Tire management system, tire management method

Abstract

A tire management system (100) includes a first communication device (2) that acquires state information about a state of a tire (11) transmitted from a pressure detection device (12) provided to a vehicle (1) when the vehicle (1) is present within a communication range of a predetermined wireless communication standard, and a management server (4) that includes a storage processing section (70) that stores the state information acquired by the first communication device (2) in a storage section (43).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire management system, a tire management method. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is known a system capable of issuing an alarm indicating that a pneumatic tire (hereinafter, simply referred to as "tire") mounted to a vehicle such as an automobile is about to burst, in a case where it is determined that the tire is about to burst (see Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-6266 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, a system is considered in which information about the state of the tire mounted to the vehicle is acquired each time the vehicle visits a prescribed place such as a service station. If this system is used, it is possible to diagnose an abnormality of the tire based on the acquired information, and to notify the user or the like of the diagnosis result. Also, by giving a coupon or the like to the user as a favor based on the acquired information, it is possible to induce the user to the prescribed place. However, such a system has not existed in the past.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire management system and a tire management method capable of acquiring information about the state of a tire of a vehicle that visits a prescribed place.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] A tire management system of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit and a storage processing unit. The information acquisition unit acquires state information about the state of a pneumatic tire mounted to a vehicle, in a case where the vehicle exists within a predetermined specific range. The storage processing unit stores the state information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a predetermined storage unit.

[0011] According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire information about the state of a tire of a vehicle that visits a prescribed place.

[0012] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire information about the state of a tire of a vehicle that visits a prescribed place. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a tire management system of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the management server of the tire management system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first tire management process performed by the management server of the tire management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the tire management system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the management server of the tire management system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second tire management process performed by the management server of the tire management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the tire management system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the structure of the management server of the tire management system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third tire management process performed by the management server of the tire management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying this disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0024] [First Implementation]

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the tire management system 100 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire management system 100 includes a vehicle 1, a first communication device 2, a tire image acquisition device 3, and a management server 4.

[0027] In the tire management system 100, the management server 4 is connected to the first communication device 2 and the tire image acquisition device 3 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet or LAN (local area network).

[0028] Vehicle 1 is an automobile with pneumatic tires 11 (hereinafter referred to as "tires") that are managed by the tire management system 100. For example, vehicle 1 is a passenger car or a commercial vehicle.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 has four tires 11. Tire 11A is mounted on the left front wheel of vehicle 1. Tire 11B is mounted on the right front wheel of vehicle 1. Tire 11C is mounted on the left rear wheel of vehicle 1. Tire 11D is mounted on the right rear wheel of vehicle 1.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 has four tire pressure detection devices 12. Tire pressure detection device 12A is located inside tire 11A. Tire pressure detection device 12B is located inside tire 11B. Tire pressure detection device 12C is located inside tire 11C. Tire pressure detection device 12D is located inside tire 11D.

[0031] The air pressure detection device 12 includes a detection unit for detecting the air pressure and air temperature inside the tire 11 on which the air pressure detection device 12 is installed. The detection unit includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0032] In addition, the barometric pressure detection device 12 has a communication unit for wireless communication with an external communication device. The communication unit includes a transmitter and an antenna, etc.

[0033] Specifically, the air pressure detection device 12 is within the communication range of a first communication device 2 (refer to) that exists at a predetermined distance from the air pressure detection device 12 according to a first wireless communication standard. Figure 1 Wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard is performed between the barometric pressure detection device 12 and the first communication device 2, which is located within a range of several meters. For example, the first wireless communication standard is IEEE, which is known as an international standard, or a wireless communication standard conforming to IEEE. For example, the first wireless communication standard is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In this case, the barometric pressure detection device 12 can perform wireless communication with the first communication device 2, which is located within a range of several meters. Alternatively, the first wireless communication standard may be a standard different from Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0034] The air pressure detection device 12 sends air pressure data, including the detection results of the detection unit, to the first communication device 2. The air pressure data includes detection device identification information for identifying the air pressure detection device 12, air pressure information indicating the air pressure inside the tire 11 detected by the detection unit, and air temperature information indicating the air temperature inside the tire 11 detected by the detection unit. The air pressure information and the air temperature information are both types of status information related to the state of the tire 11 installed on the vehicle 1.

[0035] For example, when wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard can be performed with the first communication device 2, the air pressure detection device 12 performs detection processing and transmission processing at a predetermined execution cycle. The detection processing involves using the detection unit to detect the air pressure and air temperature of the tire 11. The transmission processing involves sending the air pressure data, including the detection results of the detection processing, to the first communication device 2. For example, the execution cycle is an arbitrary time determined between 10 seconds and 10 minutes. Alternatively, the air pressure detection device 12 can also perform the detection processing and the transmission processing upon receiving an execution instruction sent from the management server 4 via the first communication device 2.

[0036] The first communication device 2 receives the air pressure data sent from the air pressure detection device 12 and sends the received air pressure data to the management server 4.

[0037] For example, the first communication device 2 is installed at gas stations such as gas stations and service stations. Additionally, the first communication device 2 is installed in parking lots of commercial facilities such as shopping malls, rental parking lots such as coin-operated parking lots, highway parking areas, highway service areas, car dealerships, and car repair shops.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the first communication device 2 includes a first antenna 21. The first antenna 21 is used for wireless communication with the barometric pressure detection device 12. The first communication device 2 performs wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard with the barometric pressure detection device 12, which is located at a distance of the first antenna 21 within the communication range of the first wireless communication standard. The first antenna 21 is arranged such that at least the refueling area within the gas station is included within the communication range of the wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard.

[0039] When vehicle 1 is within the communication range of wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard, the first communication device 2 acquires the air pressure information and the air temperature information transmitted from the air pressure detection device 12. The first communication device 2 is an example of the information acquisition unit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the communication range of the first communication device 2 according to the first wireless communication standard is an example of a specific range of this disclosure. And the process performed by the first communication device 2 to acquire the air pressure information and the air temperature information is an example of the acquisition steps of this disclosure.

[0040] Upon receiving the air pressure data from the air pressure detection device 12, the first communication device 2 appends first additional data to the received air pressure data. Furthermore, the first communication device 2 sends the air pressure data with the appended first additional data to the management server 4. The first additional data includes date and time information indicating the date and time of receipt of the air pressure data, and communication device identification information for identifying the first communication device 2, etc.

[0041] The tire image acquisition device 3 acquires a tire image representing the state of the contact patch of the tire 11. The tire image is a type of state information related to the state of the tire 11 mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0042] For example, the tire image acquisition device 3 is installed in the gas station in the same manner as the first communication device 2. Alternatively, the tire image acquisition device 3 can also be installed in the same manner as the first communication device 2 in parking lots of commercial facilities such as shopping malls, rental parking lots such as coin-operated parking lots, highway parking areas, highway service areas, car dealerships, and car repair shops.

[0043] For example, the tire image acquisition device 3 has Figure 2 A pair of image acquisition units 31 are shown. The pair of image acquisition units 31 are disposed on the road surface of the gas station. One of the image acquisition units 31, image acquisition unit 31A, contacts the left tire 11 of vehicle 1. The other image acquisition unit 31B contacts the right tire 11 of vehicle 1. For example, the image acquisition unit 31 has: a first ramp portion that guides the tire 11 toward a shooting surface higher than the road surface; a shooting portion that captures images of the contact patch of the tire 11 rolling on the shooting surface from below the shooting surface; and a second ramp portion that guides the tire 11 on the shooting surface toward the road surface.

[0044] Further, the tire image acquisition device 3 is provided with a vehicle sensor that detects the vehicle 1 at a position upstream of the setting position of the pair of image acquisition sections 31 on a travel path of the vehicle 1 passing through the setting position. In a case where the vehicle 1 is detected by the vehicle sensor, the tire image acquisition device 3 acquires four tire images corresponding to the four tires 11 using the pair of image acquisition sections 31. Also, the tire image acquisition device 3 is provided with a camera that photographs a license plate number of the vehicle 1 passing through the setting position.

