WO2021192690A1

WO2021192690A1 - Information collection and distribution system, information collecting device, server, and information collection and distribution method

Info

Publication number: WO2021192690A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/005004
Authority: WO
Inventors: 康一津野; 中田　泰弘
Original assignee: 本田技研工業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-02-10
Publication date: 2021-09-30

Abstract

This server, which collects, via a network, data acquired by each of a plurality of information collecting devices driven by means of electric power supplied by rechargeable batteries, and distributes the collected data via the network for a fee to a plurality of information receiving devices, performs the following processing. That is, the server collects, via the network from each of the information collecting devices, first data indicating the state of the battery in the information collecting device, and second data indicating the state of the installation environment of the information collecting device. Next, the server stores the collected first data and second data in a database. Furthermore, in response to requests from each of the plurality of information receiving devices, the server distributes the data stored in the database via the network to the information receiving devices that have made requests. At this time, the information receiving devices to which the data have been distributed are charged.

Description

Information collection and distribution system, information collection device, server, and information collection and distribution method

The present invention relates to an information collection / distribution system, an information collection device, a server, and an information collection / distribution method. In particular, for example, an information collection / distribution system for collecting and distributing detection data by a sensor of a reuse battery used as a power source for various devices, information collection Regarding devices, servers, and information collection and distribution methods.

Conventionally, rechargeable secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries have been used as power storage devices in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. This secondary battery has high standards and regulations for the safe operation and operation of the vehicle, and if it does not meet the standards, it cannot be mounted on the vehicle and used. For example, when the rechargeable capacity of the secondary battery becomes less than a predetermined amount, it is necessary to replace it with a new secondary battery. However, although it does not meet the criteria for use in vehicles, the performance of the secondary battery itself is maintained high enough to withstand its use except for vehicle applications.

Therefore, attempts have been made to reuse such secondary batteries. A secondary battery that is reused in this way is often referred to as a reuse battery. Such a reuse battery has an advantage that it can be used at a relatively low cost, and is expected to be used as a promising power source in fields where high reliability is not required. For example, it can be applied to an emergency stationary storage battery, agricultural equipment, a power source in a dwelling in a mountainous area or an island region, and the like.

Such a reuse battery has a built-in sensor for monitoring its deterioration state and usage environment, acquires various physical quantities detected by the sensor as detection data, and based on the acquired data, the reuse battery Life can be estimated. In addition, the replacement timing of the reused battery can be estimated based on the estimated life, and appropriate maintenance can be performed by notifying the user of these.

In addition, the secondary battery itself is used as a power storage element of various power generation systems, and may be used to sell the power stored in the power storage element. In such a case, the detection data by the sensor built in the secondary battery is used in order to appropriately manage the state of the secondary battery itself. For example, Patent Document 1 and the like disclose a system for monitoring the state of a secondary battery used as a power storage element of a power generation system.

Japanese Patent No. 6590029

The above-mentioned reuse battery is installed and used in various places, and the sensor built in the reuse battery acquires various data (for example, temperature, atmospheric pressure, vibration, etc.). However, such data is only fed back to the maintenance of reused batteries, and although it is important data from a geophysical point of view and an environmental scientific point of view, it is fully utilized. I couldn't say that.

