Second-hand vehicle evaluation system, information processing device, program, and second-hand vehicle evaluation method

Abstract

In the second-hand vehicle evaluation system, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stored in a storage device, and each piece of identification information comprises the identification value of the second-hand vehicle associated with the category information setting of the second-hand vehicle. The category information comprises vehicle model information of the second-hand vehicle, and at least one of year number information of the second-hand vehicle and total mileage information of the second-hand vehicle. The information processing device performs a process of selecting a plurality of pieces of authentication information belonging to the determined category from the plurality of pieces of stored authentication information as comparison information. A process for calculating a statistical value of the identification value of the second-hand vehicle associated with the plurality of comparison information settings; and a process for generating information for comparing the identification value of the target vehicle with the calculated statistical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a used vehicle appraisal system, information processing device, program, and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, there have been systems for evaluating used vehicles.

[0003] [Patent Literature] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-25722 [Summary of the Invention] However, there is still room for improvement in the technology used to generate proper assessment information for used vehicles, which can serve as a reference for those considering purchasing a used vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a used vehicle appraisal system, information processing device, program, and method for appraising used vehicles, so as to generate appropriate appraisal information for used vehicles.

[0005] This invention is a used vehicle appraisal system, comprising a storage device and an information processing device connected to the aforementioned storage device for communication. The aforementioned storage device stores multiple appraisal information entries, each of which contains the appraised value of the used vehicle as associated with the category information of the used vehicle. The aforementioned category of information includes at least one of the following: vehicle model information, vehicle age information, and vehicle total mileage information. The aforementioned information processing device performs decision processing, selection processing, statistical value calculation processing, and information generation processing. The aforementioned decision-making process determines the category of the used vehicle to be evaluated based on the aforementioned category information. The aforementioned selection process involves selecting multiple pieces of identification information belonging to the aforementioned determined category from the identification information stored in the aforementioned storage device as comparison information. The aforementioned statistical value calculation process involves calculating the appraised value of a used vehicle that is associated with multiple sets of comparative information selected from the aforementioned information. The aforementioned information generation and processing involves generating information that compares the appraised value of the aforementioned target vehicles with the calculated statistical values.

[0006] Generally, the appraisal of used vehicles is based on the premise that the vehicle is in a new, undamaged, and undeteriorated condition. Methods that consider damage or deterioration reduce its appraised value. Under this new-vehicle-condition-based appraisal method, the appraised value of a used vehicle tends to decrease as the number of years since its manufacture increases.

[0007] New cars are more durable than before. Therefore, among used cars that have been manufactured for many years, there are some in good condition. However, when assessing a used car based on its new-car condition, its appraised value tends to decrease as the number of years since its manufacture increases. Therefore, even a used car in good condition will have a lower appraised value compared to a new car of the same model.

[0008] Those considering purchasing a used vehicle generally understand that the degree of damage or deterioration of a used vehicle increases with age. Therefore, for potential buyers, relative assessment information showing the quality of the vehicle being assessed compared to other used vehicles in the same category will be important information for them.

[0009] In this regard, the information processing apparatus of the present invention generates an appraisal value for a target used vehicle (the object of appraisal) based on multiple appraisal information stored in a storage device, and compares this appraisal value with a statistical value (e.g., an average value) of the appraisal values ​​of multiple used vehicles belonging to the target vehicle. This allows a buyer to utilize the relative appraisal information of the target vehicle relative to multiple used vehicles belonging to the same category.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one of the years of use and total mileage is used in the category information used to determine the category of a used vehicle. This allows for the generation of relative assessment information for a given vehicle compared to used vehicles with similar levels of damage or deterioration.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Based on the above description, the present invention can generate appropriate appraisal information for used vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of a used vehicle appraisal system.

[0013] Figure 2 A flowchart showing the sequence of authentication information registration processes performed by the IDC server.

[0014] Figure 3A graph displaying category information.