[0045] In a case where the tire 11 of the vehicle 1 is present in the photographing range of the tire image by the pair of image acquisition sections 31, the tire image acquisition device 3 acquires the tire image of the tire 11. The tire image acquisition device 3 is another example of the information acquisition section of the present disclosure. Also, the photographing range of the tire image by the pair of image acquisition sections 31 is another example of the specific range of the present disclosure. Also, the processing of acquiring the tire image performed by the tire image acquisition device 3 is another example of the acquisition step of the present disclosure.

[0046] In a case where the tire images corresponding to the tires 11 are acquired, the tire image acquisition device 3 transmits tire image data corresponding to the tires 11 to the management server 4. The tire image data contains a vehicle registration number of the vehicle 1 read from a photographed image of the camera, certain installation position information indicating an installation position of the tire 11 in the vehicle 1, and the tire image. Also, the tire image data contains photographing date and time information indicating a photographing date and time of the tire image, acquisition device identification information for identification of the tire image acquisition device 3, and the like.

[0047] The management server 4 performs various processes related to the management of the tires 11 based on the air pressure data and the tire image data.

[0048] [Structure of Management Server 4]

[0049] Next, the structure of the management server 4 will be described with reference to Figure 2 to the drawing.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2 , the management server 4 contains a control section 41, a communication section 42, and a storage section 43.

[0051] The control section 41 comprehensively controls the management server 4. As shown in Figure 2As shown, the control unit 41 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a RAM 53. The CPU 51 is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM 52 is a non-volatile storage device that stores information such as control programs for the CPU 51 to perform various operations. The RAM 53 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as temporary storage (working area) for the various operations performed by the CPU 51. In the control unit 41, the CPU 51 executes various control programs stored in the ROM 52. Thus, the management server 4 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 41.

[0052] The communication unit 42 is a communication interface that can perform wired or wireless data communication with external communication devices such as the first communication device 2 via the communication network.

[0053] Storage unit 43 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, storage unit 33 is a storage device such as flash memory and EEPROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hardware Disc Drive).

[0054] The storage unit 43 pre-stores vehicle information corresponding to each vehicle 1. This vehicle information is related to vehicle 1. The vehicle information includes vehicle identification information for identifying vehicle 1, the vehicle registration number, vehicle type, color, and size, the identification information of the tire pressure monitoring devices 12 corresponding to each tire 11 installed on vehicle 1, user identification information for identifying the user corresponding to vehicle 1, and tire information corresponding to each tire 11 installed on vehicle 1. The tire information is related to each tire 11. The tire information includes the tire type, size, and manufacturing date.

[0055] In addition, the storage unit 43 pre-stores user information corresponding to each user. This user information is information related to the user. The user information includes authentication information for logging into the user management server 4, the user's name, gender, age, date of birth, address, and phone number, as well as the user's email address. The authentication information includes user identification information and a password.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the storage unit 43 includes four data storage units 61. The four data storage units 61 are configured according to the vehicle identification information pre-registered in the management server 4.

[0057] The data holding section 61A among the four data holding sections 61 is a storage area of the storage section 43 for holding the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire 11A. Also, the data holding section 61B is a storage area of the storage section 43 for holding the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire 11B. Also, the data holding section 61C is a storage area of the storage section 43 for holding the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire 11C. Also, the data holding section 61D is a storage area of the storage section 43 for holding the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire 11D.

[0058] Here, the tire management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is able to prompt a countermeasure against an abnormality of the tire 11 in a case where the abnormality occurs.

[0059] Specifically, the control section 41 includes Figure 3 the holding processing section 70, the acquisition processing section 71, the detection processing section 72, the first output processing section 73, the first determination processing section 74, and the first discount giving processing section 75. For example, the control section 41 functions as the holding processing section 70, the acquisition processing section 71, the detection processing section 72, the first output processing section 73, the first determination processing section 74, and the first discount giving processing section 75 by executing a tire management program that is previously stored in the storage section 43. Also, part or all of the processing sections included in the control section 41 can be configured by electronic circuits. Also, the tire management program can be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing sections.

[0060] The holding processing section 70 holds the state information acquired by the first communication device 2 and the tire image acquisition device 3 in the storage section 43. The processing of holding the state information performed by the holding processing section 70 is an example of the holding step of the present disclosure.

[0061] Specifically, in a case where the air pressure data transmitted from the first communication device 2 is received, the holding processing section 70 determines a holding destination of the received air pressure data. Here, the holding processing section 70 determines one of the data holding sections 61 as the holding destination of the air pressure data on the basis of the detection device identification information included in the received air pressure data and the vehicle information held in the storage section 43. Also, the holding processing section 70 holds the received air pressure data in the data holding section 61 determined as the holding destination.

[0062] Further, in a case where the tire image data transmitted from the tire image acquisition device 3 is received, the saving processing section 70 determines a saving destination of the received tire image data. Here, the saving processing section 70 determines one of the data saving sections 61 as the saving destination of the tire image data, based on the vehicle registration number included in the received tire image data and the vehicle information saved in the storage section 43. Further, the saving processing section 70 saves the received tire image data in the data saving section 61 determined as the saving destination.

[0063] Further, the tire image included in the tire image data can also be captured by a camera of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone associated with the user, and transmitted from the mobile terminal to the management server 4.

[0064] In a case where a predetermined acquisition timing comes, the acquisition processing section 71 acquires the state information relating to the state of the tire 11 mounted to the vehicle 1.

[0065] For example, the acquisition timing is a timing at which new tire image data is saved in the data saving section 61. Further, the acquisition timing can also be a timing at which a predetermined period elapses. Further, the acquisition timing can also be a case where an acquisition instruction of the state information is input to the management server 4 via an information processing device such as a personal computer communicable with the management server 4.

[0066] For example, in a case where the tire image data or the air pressure data of an arbitrary vehicle 1 is saved in the data saving section 61, the acquisition processing section 71 acquires the state information for the four tires 11 of the vehicle 1, respectively. For example, the acquisition processing section 71 acquires a plurality of pieces of the air pressure data selected in order from new to old with respect to the reception date and time information, from the data saving section 61 corresponding to the tire 11, respectively. Further, the acquisition processing section 71 acquires the tire image data of which the photographing date and time information is the latest, from the data saving section 61 corresponding to the tire 11, respectively. Further, the acquisition processing section 71 can acquire the state information for an arbitrary one or a plurality of the four tires 11.

[0067] Further, the acquisition processing section 71 can transmit the execution instruction to the air pressure detection device 12 of the vehicle 1 via the first communication device 2, thereby acquiring the air pressure data.

[0068] The detection processing section 72 detects an abnormality of the tire 11 based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing section 71.

[0069] For example, the abnormality includes a first abnormality in which the air pressure of the tire 11 is outside a first reference range. Also, the abnormality includes a second abnormality in which the rate of decrease of the air pressure of the tire 11 exceeds a reference rate. Also, the abnormality includes a third abnormality in which the difference between the amounts of wear of a portion and another portion of the ground contact surface of the tire 11 exceeds a first reference amount. Also, the abnormality includes a fourth abnormality in which the amount of wear of the ground contact surface of the tire 11 exceeds a second reference amount. Also, the abnormality includes a fifth abnormality in which a scratch exceeding a prescribed depth is formed in the ground contact surface of the tire 11.

[0070] The detection processing section 72 determines the presence or absence of the first abnormality on the basis of the latest air pressure data acquired by the acquisition processing section 71. For example, in a case where the air pressure information corrected on the basis of the air temperature information is outside the first reference range, the detection processing section 72 determines that the first abnormality is present.

[0071] Also, the detection processing section 72 determines the presence or absence of the second abnormality on the basis of a plurality of the air pressure data acquired by the acquisition processing section 71. Specifically, in a case where the rate of decrease of the air pressure of the tire 11 calculated on the basis of a plurality of the air pressure data exceeds the reference rate, the detection processing section 72 determines that the second abnormality is present.

[0072] Also, the detection processing section 72 determines the presence or absence of the third abnormality, the fourth abnormality, and the fifth abnormality on the basis of the latest tire image data acquired by the acquisition processing section 71.

[0073] For example, the detection processing section 72 detects the abnormality for each of the four tires 11 of the vehicle 1. Also, the detection processing section 72 can detect the abnormality for any one or more of the four tires 11.

[0074] In a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72, the first output processing section 73 outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1, guidance information for inducing a visit to a business office capable of providing a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality.

[0075] In the tire management system 100, the guidance information is coupon information for reducing the price of the maintenance service.