In addition, although the integrated temperature is an important index for managing crop growth in agriculture, it cannot be said that the temperature data used for that index is observed at high density. The number of commonly used AMeDAS data observation points of the Japan Meteorological Agency is only about 1,700 points nationwide. On the other hand, for example, agricultural equipment using a reuse battery is used in or near the farmland, and even though the temperature data is acquired, the data is not fed back to the management of the crop growth status and is wasted. rice field.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and for example, an information collection / distribution system, an information collection device, a server, and an information collection / distribution method that feed back data acquired by a reuse battery and provide it to various fields. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the information collection and distribution system of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, it is an information collection and distribution system that collects data acquired by each of a plurality of information collection devices by a server and distributes the collected data from the server to a plurality of information receiving devices for a fee. Each of the collecting devices includes a rechargeable battery that supplies power to drive the information collecting device, a monitoring circuit that monitors the state of the battery, a sensor that detects the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, and a sensor. The present invention includes a transmission means for transmitting the first data indicating the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit and the second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor via the network. The server collects the first data and the second data from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network, and the first data and the first data collected by the collecting means. In response to a request from each of the database for storing the data of 2 and the plurality of information receiving devices, the data stored in the database is distributed to the information receiving device that made the request via the network. The plurality of information receiving devices include a distribution means and a billing means for charging the information receiving device that has delivered data by the distribution means, and the plurality of information receiving devices request the server to deliver data via the network. It is characterized by including a requesting means for receiving data and a receiving means for receiving data delivered from the server in response to a request by the requesting means.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the second aspect, the battery is a reuse battery and is characterized by including a lithium ion battery.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the third aspect, the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit includes the discharge voltage, output density, and cell temperature of the reused battery, and the state of the environment detected by the sensor. Is characterized by including temperature, barometric pressure, sunshine duration, and humidity.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the fourth aspect, the transmission means transmits data by adding information on the location where the information collecting device is installed and the data acquisition time by the monitoring circuit and the sensor. It is characterized by performing.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the fifth aspect, the collecting means is characterized in that data is collected from each of the plurality of information collecting devices by push-type collection or pull-type collection.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the sixth aspect, the billing means charges a flat rate system or a pay-as-you-go system based on a contract concluded with each user of the plurality of information receiving devices. It is characterized by that.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the seventh aspect, the plurality of information collecting devices and the server, and the network connecting the server and the plurality of information receiving devices perform communication by wireless communication or wired communication. It is characterized by that.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the eighth aspect, it is an information collecting device driven by electric power supplied from a rechargeable battery, and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the state of the battery and the information collecting device are installed. A sensor that detects the state of the environment, a first data indicating the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit, and a second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor are transmitted via a network. It is characterized in that it includes a transmission means for transmitting the information.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the ninth aspect, the data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices driven by the power supplied from the rechargeable battery is collected via the network, and the collected data is collected as described above. A server that distributes data to a plurality of information receiving devices via a network for a fee, and the first data indicating the state of the battery of the information collecting device via the network from each of the plurality of information collecting devices and the said. A collection means for collecting second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, a database for storing the first data and the second data collected by the collection means, and a plurality of the above. In response to the request from each of the information receiving devices of the above, the data stored in the database is distributed to the information receiving device that made the request via the network, and the data is distributed by the distribution means. It is characterized by including a charging means for charging the information receiving device.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from the tenth aspect, the data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices driven by the power supplied by the rechargeable battery is collected via the network, and the collected data is collected as described above. It is an information collection and distribution method in a server that distributes data to a plurality of information receiving devices via a network for a fee, and indicates the state of the battery of the information collecting device from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network. A collection process for collecting the data of 1 and a second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collection device is installed, and the first data and the second data collected in the collection process are stored in a database. A storage step for storing, a distribution step for delivering data stored in the database to the information receiving device that made the request via the network in response to a request from each of the plurality of information receiving devices. It is characterized by having a charging process of charging the information receiving device that has distributed data in the distribution process.

According to the configuration of the first aspect to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to feed back the data acquired by using the rechargeable battery and provide it to various fields.

According to the configuration of the second to third aspects, for example, a reuse battery such as a lithium ion battery is effectively used, and the data obtained from the reuse battery and the data obtained in the installation environment of the reuse battery are effective. Can be used for.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, it is possible to develop a business that provides data obtained from the reuse battery and data obtained in the installation environment of the reuse battery for a fee.

