Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing device which calculates the cost and the scheduled date of vehicle delivery by a dealer and the cost and the scheduled date of vehicle delivery by a factory, and presents a user with comparison information based on the calculated cost and the scheduled date of vehicle delivery by the dealer and the cost and the scheduled date of vehicle delivery by the factory. A selection of a dealer delivery or a factory delivery is accepted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been disclosed a technology for obtaining information related to the progress status of a specific vehicle corresponding to its identification information from information related to the progress status of multiple vehicles before delivery stored in a progress management DB, and providing the obtained information to the user terminal that sent the identification information (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-297954).

[0003] For example, if a vehicle arrives at a dealership but hasn't been delivered yet, users may feel stressed and be left wondering what to do in the final stages. Furthermore, it's difficult for users to freely choose between vehicle delivery from the dealer (hereinafter referred to as dealer delivery) and vehicle delivery from the manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as factory delivery). There has been little research into flexibly adjusting the delivery schedule based on user preferences. Therefore, there is room for improvement in pre-delivery schedule management technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to improve the schedule management technology before vehicle delivery.

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a control unit, wherein:

[0006] The control unit calculates the cost and scheduled delivery date of the dealer's vehicle and the cost and delivery date of the factory's vehicle.

[0007] The user is presented with information comparing the calculated dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date with the factory delivery cost and delivery date.

[0008] Accept the choice of either the above-mentioned dealer delivery or the above-mentioned factory delivery.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve vehicle-related information provision technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Hereinafter, features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a terminal device.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an example of a user interface for presenting and accepting tasks that can be performed by the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] Overview of Implementation

[0018] Reference Figure 1 Next, an overview and configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0019] The system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. The information processing device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicatively connected to a network 30 including, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0020] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server device installed in a data center. For example, the information processing device 10 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The information processing device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via the network 30. Figure 1 , the system 1 includes one information processing device 10 , but the system is not limited thereto. The system 1 may include two or more information processing devices 10 .

[0021] The terminal device 20 is any device used by a user. The user includes a customer waiting for the delivery of a vehicle. For example, a general electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated electronic device can be used as the terminal device 20. Figure 1 , the system 1 includes one terminal device 20 , but the system is not limited thereto. The system 1 may include two or more terminal devices 20 .

[0022] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, with details provided later. The information processing device 10 calculates the dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date, and the factory delivery cost and delivery date. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 presents the user with comparative information based on the calculated dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date, and factory delivery cost and delivery date. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 accepts a selection of either dealer delivery or factory delivery.

[0023] Thus, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 10 presents the user with comparative information based on the cost and scheduled delivery date of dealer delivery and the cost and delivery date of factory delivery. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 accepts a selection of either dealer delivery or factory delivery. This presents the user with comparative information based on dealer delivery and factory delivery, allowing for flexible adjustment of the delivery schedule based on the user's selection, thereby improving pre-delivery schedule management technology.

[0024] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0025] Configuration of information processing device

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , an input unit 13 , an output unit 14 , and a communication unit 15 .

[0027] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor can be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor customized for specific processing. A dedicated circuit can be, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The control unit 11 controls the various components of the information processing device 10 to execute processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0028] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. Examples of semiconductor memory include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). Examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Examples of ROM include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0029] The input unit 13 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, an electrostatic capacitance key, a pointing device, or a touch screen integrated with the display. In addition, the input interface may be, for example, a sound sensor that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 13 accepts operations for inputting data used in the operation of the information processing device 10. The input unit 13 may also be connected to the information processing device 10 as an external input device instead of being equipped in the information processing device 10. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[0030] The output unit 14 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information through images, or a speaker that outputs information through sounds. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The output unit 14 displays and outputs data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10. The output unit 14 can also be connected to the information processing device 10 as an external output device instead of being equipped in the information processing device 10. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0031] The communication unit 15 includes at least one external communication interface. The communication interface can be an interface for either wired communication or wireless communication. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation) or 5G (5th generation), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 15 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and sends data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0032] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the information processing device 10. In other words, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the information processing device 10 by causing it to execute the operations of the information processing device 10. In other words, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 according to the program.

[0033] In this embodiment, the program can be pre-recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, an optical magneto-recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The circulation of the program is carried out, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a removable recording medium such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) on which the program is recorded. In addition, the circulation of the program can be carried out by storing the program in a storage device of an external server and sending the program from the external server to other computers. In addition, the program can also be provided as a program product.

[0034] A part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 11. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0035] Terminal device configuration

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , an input unit 23 , an output unit 24 , and a communication unit 25 .

[0037] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor can be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor customized for specific processing. A dedicated circuit can be, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The control unit 21 controls the various components of the terminal device 20 to execute processing related to the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0038] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. Examples of the semiconductor memory include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). Examples of the RAM include static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Examples of the ROM include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 22 functions as a main storage device, auxiliary storage device, or buffer memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0039] The input unit 23 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, an electrostatic capacitance key, a pointing device, and a touch screen integrated with the display. In addition, the input interface may be, for example, a sound sensor that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 23 accepts operations for inputting data used in the operation of the terminal device 20. The input unit 23 may also be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external input device instead of being equipped in the terminal device 20. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0040] The output unit 24 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information via video or a speaker that outputs information via sound. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The output unit 24 displays and outputs data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20. The output unit 24 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external output device instead of being equipped in the terminal device 20. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0041] The communication unit 25 includes at least one external communication interface. The communication interface can be an interface for either wired communication or wireless communication. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation) or 5G (5th generation), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 25 receives data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0042] The functions of the terminal device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the terminal device 20. In other words, the functions of the terminal device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the terminal device 20 by causing it to execute the operations of the terminal device 20. In other words, the computer functions as the terminal device 20 by executing the operations of the terminal device 20 according to the program.

