unit332has received a signal indicating that the communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120has been established from the communication control unit322. In another embodiment, the type code obtaining unit332requests for the above-mentioned type code to the ECU134of the vehicle120when the type code obtaining unit332has received the signal indicating that communication has been established between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120from the communication control unit322.

In the present embodiment, the car type determination unit334determines at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein. The car type determination unit334may determine at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120with the power accumulation unit122installed therein, based on the type code obtained by the type code obtaining unit332.

In the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines the items stored in the history data storage unit252(sometimes referred to as stored items) among one or more items related to at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122(sometimes referred to as related items). The recorded item determination unit336may determine the stored items based on at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120determined by the car type determination unit334.

As the above-mentioned related items, at least one item selected from a group comprising: (i) the number of power accumulation apparatus mountable to the vehicle120, (ii) the number of power accumulation unit122actually installed in the vehicle120, (iii) the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, (iv) the acceleration of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the acceleration exceeds a predetermined first threshold, (v) the magnitude of the impact applied on the power accumulation unit122or the vehicle120, or the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact exceeds a predetermined second threshold, (vi) the inclination of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the inclination of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122exceeds a predetermined third threshold, (vii) the number of charging or charging frequency of the power accumulation unit122, (viii) the moving distance of the vehicle120, (ix) the accumulated value of the discharge capacity of the power accumulation unit122, (x) the temperature of the power accumulation unit122, (xi) the type or application of the vehicle120, is exemplified. The type or application of the vehicle120may be a type code.

[A Specific Example where the Vehicle120is a Motorcycle]

For example, the car type determination unit334determines that the vehicle120is a motorcycle that travels utilizing the electrical power accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. In this case, the recorded item determination unit336determines, as the stored items, at least (i) the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, (ii) the acceleration of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the acceleration exceeds a predetermined first threshold, (iii) the magnitude of the impact applied on the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact applied exceeds a predetermined second threshold, (iv) the inclination of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the inclination of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122exceeds a predetermined third threshold, and (v) the number of charging or the charging frequency of the power accumulation unit122.

The recorded item determination unit336may determine not to store the data related to the items other than the above-mentioned stored items in the history data storage unit252. The recorded item determination unit336may determine to store the data related to the items other than the above-mentioned stored items in the buffer data storage unit254.

When the power accumulation unit122is installed in a motorcycle, the power accumulation unit122is highly possible to be exposed to a harsher environment compared to the case where the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile. For example, if a motorcycle falls over, the power accumulation unit122may be physically damaged. For example, when a motorcycle is travelling, a pebble may hit the power accumulation unit122, causing physical damage to the power accumulation unit122. Also, when the motorcycle is turning, the driver of the motorcycle will incline the motorcycle. In addition, the capacity of the power accumulation unit122installed in a motorcycle is often smaller than the capacity of the power accumulation unit122installed in an automobile.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines acceleration, impact, inclination, number of charging or charging frequency and moving distance or the like as the stored items. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

[A Specific Example when the Vehicle120is a Bicycle]

For example, the car type determination unit334determines that the vehicle120is a bicycle that travels utilizing the electrical power accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. In this case, the recorded item determination unit336determines at least (i) the magnitude of the impact applied to the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122, or the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact exceeded the predetermined second threshold, and (ii) the number of charging or charging frequency of the power accumulation unit122as stored items.

The recorded item determination unit336may determine not to store the data related to the items other than the above-mentioned stored items in the history data storage unit252. The recorded item determination unit336may determine to store the data related to the items other than the above-mentioned stored items in the buffer data storage unit254.

When the power accumulation unit122is installed in a motorcycle, the power accumulation unit122is highly possible to be exposed to a harsher environment compared to a case where the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile. On the other hand, when the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile, the power accumulation unit122is less possible to be exposed to harsh environment than when the power accumulation unit122is installed in a motorcycle.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines, impact, the number of charging or charging frequency or the like as the stored items. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

[A Specific Example when the Vehicle120is an Automobile]

For example, the car type determination unit334determines that the vehicle120is an automobile that travels utilizing the electrical power accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. In this case, the recorded item determination unit336determines, at least, (i) the moving distance of the vehicle120, (ii) the number of power accumulation units122actually installed in the vehicle120, (iii) the type or application of the vehicle120, and (iv) the magnitude of the impact applied to the vehicle120or the power accumulation units122, or the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the impact exceeds a predetermined second threshold are determined as the stored items.