According to the configuration on the seventh aspect, since it can be used for both wireless communication and wired communication, it is possible to collect data from an information collecting device deployed in a remote place or a remote place.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be clarified by the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numbers.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification and are used to form a part thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and explain the principles of the present invention together with the description thereof.
It is a block diagram which shows the configuration outline of the information collection and distribution system which is a typical example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a reuse battery. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server as an information distribution device. It is a figure which shows the outline structure of the information receiving apparatus of PC form. It is a flowchart which shows the data collection process executed by a reuse battery. It is a flowchart which shows the data collection process executed by a reuse battery. It is a figure which shows the structure of the transmission format of the data transmitted from a reuse battery. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the data collection performed by a server. It is a flowchart which shows the data distribution process.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same or similar configuration will be given the same reference number, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

<System configuration (Fig. 1)>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration outline of an information collection / distribution system 1 which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

The information collection / distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of information collection devices 3a to 3d, a plurality of information reception devices 7a to 7d, and a server (information distribution device) 4 connected so as to be communicable via the network 2. include. Although FIG. 1 illustrates four information collecting devices 3a to 3d and four information receiving devices 7a to 7d, more devices may be included.

The plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d are operated by being supplied with electric power by the built-in reuse batteries 6a to 6d, respectively. The entities of the plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d are, for example, stationary power storage devices of generators (solar power generation, wind power generation, etc.) installed in different places or operated in different places, agricultural work machines (turf mowing machines, etc.). , Tillers, etc.), disaster response storage batteries, residential storage batteries, meteorological observation equipment, etc.

Each of the reuse batteries 6a to 6d has a communication function, and can establish a communication link 8a to 8d with the network 2 to perform two-way communication with a communication partner. This communication function may be wired communication according to a specific protocol or wireless communication. In this case, the wireless communication may be not only wireless communication by a terrestrial network but also satellite communication via a communication satellite.

The reuse battery is a rechargeable secondary battery used as a power storage device for vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and is suitable for vehicles because its rechargeable capacity is less than a predetermined amount. A secondary battery that is not available but can be reused for other purposes. Specifically, a lithium ion battery is a typical example. The vehicle may be two-wheeled or four-wheeled, and the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle may be a cartridge type that can be easily attached or detached, or a type that can be fixedly attached to the vehicle. Regardless of the method.

On the other hand, the plurality of information receiving devices 7a to 7d are information processing devices in the form of a personal computer, a general-purpose computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc., and establish a communication link 9a to 9d with the network 2 to communicate with the communication partner. Two-way communication can be performed. This communication function may be wired communication according to a specific protocol or wireless communication. Application programs 5a to 5d are installed in these information processing devices, and information collected by a plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d can be received.

The plurality of information receiving devices 7a to 7d will be introduced to meteorological companies, agricultural managers, regional developers, local public organizations, various manufacturers, trading companies, etc. that use the information collected by the plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d.

The information received by the application programs 5a to 5d is not directly received by the plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d, but is received via the server 4 connected to the network 2. A communication link 10 is established between the network 2 and the server 4.

The server 4 connected to the network 2 receives the information collected by the plurality of information collecting devices 3a to 3d via the network 2, stores the received information, and further, the plurality of information receiving devices 7a to 7d. Process into a receivable format. The collected information and the processed information are stored and stored in the database provided in the server 4. The processed information is provided to a plurality of information receiving devices 7a to 7d for a fee.

<Structure of reuse battery (Fig. 2)>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reuse battery. Although the sizes of the reuse batteries 6a to 6d, the power that can be supplied, the estimated remaining life of the reuse batteries, and the like are different from each other, the basic configurations thereof are the same, so the configuration of the reuse batteries 6a will be described here. Further, here, as the battery cell 70, n cells C1, C2, ..., Cn made of a lithium (Li) ion battery are built-in. The electric power P supplied from the battery cell 70 is supplied to the information collecting device built in the output terminal 68 via the output terminal 68.