[0015] Figure 4 A diagram showing the exterior inspection items for used vehicles.

[0016] Figure 5 This image shows the interior inspection items for a used vehicle.

[0017] Figure 6 A diagram showing the engine inspection process for a used vehicle.

[0018] Figure 7 A diagram showing the chassis inspection items for a used vehicle.

[0019] Figure 8 A flowchart showing the evaluation and processing sequence of used vehicles.

[0020] Figure 9 A graph showing the classification method based on total mileage.

[0021] Figure 10 The image shows an example of a relative assessment report for a used vehicle.

[0022] Figure 11 The image shows an example of a relative assessment report for a used vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following describes a specific embodiment of the used vehicle appraisal system of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the appraisal system is provided to a service provider that holds appraisal information for multiple used vehicles, enabling it to provide used vehicle appraisal services to used car dealers who buy and sell used vehicles.

[0024] Figure 1 The evaluation system 10 displays the overall structure of the system. The evaluation system 10 includes a management server 20, a management terminal 30, a user terminal 50, and an IDC (Internet Data Center) server 60. The management server 20 and management terminal 30 are devices used by the management provider offering the evaluation services. The management terminal 30 can be, for example, a desktop computer or a laptop. The management terminal 30 and the management server 20 are connected to each other for communication.

[0025] User terminal 50 is a device used by a used car dealer. User terminal 50 is operated by a used vehicle appraiser employed by the used car dealer, or a used vehicle appraiser contracted with the used car dealer. In this embodiment, user terminal 50 is a mobile device carried by the appraiser, such as a smartphone or tablet. The appraisal system 10 has multiple user terminals 50 corresponding to the number of used car dealers.

[0026] The management server 20, multiple user terminals 50, and IDC server 60 are connected to communicate with each other via a communication network 70 (e.g., the Internet). The communication network 70 can be at least one of a wired network and a wireless network.

[0027] The management server 20 is a device that performs various processes related to the evaluation service, and includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The control unit 21 has a hardware structure including a processor that executes programs for the evaluation service. The communication unit 22 serves as an interface for data transmission with external communication devices. In the management server 20, the control unit 21, communication unit 22, and storage unit 23 are interconnected via a communication bus 24.

[0028] The hardware structure of storage unit 23 includes memory. Memory is a storage device used to store data processed by management server 20. For example, memory provides a temporary working area to the processor during processing. Memory includes, for example, ROM or RAM. Memory is a storage device that stores various programs and data that the processor can read and execute. Memory includes, for example, HDD or flash memory. Memory stores program information used for evaluation services, etc. Furthermore, for example, storage unit 23 may contain program information stored in memory modules. Storage media may be, for example, a USB flash drive or CD-ROM. Additionally, for example, storage unit 23 may contain program information sent via communication network 70.

[0029] The communication unit 22 transmits data via the communication network 70. The communication unit 22, under the instruction of the control unit 21, transmits data to other devices. The communication unit 22 receives data from other devices and transmits it to at least one of the control unit 21 and the storage unit 23.

[0030] The management terminal 30 is the terminal operated by the management personnel, and like the management server 20, it has a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The management terminal 30 also has an input unit 34 and a display unit 35. In the management terminal 30, the control unit 31, the communication unit 32, the storage unit 33, the input unit 34, and the display unit 35 are interconnected via a communication bus 36.

[0031] Storage unit 33 includes a memory. Control unit 31 includes a processor that reads and executes programs stored in storage unit 33 to control the operation of management terminal 30. Communication unit 32 transmits data with management server 20 via communication unit 22 of management server 20. Communication unit 32 transmits data to management server 20 under the instruction of control unit 31. Communication unit 32 receives data from management server 20 and transmits it to at least one of control unit 31 and storage unit 33.