When the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile, the moving distance per trip is highly possible to be longer than when the power accumulation unit122is installed in, for example, a motorcycle or a bicycle with an electric motor. In addition, the types and applications of automobiles are more common than the types and applications of motorcycles or bicycles with an electric motor. Furthermore, the weight of an automobile is greater than the weight of an automatic motorcycle or bicycle with an electric motor. The weight of an automobile varies greatly depending on the types and applications of the automobile. The greater the weight of the vehicle120with the power accumulation unit122installed therein, the greater the output requirement for the power accumulation unit122can be.

Therefore, the progress level of degradation of the power accumulation unit122may vary greatly depending on the type and application of the automobile. For example, the progress level of degradation of the power accumulation unit122installed in a small automobile for home use may be greatly different from that of a power accumulation unit122installed in a truck for business use.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines, moving distance of the vehicle120, the type or application of the vehicle120or the like as the stored items. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

The recorded item determination unit336may determine other items that have a large impact on the prediction of the degradation of the power accumulation unit122as stored items. For example, when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the lower part of the vehicle body, physical forces caused by the torsion of the vehicle body are applied to the power accumulation unit122. The magnitude of the physical force due to the torsion of the vehicle body, for example, increases as the acceleration of the vehicle120increases.

Therefore, the recorded item determination unit336determines, for example, (i) the moving distance of the vehicle120and at least one of the types or applications of the vehicle120, and (ii) the acceleration of the vehicle120as stored items. This further improves the accuracy of determining the application.

[A Specific Example when the Vehicle120is a Cultivator]

For example, the car type determination unit334determines that the vehicle120is a cultivator that travels utilizing the electrical power accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. In this case, the recorded item determination unit336determines at least (i) the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122as a stored item.

Working machines such as cultivators are often driven on rough roads compared to automobiles or the like. Areas where the road environment is worse than a predetermined standard can be determined, for example, by the geographical location of the area.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122as the stored item. For example, by referring to a database that corresponds to the geographical location of one or more areas to the road environment at that location, the road environment at the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122can be extracted. The above-mentioned database may be a database that stores the geographical locations of areas where the road environment is worse than a predetermined standard or areas where the road environment is better than a predetermined standard. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

Also, if the power accumulation unit122is installed in a cultivator, for example, the acceleration in the vertical direction (which may be the up-down direction of the vehicle120) and/or the acceleration in the front-back direction of the vehicle120is highly possible to be greater than if the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile. When the power accumulation unit122is installed in a cultivator, for example, the vibration or impact applied to the power accumulation unit122is highly possible to be greater than when the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines at least one of, as a stored item, the acceleration in the vertical direction, the acceleration in the up-down direction of the vehicle120, the acceleration in the front-back direction of the vehicle120, the vibration applied to the power accumulation unit122, and the impact applied to the power accumulation unit122. For example, the recorded item determination unit336determines, as a stored item, at least one of the magnitude of the above-mentioned acceleration, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above acceleration exceeds a predetermined value, the direction and magnitude of the above-mentioned acceleration, the magnitude of the above-mentioned vibration, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above-mentioned vibration exceeds a predetermined value, the frequency of the above-mentioned vibration, the magnitude of the above-mentioned impact, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above mentioned impact exceeds a predetermined value, and the direction and magnitude of the impact. At least one of displacement, velocity, and acceleration is exemplified as the magnitude of vibration. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

[A Specific Example when the Vehicle120is a Boat]

For example, the car type determination unit334determines that the vehicle120is a boat that travels utilizing the electrical power accumulated in the power accumulation unit122. In this case, the recorded item determination unit336determines at least (i) the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122as a stored item.