In addition to the lithium (Li) ion battery, a sodium ion secondary battery, a potassium ion secondary battery, or the like may be adopted as the cell of the battery cell 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge voltage, output density, cell temperature, etc. of the battery cell 70 are monitored by the monitoring circuit (MONITOR) 64. On the other hand, it is provided with a sensor group (SENSORS) 66 such as a GPS sensor for specifying the installation location of the reuse battery 6a and a weather sensor for measuring environmental conditions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, sunshine duration, and humidity of the installation location. The operation of the sensor group 66 is controlled by the sensor controller (CNTL) 65, and various measured physical quantities are transferred to the CPU 61.

The CPU 61 adds the observation time to various physical quantity data measured by the sensor group 66 using an internal timer, and stores the observation time in the memory 62. Similarly, the CPU 61 adds the information acquisition time to the monitoring information of the battery cell 70 monitored by the monitoring circuit 64 using the internal timer, and stores the information acquisition time in the memory 62.

The memory 62 is composed of a ROM that stores a control program for operating the CPU 61, a RAM that is used as a work area for executing the control program, an EEPROM that can hold data without power supply, an SSD, and the like. .. Therefore, the data measured by the sensor group 66 and the monitoring information acquired by the monitoring circuit 64 are stored in the EEPROM or SSD.

The reuse battery 6a establishes a communication link 8a via an external device such as a server 4 as described in FIG. 1 and a network 2, and includes a communication unit (COMM) 63 for transmitting and receiving data. The communication unit (COMM) 63 distributes the data stored in the memory 62 to the server 4 from the output terminal 67 by a method as described later. The communication unit (COMM) 63 may adopt a wireless communication method, a wired communication method, or a satellite communication method depending on the installation location. In any case, the communication unit (COMM) 63 managed and controlled by the CPU 61 can distribute the data stored in the memory 62 to the server 4.

Since the battery cell 70 can be recharged, a charging device can be connected to the reuse battery, and the charging device charges the battery cell 70. The form of the charging device differs depending on the substance of the information collecting device. For example, if the information gathering device is a generator (solar power generation, wind power generation, etc.), the generator can be a charging device, and if it is an agricultural work machine (turf mowing machine, cultivator, etc.), it depends on the motor. The driven generator can be the charging device. Further, in the case of a residential storage battery, it takes the form of a charging device driven by an AC100V to 240V power supply, and in the case of a meteorological observation device installed on the sea, it takes the form of a charging device driven by a generator that generates electricity by wave energy or the like. Take.

<Server configuration (Fig. 3)>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server as an information distribution device.

Server 4 is an information processing device equipped with a high-performance CPU, a large-capacity storage device, and a communication function. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 4 includes a CPU 42, a RAM 43, a ROM 44, an EEPROM 45 which is a non-volatile memory, a communication interface (I / F) 46, an image processing unit 47, an SSD / HDD 48 which is a large-capacity storage device, and a display unit. 49 is provided. It also includes an operation unit 41 for operating the server 4. The operation unit 41 includes a touch panel, a keyboard, an LED lamp, an LCD, and the like, and is operated by the server administrator.

The server 4 establishes a communication link with the network 2 via the communication interface 46, and can simultaneously communicate with a plurality of information collecting devices and a plurality of information receiving devices via the network 2. Further, the image processing unit 47 is a dedicated device for visualizing the data collected from the information collecting device as an image, and is provided with a high-performance image processing processor.

A database 48a is constructed in the SSD / HDD 48, and the database 48a processes, edits, and stores data collected from a plurality of information collecting devices via the network 2. Since this data is collected over a long period of time from various places, it can be said to be so-called big data. The stored data is distributed to a plurality of information receiving devices.

Since the data to be distributed is selective and charged according to the needs of the user, a data distribution program having a charging function is installed on the server 4. When the CPU 42 executes the data distribution program, paid data distribution is realized.

