Information processing apparatus

Abstract

An information processing apparatus is provided. A control section of the information processing apparatus performs processing of acquiring a request to add an item to a vehicle, acquiring first information corresponding to whether the vehicle has a structure to which the item is added, determining a fee for adding the item to the vehicle based on the first information and information related to the item, and outputting information related to the fee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A technology is disclosed in which the device for detecting following vehicles is integrated with the GPS unit, thereby eliminating the need for complex wiring. The user can install and use it extremely easily by simply installing it on the rear window inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and plugging the car plug into a power outlet (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-151444). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technique for appropriately setting the cost when installing add-on items on a vehicle.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus, which includes a control unit that performs the following processes: obtaining a request to add an item to a vehicle; obtaining first information corresponding to whether the vehicle has a structure for adding the item; determining the cost of adding the item to the vehicle based on the first information and information related to the item; and outputting information related to the cost.

[0005] In addition, other embodiments of this disclosure include an information processing method in which a computer performs the processing of the aforementioned information processing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to perform the processing of the aforementioned information processing apparatus, and a storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

[0006] According to this disclosure, a technique can be provided that allows for the appropriate setting of costs when installing or adding items. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same symbols denote the same elements, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the general structure of the system involved in the implementation method;

[0009] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of the user terminal and the central server constituting the system involved in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a central server;

[0011] Figure 4A diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the vehicle information DB, project information DB, and cost information DB;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the central server involved in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0013] There is a technique for retroactively adding functions or components (hereinafter also referred to as projects) to a vehicle. For example, a blind spot monitoring system (BSM) can be considered to detect vehicles approaching from the rear. In such cases, sensors need to be added to the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, to transmit the sensor output to the electronic control unit (ECU), a wiring harness with connectors for connecting to the sensors is required. If the existing wiring harness does not have connectors, it needs to be replaced. Replacing the wiring harness requires temporary removal of interior components, thus increasing the operation time. In addition, when adding sensors, sometimes it is necessary to machine holes in the vehicle side to mount the sensor itself, and sometimes it is necessary to install brackets for securing the connectors connecting to the sensors. Such operations also take time.

[0014] Here, it is possible to design and manufacture the vehicle in advance to incorporate the structure of items that would be added later (e.g., holes for mounting items, brackets for mounting items, or wiring harnesses with connectors for connecting to items). In this way, for example, the added items can be added to the vehicle in a shorter time without complex operations.

[0015] On the other hand, for vehicles that do not have the structure to accommodate subsequent additions, adding such items may require additional work such as drilling holes in the vehicle body, welding brackets to the body, or sheet metal processing. This could complicate the addition process and increase the time required.

[0016] Therefore, the work level and time required for adding such items may differ depending on whether the vehicle has a structure that presupposes additional additions. Consequently, the cost of adding these items will differ depending on whether the vehicle has such a structure. Therefore, a method is needed to appropriately determine the cost of additional items based on whether the vehicle has a structure that presupposes additional additions.

[0017] In contrast, one aspect of the information processing apparatus disclosed herein includes a control unit that performs the following processing: obtaining a request to add an item to a vehicle; obtaining first information corresponding to whether the vehicle has a structure for adding the item; determining, based on the first information and information related to the item, the cost of adding the item to the vehicle; and outputting information related to the cost.

[0018] The project refers to a device, component, or system that can be installed on a vehicle. A request to add a project to a vehicle is sent, for example, from a user's terminal to an information processing device. The user's terminal can be the terminal of the vehicle owner or a terminal of a car dealership, etc. The information included in the first information corresponding to whether the vehicle has the structure for adding a project refers to information related to whether the vehicle has the structure for a hypothetical, subsequently added project. Such a structure, for example, includes information related to whether a wiring harness with a connector for connecting to the project is installed on the vehicle. In such a case, if a wiring harness with a connector for connecting to the project is pre-installed on the vehicle, it can be said that the vehicle has the structure for adding a project. Furthermore, for example, information related to whether holes or brackets for installing the project are pre-installed on the vehicle can also be included in the information corresponding to whether the vehicle has the structure for adding a project. The information corresponding to whether the vehicle has the structure for adding a project can be appropriately changed according to the project being added. Additionally, such information can also be, for example, information associated with the vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle model, vehicle class, vehicle type, etc.