A boat and other marine vessels often navigate with much more up-down and left-right motion than an automobile or the like. In addition, a boat and other marine vessel are repeatedly subjected to large vibrations caused by waves as they navigate. The area that a marine vessel can navigate can be determined, for example, by the geographical location of the area. Also, the state of the waves can be determined, for example, by the geographical location. The state of the waves may be distinguished by the type of water body. The type of water body can be determined, for example, by the geographical location of the water body. As the type of the water body, river, lake, port, coastal water, inland sea, open sea and the like are exemplified.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines the geographical location of the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122as the stored item. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

Also, if the power accumulation unit122is installed in a relatively small marine vessel such as a boat, for example, the acceleration in the vertical direction (which may be the up-down direction of the vehicle120), the acceleration in the left-right direction of the vehicle120and/or front-back direction of the vehicle120is highly possible to be greater than if the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile. When the power accumulation unit122is installed in a relatively small marine vessel such as a boat, for example, vibrations with a longer period and higher acceleration are applied to the power accumulation unit122compared to when the power accumulation unit122is installed in an automobile.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336determines at least one of, as a stored item, the acceleration in the vertical direction, the acceleration in the up-down direction of the vehicle120, the acceleration in the left-right direction of the vehicle120, the acceleration in the front-back direction of the vehicle120, the vibration applied to the power accumulation unit122, and the impact applied to the power accumulation unit122. For example, the recorded item determination unit336determines, as a stored item, at least one of the magnitude of the above-mentioned acceleration, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above acceleration exceeds a predetermined value, the direction and magnitude of the above-mentioned acceleration, the magnitude of the above-mentioned vibration, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above-mentioned vibration exceeds a predetermined value, the frequency of the above-mentioned vibration, the magnitude of the above-mentioned impact, the number or frequency with which the magnitude of the above mentioned impact exceeds a predetermined value, and the direction and magnitude of the impact. At least one of displacement, velocity, and acceleration is exemplified as the magnitude of vibration. This can determine a more appropriate application for where to reuse the power accumulation unit122.

In the present embodiment, the data obtaining unit342obtains various types of information (sometimes referred to as state information) regarding at least one of the usage state and degradation state of the power accumulation unit122installed in the vehicle120. The data obtaining unit342, for example, obtains the data output by at least one of the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240as state information.

As described above, the sensing unit126includes one or more sensors. The data output by the sensing unit126includes information indicating the measurement results of each of the one or more sensors included in the sensing unit126. The data output by the sensing unit126may include information indicating the time and information indicating the measurement results of each sensor at that time. The sensing unit126may output the measurement results of each of a plurality of sensors as different data. The sensing unit126may combine the measurement results of a plurality of sensors into a single data output.

Similarly, the sensing unit240includes one or more sensors. The data output by the sensing unit240includes information indicating the measurement results of each of the one or more sensors included in the sensing unit240. The data output by the sensing unit240may include information indicating the time and information indicating the measurement results of each sensor at that time. The sensing unit240may output the measurement results of each of a plurality of sensors as different data. The sensing unit240may combine the measurement results of a plurality of sensors into a single data output.

The measurement result of a single sensor, for example, corresponds to a single related item. According to the present embodiment, the data output by the sensing unit126includes at least one piece of information indicating the contents of each of one or more related items (sometimes referred to as related item information). Also, the data output by the sensing unit240includes at least one piece of information indicating the contents of each of one or more related items.

The data obtaining unit342collects the data output by at least one of the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240according to instructions from the memory control unit344. In one embodiment, the data obtaining unit342collects not only data related to the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336, but also data related to related items other than the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336. For example, the data obtaining unit342obtains all the data that can be collected. In another embodiment, the data obtaining unit342obtains data related to the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336among the data that can be collected.

The data obtaining unit342, stores the data output by at least one of the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240in the memory250. For example, the data obtaining unit342stores, in the history data storage unit252, at least a part of the data output by at least one of the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240according to instructions from the memory control unit344. Also, the data obtaining unit342stores, in the buffer data storage unit254, at least a part of the data output by at least one of the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240according to instructions from the memory control unit344.