<Configuration of information receiving device (Fig. 4)>
Here, the configuration of the information receiving device 7a in the form of a personal computer (PC) will be described as a typical example of the information processing device. The hardware configuration of a plurality of information processing devices differs depending on whether it is a PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a general-purpose computer. However, since the basic configuration for realizing the function of receiving the distributed data is the same, only the PC form is taken as a typical example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline configuration of a PC-type information receiving device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the information receiving device 7a in the form of a PC is composed of a main body 71a, an LCD 72a, a keyboard 73a, and the like having a built-in CPU, memory, SSD / HDD, and the like. Further, a data reception display program is installed in the main body 71a as an example of the application program 5a.

When this data reception display program is executed by the CPU, the information receiving device 7a establishes a communication link 9a with the server 4 via the network 2, receives the data agreed from the server 4, and displays the data on the LCD 72 screen. Displayed on 51a. The received data is processed by the user who operates the information receiving device 7a and is used by the user.

Next, the data collection and distribution process executed by the information collection and distribution system with the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowchart.

<Explanation of data collection and distribution processing (Figs. 5A to 7)>
1. 1. Processing on the Information Collection Device (Reuse Battery) Side FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing the data collection processing executed by the reuse battery.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are two types of data collection processing, push type collection and pull type collection. Push-type collection is based on the assumption that the server 4 is operated 24 hours a day, and when the reuse battery side reaches a predetermined time, data is automatically acquired by the monitoring circuit 64 and the sensor group 66, and the acquired data is acquired. Data collection in the form of transmission. On the other hand, in the pull-type collection, when the predetermined time comes, the server 4 requests the reuse battery to collect data, and the reuse battery collects the data in response to the request and transmits the data to the server 4. Is.

FIG. 5A shows a flowchart of the push-type collection process, FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of the pull-type collection process, and FIG. 5C shows a configuration of a transmission format of data transmitted from the reuse battery.

In the case of push-type collection, according to FIG. 5A, in step S110, if it is determined that the data acquisition time has come by the time counting by the timer (not shown) built in the CPU 61, the process proceeds to step S120. Then, in step S120, data is acquired by devices such as the monitoring circuit 64 and the sensor group 66 attached to the reuse battery. The acquired data are temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount of sunshine, installation location, etc. from the sensor group 66. If the installation location is fixed, the latitude / longitude data obtained from the GPS data need only be acquired once, and if the reuse battery is mounted on a moving body, new latitude / longitude data will be acquired for each data acquisition time. To get. Further, from the monitoring circuit 64, the discharge voltage of the battery cell, the output density, the cell temperature, and the like are obtained.

Next, in step S130, the acquired data is transmitted by the communication unit (COMM) 63. The transmission data format at this time is as shown in FIG. 5C. That is, in FIG. 5C, the place refers to the data acquisition place, which is the latitude / longitude data by GPS data, the time is the data acquisition time (YYMMDDhmmss (year / month / day / hour / minute / second)) by the sensor or the monitoring circuit, and the type is the data type. pointing. The data types are the above-mentioned temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount of sunshine, humidity, battery cell discharge voltage, output density, cell temperature, and the like.

According to this format, it is possible to transmit N pieces of data at the same time. In particular, in pull-type collection, a plurality of data may be collected and transmitted at a predetermined time, and this format supports such simultaneous transmission. In addition, if this format is used for push-type collection, it is possible to measure, acquire, and transmit a plurality of different data at the same time.

Further, in step S140, the transmitted data is stored as a backup in the memory 62 instead of being discarded. This makes it possible to respond to later pull-type collection and retransmission requests.

Then, in step S150, it is determined whether or not the processing is completed, and if it is determined that the processing is completed, the processing is terminated, but if it is determined that the processing is continued, the processing returns to step S110.

Note that push-type collection requires time monitoring at all times, so processing is normally continued as long as the reuse battery is in operation.

On the other hand, in the case of pull-type collection, according to FIG. 5B, in step S210, the reception of the data transmission command from the server 4 is awaited. Then, when the data transmission command is received, the process proceeds to step S220 to read the data stored in the memory 62, and in step S230, the read data is transmitted. The type and time range of the data to be acquired are specified in the above data transmission instruction, and the data satisfying the specified conditions is read from the memory 62.