[0076] For example, the maintenance service includes an air pressure adjustment service of adjusting the air pressure of the tire 11, a transposition service of exchanging the mounting positions of the four tires 11, and a tire replacement service of replacing the tire 11.

[0077] The maintenance service corresponding to the first abnormality is the air pressure adjustment service. Also, the maintenance service corresponding to the third abnormality is the transposition service. Also, the maintenance service corresponding to the second, fourth, and fifth abnormality is the tire replacement service.

[0078] For example, the business places include the gas station, automobile dealers, and automobile repair shops, and the like.

[0079] For example, in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72, the first output processing section 73 transmits an email including a message indicating that the abnormality is detected and the coupon information to the email address of the user corresponding to the vehicle 1. Thereby, the user can be given a motive to move the vehicle 1 to the business place.

[0080] Also, in a case where the user logs in to the management server 4 using a portable device such as a smartphone, the first output processing section 73 can also output the coupon information to the display section of the terminal device.

[0081] After the induction information is output, the first determination processing section 74 determines whether or not the maintenance service is provided.

[0082] For example, the first determination processing section 74 determines whether or not the maintenance service is provided based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing section 71 from the time when the induction information is output to the time when a predetermined determination time elapses. For example, the determination time is a time arbitrarily determined from a period of one hour to 24 hours.

[0083] Specifically, in a case where the first abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72 and it is determined based on the air pressure data acquired thereafter that there is no first abnormality, the first determination processing section 74 determines that the air pressure adjustment service is provided.

[0084] Also, in a case where the second abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72 and it is determined based on the air pressure data acquired thereafter that there is no second abnormality, the first determination processing section 74 determines that the tire replacement service is provided.

[0085] Also, in a case where the third abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72 and it is determined based on the tire image data acquired thereafter that there is a change in the mounting position of the tire 11, the first determination processing section 74 determines that the transposition service is provided.

[0086] Further, in a case where the 4th abnormality or the 5th abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72 and it is determined from the tire image data acquired thereafter that there is no 4th abnormality or 5th abnormality, the 1st determination processing section 74 determines that the tire replacement service is provided.

[0087] Further, the 1st determination processing section 74 can also determine whether or not the maintenance service is provided depending on whether or not the 1st provided information including the content of the maintenance service provided is input to the management server 4. For example, in a case where the 1st provided information is input via the information processing apparatus, the 1st determination processing section 74 can determine that the maintenance service is provided.

[0088] In a case where it is determined by the 1st determination processing section 74 that the maintenance service is provided, the 1st discount giving processing section 75 gives a predetermined 1st discount to the user corresponding to the vehicle 1.

[0089] For example, the 1st discount is a discount coupon for a price of gasoline and a price of equipment of an automobile and the like related to an automobile. Further, the 1st discount can also be a point of a point service provided by a manufacturer of the tire 11, a manufacturer of the vehicle 1, and an operator of the gas station and the like. In this case, the user information can also include point information indicating a point number of the point held by the user. Also, the 1st discount giving processing section 75 can give the point to the user by rewriting the point information. Also, the 1st discount is not limited to the discount coupon or the point, as long as it is an economic benefit or a right given to the user.

[0090] For example, the 1st discount giving processing section 75 transmits an email including the discount coupon to an email address of the user corresponding to the vehicle 1. Thereby, it is possible to give the user a motive to accept the provision of the maintenance service.

[0091] Further, in a case where the user logs in to the management server 4 using a portable device such as a smartphone, the 1st discount giving processing section 75 can also cause the discount coupon to be displayed on a display section of the terminal device.

[0092] [1st Tire Management Processing]

[0093] Hereinafter, an example of a procedure of the 1st tire management processing performed by the control section 41 of the management server 4 in the tire management system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. Figure 4 Here, steps S11, S12,... indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control section 41.

[0094] <Step S11>

[0095] First, in step Sll, the control section 41 determines whether the acquisition timing has come. Here, the process of step Sll is executed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0096] Here, when it is determined that the acquisition timing has come (YES side of Sll), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S12. Also, if the acquisition timing has not come (NO side of Sll), the control section 41 waits for the acquisition timing to come in step Sll.

[0097] <Step S12>

[0098] In step S12, the control section 41 acquires the state information. Here, the process of step S12 is executed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0099] <Step S13>

[0100] In step S13, the control section 41 determines whether the abnormality is detected based on the state information acquired in step S12. Here, the process of step S13 is executed by the detection processing section 72 of the control section 41.

[0101] Here, when it is determined that the abnormality is detected (YES side of S13), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S14. Also, if the abnormality is not detected (NO side of S13), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step Sll.

[0102] <Step S14>

[0103] In step S14, the control section 41 outputs the coupon information to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1. Here, the process of step S14 is executed by the first output processing section 73 of the control section 41.

[0104] <Step S15>

[0105] In step S15, the control section 41 determines whether the determination time has elapsed from when the process of step S14 is executed.

[0106] Here, when it is determined that the determination time has elapsed (YES side of S15), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step Sll. Also, if the determination time has not elapsed (NO side of S15), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S16.

[0107] <Step S16>

[0108] In step S16, the control section 41 determines whether the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality detected in step S13 is provided. Here, the process of step S16 is executed by the first determination processing section 74 of the control section 41.

[0109] Here, when it is determined that the maintenance service is provided (YES side of S16), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S17. And, if the maintenance service is not provided (NO side of S16), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S15.

[0110] <Step S17>

[0111] In step S17, the control section 41 gives the first discount to the user corresponding to the vehicle 1. Here, the process of step S17 is executed by the first discount giving processing section 75 of the control section 41.

[0112] Thus, in the tire management system 100, the state information relating to the state of the tire 11 installed in the vehicle 1 is acquired, and the abnormality of the tire 11 is detected on the basis of the acquired state information. And, in a case where the abnormality is detected, the induction information for inducing to the business office capable of providing the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is output to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1. Thereby, in a case where the abnormality is detected, the induction information can be delivered to the driver of the vehicle 1 or the like. Therefore, the driver or the like can be prompted to deal with the abnormality.

[0113] Further, in the tire management system 100, the induction information is the coupon information for reducing the price of the maintenance service. Thereby, the driver of the vehicle 1 or the like can be given a motive to move to the business office. Therefore, the vehicle 1 can be induced to the business office.

[0114] Further, in the tire management system 100, after the coupon information is output, it is determined whether the maintenance service is provided. And, in a case where it is determined that the maintenance service is provided, the first discount is given to the user corresponding to the vehicle 1. Thereby, the driver of the vehicle 1 or the like can be given a motive to accept the provision of the maintenance service. Therefore, the driver or the like can be more strongly prompted to deal with the abnormality.

[0115] Further, in the tire management system 100, it is determined whether the maintenance service is provided on the basis of the state information acquired after the coupon information is output. Thereby, it is possible to automatically determine whether the maintenance service is provided. Therefore, compared with a structure in which information for determination is manually input, it is possible to save the labor of information input.

[0116] [2nd Embodiment]

[0117] Next, the structure of the tire management system 200 of the 2nd embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 4 .

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the tire management system 200 includes a vehicle 1, a first communication device 2, a tire image acquisition device 3, a management server 4, a second communication device 5, and a terminal device 6. In the tire management system 200, the management server 4 is connected to the first communication device 2, the tire image acquisition device 3, the second communication device 5, and the terminal device 6 via the communication network in a manner that enables communication between them. Furthermore, the structures of the first communication device 2 and the tire image acquisition device 3 are the same as those in the tire management system 100.

[0119] Vehicle 1, in addition to having Figure 4 Except for the vehicle communication device 13 shown, it has the same structure as the vehicle 1 with the tire management system 100. Hereinafter, only the structure that is different from that of the vehicle 1 with the tire management system 100 will be described.

[0120] The vehicle communication device 13 receives the air pressure data transmitted from the air pressure detection device 12. Specifically, the vehicle communication device 13 performs wireless communication with the air pressure detection device 12 according to the first wireless communication standard and receives the air pressure data transmitted from the air pressure detection device 12.

[0121] In the tire management system 200, both the tire pressure detection device 12 and the vehicle communication device 13 are installed in the vehicle 1. Therefore, the tire pressure detection device 12 can always communicate with the vehicle communication device 13. The tire pressure detection device 12 performs the detection process and the transmission process according to the execution cycle.

[0122] Additionally, the vehicle communication device 13 acquires location information indicating the current location of the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle communication device 13 includes a GPS receiver capable of receiving radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites. The vehicle communication device 13 acquires the location information based on the information contained in the radio waves received by the GPS receiver.

[0123] Additionally, the vehicle-mounted communication device 13 transmits the received air pressure data to the second communication device 5. For example, the vehicle-mounted communication device 13 communicates with the second communication device 5 (refer to...) which is located within a communication range of a predetermined second wireless communication standard from the vehicle-mounted communication device 13. Figure 4 Wireless communication according to the second wireless communication standard is performed between the vehicle communication device 13 and the second communication device 5, which is located within a range of several kilometers. For example, the second wireless communication standard is LTE. In this case, the vehicle communication device 13 can perform wireless communication with the second communication device 5, which is located within a range of several kilometers. Alternatively, the second wireless communication standard may be a standard different from LTE.

[0124] Upon receiving the air pressure data from the air pressure detection device 12, the vehicle communication device 13 appends second supplementary data to the received air pressure data. Furthermore, the vehicle communication device 13 transmits the air pressure data with the appended second supplementary data to the second communication device 5. The second supplementary data includes the location information and a date and time information indicating the date and time of receipt of the air pressure data.

[0125] In addition, the vehicle communication device 13 has a display unit for displaying information output from the management server 4.

[0126] Furthermore, while vehicle 1 is within the communication range of the first communication device 2 according to the first wireless communication standard, the vehicle communication device 13 may also cease communication with the barometric pressure detection device 12. In this case, the vehicle communication device 13 only needs to transmit the location information at the same cycle as the execution cycle. Moreover, the vehicle communication device 13 may also lack the function of communicating with the barometric pressure detection device 12.

[0127] The second communication device 5 receives the air pressure data sent from the vehicle-mounted communication device 13 and sends the received air pressure data to the management server 4. The second communication device 5 can be located anywhere.

[0128] like Figure 5 As shown, the second communication device 5 includes a second antenna 22. The second antenna 22 is used for wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted communication device 13. The second communication device 5 performs wireless communication according to the second wireless communication standard with the vehicle-mounted communication device 13, which is located within the communication range of the second antenna 22 according to the second wireless communication standard.

[0129] Upon receiving the air pressure data or location information from the vehicle-mounted communication device 13, the second communication device 5 transmits the received air pressure data or location information to the management server 4. The second communication device 5 is another example of the information acquisition unit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the communication range of the second communication device 5 according to the second wireless communication standard is another example of a specific scope of this disclosure.

[0130] Terminal device 6 is an information processing device used by employees of the business office. For example, terminal device 6 is a personal computer installed in the business office. Alternatively, terminal device 6 can also be a smartphone or tablet terminal used by employees of the business office.

[0131] In addition to the storage content added to storage unit 43, management server 4 also includes... Figure 6The second output processing section 76, the second determination processing section 77, the third output processing section 78, the third determination processing section 79, and the fourth output processing section 80 shown instead of the first output processing section 73, the first determination processing section 74, and the first discount giving processing section 75, and the management server 4 of the tire management system 100 have the same structure. Hereinafter, only the structure different from the management server 4 of the tire management system 100 will be described.

[0132] The storage section 43 stores in advance business office information corresponding to the business offices respectively. The business office information is information related to the business offices. The business office information includes business office identification information for identification of the business offices, information such as names, locations, and telephone numbers of the business offices, and inventory information of materials used in the maintenance service of the business offices, and the like. The materials include the replacement tires 11 and the like. Further, the business office information includes terminal device identification information for identification of the terminal devices 6.

[0133] In a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72, the second output processing section 76 outputs the guidance information to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1.

[0134] In the tire management system 200, the guidance information is path information indicating a path to a location of a first business office closest to a current position of the vehicle 1 among a plurality of the business offices.

[0135] Specifically, the second output processing section 76 determines the current position of the vehicle 1 based on the latest position information stored in the data storage section 61. Further, the second output processing section 76 determines one of the plurality of the business offices as the first business office based on the current position of the vehicle 1 and the business office information.

[0136] For example, the path information is map information that displays a path from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the location of the first business office in a recognizable manner. Alternatively, the path information can include sound information for guiding the vehicle 1 to the first business office.

[0137] For example, in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72, the second output processing section 76 outputs a message indicating that the abnormality is detected and the path information to a display section of the in-vehicle communication device 13. Thus, it is possible to display a path to the location of the business office closest to the current position to the driver of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72, the second output processing section 76 can also transmit an email including a message indicating that the abnormality is detected and the path information to an email address of the user corresponding to the vehicle 1.

[0138] After the path information is output by the second output processing section 76, the second determination processing section 77 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the path information.

[0139] For example, in a case where movement of the vehicle 1 in accordance with the path information exceeds a predetermined time and continues, the second determination processing section 77 determines that the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the path information. Also, in a case where the distance of movement of the vehicle 1 in accordance with the path information exceeds a predetermined distance, the second determination processing section 77 can determine that the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the path information.

[0140] In a case where the path information is output by the second output processing section 76, the third output processing section 78 can output first notification information including the content of the path information to an output destination corresponding to the first business office.

[0141] Specifically, in a case where it is determined by the second determination processing section 77 that the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the path information, the third output processing section 78 outputs the first notification information to the display section of the terminal device 6 corresponding to the first business office.

[0142] The first notification information includes the content of the path information that was output, information of the kind, color, and size of the vehicle 1, information indicating the kind of the abnormality, the current position of the vehicle 1, and information of the estimated time of arrival of the vehicle 1.

[0143] In a case where it is determined by the second determination processing section 77 that the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the path information, the third output processing section 78 outputs the first notification information to the display section of the terminal device 6 corresponding to the first business office.

[0144] Also, in a case where the path information is output by the second output processing section 76, the third output processing section 78 can immediately output the first notification information to an output destination corresponding to the first business office. In this case, the control section 41 can not include the second determination processing section 77.

[0145] In a case where the path information is output by the second output processing section 76, the third determination processing section 79 determines whether or not the first business office has the material.

[0146] Specifically, in a case where the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality detected by the detection processing section 72 is the tire replacement service, the third determination processing section 79 determines whether or not there is an inventory of the tire 11 required for the tire replacement service in the first business office. The third determination processing section 79 determines whether or not there is an inventory of the tire 11 required for the tire replacement service in the first business office, based on the kind and size of the tire 11 in which the abnormality was detected and the business office information corresponding to the first business office.

[0147] In a case where it is determined by the third determination processing section 79 that the item is not present, the fourth output processing section 80 outputs second notification information containing the content to a terminal device 6 corresponding to a second business office having the item present and closest to the location of the first business office among a plurality of business offices.

[0148] The second notification information contains the content determined by the third determination processing section 79 that the item is not present, information such as the name, location, and telephone number of the first business office, and information for identifying the item that is not present.

[0149] The fourth output processing section 80 determines one of the plurality of business offices as the second business office based on the business office information.

[0150] Specifically, in a case where the first notification information is output by the third output processing section 78, the fourth output processing section 80 outputs the second notification information to the display section of the terminal device 6 corresponding to the second business office.

[0151] [Second Tire Management Processing]

[0152] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the second tire management processing performed by the control section 41 of the management server 4 in the tire management system 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. Figure 7 An example of the procedure of the second tire management processing performed by the control section 41 of the management server 4 in the tire management system 200 will be described.

[0153] <Step S21>

[0154] First, in step S21, the control section 41 determines whether the acquisition timing has come. Here, the processing of step S21 is performed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0155] Here, in a case where it is determined that the acquisition timing has come (YES side of S21), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S22. Meanwhile, if the acquisition timing has not come (NO side of S21), the control section 41 waits for the acquisition timing to come in step S21.

[0156] <Step S22>

[0157] In step S22, the control section 41 acquires the state information. Here, the processing of step S22 is performed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0158] <Step S23>

[0159] In step S23, the control section 41 determines whether the abnormality is detected based on the state information acquired in step S22. Here, the processing of step S23 is performed by the detection processing section 72 of the control section 41.

[0160] Here, when it is determined that the abnormality is detected (YES side of S23), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S24. And, if the abnormality is not detected (NO side of S23), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S21.

[0161] <Step S24>

[0162] In step S24, the control section 41 outputs the route information to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1. Here, the processing of step S24 is executed by the 2nd output processing section 76 of the control section 41.

[0163] <Step S25>

[0164] In step S25, the control section 41 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the route information output in step S24. Here, the processing of step S25 is executed by the 2nd determination processing section 77 of the control section 41.

[0165] Here, when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is moving in accordance with the route information (YES side of S25), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S26. And, if the vehicle 1 is not moving in accordance with the route information (NO side of S25), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S21.

[0166] <Step S26>

[0167] In step S26, the control section 41 outputs the 1st notification information to the output destination corresponding to the 1st business office. Here, the processing of step S26 is executed by the 3rd output processing section 78 of the control section 41.

[0168] <Step S27>

[0169] In step S27, the control section 41 determines whether or not the 1st business office has the material. Here, the processing of step S27 is executed by the 3rd determination processing section 79 of the control section 41.

[0170] Here, when it is determined that the 1st business office has the material (YES side of S27), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S21. And, when it is determined that the 1st business office does not have the material (NO side of S27), the control section 41 causes the processing to proceed to step S28.

[0171] <Step S28>

[0172] In step S28, the control section 41 outputs the 2nd notification information to the output destination corresponding to the 2nd business office. Here, the processing of step S28 is executed by the 4th output processing section 80 of the control section 41.

[0173] Thus, in the tire management system 200, the state information relating to the state of the tire 11 mounted to the vehicle 1 is acquired, and the abnormality of the tire 11 is detected on the basis of the acquired state information. Also, in a case where the abnormality is detected, the guidance information for inducing to the business office capable of providing the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is output to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle 1. Thereby, in a case where the abnormality is detected, the guidance information can be delivered to the driver or the like of the vehicle 1. Thus, the driver or the like can be prompted to deal with the abnormality.

[0174] Further, in the tire management system 200, the guidance information is the route information indicating a route to the location of the first business office closest to the current position of the vehicle 1 among a plurality of the business offices. Thereby, the driver or the like of the vehicle 1 can be displayed a route to the location of the business office closest to the current position. Thus, the vehicle 1 can be induced to the business office.

[0175] Further, in the tire management system 200, in a case where the route information is output, the first notification information including the content can be output to the output destination corresponding to the first business office. Thereby, the staff of the first business office can be notified of the visit of the vehicle 1 in advance. Thus, the preparation for welcoming the vehicle 1 can be made at the first business office.

[0176] Further, in the tire management system 200, after the route information is output, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is moving according to the route information. Also, in a case where it is determined that the vehicle 1 is moving according to the route information, the first notification information is output to the output destination corresponding to the first business office. Thereby, the output opportunity of the first notification information can be limited to a case where the vehicle 1 is moving according to the route information. Thus, the waste of the visit preparation at the first business office can be suppressed.

[0177] Further, in the tire management system 200, in a case where the route information is output, it is determined whether the material used for the maintenance service is present in the first business office. Also, in a case where it is determined that the material is not present, the second notification information including the content that the material is not present is output to the output destination corresponding to the second business office closest to the location of the first business office and having the material among a plurality of the business offices. Thereby, the staff of the second business office can be delivered the shortage of the material at the first business office, and thus can be prompted to distribute the material. Thus, the staff of the first business office can be saved from the work of arranging the material in shortage.

[0178] In addition, the vehicle 1 can also be a vehicle such as a rental vehicle. Also, the vehicle 1 is not limited to an automobile, but can be any vehicle equipped with the tire 11. For example, the vehicle 1 can also include a motorcycle, a three-wheeled passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, or the like.

[0179] [3rd Embodiment]

[0180] Next, the structure of the tire management system 300 of the 3rd embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 7

[0181] As shown in Figure 8 , the tire management system 300 is equipped with the vehicle 1, the 1st communication device 2, the management server 4, the 2nd communication device 5, and the terminal device 6. In the tire management system 300, the management server 4 is connected to the 1st communication device 2, the 2nd communication device 5, and the terminal device 6 in a manner that enables communication with each other via the communication network. In addition, the structures of the 1st communication device 2 and the 2nd communication device 5 are the same as those of the tire management system 200.

[0182] In the tire management system 300, the vehicle 1 is a rental vehicle that is rented to the user. Also, in the tire management system 300, the function of the in-vehicle communication device 13 is different from that of the tire management system 200. In addition, the other structures of the vehicle 1 are the same as those of the tire management system 200.

[0183] Specifically, the in-vehicle communication device 13 does not have a function of communicating with the air pressure detection device 12. The in-vehicle communication device 13 acquires the position information indicating the current position of the vehicle 1, and transmits the received position information to the 2nd communication device 5 at a predetermined transmission cycle. The transmission cycle can be the same cycle as the execution cycle, or can be a different cycle. Also, the in-vehicle communication device 13 is equipped with the display portion for displaying information output from the management server 4.

[0184] In the tire management system 300, the terminal device 6 is provided at the gas station provided with the 1st communication device 2. In addition, the other structures of the terminal device 6 are the same as those of the tire management system 200.

[0185] In the tire management system 300, the difference from the tire management system 200 is the structure of the management server 4. Specifically, in the tire management system 300, the storage contents of the storage portion 43 are different from those of the tire management system 200. Also, in the tire management system 300, the function of the control portion 41 is different from that of the tire management system 200. In addition, the other structures of the management server 4 of the tire management system 300 are the same as those of the tire management system 200. Hereinafter, only the structures different from those of the management server 4 of the tire management system 200 will be described.​

[0186] Storage unit 43 stores loan period information indicating the loan period of vehicle 1. This loan period information is stored in storage unit 43 in association with the vehicle information. Furthermore, the user identification information included in the vehicle information is information used to identify the user who accepted the rental of vehicle 1.

[0187] In addition, the storage unit 43 pre-stores gas station information corresponding to each gas station in place of the business address information. The gas station information is information related to the gas station. The gas station information includes gas station identification information for identifying the gas station, as well as information such as the gas station's name, location, and telephone number. Furthermore, the gas station information includes communication device identification information for identifying the first communication device 2 and terminal device identification information for identifying the terminal device 6.

[0188] like Figure 9 As shown, the management server 4 includes a storage processing unit 70, an acquisition processing unit 71, a detection processing unit 72, a second preferential granting processing unit 81, and a third preferential granting processing unit 82.

[0189] The storage processing unit 70 stores the status information acquired by the first communication device 2 in the storage unit 43. The status information of the tire management system 300 includes the air pressure information and the air temperature information, but does not include the tire image. For example, the storage processing unit 70 stores the air pressure information corrected according to the air temperature information in the storage unit 43.

[0190] When the acquisition time arrives, the acquisition processing unit 71 acquires the status information that has been stored in the storage unit 43 by the storage processing unit 70.

[0191] The detection processing unit 72 detects the anomaly based on the status information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 71. The anomaly in the tire management system 300 includes the first anomaly and the second anomaly, but does not include the third anomaly, the fourth anomaly, and the fifth anomaly.

[0192] If the air pressure information stored in the storage unit 43 falls within a predetermined second reference range, the second discount granting processing unit 81 can grant the user a predetermined second discount. The second reference range is a range corresponding to a portion of the first reference range. Alternatively, the second reference range may be the same as the first reference range. The second reference range is an example of the reference ranges disclosed herein.

[0193] For example, the second discount is a discount coupon of a repair price or a tire replacement price in the case of a tire 11 blowout. In addition, the second discount can also be the same as the first discount.

[0194] Specifically, in a case where the air pressure information stored in the storage section 43 is within the second reference range and a predetermined giving condition is satisfied, the second discount giving processing section 81 gives the second discount to the user.

[0195] For example, the giving condition is a condition in which both a first condition and a second condition are satisfied.

[0196] The first condition is that a travel path of the vehicle 1 in a predetermined first specific period satisfies a predetermined first specific condition. For example, the first specific period is a period of one week until the acquisition of the air pressure information that is determined to be within the second reference range. Also, the first specific condition is that the travel path of the vehicle 1 does not deviate from a road on predetermined map data. The map data is data of a map that includes a predetermined region including the location of the gas station.

[0197] Specifically, the second discount giving processing section 81 determines whether the first condition is satisfied based on the position information transmitted from the vehicle 1.

[0198] In addition, the first specific period can also be an arbitrary period until the acquisition of the air pressure information that is determined to be within the second reference range. Also, the first specific period can also be an arbitrary period from the acquisition. Also, the first specific period can also be an arbitrary period including the acquisition. Also, the first specific condition can also be that the travel path of the vehicle 1 does not contact a boundary line of the road on the map data or the interval from the boundary line is not less than a predetermined distance.

[0199] In addition, the second condition is that the user receives both a gas service at the gas station and a specific service different from the gas service. For example, the specific service is an inspection service of the vehicle 1, a car wash service of the vehicle 1, and a replacement service of a consumable of the vehicle 1, and the like. In addition, the second condition can also be that the user receives the gas service at the gas station. Also, the second condition can also be that the user receives the specific service at the gas station. Also, the second condition can also be that the user receives the gas service or the specific service at the gas station.

[0200] Specifically, the 2nd discount giving processing section 81 determines whether the 2nd condition is satisfied based on the 2nd provided information including the content of the service provided by the gas station to the user, which is transmitted from the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 transmits the 2nd provided information to the management server 4 based on a predetermined input operation of the operation section of the terminal device 6.

[0201] In addition, the giving condition can be the 3rd condition that the acquisition time of the air pressure information determined to be within the 2nd reference range is included in a 2nd specific period including the deadline of the lending period of the vehicle 1. For example, the 2nd specific period is one hour until the deadline of the lending period of the vehicle 1. The 2nd discount giving processing section 81 determines whether the 3rd condition is satisfied based on the lending period information stored in the storage section 43. In the case where the giving condition satisfies the 3rd condition, the 2nd discount can be a discount coupon for reducing the lending fee of the vehicle 1. In addition, the 2nd specific period can be an arbitrary period until the deadline of the lending period of the vehicle 1. Also, the 2nd specific period can be an arbitrary period including the deadline of the lending period of the vehicle 1.

[0202] In addition, the giving condition can be the 4th condition that the frequency of the user's visit to the gas station satisfies a predetermined 2nd specific condition. For example, the 2nd specific condition is that the frequency of the visit is twice or more per month. For example, the frequency of the visit is calculated based on the number of times of the user's visit to the gas station within one month or an arbitrary period until the acquisition time of the air pressure information determined to be within the 2nd reference range. The number of times of the user's visit to the gas station is determined based on the reception date and time information included in the 1st additional data stored in the storage section 43. In the case where the giving condition is the 4th condition, the 2nd discount can be a discount coupon for reducing the lending fee of the vehicle 1 or the gasoline fee. In addition, the 2nd specific condition can be different from the above.

[0203] In addition, the giving condition can be the 4th condition that the frequency of the user's visit to the gas station satisfies a predetermined 2nd specific condition. For example, the 2nd specific condition is that the frequency of the visit is twice or more per month. For example, the frequency of the visit is calculated based on the number of times of the user's visit to the gas station within one month or an arbitrary period until the acquisition time of the air pressure information determined to be within the 2nd reference range. The number of times of the user's visit to the gas station is determined based on the reception date and time information included in the 1st additional data stored in the storage section 43. In the case where the giving condition is the 4th condition, the 2nd discount can be a discount coupon for reducing the lending fee of the vehicle 1 or the gasoline fee. In addition, the 2nd specific condition can be different from the above.

[0204] In addition, the giving condition can be the 4th condition that the frequency of the user's visit to the gas station satisfies a predetermined 2nd specific condition. For example, the 2nd specific condition is that the frequency of the visit is twice or more per month. For example, the frequency of the visit is calculated based on the number of times of the user's visit to the gas station within one month or an arbitrary period until the acquisition time of the air pressure information determined to be within the 2nd reference range. The number of times of the user's visit to the gas station is determined based on the reception date and time information included in the 1st additional data stored in the storage section 43. In the case where the giving condition is the 4th condition, the 2nd discount can be a discount coupon for reducing the lending fee of the vehicle 1 or the gasoline fee. In addition, the 2nd specific condition can be different from the above.

[0205] Further, in a case where the air pressure information stored in the storage section 43 is within the second reference range, the second discount giving processing section 81 can also give the second discount to the user unconditionally.

[0206] In a case where the second abnormality is detected by the detection processing section 72 and the user receives the tire replacement service at the gas station, the third discount giving processing section 82 gives a predetermined third discount to the user. The second abnormality is an example of the specific abnormality of the present disclosure.

[0207] For example, the third discount is a discount coupon for reducing the lending fee of the vehicle 1 or the gasoline fee. Further, the third discount can also be the same as the first discount or the second discount.

[0208] Specifically, the third discount giving processing section 82 determines whether or not the user received the tire replacement service on the basis of the second provided information transmitted from the terminal device 6. Further, the third discount giving processing section 82 can also determine whether or not the user received the tire replacement service on the basis of the state information stored in the storage section 43 after the second abnormality is detected.

[0209] [Third Tire Management Processing]

[0210] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the third tire management processing performed by the control section 41 of the management server 4 in the tire management system 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. ​

[0211] <Step S31>

[0212] First, in step S31, the control section 41 determines whether or not the acquisition timing has come. Here, the processing of step S31 is performed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0213] Here, in a case where it is determined that the acquisition timing has come (YES side of S31), the control section 41 shifts the processing to step S32. Meanwhile, if the acquisition timing has not come (NO side of S31), the control section 41 waits for the acquisition timing to come in step S31.

[0214] <Step S32>

[0215] In step S32, the control section 41 acquires the state information. Here, the processing of step S32 is performed by the acquisition processing section 71 of the control section 41.

[0216] <Step S33>

[0217] ​In step S33, the control section 41 determines whether or not the second abnormality is detected based on the state information acquired in step S32. Here, the process of step S33 is executed by the detection processing section 72 of the control section 41.

[0218] Here, when it is determined that the second abnormality is detected (YES side of S33), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S37. And, if the second abnormality is not detected (NO side of S33), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S34.

[0219] <Step S34>

[0220] In step S34, the control section 41 determines whether or not the air pressure information acquired in step S32 is within the second reference range. Here, the process of step S34 is executed by the second discount giving processing section 81 of the control section 41.

[0221] Here, when it is determined that the air pressure information acquired in step S32 is within the second reference range (YES side of S34), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S35. And, if the air pressure information acquired in step S32 is not within the second reference range (NO side of S34), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S31.

[0222] <Step S35>

[0223] In step S35, the control section 41 determines whether or not the giving condition is satisfied. Here, the process of step S35 is executed by the second discount giving processing section 81 of the control section 41.

[0224] Here, when it is determined that the giving condition is satisfied (YES side of S35), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S36. And, if the giving condition is not satisfied (NO side of S35), the control section 41 shifts the process to step S31.

[0225] <Step S36>

[0226] In step S36, the control section 41 gives the second discount to the user. Here, the process of step S36 is executed by the second discount giving processing section 81 of the control section 41.

[0227] <Step S37>

[0228] In step S37, the control section 41 determines whether or not the user has accepted the tire replacement service at the gas station. Here, the process of step S37 is executed by the third discount giving processing section 82 of the control section 41.

[0229] Here, when it is determined that the user received the tire replacement service at the gas station (YES side of S37), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S38. And, if the user did not receive the tire replacement service at the gas station (NO side of S37), the control section 41 causes the process to shift to step S31.

[0230] <Step S38>

[0231] In step S38, the control section 41 gives the user the 3rd discount. Here, the process of step S38 is executed by the 3rd discount giving processing section 82 of the control section 41.

[0232] Thus, in the tire management system 300, the specific range is a range corresponding to the gas station. And, the vehicle 1 is a rental vehicle rented to the user. And, the state information is information including the air pressure of the tire 11. And, in a case where the air pressure information saved in the storage section 43 is within the 2nd reference range, the tire management system 300 can give the user the 2nd discount. Thereby, the user can be given an incentive to visit the gas station. Thus, the vehicle 1 in which the user is riding can be induced to the gas station.

[0233] Further, in a case where the travel route of the vehicle 1 during the 1st specific period satisfies the 1st specific condition, the tire management system 300 can give the user the 2nd discount. Thereby, in a case where there is a point at which the travel route of the vehicle 1 is abnormal, the user can be restricted from being given the 2nd discount. Thus, the user can be prompted to drive the vehicle 1 normally.

[0234] Further, in a case where the user received the gas service and the specific service at the gas station, the tire management system 300 can give the user the 2nd discount. Thereby, in a case where the user did not receive either or both of the gas service and the specific service, the user can be restricted from being given the 2nd discount. Thus, the user can be prompted to use the gas service and the specific service.

[0235] Further, in a case where the timing at which the air pressure information is acquired is included in the 2nd specific period including the deadline of the lending period of the vehicle 1, the tire management system 300 can give the user the 2nd discount. Thereby, the user can be given an incentive to visit the gas station and receive the air pressure adjustment service before the end of the lending period of the vehicle 1. Thus, the user can be prompted to return the vehicle 1 in a state where the air pressure is not abnormal.

[0236] Further, in a case where the frequency of visits of the user to the gas station satisfies the second specific condition, the tire management system 300 can give the second discount to the user. Thereby, in a case where the frequency of visits of the user to the gas station is low, it is possible to restrict giving the second discount to the user. Thus, it is possible to prompt the user to frequently visit the gas station.

[0237] Further, in a case where the second abnormality is detected and the user has received the tire replacement service at the gas station, the tire management system 300 gives the third discount to the user. Thereby, in a case where the second abnormality exists, it is possible to give the user a motivation to receive the provision of the tire replacement service. Thus, in a case where the second abnormality exists, it is possible to prompt the user to use the tire replacement service.

[0238] Hereinafter, the structure of the present disclosure included in the attached specification is described.

[0239] The tire management system of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition processing section, a detection processing section, and a first output processing section. The acquisition processing section acquires state information about a state of a pneumatic tire mounted to a vehicle. The detection processing section detects an abnormality of the pneumatic tire on the basis of the state information acquired by the acquisition processing section. In a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section, the first output processing section outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, induction information for inducing to a business office that can provide a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality.

[0240] According to this structure, in a case where an abnormality of a tire is detected, it is possible to deliver induction information to a driver of a vehicle or the like. Thus, it is possible to prompt the driver or the like to deal with the abnormality.

[0241] In the tire management system of the present disclosure, the induction information includes coupon information for reducing a price of the maintenance service.

[0242] According to this structure, it is possible to give a driver of a vehicle or the like a motivation to move to a business office. Thus, it is possible to induce a vehicle to the business office.

[0243] In the tire management system of the present disclosure, the induction information includes route information indicating a route to a location of a first business office closest to a current position of the vehicle among a plurality of the business offices.

[0244] According to this structure, it is possible to display a route to a location of a business office closest to a current position to a driver of a vehicle or the like. Thus, it is possible to induce a vehicle to the business office.

[0245] The tire management system of the present disclosure is provided with a second output processing section. In a case where the route information is output, the second output processing section is capable of outputting first notification information containing the content to an output destination corresponding to the first business office.

[0246] According to this structure, the staff of the first business office can be notified in advance of the arrival of the vehicle. Therefore, the preparation for welcoming the vehicle can be performed at the first business office.

[0247] The tire management system of the present disclosure is provided with a first determination processing section. After the route information is output, the first determination processing section determines whether the vehicle is moving in accordance with the route information. Also, in a case where it is determined by the first determination processing section that the vehicle is moving in accordance with the route information, the second output processing section outputs the first notification information to an output destination corresponding to the first business office.

[0248] According to this structure, the opportunity of outputting the first notification information can be limited to a case where the vehicle is moving in accordance with the route information. Therefore, the waste of the preparation for the arrival at the first business office can be suppressed.

[0249] The tire management system of the present disclosure is provided with a second determination processing section and a third output processing section. In a case where the route information is output, the second determination processing section determines whether there is a material used for the maintenance service in the first business office. In a case where it is determined by the second determination processing section that there is no material, the third output processing section outputs second notification information containing the content to an output destination corresponding to a second business office closest to the location of the first business office among a plurality of business offices and having the material.

[0250] According to this structure, the staff of the second business office can be informed of the shortage of the material at the first business office, and thus the staff can be prompted to distribute the material. Therefore, the staff of the first business office can be saved from the effort of arranging the insufficient material.

[0251] The tire management system of the present disclosure is provided with a third determination processing section and a benefit giving processing section. After the guidance information is output, the third determination processing section determines whether the maintenance service is provided. In a case where it is determined by the third determination processing section that the maintenance service is provided, the benefit giving processing section gives a predetermined benefit to a user corresponding to the vehicle.

[0252] According to this structure, the driver of the vehicle or the like can be given a motive to accept the provision of the maintenance service. Therefore, the driver or the like can be more strongly prompted to deal with the anomaly.

[0253] In the tire management system of the present disclosure, the third determination processing section determines whether or not the maintenance service is provided, based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing section after the induced information is output.

[0254] According to this structure, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the maintenance service is provided. Therefore, compared with a structure in which information for determination is manually input, it is possible to save the effort of information input.

[0255] The tire management method of another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step, a detection step, and an output step. In the acquisition step, state information about a state of a pneumatic tire mounted to a vehicle is acquired. In the detection step, an abnormality of the pneumatic tire is detected based on the state information acquired by the acquisition step. In the output step, in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection step, induced information for inducing to a business office capable of providing a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is output to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle.

[0256] The embodiment of the present disclosure described above includes each disclosure matter (1) to (15) shown below.

[0257] The disclosure matter (1) is a tire management system including an information acquisition section that acquires state information about a state of a pneumatic tire mounted to a vehicle in a case where the vehicle exists within a predetermined specific range, and a saving processing section that saves the state information acquired by the information acquisition section to a predetermined storage section.

[0258] According to this structure, it is possible to acquire information about a state of a tire of a vehicle that visits a prescribed place.

[0259] The disclosure matter (2) is the tire management system of the disclosure matter (1) including a detection processing section that detects an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information saved to the storage section, and a first output processing section that outputs coupon information for reducing a price of a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing section.

[0260] According to this structure, it is possible to give a motive to a driver or the like of the vehicle to accept provision of the maintenance service. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the driver or the like to deal with the abnormality of the tire.

[0261] The disclosure (3) is the tire management system of the disclosure (2), the tire management system has: the first determination processing unit, after outputting the coupon information, the first determination processing unit determines whether the maintenance service is provided; and the first discount giving processing unit, in the case where the first determination processing unit determines that the maintenance service is provided, the first discount giving processing unit gives the user corresponding to the vehicle predetermined first discount.

[0262] According to this structure, the driver of the vehicle or the like can be given a further motivation to accept the provision of the maintenance service.

[0263] The disclosure (4) is the tire management system of the disclosure (1), the tire management system has: a detection processing unit, which detects the abnormality of the pneumatic tire according to the state information saved in the storage unit; and the second output processing unit, in the case where the detection processing unit detects the abnormality, the second output processing unit outputs the path information indicating the path to the location of the first business office closest to the current position of the vehicle among a plurality of business offices capable of providing the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle.

[0264] According to this structure, the driver of the vehicle or the like can be given a further motivation to accept the provision of the maintenance service.

[0265] The disclosure (5) is the tire management system of the disclosure (4), the tire management system has: the second determination processing unit, after outputting the path information, the second determination processing unit determines whether the vehicle is moving according to the path information; and the third output processing unit, in the case where the second determination processing unit determines that the vehicle is moving according to the path information, the third output processing unit outputs the first notification information to the output destination corresponding to the first business office, the first notification information contains the content of the path information output.

[0266] According to this structure, the staff of the first business office can be notified of the visit of the vehicle in advance. Therefore, the preparation for welcoming the vehicle can be made at the first business office.

[0267] The disclosure (6) is the tire management system of the disclosure (4) or (5), the tire management system has: the third determination processing unit, in the case of outputting the path information, the third determination processing unit determines whether there is the material used in the first business office in the maintenance service; and the fourth output processing unit, in the case of being determined by the third determination processing unit that there is no material, the fourth output processing unit outputs the second notification information to the output destination corresponding to the second business office closest to the location of the first business office from among a plurality of business offices and having the material, the second notification information contains the content determined to be no material.

[0268] According to this structure, the employee of the second business office can be informed of the shortage of the material of the first business office, so that the employee can be prompted to distribute the material. Therefore, the employee of the first business office can save the time of arranging the insufficient material.

[0269] The disclosure (7) is the tire management system of the disclosure (1), wherein the specific range is a range corresponding to a gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is a rental vehicle rented to a user, the state information includes the air pressure of the pneumatic tire, the tire management system has a second preferential treatment processing unit, in the case that the air pressure stored in the storage unit is within a predetermined reference range, the second preferential treatment processing unit can give a predetermined second preferential treatment to the user.

[0270] According to this structure, the user can be given the motivation to visit the gas station. Therefore, the vehicle in which the user rides can be induced to the gas station.

[0271] The disclosure (8) is the tire management system of the disclosure (7), wherein in the case that the travel path of the vehicle within a predetermined first specific period satisfies a predetermined first specific condition, the second preferential treatment processing unit can give the second preferential treatment to the user.

[0272] According to this structure, in the case that there is an abnormal point in the travel path of the vehicle, the second preferential treatment can be limited to the user. Therefore, the normal driving of the vehicle in which the user rides can be prompted.

[0273] The disclosure (9) is the tire management system of the disclosure (7) or (8), wherein in the case that the user receives a refueling service at the gas station, the second preferential treatment processing unit gives the second preferential treatment to the user.

[0274] According to this structure, in the case that the user does not receive the refueling service, the second preferential treatment can be limited to the user. Therefore, the user can be prompted to use the refueling service.

[0275] The disclosure (10) is the tire management system of the disclosure (7) or (8), wherein, in a case where the user has received a refueling service and a specific service different from the refueling service at the gas station, the second discount giving processing section gives the second discount to the user.

[0276] According to this structure, in a case where the user has not received either one or both of the refueling service and the specific service, it is possible to restrict the second discount from being given to the user. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to use the refueling service and the specific service.

[0277] The disclosure (11) is the tire management system of the disclosure (7), wherein, in a case where the acquisition time of the air pressure is included in a second specific period, the second discount giving processing section gives the second discount to the user, the second specific period including a deadline of a lending period of the vehicle.

[0278] According to this structure, it is possible to give the user an incentive to visit the gas station and receive a service of adjusting the air pressure before the lending period of the vehicle ends. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to return the vehicle in a state where the air pressure is not abnormal.

[0279] The disclosure (12) is the tire management system of the disclosure (7), wherein, in a case where a frequency of visits of the user to the gas station satisfies a predetermined second specific condition, the second discount giving processing section can give the second discount to the user.

[0280] According to this structure, in a case where the frequency of visits of the user to the gas station is low, it is possible to restrict the second discount from being given to the user. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to frequently visit the gas station.

[0281] The disclosure (13) is the tire management system of the disclosure (12), wherein, in a case where the user has received a refueling service or a specific service different from the refueling service at the gas station, the second discount giving processing section gives the second discount to the user.

[0282] According to this structure, in a case where the user has not received either the refueling service or the specific service, it is possible to restrict the second discount from being given to the user. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to use the refueling service or the specific service.

[0283] Disclosed matter (14) is the tire management system of disclosed matter (1), wherein the specific range is the range corresponding to the gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is the rental vehicle rented to the user, the state information contains the air pressure of the pneumatic tire, the tire management system has: detection processing unit, which detects the specific abnormality of the pneumatic tire according to the air pressure saved in the storage unit; And the third preferential treatment giving processing unit, in the case that the specific abnormality is detected by the detection processing unit and the user accepts the tire replacement service at the gas station, the third preferential treatment giving processing unit gives the user a predetermined third preferential treatment.

[0284] According to the structure, in the case that the tire exists abnormality, the user can be given the motivation to accept the provision of tire replacement service. Therefore, in the case that the tire exists abnormality, the user can be prompted to use the tire replacement service.

[0285] Disclosed matter (15) is a tire management method, comprising: a step of acquiring state information related to the state of a pneumatic tire installed on a vehicle when the vehicle is present in a predetermined specific range; and a step of saving the state information acquired by the acquisition step in a predetermined storage unit.

Claims

1. A tire management system comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires state information related to a state of a pneumatic tire mounted to a vehicle in a case where the vehicle is present within a predetermined specific range; a storage processing unit that stores the state information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a predetermined storage unit; a detection processing unit that detects an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information stored in the storage unit; a second output processing unit that outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, route information indicating a route to a location of a first business office closest to a current position of the vehicle among a plurality of business offices capable of providing a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing unit; a third output processing unit that outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the first business office, first notification information including a content that the route information has been output in a case where the route information is output by the second output processing unit; a third determination processing unit that determines whether or not a material used for the maintenance service is present in the first business office in a case where the route information is output; and a fourth output processing unit that outputs, to an output destination corresponding to a second business office closest to the location of the first business office and having the material used for the maintenance service among the plurality of business offices, second notification information including a content that the material used for the maintenance service is not present in the first business office in a case where it is determined by the third determination processing unit that the material used for the maintenance service is not present in the first business office.

2. The tire management system according to claim 1, wherein the tire management system comprises: the detection processing unit that detects an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information stored in the storage unit; and a first output processing unit that outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, coupon information for reducing a price of a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing unit.

3. The tire management system according to claim 2, wherein the tire management system comprises: a first determination processing unit that determines whether or not the maintenance service is provided after the coupon information is output; and a first preferential treatment giving processing unit that gives a predetermined first preferential treatment to a user corresponding to the vehicle in a case where it is determined by the first determination processing unit that the maintenance service is provided.

4. The tire management system according to claim 1, wherein the tire management system comprises: a second determination processing unit that determines whether or not the vehicle is moving according to the route information after the route information is output; and the third output processing unit that outputs the first notification information to an output destination corresponding to the first business office in a case where it is determined by the second determination processing unit that the vehicle is moving according to the route information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. The tire management system according to claim 1, wherein the specific range is a range corresponding to a gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is a rental vehicle that is rented to a user, the state information includes air pressure of the pneumatic tire, the tire management system includes a second benefit giving processing section that gives a predetermined second benefit to the user when the air pressure saved in the storage section is within a predetermined reference range.

6. The tire management system according to claim 5, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when a travel route of the vehicle within a predetermined first specific period satisfies a predetermined first specific condition.

7. The tire management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when the user has received a refueling service at the gas station.

8. The tire management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when the user has received a refueling service and a specific service different from the refueling service at the gas station.

9. The tire management system according to claim 5, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when the acquisition time of the air pressure is included in a second specific period that includes a deadline of a lending period of the vehicle.

10. The tire management system according to claim 5, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when a frequency of visits of the user to the gas station satisfies a predetermined second specific condition.

11. The tire management system according to claim 10, wherein the second benefit giving processing section gives the second benefit to the user when the user has received a refueling service or a specific service different from the refueling service at the gas station.

12. The tire management system according to claim 1, wherein the specific range is a range corresponding to a gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is a rental vehicle that is rented to a user, the state information includes air pressure of the pneumatic tire, the tire management system includes: a detection processing section that detects a specific abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the air pressure saved in the storage section; and a third benefit giving processing section that gives a predetermined third benefit to the user when the specific abnormality is detected by the detection processing section and the user has received a tire replacement service at the gas station.

13. A tire management method including: an acquisition step of acquiring state information about a state of a pneumatic tire installed in a vehicle when the vehicle is present within a predetermined specific range; a saving step of saving the state information acquired by the acquisition step in a predetermined storage section; ​ a detection processing step of detecting an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information stored in the storage section; a second output processing step of outputting, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, route information indicating a route to a location of a first business office closest to a current position of the vehicle among a plurality of business offices capable of providing a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality, in a case where the abnormality is detected by the detection processing step; a third output processing step of outputting, to an output destination corresponding to the first business office, first notification information including a content that the route information has been output, in a case where the route information is output by the second output processing step; a third determination processing step of determining whether or not a material used for the maintenance service is present in the first business office, in a case where the route information is output; and a fourth output processing step of outputting, to an output destination corresponding to a second business office closest to the location of the first business office and having the material used for the maintenance service among the plurality of business offices, second notification information including a content that the material used for the maintenance service is not present in the first business office, in a case where it is determined by the third determination processing step that the material used for the maintenance service is not present in the first business office.

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