In the present embodiment, the memory control unit344controls operation of the data obtaining unit342. Specifically, the memory control unit344, for example, controls the operations of the data obtaining unit342to collect data. The memory control unit344may control the operations of the data obtaining unit342to store information in the memory250.

In one embodiment, the memory control unit344controls the data obtaining unit342to collect not only data related to the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336, but also data related to related items other than the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336. For example, the memory control unit344controls the data obtaining unit342to obtain all the data that can be collected.

Next, the memory control unit344controls the data obtaining unit342to determine, for each of at least one piece of related item information included in each data collected by the data obtaining unit342, whether or not to store the related item information in the history data storage unit252. In this case, the data obtaining unit342performs the above determination process for each of the one or more data collected by the data obtaining unit342. In addition, the data obtaining unit342stores information in the memory250according to the determination result.

Specifically, the data obtaining unit342determines whether or not each item of at least one piece of related item information included in each data corresponds to a stored item determined by the recorded item determination unit336. Then, the data obtaining unit342determines to store in the history data storage unit252the related item information related to the stored item determined by the recorded item determination unit336among at least one piece of related item information included in each data obtained by the data obtaining unit342. On the other hand, the data obtaining unit342determines to (i) discard or (ii) store in the buffer data storage unit254the related item information related to items other than the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336, among at least one piece of related item information included in each data obtained by the data obtaining unit342.

As described above, the data output by the sensing unit126or sensing unit240may include information indicating the time and information indicating the measurement results of each sensor at that time. The data obtaining unit342may store the information indicating the measurement results of the sensor corresponding to the stored item determined by the recorded item determination unit336to the information indicating the above time, and stores the corresponding information, among the information indicating the measurement results of each sensor included in the data output by the sensing unit126or the sensing unit240, in the history data storage unit252.

On the other hand, it is possible that the data output by the sensing unit126or the sensing unit240does not include information indicating the time. In this case, the data obtaining unit342may store the information indicating the measurement results of the sensor corresponding to the stored item determined by the recorded item determination unit336to the information indicating the time when the data obtaining unit342obtained the above mentioned data, for example, and stores the corresponding information, among the information indicating the measurement results of each sensor included in the data output by the sensing unit126or the sensing unit240, in the history data storage unit252.

In another embodiment, the memory control unit344controls the data obtaining unit342to collect data related to the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336. In this case, the data obtaining unit342obtains the related item information indicating the contents of the stored item determined by the recorded item determination unit336. On the other hand, the data obtaining unit342does not obtain related item information indicating the contents of items other than the stored items determined by the recorded item determination unit336. In addition, the memory control unit344controls the data obtaining unit342to store the data collected by the data obtaining unit342in the history data storage unit252.

The type code obtaining unit332may be one example of the type information obtaining unit. The car type determination unit334may be one example of the mobile object determination unit. The recorded item determination unit336may be one example of the item determination unit. The data obtaining unit342may be one example of the state information obtaining unit or a related item information obtaining unit. The data obtaining unit342may be one example of the related item information control unit. The memory control unit344may be one example of the item determination unit or the related item information control unit. The data output by the sensing unit126may be one example of the state information or the related item information. The data output by the sensing unit240may be one example of the state information or the related item information.

FIG.4schematically illustrates one example of the information processing in the reuse assistance system100. According to the present embodiment, first, in step422(step may be abbreviated as S), the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120. When the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120and communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120is established, the communication control unit322of the BMS230outputs a signal to the type code obtaining unit332indicating that communication between the power accumulation unit122and the vehicle120has been established. Then, in5424, the type code obtaining unit332obtains the type code stored in the storage unit128of the vehicle120.

Then, in5426, the car type determination unit334of the BMS230determines at least one of the type and application of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein, based on the type code obtained by the type code obtaining unit332. Also, in5428, the recorded item determination unit336of the BMS230determines a stored item to be stored in the history data storage unit252among one or more related items that are related to at least one of the usage state and the degradation state of the power accumulation unit122.