Then, in step S240, it is determined whether or not the processing is completed, and if it is determined that the processing is completed, the processing is terminated, but if it is determined that the processing is continued, the processing returns to step S210.

Note that in pull-type collection, it is necessary to wait for the data transmission instruction from the server 4, so the process is normally continued as long as the reuse battery is in operation.

Next, the data collection and distribution processing executed by the server 4 will be described.

2. Server-side processing (Figs. 6 to 7)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of data collection.

According to FIG. 6, first, in step S310, it is checked whether the data collection type is a pull type or a push type. This is set in advance by the system operation manager in consideration of the system operation and the nature of the collected data.

Here, when the data collection type is set to the push type, the process proceeds to step S315, receives the data transmitted from the reuse battery, and processes this into a format that can be stored in the database 48a in step S320. Then, in step S325, the processed data is stored in the database 48a, and in step S330, it is determined whether or not the processing is completed.

If it is determined that the process is completed, the process is terminated, but if it is determined that the process is continued, the process returns to step S315 and receives the transmission data from the reuse battery. In the case of push-type collection, it is necessary to always wait for data transmission from the reuse battery, so processing is continued during the operation of the server 4.

On the other hand, when the data collection type is set to pull type, the process proceeds to step S340, the process is waited until the data collection time comes, and when the time reaches the data collection time, the process proceeds to step S345. Then, in step S345, a data transmission command is issued to the reuse battery, and in step S350, data reception from the reuse battery is awaited. Here, when the data reception is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S355.

In steps S355 to S360, the received data is processed into a format that can be stored in the database 48a, and the further processed data is stored in the database 48a, as in steps S320 to S325.

In step S365, it is determined whether or not the processing is completed. Here, if it is determined that the process is completed, the process is terminated, but if it is determined that the process is continued, the process returns to step S340 and waits for the process until the next collection time. In the case of pull-type collection, it is necessary to constantly monitor the time and determine whether or not the data collection time has come, so the processing is continued during the operation of the server 4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the data distribution process. This describes a process of delivering data from the server 4 to a predetermined information receiving device.

As described above, since it is assumed that the data distribution described in this embodiment is charged, in step S410, a data distribution contract is concluded with the user. This procedure may be performed electronically or manually. When the data distribution contract ends, the process determines in step S415 whether the data distribution is flat-rate or pay-as-you-go. This billing form is set based on the conclusion of the contract in step S410.

Here, if the billing form is a flat rate system, the process proceeds to step S420 and waits for the reception of the data distribution command from the user's information receiving device. In this data distribution command, the type of distribution request data and its time range are specified. When the data distribution instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S425, accesses the database 48a, and distributes the specified type of data in the specified time range.

Further, in step S430, it is checked whether or not the delivery time has expired for billing. Here, if the billing deadline has not expired, the process returns to step S420 and waits for the reception of the next data distribution instruction. On the other hand, if the billing deadline has expired, the process proceeds to step S435 to execute the billing process. Since the billing process of the data providing service is a known technique, the description thereof will be omitted.

After that, the process proceeds to step S440 to check whether the contract has expired. Here, if it is determined that the contract is still within the expiration date, the process returns to step S420 and waits for the reception of the next data distribution instruction. On the other hand, when it is determined that the expiration date of the contract has expired, the data distribution process is terminated.

If the billing form is a pay-as-you-go system, the process proceeds to step S450 and waits for the reception of the data distribution command from the user's information receiving device. In this data distribution command, the type of distribution request data and its time range are specified. When the data distribution instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S455, accesses the database 48a, and distributes the specified type of data in the specified time range. Further, in step S460, the amount of distributed data is calculated, and in step S465, the billing process is executed based on the calculation result. Since the billing process of the data providing service is a known technique, the description thereof will be omitted.

After that, the process proceeds to step S470 to check whether the contract has expired. Here, if it is determined that the contract is still within the expiration date, the process returns to step S450 and waits for the reception of the next data distribution instruction. On the other hand, when it is determined that the expiration date of the contract has expired, the data distribution process is terminated.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the information collection and distribution system can collect data acquired by the reuse battery from a plurality of information collection devices that use the reuse battery, and distribute and provide the collected data to the user. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the acquired data of the reused batteries installed in various places.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the server acquires data from one reuse battery and an example in which data is distributed to one information receiving device have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. No. As suggested by the configuration shown in FIG. 1, it goes without saying that data collection from a plurality of reused batteries and data distribution to a plurality of information receiving devices can be executed at the same time.

[Summary of Embodiment]
Configuration 1.
The data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is collected by the server (4), and the collected data from the server is collected by the plurality of information receiving devices (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d). It is an information collection and distribution system (1) that distributes data to the data for a fee, and each of the plurality of information collection devices is a rechargeable battery (6a, 6b, 6c, 6c) that supplies power to drive the information collection device. ), A monitoring circuit (64) that monitors the state of the battery, a sensor (66) that detects the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, and the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit. The server includes a transmission means (63) for transmitting the first data and the second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor via the network, and the server is a plurality of information collecting devices, respectively. To store the collecting means (46) for collecting the first data and the second data via the network, and the first data and the second data collected by the collecting means. A distribution means (46) that distributes data stored in the database to the information receiving device that made the request via the network in response to a request from the database (48a) and each of the plurality of information receiving devices. ), And billing means (S435, S465) for charging the information receiving device that has delivered the data by the delivering means, and the plurality of information receiving devices include data to the server via the network. It is characterized by including a requesting means for requesting the delivery of the data, and a receiving means for receiving the data delivered from the server in response to the request by the requesting means.

Configuration 2.
The battery is a reuse battery (70) and is characterized by including a lithium ion battery.

Configuration 3.
The state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit includes the discharge voltage, output density, and cell temperature of the reused battery, and the state of the environment detected by the sensor includes temperature, atmospheric pressure, sunshine duration, and humidity. It is characterized by.

Configuration 4.
The transmitting means is characterized in that data is transmitted by adding information on the location where the information collecting device is installed and the data acquisition time by the monitoring circuit and the sensor (FIG. 5C).

Configuration 5.
The collecting means is characterized in that data is collected from each of the plurality of information collecting devices by push-type collection (FIG. 5A) or pull-type collection (FIG. 5B).

Configuration 6.
The billing means is characterized in that billing is performed on a flat-rate basis or a pay-as-you-go basis (S415, S435, S465) based on a contract concluded with each user of the plurality of information receiving devices.

Configuration 7.
The network connecting the plurality of information collecting devices and the server, and the server and the plurality of information receiving devices is characterized in that communication is performed by wireless communication or wired communication.

Configuration 8.
An information collecting device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) driven by power supplied from a rechargeable battery, the monitoring circuit (64) for monitoring the state of the battery, and the information collecting device are installed. A network of a sensor (66) for detecting the state of the environment, first data indicating the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit, and second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor. It is characterized by including a transmission means (63) for transmitting via (2).

Configuration 9.
Data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) driven by the power supplied from the rechargeable batteries (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) is collected via the network (2). A server (4) that distributes the collected data to a plurality of information receiving devices via the network for a fee, and the information collecting device from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network. A collecting means (46) for collecting the first data indicating the state of the battery and the second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, and the first data collected by the collecting means. In response to a request from each of the database (48a) for storing the second data and the plurality of information receiving devices, the network for the information receiving device that made the request for the data stored in the database. It is characterized by including a distribution means (46) for distributing data via the distribution means and charging means (S435, S465) for charging the information receiving device for distributing data by the distribution means.

Configuration 10.
Data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) driven by the power supplied by the rechargeable batteries (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) is collected via the network (2). Then, it is an information collection and distribution method in a server that distributes the collected data to a plurality of information receiving devices (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) for a fee via the network, and each of the plurality of information collecting devices A collection step (S315, S340, S345) for collecting the first data indicating the state of the battery of the information collecting device and the second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed via the network. , S350), a storage step (S325, S360) for storing the first data and the second data collected in the collection step in a database, and a request (S420, S420,) from each of the plurality of information receiving devices. In response to S450), the data stored in the database is distributed to the information receiving device that made the request via the network (S425, S455), and the information distributed in the distribution process. It is characterized by having a charging process (S435, S465) for charging the receiving device.

According to the above configurations 1 to 10, it is possible to feed back the data acquired by using the rechargeable battery and provide it to various fields.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-057889 submitted on March 27, 2020, and all the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

It is an information collection and distribution system that collects data acquired by each of a plurality of information collection devices by a server and distributes the collected data from the server to a plurality of information receiving devices for a fee.
Each of the plurality of information collecting devices
A rechargeable battery that powers the information gathering device,
A monitoring circuit that monitors the state of the battery and
A sensor that detects the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, and
A transmission means for transmitting the first data indicating the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit and the second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor via the network is provided.
The server
A collecting means for collecting the first data and the second data from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network.
A database for storing the first data and the second data collected by the collecting means, and
A distribution means that distributes data stored in the database to the information receiving device that made the request via the network in response to a request from each of the plurality of information receiving devices.
A billing means for charging the information receiving device for which data has been delivered by the delivery means is provided.
The plurality of information receiving devices
A requesting means for requesting the server to deliver data via the network, and
An information collection and distribution system comprising: a receiving means for receiving data delivered from the server in response to a request by the requesting means.
The information collection and distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a reuse battery and includes a lithium ion battery.
The state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit includes the discharge voltage, output density, and cell temperature of the reused battery.
The information collection and distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the environmental state detected by the sensor includes temperature, atmospheric pressure, sunshine duration, and humidity.
3. The information collection and distribution system described in any one of the items.
The information collection / distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collection means collects data from each of the plurality of information collection devices by push-type collection or pull-type collection. ..
The billing means is any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the billing means charges a flat rate system or a pay-as-you-go system based on a contract concluded with each user of the plurality of information receiving devices. The information collection and distribution system described in item 1.
Any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the network connecting the plurality of information collecting devices and the server, and the server and the plurality of information receiving devices performs communication by wireless communication or wired communication. The information collection and distribution system described in item 1.
An information gathering device driven by power supplied by a rechargeable battery.
A monitoring circuit that monitors the state of the battery and
A sensor that detects the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed, and
It is provided with a transmission means for transmitting the first data indicating the state of the battery monitored by the monitoring circuit and the second data indicating the state of the environment detected by the sensor via the network. A featured information gathering device.
Data acquired by each of a plurality of information collecting devices driven by electric power supplied from a rechargeable battery is collected via a network, and the collected data is charged to a plurality of information receiving devices via the network. It is a server that delivers on
Collection that collects first data indicating the state of the battery of the information collecting device and second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network. Means and
A database for storing the first data and the second data collected by the collecting means, and
A distribution means that distributes data stored in the database to the information receiving device that made the request via the network in response to a request from each of the plurality of information receiving devices.
A server including a billing means for charging an information receiving device that has delivered data by the delivery means.
Data acquired by each of the plurality of information collecting devices driven by the electric power supplied by the rechargeable battery is collected via the network, and the collected data is charged to the plurality of information receiving devices via the network. It is an information collection and distribution method on the server that distributes with
Collection that collects first data indicating the state of the battery of the information collecting device and second data indicating the state of the environment in which the information collecting device is installed from each of the plurality of information collecting devices via the network. Process and
A storage step of storing the first data and the second data collected in the collection step in a database, and
A distribution process of distributing data stored in the database to the information receiving device that made the request via the network in response to a request from each of the plurality of information receiving devices.
An information collection and distribution method comprising a charging process for charging an information receiving device that has distributed data in the distribution process.