[0019] It is envisioned that even for the same project, the work level and work time will differ depending on whether the vehicle has an additional project structure or not. Furthermore, it is envisioned that even for the same vehicle, the work level and work time will differ depending on the additional project. Therefore, the control unit according to this disclosure determines the cost of adding an additional project to the vehicle based on first information and project-related information. The control unit then outputs information related to the determined cost. As an example, the process of outputting information related to the determined cost includes sending a command to the user's terminal in the vehicle to display that information.

[0020] According to the information processing apparatus disclosed herein, the cost of additional items can be appropriately determined for both cases where the vehicle has a structure for additional items and cases where it does not. Furthermore, the determined cost can be communicated to the vehicle user.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The structures of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the structures of the embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined in various ways.

[0022] <First Implementation>

[0023] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the general structure of system 1 according to the implementation method. Figure 1 In this example, system 1 includes a user terminal 20 and a central server 30. The user terminal 20 is the terminal used by the user of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 is equipped with an on-board unit 100. Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle 10 can have additional features added later. For example, when adding a blind spot monitoring system (BSM) to vehicle 10, sensors such as sensor 101 are installed on vehicle 10. Furthermore, the BSM is a system that detects the approach of other vehicles from behind and assists the user's judgment when changing lanes. In this case, sensor 101 is, for example, a radar sensor. The added sensor 101 is connected to the vehicle-mounted device 100 via wiring harness 102. The vehicle-mounted device 100 controls vehicle 10, BSM, etc., by executing the installed software. Additionally, the software for controlling the BSM can be pre-installed on the vehicle-mounted device 100, or it can be installed when sensor 101 is added.

[0024] The central server 30 receives the request from the user terminal 20 to add items to the vehicle 10. Then, based on the structure of the vehicle 10 and the items, the central server 30 determines the cost of adding the items to the vehicle 10. The central server 30 outputs (sends) an instruction indicating the determined cost to the user terminal 20.

[0025] Here, additional work on the items disclosed herein will be described. Vehicle 10 can be equipped with or replaced with features such as a blind spot monitoring system (BSM), safety functions, a parking collision avoidance assist system (PKSB), a panoramic view monitoring system (PVM), a steering wheel heater, and seat upholstery. The BSM, as described above, is a system that detects the approach of other vehicles from behind and assists the user's judgment when changing lanes. To add BSM functionality to vehicle 10, a sensor 101 and a wiring harness 102 with a connector capable of connecting to the sensor 101 are required. Furthermore, rearview mirrors and bumpers need to be replaced with those compatible with BSM. Sometimes, a bracket is also required for installing the sensor 101 or the connector connected to the sensor 101.

[0026] Safety features include components such as Forward Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Emergency Steering Assist. FCTA detects vehicles approaching from the left and right when entering intersections. LCA assists with steering during lane changes and monitors vehicles heading towards their lane change destination. Adding additional safety features requires the addition of sensors, replacement of the steering wheel, and, more importantly, wiring harnesses 102 corresponding to these components.

[0027] The PKSB (Priority Collision Shield Brake) is a system that, when detecting a moving object while stationary or traveling at low speeds, issues an alarm and performs collision damage mitigation braking control. To add PKSB functionality, a rear-view camera and corresponding wiring harness 102 are required.

[0028] The PVM (Power View Monitor) is a function that combines images from cameras mounted at the front, rear, left, and right of vehicle 10 to generate an image of the vehicle's surroundings and display it on a monitor. To add the PVM function, additional cameras and a control unit (ECU) are required, and the front grille and rearview mirrors need to be replaced. Furthermore, wiring harnesses 102 corresponding to these components are needed.

[0029] The steering wheel heater is designed to heat the steering wheel. To add this function, the steering wheel needs to be replaced, and an additional switch needs to be installed. Additionally, a wiring harness 102 corresponding to these components is required.

[0030] Regarding the seat upholstery, it is sometimes possible to replace it with a premium fabric and add seat heaters. Replacing it with a premium fabric means changing the seat upholstery to a more luxurious one. Seat heaters provide heating for the seat upholstery. It is necessary to replace the seats and the air conditioning control unit. Additionally, wiring harnesses 102 corresponding to these components are required.