Then, in5432, the data obtaining unit342of the BMS230collects the data output by at least one sensor included in the sensing unit126and the sensing unit240, according to the instructions of the memory control unit344. Also, in5434, the data obtaining unit342of the BMS230stores at least some of the collected data in the history data storage unit252according to the instructions of the memory control unit344.

Next, in5442, the history data obtaining unit142of the assistance server140obtains the information stored in the history data storage unit252. The history data obtaining unit142may store the information that has been stored in the history data storage unit252in the history data storage unit144.

In one embodiment, the history data obtaining unit142requests the ECU134of the vehicle120with a power accumulation unit122installed therein to transmit the information stored in the history data storage unit252of the power accumulation unit122. In another embodiment, the history data obtaining unit142obtains information stored in the history data storage unit252of the power accumulation unit122via the communication terminal30connected to the vehicle120or the power accumulation unit122.

Also, the remaining life estimation unit146of the assistance server140estimates the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122by referring to the information stored in the history data obtaining unit142. The application determination unit148of the assistance server140determines the next application when the power accumulation unit122is removed from the vehicle120and reused, based on the remaining life of the power accumulation unit122estimated by the remaining life estimation unit146.

In the present embodiment, when the power accumulation unit122is installed in the vehicle120, the BMS230distributed in the power accumulation unit122obtains the type code of the vehicle120from the vehicle120. The BMS230distributed in the power accumulation unit122determines the type of data to be stored in the memory250distributed in the power accumulation unit122based on the type code of the vehicle120.

This can reduce the number of data items to be collected. As a result, the capacity of data used in the process of determining where to reuse the power accumulation unit122in the assistance server140is reduced. As a result, the collected data can be stored for a relatively long period of time in a recording apparatus located in the vehicle120or in the power accumulation unit122. Therefore, this prevents the dissipation of useful data even when the vehicle120or power accumulation unit122is distributed from one place to another in the second-hand market. In addition, the calculation amount and calculation time in the process of determining where to reuse the power accumulation unit122can be reduced.

Also, according to the present embodiment, the amount of data to be collected is also reduced. As a result, the transmission time of the collected data to the assistance server140is reduced. This can reduce the processing time of the remaining life estimation process. For example, when estimating the remaining life in real time, the overall time of the remaining life estimation process is expressed as the sum of the data transmission time and the data processing time. According to the present embodiment, the overall time for the remaining life estimation process is greatly reduced because the data transmission time and processing time are reduced.

One Example of Another Embodiment

In the present embodiment, details of one example of the reuse assistance system100have been described using the case where the recorded item determination unit336determines the items to be stored in the history data storage unit252among one or more items related to at least one of the usage state and the degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. However, the reuse assistance system100is not limited to the present embodiment.

In another embodiment, the recorded item determination unit336may determine the items to be stored in the storage unit128or the history data storage unit144among one or more items related to at least one of the usage state and the degradation state of the power accumulation unit122. For example, when the recorded item determination unit336determines the items to be stored in the history data storage unit144among one or more items related to at least one of the usage state and the degradation state of the power accumulation unit122, the recorded item determination unit336selects information transmitted to the history data storage unit144via the TCU132, among the data output by the sensing unit126or the sensing unit240.

In the present embodiment, the details of one example of the reuse assistance system100were explained using the case where the BMS230of the power accumulation unit122determines the stored item from among one or more related items. In other words, the details of one example of the reuse assistance system100have been explained using the case where the stored items are determined in the information processing apparatus distributed in the power accumulation unit122as one example. However, the reuse assistance system100is not limited to the present embodiment.

In another embodiment, a part of the functions of the BMS230may be realized by the ECU134. In other words, the information processing apparatus described above may be distributed outside the power accumulation unit122. For example, at least a part of the type code obtaining unit332, the data obtaining unit342, the car type determination unit334, the recorded item determination unit336and the memory control unit344may be distributed to the ECU134. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle120may be one example of an information processing apparatus. The ECU134may be one example of the information processing apparatus.