[0032] Input unit 34 is a device operated by the operator. Input unit 34 receives input from the operator and transmits corresponding input information to control unit 31. Input unit 34 can be, for example, a touchscreen, a keyboard, or a pointing device such as a mouse. Display unit 35 is a device that outputs the processing results obtained by control unit 31. Display unit 35 can be, for example, a touchscreen or a desktop monitor.

[0033] User terminal 50, like management terminal 30, has a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a storage unit 53, an input unit 54, and a display unit 55. In user terminal 50, the control unit 51, communication unit 52, storage unit 53, input unit 54, and display unit 55 are interconnected via a communication bus 56.

[0034] The input unit 54 is a device operated by the appraiser. The input unit 54 receives input operations from the appraiser and transmits the corresponding input information to the control unit 51. The input unit 54 may be, for example, a touchscreen or a hardware button.

[0035] Storage unit 53 includes a memory. Control unit 51 includes a processor that reads and executes programs stored in storage unit 53 to control the operation of user terminal 50. Communication unit 52 transmits data via communication network 70. Communication unit 52, under the instruction of control unit 51, transmits data to other devices. Communication unit 52 receives data from other devices and transmits it to at least one of control unit 51 and storage unit 53.

[0036] The IDC server 60, like the management server 20, includes a control unit 61, a communication unit 62, and a storage unit 63. The control unit 61, the communication unit 62, and the storage unit 63 in the IDC server 60 are interconnected via a communication bus 64.

[0037] Storage unit 63 includes a memory. Control unit 61 includes a processor that reads and executes programs stored in storage unit 63 to control the operation of IDC server 60. Communication unit 62 transmits data via communication network 70. Communication unit 62, under the instruction of control unit 61, transmits data to other devices. Communication unit 62 receives data from other devices and transmits it to at least one of control unit 61 and storage unit 63.

[0038] The assessment system 10 includes a printing device 80 to print documents related to the assessment service of used vehicles. The printing device 80 used by the management operator is connected to the communication unit 32 of the management terminal 30 for communication. The printing device 80 is, for example, a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0039] The following is an overview of the used vehicle appraisal service provided by the management server 20.

[0040] The storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60 stores multiple pieces of used vehicle appraisal information 63A. This multiple pieces of appraisal information 63A are information sent from multiple user terminals 50 and accumulated in the storage unit 63 to form a database.

[0041] The multiple authentication information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60 is periodically (specifically daily) downloaded to the storage unit 23 of the management server 20. This allows the multiple authentication information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20 to be updated periodically.

[0042] The control unit 21 of the management server 20 generates relative assessment report data for the target vehicle based on the assessment information 23A stored in the storage unit 23. The target vehicle is a used vehicle that is the subject of the assessment, that is, a used vehicle that the used car dealer wants to assess. The generated relative assessment report data is printed out by the printing device 80 and mailed to the used car dealer as paper media by the management company. Alternatively, the generated relative assessment report data may also be electronic data of a predetermined format (e.g., a PDF file) and transmitted via the communication network 70 to the user terminal 50, or to the terminal of another used car dealer that is different from the user terminal 50.

[0043] <Registration and processing of authentication information using user terminal 50> First, the registration and processing of authentication information will be explained. In the user terminal 50, the control unit 51 reads and executes the program for registering authentication information stored in the storage unit 53 to perform the functions of the transmission and reception unit 51A and the processing instruction unit 51B. Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the registration and processing sequence of identification information.

[0044] The appraiser operates the input section 54 of the user terminal 50, causing the processing instruction section 51B to execute the application software for registering appraisal information. In step S10, the processing instruction section 51B displays an input screen for appraisal information on the display section 55 of the user terminal 50. The input screen has input fields for entering appraisal information for the used vehicle. The appraiser enters information into each input field by operating the input section 54.

[0045] In this embodiment, the input screen has input fields for the following items (A1) to (A5) (see reference). Figure 3 ). Items (A1) to (A5) contain category information for used vehicles.