[0031] Here, it is possible to consider designing and manufacturing the vehicle in advance to have a structure for adding items as described above (i.e., a structure that envisions adding items as described above afterward; hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "ready structure"). Ready structures include, for example, structures with wiring harnesses corresponding to the items pre-installed on the vehicle body, structures with holes pre-drilled on the vehicle body for item installation, or structures with brackets pre-installed on the vehicle body for item installation. For vehicles with ready structures, items can be added in a relatively short time without complex operations. On the other hand, there are also vehicles that do not have ready structures. For vehicles without ready structures, ancillary operations such as drilling holes in the vehicle body, welding brackets to the vehicle body, or sheet metal processing of the body are required, thus potentially increasing the level of work or the time required. Therefore, the level of work and the time required for adding items may differ between vehicles with and without ready structures. Consequently, there may be a need to differentiate the cost of adding items between vehicles with and without ready structures. Therefore, the central server 30 in this embodiment determines the cost of additional projects based on the structure of the vehicle 10 and the project.

[0032] User terminal 20 and central server 30 are interconnected via network N1. Furthermore, network N1 may be a global public communication network such as the Internet, and may employ a Wide Area Network (WAN) or other communication network. Additionally, network N1 may include telephone communication networks such as mobile phones or wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Although in Figure 1 The exemplary map shows one vehicle 10 and one user terminal 20, but there may also be multiple vehicles 10 and multiple user terminals 20.

[0033] (Hardware Structure)

[0034] Here, the hardware structure of user terminal 20 and central server 30 will be described. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of the user terminal 20 and the central server 30, which constitute the system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0035] The central server 30 has a computer structure. The central server 30 includes a processor 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, and a communication unit 34. These are interconnected via a bus. The processor 31 is an example of a control unit.

[0036] The processor 31 is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc. The processor 31 controls the central server 30 and performs various information processing operations. The main storage unit 32 is a Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 33 is an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and / or a removable medium, etc. The auxiliary storage unit 33 stores the operating system (OS), various programs, and various tables, etc. The processor 31 loads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 into the working area of ​​the main storage unit 32 and executes it, controlling various structural elements by executing the program. Thus, the central server 30 performs functions according to the predetermined purpose. The main storage unit 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33 are recording media that can be read by a computer.

[0037] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface used to connect the central server 30 to the network N1. In one example, the communication unit 34 is configured to include, for example, a local area network (LAN) interface board and wireless communication circuitry for wireless communication. In this embodiment, the communication unit 34 communicates with the user terminal 20 via the network N1.

[0038] Next, the user terminal 20 is a computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), or personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 has a processor 21, main storage unit 22, secondary storage unit 23, input unit 24, display 25, and communication unit 26. They are interconnected via a bus. Since the processor 21, main storage unit 22, and secondary storage unit 23 are the same as those of the processor 31, main storage unit 32, and secondary storage unit 33 of the central server 30, their descriptions are omitted.

[0039] Input unit 24 is a device that accepts input operations performed by the user. In one example, input unit 24 is a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, or button, etc. Display 25 is a device that displays prompts to the user. In one example, display 25 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an electroluminescent (EL) panel, etc. Alternatively, input unit 24 and display 25 may also be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0040] The communication unit 26 is a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1. The communication unit 26 connects the user terminal 20 to the network N1 using mobile communication services (e.g., 6th Generation (6G), 5th Generation (5G), 4th Generation (4G), 3rd Generation (3G), or Long Term Evolution (LTE) telephone networks), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the communication unit 26 communicates with the central server 30 via the network N1.

[0041] (Functional structure of the central server)

[0042] Next, the functions of the central server 30 will be explained. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the functional structure of a central server 30 is provided. As functional structural elements, the central server 30 includes a control unit 300 and a storage unit 310. The control unit 300 executes a computer program stored in an auxiliary storage unit 33 via the processor 31 of the central server 30. Furthermore, at least a portion of the control unit 300 may also be implemented using hardware circuitry such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The storage unit 310 is configured to include databases such as a vehicle information DB 311, a project information DB 312, and a cost information DB 313.

[0043] The control unit 300 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to specify an item to be added to the vehicle 10. As an example, the control unit 300 performs the interaction with the user terminal 20 by executing processing through a web server, thereby receiving the request. In this case, the user accesses the web server through the browser of the user terminal 20 and sends the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 (or the user's user ID) to the central server 30 through the user terminal 20. Upon receiving the vehicle ID (or user ID), the central server 300 generates a list of items suitable for the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle ID (or user ID) and displays a user interface screen containing the generated list on the browser of the user terminal 20. The user inputs an operation to select the item to be added to the vehicle 10 from the displayed list into the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20, having received this input, sends a request specifying the item selected by the user to the central server 30. This request includes, in addition to information identifying the item selected by the user (e.g., the item's name), the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 or the user's user ID. Upon receiving the request, the central server 300, based on the vehicle ID (or user ID) and the specified item, determines the cost to be added to the vehicle 10 for the specified item. Details regarding the process of determining the cost to be added to the vehicle 10 for the specified item are described below. The control unit 300 causes the browser of the user terminal 20 to display a user interface screen containing the determined cost.

[0044] Furthermore, the interaction between the central server 30 and the user terminal 20, as described above, can be achieved through a dedicated application and a predetermined protocol installed on the user terminal 20.

[0045] Here, the vehicle information DB 311, project information DB 312, and cost information DB 313 are explained. These databases are constructed in the auxiliary storage unit 33 of the central server 30 by executing programs of the Database Management System (DBMS) through the processor 31 of the central server 30. These databases can be constructed as relational databases.

[0046] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of information stored separately in Vehicle Information DB 311, Project Information DB 312, and Expense Information DB 313. First, Vehicle Information DB 311 will be explained. Vehicle Information DB 311 contains records by vehicle (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "Vehicle Information Records"). Figure 4As shown, each vehicle information record has fields for vehicle ID, user ID, vehicle number, and vehicle model ID.

[0047] The Vehicle ID field contains information that identifies vehicle 10 (Vehicle ID). The User ID field contains information that identifies the user associated with vehicle 10 (User ID). The User ID can also be information that identifies user terminal 20. The Vehicle Number field contains the vehicle number of vehicle 10. Furthermore, since the vehicle number is a unique number on each vehicle 10, it can also be used as the Vehicle ID. The Model ID field contains information that identifies the model of vehicle 10 (Model ID). Additionally, regarding the Model ID, even for the same model, different Model IDs can be set based on class and / or year, etc.

[0048] Next, we will explain Project Information DB 312. Project Information DB 312 contains records by vehicle body number (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "Project Information Record"). For example... Figure 4 As shown, each item information record has fields such as vehicle number, BSM, safety function, PKSB, PVM, heater, and seat.

[0049] The vehicle identification number (VIN) field contains information corresponding to the VIN field in vehicle information DB 311. The fields for BSM, safety functions, PKSB, PVM, heater, and seats contain information indicating whether vehicle 10 has the corresponding ready structure. Figure 4 In the example shown, for a vehicle 10 with a vehicle body number that becomes an object, a ready-to-use item has a string starting with "P" registered in the field corresponding to that item. As an example, if the wiring harness 102 corresponding to that item is pre-installed on the vehicle 10, a string starting with "P" is registered in the field corresponding to that item. This indicates that in any subsequent work on that item, neither the addition of the wiring harness 102 corresponding to that item nor the replacement of an existing wiring harness with the wiring harness 102 corresponding to that item is required.

[0050] Furthermore, for items on vehicle 10 that do not have a ready design but can be added through ancillary work, a string starting with "S" is registered in the field corresponding to that item. As an example, for items where the corresponding wiring harness 102 is not pre-installed on vehicle 10 but can be added or replaced with wiring harness 102 through ancillary work, a string starting with "S" is registered in the field corresponding to that item. This indicates that the addition of wiring harness 102 or replacement of an existing wiring harness with wiring harness 102 is required during the addition work for that item.

[0051] Furthermore, for items on vehicle 10 with a vehicle body number that is the target vehicle body number, if there is no ready design for the item and the item cannot be installed even with auxiliary work, the field corresponding to that item is left blank. As an example, for items where the wiring harness 102 corresponding to the item is not pre-installed on the vehicle 10 and cannot function properly even with the addition of the wiring harness 102 or by changing an existing wiring harness to the wiring harness 102, the field corresponding to that item is left blank. This indicates that the item is not suitable (cannot be installed) on vehicle 10 with a vehicle body number that is the target vehicle body number. Therefore, items with blank fields are excluded from the aforementioned list (the list of items suitable for vehicle 10).

[0052] Furthermore, the information registered in the project information DB 312 in this embodiment is an example of the first information involved in this disclosure.

[0053] Next, the cost information DB 313 will be explained. Cost information DB 313 contains records by vehicle model ID (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "cost information records"). Each cost information record has fields for vehicle model ID, item, cost A, and cost B. The vehicle model ID field records information corresponding to the vehicle model field in vehicle information DB 311. The item field records a list of items. The cost A field records the cost per item when the target vehicle model has a ready structure (adding costs for each item). The cost B field records the cost per item when the target vehicle model does not have a ready structure (adding costs for each item).

[0054] Here, the process for deciding on the cost of adding the specified item to vehicle 10 is explained in detail. First, the control unit 300 determines whether vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item based on the vehicle ID (or user ID) and the specified item. Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the vehicle information DB 311 and determines the vehicle information record corresponding to the vehicle ID (or user ID). The control unit 300 obtains the information registered in the vehicle number field of the determined vehicle information record. The control unit 300 accesses the item information DB 312 and determines the item information record corresponding to the obtained vehicle number. The control unit 300 refers to the information registered in the field corresponding to the specified item in the determined record. At this time, if a string starting with "P" is registered in the field of the referenced object, the control unit 300 determines that vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item. On the other hand, if a string starting with "S" is registered in the field of the reference object, the control unit 300 determines that the vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to the specified item.

[0055] Next, the control unit 300 obtains the information registered in the vehicle model ID field of the vehicle information record determined above. The control unit 300 accesses the fee information DB 313 and determines the fee information record corresponding to the obtained vehicle model ID. Based on the information registered in the determined fee information record, the above-mentioned determination result, and the specified item, the control unit 300 determines the fee for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10. As an example, if the specified item is BSM and it is determined that the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to BSM, the control unit 300 determines that the fee corresponding to BSM in the fee registered in the fee A field is the fee for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, if the specified item is BSM and it is determined that the vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to BSM, the control unit 300 determines that the fee corresponding to BSM in the fee registered in the fee B field is the fee for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10.

[0056] (Processing flow)

[0057] Next, the processing in the central server 30 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow performed in the central server 30 involved in the implementation method. Figure 5 The illustrated processing flow is executed upon receiving a request from the user terminal 20 to add an item to the vehicle 10. Although the processor 31 of the central server 30 is the execution entity of this processing flow, the control unit 300, a functional structural element of the central server 30, will be used as the execution entity for this explanation.

[0058] When the central server 30 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to add an item to the vehicle 10, the control unit 300 obtains the vehicle 10's vehicle identification number (S101). Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the vehicle information database 311 and determines the vehicle 10 table that contains information in the vehicle ID field that matches the vehicle ID included in the request. The control unit 300 obtains the information (vehicle identification number) registered in the vehicle identification number field of the determined vehicle information record.

[0059] Alternatively, if the user ID is included in the aforementioned request, the control unit 300 accesses the vehicle information DB 311 and determines the vehicle information record for which information matching the user ID is registered in the user ID field. Then, the control unit 300 can obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) information registered in the determined vehicle information record.

[0060] After completing the processing of S101, the control unit 300 executes the processing of S102.

[0061] In S102, the control unit 300 determines whether the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item. Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the item information DB 312 and determines the item information record where the vehicle number field contains information consistent with the vehicle number obtained in S101. The control unit 300 refers to the information in the field corresponding to the specified item registered in the determined item information record. At this time, if a string starting with "P" is registered in the field of the referenced object, the control unit 300 determines that the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item (a positive determination in S102). On the other hand, if a string starting with "S" is registered in the field of the referenced object, the control unit 300 determines that the vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to the specified item (a negative determination in S102).

[0062] If an affirmative judgment is made in S102, the control unit 300 proceeds to processing in S103 and determines that the cost to be added to vehicle 10 for the specified item is cost A. Specifically, the control unit 300 obtains the information (model ID) registered in the vehicle information record determined in S101 within the model ID field. The control unit 300 accesses the cost information DB 313 and determines the cost information record that has information in the model ID field that matches the obtained model ID. The control unit 300 determines that the cost corresponding to the specified item in the cost A field of the determined cost information record is the cost to add the specified item to vehicle 10.

[0063] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in S102, the control unit 300 proceeds to S104 and determines that the cost to be added to vehicle 10 for the specified item is cost B. Specifically, the control unit 300 obtains the information (model ID) registered in the vehicle information record determined in S101 in the model ID field. The control unit 300 accesses the cost information DB313 and determines the cost information record that has information in the model ID field that matches the obtained model ID. The control unit 300 determines that the cost corresponding to the specified item in the cost B field of the determined cost information record is the cost to add the specified item to vehicle 10.

[0064] When the control unit 300 completes the processing in S103 or S104, it executes the processing in S105. In S105, the control unit 300 outputs the cost determined in S103 or S104. In one example, the control unit 300 causes the browser of the user terminal 20 to display a user interface screen containing the determined cost.

[0065] When the control unit 300 completes the processing of S105, Figure 5 The processing flow has ended.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the cost of adding an item to the target vehicle is determined based on the specified item and whether the target vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to that item. Therefore, even if the specified items are the same, the cost can differ between vehicles with and without the ready structure corresponding to that item. Furthermore, even if the target vehicles are the same, the cost can differ depending on the specified item. Thus, the cost of adding an installation item to the vehicle can be appropriately determined.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user terminal can display the determined cost. This allows the user to be notified of the cost of adding the installation to the vehicle.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the determination of whether a vehicle has a ready structure is performed by a central server. Therefore, users do not need to conduct separate investigations regarding whether a vehicle has a ready structure.

[0069] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0070] The above-described implementation is merely an example, and this disclosure can be appropriately modified without departing from its spirit. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be automatically combined and implemented as long as there is no technical inconsistency.

[0071] Furthermore, processes described as being performed by a single device can also be executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices can also be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture (server architecture) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0072] This disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer with a computer program that includes the functions described in the above embodiments, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors of the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising a storage unit and a control unit, The storage unit includes: The vehicle information database stores vehicle identification information used to identify the vehicle, the vehicle's vehicle number, and vehicle model identification information used to identify the vehicle's model in association. The project information database stores the vehicle body number in association with first information for each of the multiple projects that can be added to the vehicle, the first information being information indicating whether the vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to each of the projects included in the multiple projects; The cost information database, for each vehicle model identification information, stores in association each item included in the plurality of items, a first cost as the cost of adding each item to the vehicle when the vehicle has the ready structure, and a second cost as the cost of adding each item to the vehicle when the vehicle does not have the ready structure. The control unit performs the following processing: A request is obtained to add an item to a target vehicle, the request including vehicle identification information of the target vehicle and first item identification information for identifying a first item added to the target vehicle; Referring to the vehicle information database, obtain the vehicle identification number corresponding to the vehicle identification information of the target vehicle contained in the obtained request; Access the project information database, and refer to the obtained vehicle body number and the first information corresponding to the first project identified by the first project identification information contained in the obtained request; Based on the first information, it is determined whether the target vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to the first item; When it is determined that the target vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to the first item, the vehicle information database is referenced to obtain the vehicle identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information contained in the obtained request, and the cost information database is referenced to determine the first cost corresponding to the first item and the obtained vehicle identification information as the cost to add the first item to the target vehicle. When it is determined that the target vehicle does not have a ready structure corresponding to the first item, the vehicle information database is referenced to obtain the vehicle identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information contained in the obtained request, and the cost information database is referenced to determine the second cost corresponding to the first item and the obtained vehicle identification information as the cost to add the first item to the target vehicle. Output information related to the determined first or second cost.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The process of outputting information related to the determined first or second fee includes sending an instruction to cause the display of the user's terminal of the target vehicle to display information related to the first or second fee.

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