[0043] A part or all of the functions of the terminal device 20 may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 21. That is, a part or all of the functions of the terminal device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0044] Operation of information processing device

[0045] Reference Figure 4 The operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0046] S100: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 calculates the dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date, and the factory delivery cost and delivery date. This calculation process can be performed at any time during vehicle manufacturing at the manufacturing plant. For example, this calculation process can be performed a predetermined number of days before vehicle body assembly is completed at the manufacturing plant.

[0047] The above calculation process can employ any method. For example, the control unit 11 may calculate the cost and delivery date of factory delivery based on the average cost and average delivery date corresponding to the vehicle model and time period. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may calculate the cost and scheduled delivery date of dealer delivery based on the cost and delivery date of factory delivery. For example, the control unit 11 may calculate the cost of dealer delivery by adding additional costs such as transportation fees to the cost of factory delivery. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may calculate the scheduled delivery date of dealer delivery by adding the average number of days required for transportation and the average number of hours worked at the dealership to the scheduled delivery date of factory delivery.

[0048] S200: The control unit 11 generates comparison information based on the dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date and the factory delivery cost and delivery date calculated in S100, and presents the comparison information to the user. For example, the comparison information may include all of the dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date and the factory delivery cost and delivery date information. Alternatively, the comparison information may include only a portion of the dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date and the factory delivery cost and delivery date information. For example, the comparison information may include the difference in dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date between the dealer delivery and factory delivery costs and delivery dates.

[0049] The prompting of the comparison information can be performed in any manner. For example, the control unit 11 can prompt the comparison information through a user interface displayed and output by the output unit 24 of the terminal device 20. The above-mentioned user interface can be prompted by the terminal device 20 accessing the information processing device 10 or the network server via the browser software. Alternatively, the application involved in the system 1 can be installed on the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 can communicate appropriately with the information processing device 10 or the application server via the application to prompt the user interface. In this case, the authentication processing involved in the user can be appropriately performed by the terminal device 20 and the information processing device 10, or the terminal device 20 and the network server.

[0050] S200: The control unit 11 receives a selection from the user for dealer delivery or factory delivery, and determines the delivery method for the user, dealer delivery or factory delivery, based on the selection.

[0051] The process of accepting a selection can employ any method. For example, the control unit 11 can accept a selection operation from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 15 and the network 30. In this case, the output unit 24 of the terminal device 20 can display a user interface for selecting either dealer delivery or factory delivery. Alternatively, the control unit 21 can accept the user's selection via the input unit 23 and transmit the received information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 25 and the network 30. The person in charge of vehicle delivery can switch the vehicle delivery method for the user based on the selected information.

[0052] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment calculates the cost and scheduled delivery date for dealer delivery and the cost and delivery date for factory delivery, and presents comparative information based on the calculated costs and delivery dates to the user. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 accepts a selection for either dealer delivery or factory delivery. This configuration presents the user with comparative information for dealer and factory delivery, allowing for flexible adjustment of the delivery schedule based on the user's selection, thereby improving pre-delivery schedule management technology.

[0053] While the present disclosure has been described based on the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that such modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step may be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps may be combined into one or divided.

[0054] For example, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 can also display available tasks for the user and accept tasks requested by the user within these tasks. These tasks can include at least one of floor mat installation, document processing, and component installation. By accepting user-requested tasks, the user can also perform some of these tasks themselves, adjusting the vehicle delivery date, and so on.

[0055] In addition, the control unit 11 can also prompt the user to reduce costs and shorten delivery days when performing user-implementable tasks. In this way, it is possible to provide a decision material for which task among the user-implementable tasks to actually perform from the perspective of cost and effect.

[0056] In addition, the control unit 11 may also present the difficulty level of the tasks that the user can perform. This can provide a decision material for determining which task the user should actually perform from the perspective of difficulty.

[0057] Figure 5An example of a user interface for presenting and accepting tasks that can be performed by a user is shown in FIG. Figure 5 The user interface 100 shown includes a check box 110 for each job that the user can perform, a decision button 120, and a cancel button 130. Figure 5 As shown, the cost reduction, delivery time reduction, and difficulty level can be displayed for each task that the user can perform. The user selects the task they wish to perform by checking the boxes 110 and registering the task by pressing the OK button 120. Furthermore, the user can cancel the selection by pressing the Cancel button 130.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, wherein: The control unit calculates the cost and scheduled delivery date of the dealer's vehicle delivery and the cost and delivery date of the factory's vehicle delivery. The user is presented with information comparing the calculated dealer delivery cost and scheduled delivery date with the factory delivery cost and delivery date. Accept the choice of either dealer delivery or factory delivery.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit further presents the user with tasks that can be performed, and accepts a task that the user wants to perform among the tasks.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit further prompts the user to reduce costs and shorten delivery days when the user performs the work that the user can perform.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit further presents the user with the degree of difficulty of the tasks that can be performed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The work that can be performed by the user includes at least one of installation of the floor mat, document processing, and component installation work.

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