Furthermore in another embodiment, a part of the functions of the BMS230may be realized by the assistance server140. For example, at least a part of the type code obtaining unit332, the data obtaining unit342, the car type determination unit334, the recorded item determination unit336and the memory control unit344may be distributed to the assistance server140. Also, at least a part of the functions of the data obtaining unit342may be realized by the history data obtaining unit142. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the assistance server140may be one example of the information processing apparatus or the information processing system.

FIG.5schematically illustrates one example of a computer3000, in which a plurality of embodiments of the present invention may be entirely or partly realized. For example, the TCU132is realized by the computer3000. For example, the ECU134is realized by the computer3000. For example, the assistance server140is realized by the computer3000.

A program that is installed in the computer3000can cause the computer3000to perform an operation associated with an apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention or to function as one or more “units” of the apparatus, or cause the computer3000to perform the operation or the one or more units thereof, and/or cause the computer3000to perform processes of the embodiment of the present invention or steps thereof. Such a program may be executed by the CPU3012to cause the computer3000to perform particular operations associated with some or all of the blocks of flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

The computer3000in accordance with the present embodiment includes a CPU3012, a RAM3014, a graphics controller3016, and a display device3018, which are mutually connected by a host controller3010. The computer3000also includes an input/output unit such as a communication interface3022, a hard disk drive3024, a DVD-ROM drive3026, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller3010via the input/output controller3020. The computer also includes legacy input/output units such as a ROM3030and a keyboard3042, which are connected to the input/output controller3020through an input/output chip3040.

The CPU3012operates according to programs stored in the ROM3030and the RAM3014, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller3016acquires image data generated by the CPU3012on a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM3014or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on a display device3018.

The communication interface3022communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive3024stores programs and data that are used by the CPU3012within the computer3000. The DVD-ROM drive3026reads the programs or the data from the DVD-ROM3001, and provides the hard disk drive3024with the programs or the data via the RAM3014. The IC card drive reads the program and data from the IC card, and/or writes the program and data to the IC card.

The ROM3030stores therein a boot program or the like that is performed by the computer3000at the time of activation, and/or a program depending on the hardware of the computer3000. The input/output chip3040may also connect various input/output units to the input/output controller3020via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port or the like.

A program is provided by a computer readable storage medium, such as the DVD-ROM3001or the IC card. The program is read from the computer readable storage medium, installed into the hard disk drive3024, RAM3014, or ROM3030, which are also examples of computer readable storage medium, and performed by the CPU3012. The information processing described in these programs is read into the computer3000, resulting in cooperation between a program and the above-described various types of hardware resources. An apparatus or method may be constituted by realizing the operation or processing of information in accordance with the usage of the computer3000.

For example, when communication is performed between the computer3000and an external device, the CPU3012may execute a communication program loaded onto the RAM3014to instruct communication processing to the communication interface3022, based on the processing described in the communication program. The communication interface3022, under the control of the CPU3012, reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer area provided in the recording medium such as RAM3014, hard disk drive3024, DVD-ROM3001, or IC card, and sends the read transmission data to the network or writes the received data from the network to the reception buffer area provided on the recording medium.

In addition, the CPU3012may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or a database to be read into the RAM3014, the file or the database having been stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive3024, the DVD-ROM drive3026(DVD-ROM3001), the IC card, etc., and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM3014. The CPU3012may then write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

Various types of programs, data, table and various types of information such as a database may be stored in a storage medium to receive information processing. The CPU3012may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM3014, which includes various types of operations, information processing, condition judging, conditional branch, unconditional branch, search/replacement of information, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and designated by an command sequence of programs, and writes the result back to the RAM3014. In addition, the CPU3012may search for information in a file, a database, etc., in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored in the recording medium, the CPU3012may search for an entry whose attribute value of the first attribute matches the condition a designated condition, from among the plurality of entries, and read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, thereby obtaining the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute satisfying the predetermined condition.

The above-described program or software modules may be stored in the computer readable storage medium on or near the computer3000. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as the computer readable storage medium, thereby providing the program to the computer3000via the network.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. It is apparent to persons skilled in the art that various alterations and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. Further, to the extent that there is no technical contradiction, the matters described for the specific embodiment can be applied to other embodiments. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the invention.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES