Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a program. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit that performs: accepting, from a terminal of a user, a request to move a component included in a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and in a case where the request is accepted from the terminal of the user, generating information for reserving a predetermined facility for moving the component from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. Thus, movement of the component between vehicles is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory storage medium storing programs. Background Technology

[0002] Technology for upgrading (updating) the software of electronic control units (ECUs) installed in vehicles is known (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 009020 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to facilitate the movement of constituent elements between vehicles.

[0007] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0008] One of the technical solutions disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, the control unit performing: receiving a request from a user's terminal to move a component included in a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and, upon receiving the request from the user's terminal, generating information for reserving a predetermined facility for moving the component from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0009] One of the technical solutions disclosed herein is an information processing method in which a computer executes: receiving a request from a user's terminal to move a component contained in a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and, upon receiving the request from the user's terminal, generating information for reserving a predetermined facility for moving the component from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0010] One of the technical solutions disclosed herein is a non-transitory storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute: receiving a request from a user's terminal to move a component contained in a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and, upon receiving the request from the user's terminal, generating information for reserving a predetermined facility for moving the component from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0011] In addition, other technical solutions disclosed herein are the procedures described above.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the movement of constituent elements between vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the general configuration of the system involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the server, user terminal, and facility terminal that constitute the system involved in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of a server.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the constituent element information stored in the constituent element information DB.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of facility information stored in the facility information database.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the reservation information stored in the reservation information database.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of a user terminal.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of a facility terminal.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a timing diagram representing the overall processing of the system.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the reservation process in the server according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the processing in the server according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Label Explanation

[0026] 1 System; 10 First Vehicle; 20 Second Vehicle; 30 Server; 40 User Terminal; 50 Facility Terminal; 100 Components; 301 Processor; 302 Main Storage Unit; 303 Auxiliary Storage Unit; 304 Communication Unit. Detailed Implementation

[0027] One of the technical solutions disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus comprising a control unit that performs the following actions: receiving a request from a user's terminal to move a component included in a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and, upon receiving the request from the user's terminal, generating information for reserving a predetermined facility for moving the component from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0028] The first vehicle and the second vehicle are, for example, vehicles owned by the same user. For instance, if the user purchases the second vehicle to replace the first vehicle, a request is sent from the user's terminal to move components included in the first vehicle to the second vehicle. These components are, for example, devices or parts fixed to the first vehicle. Additionally, the components may include software. Furthermore, the components may be those that are difficult for an ordinary user to move to another vehicle. It would be difficult for the user to perform the operations themselves, such as when removing components from the first vehicle or installing components in the second vehicle, for example, when vehicle disassembly, special tools, or software updates are required.

[0029] In this scenario, the user can send a request from their terminal to move a component from a first vehicle to a second vehicle within a designated facility. Upon receiving the request, the control unit generates information to reserve the facility for the movement of the component. The reserved facility is, for example, a place equipped with equipment capable of moving components between vehicles and staff capable of moving the components.

[0030] Here, even when the same user owns both a first vehicle and a second vehicle, it can be difficult to simultaneously store both vehicles at the designated facility. For example, consider a user removing a component from the first vehicle, leaving the designated facility in the first vehicle, and then later visiting the designated facility in the second vehicle to install the component. Therefore, the control unit, for example, generates information to reserve the facility for removing the component from the first vehicle and for installing the component in the second vehicle. This information is sent, for example, to the terminal of the designated facility. Thus, since the facility can be reserved for moving components, the user can replace the component simply by arriving at the designated facility at the reserved time.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0032] <First Embodiment>

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general configuration of system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1In this example, System 1 includes a server 30, a user terminal 40, and a facility terminal 50. System 1 is a system for reserving services that involve moving component 100 from a first vehicle 10 to a second vehicle 20 within a predetermined facility. The first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are vehicles owned by the same user. The first vehicle 10 is a vehicle that originally possesses component 100. On the other hand, the second vehicle 20 is a vehicle that does not possess component 100. Furthermore, the second vehicle 20 may also be a vehicle that possesses components that can be exchanged with component 100 but have inferior performance. Component 100 is a component whose performance is improved by being installed in the second vehicle 20, for example.

[0034] Performance improvements include enhancements in nature or capability, as well as aesthetic improvements. For example, consider replacing the old seats in the second vehicle 20 with new seats of the same type originally installed in the first vehicle 10, or replacing the fabric seats in the second vehicle 20 with leather seats originally installed in the first vehicle 10. Alternatively, consider replacing the sunroof as component 100 from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20. Furthermore, consider that the first vehicle 10 is a vehicle with a minor change or a full-model change, and the second vehicle 20 is a vehicle before the minor change or the full-model change, and that component 100 with the minor change or the full-model change is replaced from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20.

[0035] Furthermore, examples of component 100 could include advanced safety systems (collision damage mitigation brakes, mislaunch restraint control devices, vehicle distance control devices, lane departure mitigation devices, side and rear approach vehicle attention alert devices, or automatic headlight switching devices, etc.). For example, if the first vehicle 10 is equipped with the latest advanced safety system and the second vehicle 20 is equipped with a previous generation advanced safety system, it can be said that the performance of the second vehicle 20 is improved by installing the latest advanced safety system removed from the first vehicle 10 into the second vehicle 20. Similarly, for example, if the first vehicle 10 is equipped with a previous generation advanced safety system and the second vehicle 20 is equipped with an advanced safety system from two generations ago, it can be said that the performance of the second vehicle 20 is improved by installing the previous generation advanced safety system removed from the first vehicle 10 into the second vehicle 20. In this case, there may be situations where the manufacturer has stopped manufacturing the previous generation advanced safety system, or situations where it is difficult to reinstall the previous generation advanced safety system, but second-hand parts can be purchased.

[0036] Furthermore, although the constituent element 100 is described as an object with a physical form in this embodiment, it can also be applied to software that does not have a physical form. Additionally, it can be applied, for example, to replacing the ECU that controls the vehicle. In this case, either the hardware components can be replaced one by one, or only the software can be moved. Furthermore, by transferring the right to use the software from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20, the software can be used or downloaded in the second vehicle 20.

[0037] Alternatively, component 100 may be a component installed in the first vehicle 10 during the purchase of a new vehicle by selecting it from Maker Options, or it may be a component installed in the first vehicle 10 during its manufacture. Components installed by selecting them from Maker Options are installed in the first vehicle 10 during the manufacturing process of the first vehicle 10 by the automobile manufacturer. Therefore, component 100 installed by selecting it from Maker Options is sometimes difficult to install after the vehicle is completed. According to this embodiment, such component 100 can also be replaced.

[0038] Facilities that replace component 100 include, for example, automobile manufacturers, auto repair shops, auto repair shops, car dealerships, auto parts stores, auto accessories stores, or home centers. Staff may be either mechanics or employees of the facility.

[0039] A user uses user terminal 40 to send a request to server 30 to replace component 100. User terminal 40 can be a terminal owned by the user or a terminal of a car dealership. The user making the replacement request for component 100 can be the owner of the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20, or a staff member of the car dealership authorized by the owner. Upon receiving the request from user terminal 40, server 30 schedules the facility for replacing component 100. This schedule includes a schedule for removing component 100 from the first vehicle 10 and a schedule for installing component 100 on the second vehicle 20.

[0040] When the scheduled time arrives for the removal of component 100 from first vehicle 10, the user brings first vehicle 10 into the facility. There, workers remove component 100. Alternatively, a replacement component may be installed on first vehicle 10 after component 100 has been removed. This replacement component may be, for example, a cover that covers the opening of the space where component 100 was removed. The user then removes first vehicle 10 from the facility. The removed component 100 is stored in the facility. Alternatively, the user may place the removed component 100 on first vehicle 10 and take it back, then place it on second vehicle 20 and bring it to the facility.

[0041] Next, at the scheduled time for installing component 100 on the second vehicle 20, the user brings the second vehicle 20 into the facility, where staff install component 100. After component 100 is installed on the second vehicle 20, the user removes the second vehicle 20 from the facility. At this point, the user may also pay the facility for the labor cost of replacing component 100 and the storage fee for component 100.

[0042] In this way, users can improve the performance of the second vehicle 20 by installing component 100. Furthermore, by utilizing the existing component 100, there is no need to purchase new component 100. Additionally, even when component 100 is installed during manufacturing, although there may be situations where it is difficult for the user to replace it, such components can be replaced by staff at the facility.

[0043] Server 30, user terminal 40, and facility terminal 50 are interconnected via network N1. Furthermore, network N1 may be a global public communication network such as the Internet, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or other communication networks. Additionally, network N1 may include telephone communication networks such as mobile phones, and wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0044] Next, based on Figure 2 The hardware configuration of server 30, user terminal 40 and facility terminal 50 is described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of each of the server 30, user terminal 40, and facility terminal 50 constituting the system 1 involved in this embodiment.

[0045] Server 30 has the configuration of a regular computer. Server 30 provides services to users and staff. Server 30 includes a processor 301, a main storage unit 302, a secondary storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. They are interconnected via a bus. Furthermore, server 30 is an example of an information processing device. Additionally, processor 301 is an example of a control unit. Additionally, main storage unit 302 or secondary storage unit 303 is an example of a storage unit.

[0046] The processor 301 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 301 controls the server 30 and performs various information processing operations. The main storage unit 302 is RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 303 is EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), removable media, etc. The operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303. The processor 301 loads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the working area of ​​the main storage unit 302 and executes it. Through the execution of this program, the various components are controlled. Thus, the server 30 performs functions that meet the predetermined purpose. The main storage unit 302 and the auxiliary storage unit 303 are computer-readable recording media. Furthermore, the server 30 can be a single computer or multiple computers working collaboratively. Alternatively, the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 can also be stored in the main storage unit 302. Conversely, the information stored in the main storage unit 302 can also be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303.

[0047] The communication unit 304 is a unit that communicates with the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50 via the network N1. The communication unit 304 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to the network N1.

[0048] Next, user terminal 40 will be described. User terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), personal computer (PC) or other small computer.

[0049] User terminal 40 includes a processor 401, main storage unit 402, auxiliary storage unit 403, input unit 404, display 405, and communication unit 406. These components are interconnected via a bus. The processor 401, main storage unit 402, and auxiliary storage unit 403 of user terminal 40 are the same as those of server 30, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0050] Input unit 404 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by the user, such as a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, or microphone. Display 405 is a unit that displays information to the user, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or EL (Electroluminescence) panel. Furthermore, input unit 404 and display 405 can also be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0051] Communication unit 406 is a communication unit for connecting user terminal 40 to network N1. Communication unit 406 is, for example, a circuit for communicating with other devices (such as server 30, etc.) via network N1 using mobile communication services (such as telephone communication networks such as 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution)) or wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0052] Next, facility terminal 50 will be described. Facility terminal 50 is, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), or a small computer such as a personal computer (PC).

[0053] Facility terminal 50 includes a processor 501, main storage unit 502, auxiliary storage unit 503, input unit 504, display 505, and communication unit 506. These components are interconnected via a bus. The processor 501, main storage unit 502, auxiliary storage unit 503, input unit 504, display 505, and communication unit 506 of facility terminal 50 are identical to those of user terminal 40, therefore, descriptions are omitted.

[0054] Next, the functions of server 30 will be explained. Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of server 30. Server 30 includes a control unit 31, component information DB32, facility information DB33, and reservation information DB34 as functional structural elements. The processor 301 of server 30 executes the processing of control unit 31 through a computer program on main storage unit 302. Furthermore, a portion of the processing of control unit 31 can also be executed by other computers connected to network N1.

[0055] The component information DB32, facility information DB33, and reservation information DB34 are constructed by managing the data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 through a program of a database management system (DBMS) executed by the processor 301. The component information DB32, facility information DB33, and reservation information DB34 are, for example, relational databases.

[0056] The control unit 31 receives a reservation request from the user terminal 40 for moving the constituent element 100 included in the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20. This request will also be referred to below as a reservation request. The reservation request contains information required by the control unit 31 for the reservation facility. For example, the reservation request includes information that identifies the user (user ID), the region (area) where the user wishes to change the constituent element 100, and information related to each of the constituent element 100, the first vehicle 10, and the second vehicle 20. The region-related information may also be based on administrative divisions such as municipalities where the user wishes to change the constituent element 100. Alternatively, the region-related information may be information related to the user's location, such as the user's address. Furthermore, a predetermined area including the user's location may be considered as the region where the user wishes to change the constituent element 100. The reservation request is sent from the user terminal 40 to the server 30.

[0057] Upon receiving a reservation request, the control unit 31 selects a facility that the user can reserve. Here, the control unit 31 continuously receives information about available dates and times from the facility terminal 50. Available dates and times are those with available slots at the facility, and are the dates and times when component 100 can be installed and removed. Furthermore, facility information is stored in facility information DB33. Facility information DB33 will be explained later. Information related to available dates and times is entered into the facility terminal 50, for example, by staff. Upon receiving information related to available dates and times, the control unit 31 selects a facility by determining whether there is an available time slot for replacing component 100. The time required to replace component 100 is stored in component information DB32. Component information DB32 will be explained later. After selecting a facility, the control unit 31 sends facility-related information and information related to the dates and times when component 100 can be installed and removed to the user terminal 40. Through this information transmission, the user can select from the available dates and times.

[0058] Subsequently, the control unit 31 receives reservation information from the user terminal 40. The reservation information is used by the user to request a reservation for the replacement of component 100. The reservation information includes information related to the user ID, the facility to be reserved, component 100, first vehicle 10, the date and time of removing component 100 from first vehicle 10, second vehicle 20, and the date and time of installing component 100 on second vehicle 20.

[0059] The control unit 31, upon receiving reservation information from the user terminal 40, generates information for reserving the facility for moving component 100 from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20. Furthermore, the control unit 31 sends the generated information to the facility terminal 50. The information sent to the facility terminal 50 includes information related to the user, component 100, the first vehicle 10, the date and time of removing component 100 from the first vehicle 10, the second vehicle 20, and the date and time of installing component 100 on the second vehicle 20. The information related to the user includes the user's name and contact information (telephone number or email address, etc.).

[0060] In addition, the control unit 31 sends information indicating that the reservation has been completed to both the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may also send information indicating that the reservation has been completed to the user terminal 40 upon receiving confirmation of the reservation from the facility terminal 50. Moreover, the control unit 31 stores the reservation information in the reservation information DB34. The reservation information DB34 will be explained later.

[0061] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the component information stored in Component Information DB32. Component Information DB32 is a database used to retrieve the time required for the installation and removal of component 100. The component information table has fields for Component ID, Removal Time, and Installation Time. In the Component ID field, information used to identify component 100 (Component ID) is entered. The Component ID is assigned to each component 100 by the control unit 31. In the Removal Time field, information related to the time required to remove component 100 is entered. In the Installation Time field, information related to the time required to install component 100 is entered. The installation and removal times can also be expressed in standard man-hours (workload). Furthermore, since there are cases where even if component 100 is the same, the installation and removal times may differ depending on the vehicle model, the Component ID can also be set according to the vehicle model. The information stored in Component Information DB32 is pre-entered, for example, by the administrator of server 30 or facility personnel.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of facility information stored in Facility Information DB33. Facility Information DB33 is a database used to retrieve facilities corresponding to Component 100. The Facility Information table has fields for Facility ID, Component ID, Location, and Scheduled Date and Time. In the Facility ID field, information used to identify the facility (Facility ID) is entered. The Facility ID is assigned to each facility by the Control Unit 31. In the Component ID field, information used to identify the Component 100 to be installed and removed from the facility (Component ID) is entered. In the Location field, information related to the location of the facility is entered (e.g., information related to address, region, grid code, or coordinates). In the Scheduled Date and Time field, information related to the date and time when Component 100 can be removed from the facility or when Component 100 can be installed is entered. Information related to the Scheduled Date and Time can be sent from Facility Terminal 50 at predetermined intervals, or when predetermined input is made to Facility Terminal 50, or upon request from Control Unit 31. The Scheduled Date and Time can also be represented by a time period.

[0063] Figure 6This is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the reservation information stored in the reservation information DB34. The reservation information DB34 is a database storing information related to reservations made by the control unit 31. The reservation information table has fields for User ID, Facility ID, Component ID, First Vehicle, Dismantling Date and Time, Second Vehicle, and Installation Date and Time. In the User ID field, information used to identify the user (User ID) is entered. In the Facility ID field, information used to identify the facility (Facility ID) is entered. In the Component ID field, information used to identify Component 100 (Component ID) is entered. In the First Vehicle field, information used to identify the First Vehicle 10 is entered. For example, vehicle models can be listed as information used to identify the First Vehicle 10. In the Dismantling Date and Time field, information related to the date and time reserved for dismantling Component 100 from the First Vehicle 10 is entered. In the Second Vehicle field, information used to identify the Second Vehicle 20 is entered. For example, vehicle models can be listed as information used to identify the Second Vehicle 20. In the Installation Date and Time field, information related to the date and time reserved for installing Component 100 on the Second Vehicle 20 is entered.

[0064] Next, the functions of user terminal 40 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of a user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 includes a control unit 41 as a functional component. The processor 401 of the user terminal 40 executes the processing of the control unit 41 through a computer program on the main storage unit 402.

[0065] The control unit 41 sends a request to schedule the removal of component 100 from the first vehicle 10 and the installation of component 100 into the second vehicle 20, based on the user's input to the input unit 404. The control unit 41 executes predetermined application software, causing the display 405 to show the user a screen prompting them to input their user ID, the first vehicle 10, the second vehicle 20, and component 100. When the user inputs this information via the input unit 404, the control unit 41 sends this information to the server 30 via the communication unit 406. Alternatively, this scheduling request can also be made, for example, on an internet homepage. In this case, the control unit 41 accesses a predetermined homepage based on the user's input. When accessing the predetermined homepage, the user is prompted to input their user ID, the first vehicle 10, the second vehicle 20, and component 100. The control unit 41 causes the display 405 to show a screen prompting the user to input this information. When the user inputs this information via the input unit 404, the control unit 41 sends this information to the server 30 via the communication unit 406.

[0066] Additionally, when the control unit 41 receives information from the server 30 regarding the available dates and times, it displays a screen prompting the user to make a reservation. For example, it displays a list of available facilities and dates / times. When the user enters the facility and date / time, the control unit 41 associates the information related to the entered facility and date / time with the user ID and sends it to the server 30.

[0067] Next, the functions of facility terminal 50 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of facility terminal 50. Facility terminal 50 includes a control unit 51 as a functional structural element. The processor 501 of facility terminal 50 executes the processing of control unit 51 through a computer program on main storage unit 502.

[0068] When a staff member enters facility information, the control unit 51 sends that information to the server 30. The facility information includes the component ID of the respondable component 100, the facility ID, and information related to the available date and time (available date and time). This facility information can also be entered, for example, via an internet homepage. In this case, the control unit 51 accesses the designated homepage based on the staff member's input. When accessing the designated homepage, the staff member is prompted to enter the facility ID, component 100, and available date and time. The control unit 51 displays a screen on the monitor 505 prompting the staff member to enter this information. When the staff member enters this information via the input unit 504, the control unit 51 sends it to the server 30 via the communication unit 506.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit 51 receives information from the server 30 regarding the completion of the reservation, it stores the information contained in that information concerning the user, component 100, first vehicle 10, disassembly date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time in the auxiliary storage unit 503. For example, by performing a reservation operation via the input unit 504, staff can view the information related to the completion of the reservation via the display 505.

[0070] Next, the overall processing of System 1 will be explained. Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram representing the overall processing of System 1. Furthermore, it is assumed that component information is already stored in component information DB32 for illustration. Figure 9 In the process, when staff input facility information (facility ID, component ID, and information related to location and available dates and times) into facility terminal 50, facility terminal 50 obtains the facility information (S10). Facility terminal 50 sends the facility information to server 30 (S11). Server 30, having obtained the facility information, updates facility information DB33 based on the facility information (S12). Furthermore, in... Figure 9Initially, facility information was sent by facility terminal 50, but the facility information can be sent to server 30 as appropriate.

[0071] Next, the user inputs information into the user terminal 40 to reserve the disassembly and installation of component 100. At this time, the user terminal 40 obtains a reservation request (information regarding the user ID, region, component 100, first vehicle 10, and second vehicle 20) (S13). The obtained reservation request is sent to the server 30 (S14). Upon receiving the reservation request, the server 30 selects the facility corresponding to the reservation request based on the information stored in the component information DB32 and facility information DB33 (S15). At this time, the server 30, for example, extracts the installation and disassembly times corresponding to component 100 from the component information DB32. These times are compared with the available reservation dates and times stored in the facility information DB33 to extract facilities with available time for disassembly and installation of component 100. Then, a facility located within the user's desired region is selected from these facilities.

[0072] After selecting a facility, server 30 sends information related to the available date and time to user terminal 40 (S16). This information also includes facility-related information (such as the facility's location and name). Upon receiving the information, user terminal 40 displays a screen prompting the user to input the available date and time. At this time, multiple time periods based on the time required for disassembly and installation of component 100 can also be displayed, allowing the user to select a time period for disassembly and installation of component 100. Alternatively, if multiple facilities are available for reservation, time periods can be displayed by facility, allowing the user to select both the facility and the time period.

[0073] User terminal 40 obtains reservation information (information related to user ID, facility, component 100, first vehicle 10, dismantling date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time) according to user input (S17). User terminal 40 sends the reservation information to server 30 (S18). Server 30, having received the reservation information, generates reservation completion information (S19). This reservation completion information includes information to inform user terminal 40 that the reservation has been completed and information to inform facility terminal 50 that the reservation has been completed. Information related to user, component 100, first vehicle 10, dismantling date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time is sent to facility terminal 50 (S20). Information related to facility, component 100, first vehicle 10, dismantling date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time is sent to user terminal 40 (S21).

[0074] Furthermore, server 30 updates reservation information DB34 by storing reservation information (user ID, facility ID, and information related to each of constituent element 100, first vehicle 10, dismantling date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time) in reservation information DB34 (S22).

[0075] In addition, Figure 9 In the example shown, after server 30 selects the facility in S15, server 30 obtains reservation information from user terminal 40, but this process is not mandatory. For example, reservation completion information in S19 can be generated after server 30 selects the facility in S15 based on the reservation request sent in S14. That is, the processes in S16 to S18 can also be omitted. In this case, the reservation request obtained in S14 can also include information related to the expected dismantling and installation dates and times.

[0076] Next, the processing in server 30 will be explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the reservation process in the server 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 The reservation process shown is repeatedly executed on server 30 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, it is described that facility information (facility ID, component ID, and information related to location and available reservation date and time) is received from facility terminal 50 at any time. Additionally, it is described that users and facilities are pre-registered on server 30.

[0077] In step S101, the control unit 31 determines whether a reservation request has been received from the user terminal 40. The reservation request contains information related to the user ID, region, constituent element 100, first vehicle 10, and second vehicle 20. If a positive determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102; if a negative determination is made, the procedure ends.

[0078] In step S102, the control unit 31 selects a facility based on the reservation request, the information stored in the component information DB32, and the information stored in the facility information DB33. At this time, facilities that correspond to both the region and component 100 included in the reservation request and have a reservationable date and time corresponding to the time required for the disassembly and installation of component 100 are extracted from the facility information DB33.

[0079] Then, in step S103, the control unit 31 sends information to the facility terminal 50 corresponding to the selected facility to confirm whether a reservation can be made. At this time, information related to each of the constituent element 100, the first vehicle 10, and the second vehicle 20 is sent to the facility terminal 50.

[0080] In step S104, the control unit 31 determines whether it has received confirmation information from the facility terminal 50. The confirmation information includes the facility ID and information related to the removable and installable dates and times. If a positive determination is made in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105; if a negative determination is made, step S104 is executed again. Furthermore, even if a confirmation information is not received from the facility terminal 50 after a predetermined time, the control unit 31 may notify the user terminal 40 that no facility is available and terminate the routine. Alternatively, steps S103 and S104 can be omitted. That is, since facility information is constantly being received from the facility terminal 50, a reservation can be made without confirming with the facility terminal 50.

[0081] In step S105, the control unit 31 generates information related to the reservable date and time. This information includes facility-related information (e.g., facility location and name), and information related to the detachable and installable dates and times of component 100. At this time, each piece of information is generated in such a way that the time period corresponding to the first vehicle 10 is earlier than the time period corresponding to the second vehicle 20. Furthermore, in step S106, the control unit 31 sends the information related to the reservable date and time to the user terminal 40.

[0082] In step S107, the control unit 31 determines whether a reservation message has been received from the user terminal 40. This reservation message includes a user ID, facility-related information, and information related to each of the constituent element 100, the first vehicle 10, the dismantling date and time, the second vehicle 20, and the installation date and time. If a positive determination is made in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108; if a negative determination is made, step S107 is executed again. Furthermore, if no reservation message is received from the user terminal 40 even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 31 may terminate the procedure.

[0083] In step S108, the control unit 31 generates reservation completion information. This reservation completion information is used to communicate with staff that the reservation has been received and to communicate with the user that the reservation has been completed. The reservation completion information sent to the facility terminal 50 includes the user ID and information related to each of the constituent element 100, the first vehicle 10, the dismantling date and time, the second vehicle 20, and the installation date and time. The reservation completion information sent to the user terminal 40 includes facility-related information and information related to each of the constituent element 100, the first vehicle 10, the dismantling date and time, the second vehicle 20, and the installation date and time.

[0084] In step S109, the control unit 31 sends reservation completion information to the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50. Furthermore, in step S110, the control unit 31 updates the reservation information DB34. That is, it stores the user ID, facility ID, component ID, and information related to the first vehicle 10, dismantling date and time, second vehicle 20, and installation date and time in the reservation information DB34.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user wishes to replace component 100 from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20, the server 30 can make a reservation with the facility. Therefore, since component 100 can be replaced, the user does not need to purchase component 100 for the second vehicle 20. Furthermore, it is possible to install discontinued component 100, which is unavailable in newer versions, on the second vehicle 20. Additionally, it is possible to effectively utilize second-hand parts.

[0086] <Second Implementation>

[0087] In this embodiment, a storage fee is charged to the user for the period from when component 100 is removed from the first vehicle 10 to when it is installed in the second vehicle 20. Sometimes, component 100 is stored in a facility from the time it is removed from the first vehicle 10 to the time it is installed in the second vehicle 20. In this case, for example, the facility needs to prepare a place for storing component 100. Additionally, staff are needed to manage component 100. The user is charged for these services. For example, the longer component 100 is stored, the higher the storage fee. In this case, a storage fee corresponding to the storage time may be added to the base fee. Alternatively, as another method, the shorter the storage time of component 100, the lower the storage fee. In this case, the shorter the storage time, the larger the amount deducted from the base fee. Yet another method, the shorter the storage time of component 100, the greater the reward given to the user. Rewards could be, for example, discount coupons that can be used at the facility.

[0088] Storage fees can be set based on either the number of days or the number of hours. Additionally, no storage fee may be charged if disassembly and installation are carried out within a predetermined number of days or hours.

[0089] Next, the processing in server 30 will be explained. Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the processing in server 30 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11The process shown is repeatedly executed in server 30 at predetermined intervals. In step S201, control unit 31 determines whether the replacement of component 100 from first vehicle 10 to second vehicle 20 is complete. Control unit 31 may determine that the replacement of component 100 is complete, for example, by obtaining information indicating that the operation is complete from facility terminal 50. Alternatively, it may determine that the replacement of component 100 is complete if the scheduled time for installing component 100 in second vehicle 20 has passed. If a positive determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202; if a negative determination is made, the routine ends.

[0090] In step S202, the control unit 31 obtains the reservation time. To calculate the storage time of component 100, the control unit 31 obtains the reservation times for both the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20. In step S203, the control unit 31 calculates the storage fee based on the reservation time. The control unit 31 calculates the storage time as the period from the end of the reservation time for removing component 100 from the first vehicle 10 to the start of the reservation time for installing component 100 into the second vehicle 20, and then calculates the storage fee based on this storage time. The relationship between storage time and storage fee is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage unit 303. For example, the longer the storage time, the higher the storage fee. The control unit 31 generates information related to the storage fee based on the calculated storage fee.

[0091] In step S204, the control unit 31 sends information related to the storage fee to the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50. Upon receiving this information, the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50 notify the user and staff of the storage fee by displaying the storage fee on the displays 405 and 505, respectively. At this time, information related to the cost of replacing component 100 may also be sent to the user terminal 40 and the facility terminal 50.

[0092] Furthermore, while the above description outlines the storage fee for component 100, a storage fee may also be charged for the first vehicle 10 or the second vehicle 20 if the facility stores them for operation. For example, the longer the time from the completion of component 100's disassembly from the first vehicle 10 to the departure of the first vehicle 10, or from the completion of component 100's installation on the second vehicle 20 to the departure of the second vehicle 20, the higher the storage fee.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, by charging users a storage fee based on the storage time of component 100, it is possible to discourage users from leaving component 100 unattended for extended periods. This reduces the likelihood of insufficient vacancy in storage locations. Furthermore, the facility can collect compensation for storing component 100.

[0094] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0095] The above-described implementation is merely an example, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0096] The processes and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions.

[0097] Furthermore, processes described as being performed by a single device can also be executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices can be executed by a single device. The hardware architecture (server architecture) used to implement each function in the computer system can be flexibly changed. For example, facility terminal 50 may have some or all of the functions of server 30.

[0098] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer either via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a floppy disk (a registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing device, It has a control unit and a storage unit. The storage unit stores: First information regarding facilities corresponding to the removal of constituent elements from the first vehicle and the installation of the constituent elements into the second vehicle; The second piece of information relating to the available dates and times for booking at the facility; Third information relating to the time required to remove the component from the first vehicle and the time required to install the component into the second vehicle; and The fourth piece of information relates to the storage fee corresponding to the storage time of the aforementioned constituent elements. The control unit performs: Receive a request from the user's terminal to move the constituent elements contained in the first vehicle to the second vehicle; By referring to the first information, facilities with idle time that allows for the disassembly and installation of constituent elements are extracted; By referring to the extracted facility's second and third information, the target facility to be disassembled and installed, the first scheduled time for disassembling the component from the first vehicle, and the second scheduled time for installing the component on the second vehicle after disassembling the component from the first vehicle are determined. Information for reserving the target facility is generated by reserving the first reservation time and the second reservation time. The storage time is calculated as the time from the end time of the first reservation time to the start time of the second reservation time. By referring to the fourth piece of information, the storage fee corresponding to the calculated storage time is calculated; and Information is generated to request the storage fee for the calculated value from the user.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The control unit generates the fourth piece of information in such a way that the longer the storage time, the higher the fee will be charged to the user.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The constituent element is the constituent element that improves the performance of the second vehicle after moving to the second vehicle compared to before moving to the second vehicle.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The constituent elements are those that are installed in the first vehicle during the manufacture of the first vehicle.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The constituent elements are those that can be selected according to the manufacturer's options when purchasing a new vehicle of the first vehicle.

6. An information processing method, using a computer: Store in the storage section: First information regarding facilities corresponding to the removal of constituent elements from the first vehicle and the installation of the constituent elements into the second vehicle; The second piece of information relating to the available dates and times for booking at the facility; Third information relating to the time required to remove the component from the first vehicle and the time required to install the component into the second vehicle; and The fourth piece of information relates to the storage fee corresponding to the storage time of the aforementioned constituent elements. The computer performs: Receive a request from the user's terminal to move the constituent elements contained in the first vehicle to the second vehicle; By referring to the first information, facilities with idle time that allows for the disassembly and installation of constituent elements are extracted; By referring to the extracted facility's second and third information, the target facility to be disassembled and installed, the first scheduled time for disassembling the component from the first vehicle, and the second scheduled time for installing the component on the second vehicle after disassembling the component from the first vehicle are determined. Information for reserving the target facility is generated by reserving the first reservation time and the second reservation time. The storage time is calculated as the time from the end time of the first reservation time to the start time of the second reservation time. By referring to the fourth piece of information, the storage fee corresponding to the calculated storage time is calculated; and Information is generated to request the storage fee for the calculated value from the user.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, The computer generates the fourth piece of information in such a way that the longer the storage time, the higher the fee charged to the user.

8. The information processing method according to claim 6 or 7, The constituent elements are those that are installed in the first vehicle during the manufacture of the first vehicle.

9. The information processing method according to claim 6 or 7, The constituent elements are those that can be selected according to the manufacturer's options when purchasing a new vehicle of the first vehicle.

10. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program, The program is used to enable the computer to store: First information regarding facilities corresponding to the removal of constituent elements from the first vehicle and the installation of the constituent elements into the second vehicle; The second piece of information relating to the available dates and times for booking at the facility; Third information relating to the time required to remove the component from the first vehicle and the time required to install the component into the second vehicle; and The fourth piece of information relates to the storage fee corresponding to the storage time of the aforementioned constituent elements. The program is used to cause the computer to execute: Receive a request from the user's terminal to move the constituent elements contained in the first vehicle to the second vehicle; By referring to the first information, facilities with idle time that allows for the disassembly and installation of constituent elements are extracted; By referring to the extracted facility's second and third information, the target facility to be disassembled and installed, the first scheduled time for disassembling the component from the first vehicle, and the second scheduled time for installing the component on the second vehicle after disassembling the component from the first vehicle are determined. Information for reserving the target facility is generated by reserving the first reservation time and the second reservation time. The storage time is calculated as the time from the end time of the first reservation time to the start time of the second reservation time. By referring to the fourth piece of information, the storage fee corresponding to the calculated storage time is calculated; and Information is generated to request the storage fee for the calculated value from the user.

11. The non-transitory storage medium storing a program according to claim 10, The constituent elements are those that are installed in the first vehicle during the manufacture of the first vehicle.

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