[0046] (A1) Vehicle Model Information The vehicle information includes the vehicle manufacturer and the vehicle model.

[0047] Vehicle information includes names such as "HONDA: CR-V (registered trademark)", "NISSAN: X-TRAIL (registered trademark)", and "TOYOTA: PRIUS (registered trademark)". Figure 3 The example shown is "TOYOTA:CAMRY(XV50)".

[0048] In this embodiment, vehicle models are not categorized by vehicle grade or model before and after a minor change, but rather by model before and after a full model change. Therefore, the vehicle model information includes information on the full model changes of used vehicles, but does not include information on the vehicle grade or the full model changes of used vehicles.

[0049] (A2) Year Information The year information displays the year the vehicle was manufactured. Additionally, if the period between the vehicle's manufacture and initial registration (e.g., registration with an administrative authority) is within a predetermined month (e.g., 3, 4, or 5 months), the vehicle's registration year can also be entered as the year information.

[0050] (A3) Information on the year of implementation of the identification The "Year of Appraisal" information shows the year the appraiser appraised the used vehicle. This information, along with the original year, is used to generate the vehicle's age information. The vehicle's age information is calculated from the time the vehicle was manufactured until the time of the used vehicle appraisal.

[0051] In this embodiment, the processing instruction unit 51B of the user terminal 50 generates the vehicle age information of the used vehicle based on the input year information and the information of the year of appraisal. For example, if a 2011 model used vehicle was appraised in 2019, a 2012 model used vehicle was appraised in 2020, and a 2013 model used vehicle was appraised in 2021, the vehicle age is 8 years.

[0052] (A4) Total Mileage Information for Used Vehicles Total mileage is the cumulative distance traveled from the time the vehicle was manufactured until the time of its inspection. Figure 3 The example shown is a total mileage of 106,000 km.

[0053] (A5) Appraisal value of each main item In this implementation, the main items are "exterior of the used vehicle", "interior of the used vehicle", "engine (internal combustion engine) of the used vehicle", "frame of the used vehicle", "tire wear of the used vehicle" and "air conditioning function of the used vehicle", totaling 6 items.

[0054] These six main items determine the appraisal value individually. In this implementation, the appraisal value is defined as five stages, specifically with a maximum score of 10 points and an interval of 2 points. In each main item, the less damage to the appraised area or the less deterioration of the appraised area, the higher the appraisal value.

[0055] <<Exterior>> Figure 4 The detailed items of the exterior are displayed. These detailed items are divided into multiple categories (specifically 36 items). The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display each detailed item of the exterior, as well as the corresponding appraisal value input field for each detailed item. The processing instruction unit 51B obtains the appraisal value entered in the input field by the appraiser through the input unit 54. The appraisal value for each detailed item of the exterior is set to 5 levels, specifically, the appraisal value is entered in increments of 2 points, with a maximum score of 10.

[0056] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the appraisal value of the outer casing (hereinafter referred to as the comprehensive score value of the outer casing) based on the appraisal value entered for each detailed item in the input field. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the comprehensive score value of the outer casing based on the input appraisal value and the algorithm used to calculate the comprehensive score value of the outer casing.

[0057] The appraiser inputs the appraisal value corresponding to each detailed item of the exterior packaging one by one through the input section 54 of the portable user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 then automatically calculates a comprehensive score for the exterior packaging reflecting the appraisal value of each detailed item. Therefore, even with a large number of detailed items, the burden of the appraisal work can be reduced, and errors in calculating the comprehensive score of the exterior packaging can be minimized.

[0058] Furthermore, an example of the detailed item input mode for the exterior is described here. The processing instruction unit 51B displays a unfolded view of the vehicle on the display unit 55. For example, if the processing instruction unit 51B determines that the operator has touched the displayed front bumper portion of the unfolded view, it enlarges the display of the front bumper portion on the display unit 55 and displays the input field for the detailed item corresponding to the front bumper portion on the display unit 55. In this way, the appraisal value entered in the input field can be selected by the operator through touch operation.

[0059] <<Interior>> Figure 5The display shows the detailed items inside. These detailed items are divided into multiple categories (specifically 18 items). The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display each detailed item inside, as well as the corresponding appraisal value input field for each detailed item. The processing instruction unit 51B obtains the appraisal value entered in the input field by the appraiser through the input unit 54. The appraisal value for each detailed item inside is set to 5 levels, specifically, the appraisal value is entered in increments of 2 points, with a maximum score of 10.

[0060] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the appraised value of the interior (hereinafter referred to as the comprehensive score of the interior) based on the appraised value entered for each detailed item in the input field. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the comprehensive score of the interior based on the input appraised value and the algorithm used to calculate the comprehensive score of the interior. The appraiser enters the appraised value corresponding to each detailed item of the interior one by one through the input operation of the input unit 54 of the user terminal 50.

[0061] <<Engine>> Figure 6 The display engine shows detailed items. These detailed items are divided into multiple categories (specifically, 10 items). The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display each detailed item of the engine and the corresponding appraisal value input field for each detailed item. The processing instruction unit 51B obtains the appraisal value entered in the input field by the appraiser through the input unit 54. The appraisal value for each detailed item of the engine is set to 5 levels, specifically, with a maximum score of 10 points and an interval of 2 points.

[0062] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the engine's appraisal value (hereinafter referred to as the engine's overall score) based on the appraisal values ​​entered for each detailed item in the input field. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the engine's overall score based on the input appraisal values ​​and the algorithm used to calculate the engine's overall score. The appraiser inputs the appraisal value corresponding to each detailed item of the engine one by one through the input operation of the input unit 54 on the user terminal 50.

[0063] Furthermore, if the power source of the used vehicle is a motor rather than an engine, the processing instruction unit 51B can display detailed items of the motor on the display unit 55, along with the corresponding appraisal value input fields for each detailed item. The processing instruction unit 51B can then calculate the motor's overall rating.

[0064] <<Frame>> Figure 7The display shows detailed items of the chassis. These detailed items are divided into multiple categories (specifically 21 items). The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display each detailed item of the chassis, as well as the corresponding appraisal value input field for each detailed item. The processing instruction unit 51B obtains the appraisal value entered in the input field by the appraiser through the input unit 54. The appraisal value for each detailed item of the chassis is set to 5 levels, specifically, the appraisal value is entered in increments of 2 points, with a maximum score of 10.

[0065] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the frame appraisal value (hereinafter referred to as the frame's overall score value) based on the appraisal values ​​entered for each detailed item in the input field. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the frame's overall score value based on the input appraisal values ​​and the algorithm used to calculate the frame's overall score value. The appraiser inputs the appraisal values ​​corresponding to each detailed item of the frame one by one through the input operation of the input unit 54 on the user terminal 50.

[0066] <<Tire Wear>> The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display the appraisal value input field for the tire wear degree of each wheel of the corresponding used vehicle. The processing instruction unit 51B receives the appraisal value entered into the input field by the appraiser through the input unit 54. The appraisal value for the tire wear degree of the corresponding wheel is set in 5 stages, specifically with a maximum score of 10 points and an interval of 2 points.

[0067] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the tire wear assessment value (hereinafter referred to as the comprehensive tire wear score) based on the assessment value entered in the input field corresponding to the tire wear level of each wheel. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the comprehensive tire wear score based on the entered assessment value and the algorithm used to calculate the comprehensive tire wear score. The assessor inputs the assessment value for the tire wear level of each wheel one by one through the input operation of the input unit 54 on the user terminal 50.

[0068] <<Air Conditioning Function>> The processing instruction unit 51B causes the display unit 55 to display multiple evaluation value input fields corresponding to the air conditioning function. These multiple evaluation value input fields include, for example, fields regarding the temperature of the cold air blown into the vehicle, and fields regarding the time required for the airflow temperature to drop below a predetermined temperature after the airflow begins. The processing instruction unit 51B obtains the evaluation values ​​entered in the input fields by the evaluator using the input unit 54. The evaluation values ​​corresponding to the air conditioning function are set to 5 levels, specifically, with a maximum score of 10 points and an interval of 2 points.

[0069] The processing instruction unit 51B calculates the assessment value of the air conditioning function (hereinafter referred to as the comprehensive score of the air conditioning) based on the assessment value entered in the input field corresponding to the air conditioning function. For example, the processing instruction unit 51B calculates the comprehensive score of the air conditioning based on the input assessment value and the algorithm used to calculate the comprehensive score of the air conditioning. The appraiser inputs the assessment value corresponding to the air conditioning function of each wheel one by one through the input operation of the input unit 54 of the user terminal 50.

[0070] Back Figure 2 As explained in step S11, the processing instruction unit 51B instructs the transmission and receiving unit 51A to send the authentication information, which includes the input vehicle model information, the generated vehicle age information, the input total mileage information, and the comprehensive score value of the six main items, to the IDC server 60. The transmission and receiving unit 51A sends the authentication information to the IDC server 60 via the communication unit 52 and the communication network 70. The sent authentication information is received by the transmission and receiving unit 61A of the control unit 61 via the communication unit 62 of the IDC server 60.

[0071] In step S20, the processing unit 61B of the control unit 61 determines whether the transmission and reception unit 61A has received the authentication information. If the processing unit 61B determines that authentication information has been received, then in step S21, it instructs the data management unit 61C of the control unit 61 to store the received authentication information in the storage unit 63. The data management unit 61C instructs the storage unit 63 to store the received authentication information. This adds new authentication information to the database of the storage unit 63.

[0072] The more used car dealers provide authentication information, the more user terminals 50 there will be. In this way, a network with an easily scalable amount of authentication information stored in the IDC server 60 can be constructed.

[0073] <Authentication information update processing performed by the management server> Next, the update process will be explained. In the management server 20, the control unit 21 performs the functions of the transmission and reception unit 21A and the update processing unit 21B by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0074] The update processing unit 21B periodically (specifically, for example daily) downloads all the multiple identification information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60 to the storage unit 23. In detail, the update processing unit 21B sends an update request to the IDC server 60 via the transmission and reception unit 21A, the communication unit 22, and the communication network 70.

[0075] The update request is input to the processing unit 61B via the communication unit 62 and the transmission / reception unit 61A of the IDC server 60. The processing unit 61B instructs the transmission / reception unit 61A to send all the multiple authentication information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 to the management server 20. In this way, all the multiple authentication information 63A can be sent to the management server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 61A, the communication unit 62, and the communication network 70.

[0076] <Appraisal and Processing of Used Vehicles> Next, the evaluation process will be explained. In the management server 20, the control unit 21 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 23, thereby performing the functions of the selection unit 21C, the average calculation unit 21D, the comparison information generation unit 21E, the file generation unit 21F, and the print instruction unit 21G. In the evaluation process, an average comprehensive score of multiple used vehicles other than the target vehicle is generated as information for comparison with the comprehensive score of the target vehicle. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 is equivalent to an "information processing device," and the storage unit 23 of the management server 20 is equivalent to a "storage device" storing multiple evaluation information 23A.

[0077] Figure 8 A flowchart showing the sequence of evaluation processes performed by the management terminal 30 and the management server 20.

[0078] In step S30, the processing instruction unit 31B of the management terminal 30 obtains the input operation information from the input unit 34 and determines whether there is an access request to the management server 20 based on the obtained information. When the processing instruction unit 31B determines that there is an access request, it sends the access request to the management server 20 via the transmission and reception unit 31A and the communication unit 32. The transmission and reception unit 21A of the management server 20 receives the sent access request via the communication unit 22.

[0079] In step S40, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 determines whether an access request has been received.

[0080] Following step S30, in step S31, the processing instruction unit 31B obtains the target vehicle information input by the operator in the input unit 34. The display unit 35 displays a screen showing the selection of a target vehicle from the used vehicles associated with the appraisal information stored in the storage unit 23. The processing instruction unit 31B then transmits the obtained target vehicle information to the management server 20 via the transmission and reception unit 31A and the communication unit 32.

[0081] When the control unit 21 of the management server 20 determines that an access request has been received, it proceeds to step S41 to obtain the information of the target vehicle.

[0082] In step S42, the selection unit 21C selects the identification information of the target vehicle from the multiple identification information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 based on the received target vehicle information.

[0083] In step S43, the selection unit 21C determines the category of the target vehicle based on the category information (specifically, vehicle model, vehicle age, and total mileage) contained in the identification information of the selected target vehicle.

[0084] When comparing used vehicles to the target vehicle, those with a similar degree of deterioration over the years are preferred. However, the model year alone is insufficient to determine whether vehicles have reached the same level of deterioration. On the other hand, vehicle age information, as mentioned above, refers to the number of years elapsed from the vehicle's manufacturing date to the time of the used vehicle appraisal. Even if used vehicles have the same model year, their ages will differ if the appraisal year is different. Based on vehicle age information, vehicles with a similar degree of deterioration to the target vehicle can be included.

[0085] Furthermore, by utilizing vehicle age information, used vehicles of different models can be grouped into the same category. This increases the number of assessment data points used to calculate the average comprehensive score, allowing the target vehicle to be assessed relative to a wider range of used vehicles.

[0086] The vehicle information includes details of each major model changeover for the used vehicle, but excludes information on the vehicle's class and minor model changes. This increases the number of data points used to calculate the average overall rating, allowing the vehicle to be compared with a wider range of used vehicles.

[0087] The selection unit 21C calculates a predetermined total mileage range centered on the total mileage of the target vehicle. The selection unit 21C determines the category to which the used vehicle belongs, where the used vehicles in this category have the same model and age as the target vehicle, and their total mileage is included within the predetermined total mileage range.

[0088] The following adopts Figure 9 Specify the range of total mileage. Figure 9 In this context, DIS represents the total mileage of the vehicle in question, and ΔD represents the range. DMIN represents the lower limit of the total mileage range (=DIS-ΔD), and DMAX represents the upper limit of the total mileage range (=DIS+ΔD).

[0089] For example, by setting ΔD=8,000km and DIS=106,000km, the category of a used vehicle that falls within the total mileage range of DMIN=98,000km and DMAX=114,000km can be determined.

[0090] Besides using a total mileage range method, another approach is to classify total mileage based on predetermined mileage levels. Specifically, this involves determining which range a used vehicle belongs to from several ranges differentiated by a predetermined mileage (e.g., 16,000 km). To select used vehicles with similar total mileage to the target vehicle as comparison objects, narrowing the predetermined mileage range can be considered. However, this reduces the width of each range, decreasing the number of vehicles being compared to the target vehicle. On the other hand, expanding the predetermined mileage range increases the number of vehicles, but it also includes assessment information for used vehicles with significantly different total mileage from the target vehicle.

[0091] To address this, using a total mileage range method can increase the number of identification information units used to calculate the average comprehensive score, while also including used vehicles with similar total mileage to the target vehicle as comparison objects.

[0092] Furthermore, the difference between the upper limit of the total mileage range and the total mileage DIS is not necessarily the same as the difference between the lower limit of the total mileage range and the total mileage DIS; they can also be different values.

[0093] Return to the previous Figure 8 As explained in step S44, the selection unit 21C selects multiple (e.g., all) pieces of identification information belonging to the determined category from the identification information 23A stored in the storage unit 23, and uses them as comparison information. For example, if the target vehicle is a "TOYOTA:CAMRY (XV50)" and is 8 years old, the selection unit 21C selects identification information for used vehicles with a total mileage within a predetermined range from the "TOYOTA:CAMRY (XV50)" vehicles with an age of 8 years from the multiple used vehicles associated with the identification information settings, and uses this information as comparison information. In this way, identification information for used vehicles belonging to the same category as the target vehicle can be automatically selected.

[0094] In step S45, the selection unit 21C determines whether the number of selected comparison information Ninf is greater than or equal to a predetermined number Nth. The predetermined number Nth is a number greater than or equal to 2, for example, it can be an integer in the range of 5 to 20 (specifically, it can be 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15).

[0095] If the selection unit 21C determines that the number of selected comparison information Ninf is greater than or equal to a predetermined number Nth, then proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the average value calculation unit 21D performs an average value calculation process based on the selected multiple comparison information, and calculates the average value (specifically, a simple average value) of the comprehensive score of the used vehicles associated with the multiple comparison information. Specifically, the average value calculation unit 21D calculates the average value of the comprehensive score of each of the six main items. For example, if the comprehensive score of the exterior of the six used vehicles is 6, 4, 4, 6, 2, and 8 respectively, then the average value of the comprehensive score of the exterior is 5 (=(6+4+4+6+2+8) / 6).

[0096] In step S47, the comparison information generation unit 21E compares the comprehensive score of the selected target vehicle contained in its identification information with the calculated average value to generate report data containing comparison information. In this embodiment, the comparison information generation unit 21E generates data such as... Figure 10 The report data shown contains the following information (B1) to (B5).

[0097] (B1) Date of data generation in the report (B2) Vehicle model, year, total mileage, and photograph. (B3) A table comparing the overall score of the vehicles in each main category with the calculated average score. (B4) In each main item, a radar chart comparing the overall score of the target vehicle with the calculated average score. (B5) A brief review of the comparison results between the object vehicle and other used vehicles in the same category. (B5) Explanatory text and disclaimer of assessment system 10 Since it only compares a single statistical value (average) with the overall score of the vehicles in question, users of the report data can easily grasp the relative evaluation of vehicles in the same category. In (B4), a bar chart can also be used instead of a radar chart.

[0098] The comparison information generation unit 21E can also generate Figure 11 The report data shown replaces Figure 10 The data shown in the report. Figure 11 The short evaluation of the comparison results shown includes quantitative information, displaying the degree of excellence of the target vehicle's overall score relative to the average in each of the six main categories. The comparison information generation unit 21E calculates the difference between the target vehicle's overall score and the average in each of the six main categories. The comparison information generation unit 21E generates the aforementioned quantitative information based on the calculated difference information. Figure 11In the example shown, the differences calculated for "Exterior," "Interior," "Engine," "Chassis," "Tire Wear," and "Air Conditioning" are "2.8," "1.6," "1.2," "1.8," "0.2," and "1.4," respectively. Furthermore, if the overall score of the target vehicle across the six main categories is lower than the average for any category, the comparison information generation unit 21E may choose not to generate short evaluation information for that relatively low-scoring category.

[0099] Back Figure 8 As explained in steps S48 and S49, at least one of the file generation unit 21F and the print instruction unit 21G performs output processing and notification processing.

[0100] First, the output processing of the document generation unit 21F will be explained. In step S48, the document generation unit 21F converts the generated report data into electronic data of a predetermined format (e.g., a PDF file) and stores it in the storage unit 23. In step S49, the document generation unit 21F, via the transmission and reception unit 21A and the communication unit 22, performs a process that causes the display unit 35 of the management terminal 30 to display a message indicating the end of the output processing. When the display unit 35 displays the message indicating the end of the output processing in step S32, the operator of the management terminal 30 downloads the electronic data of the predetermined format stored in the storage unit 23 to the storage unit 33 and sends it to the user terminal 50 of the used car dealer who wants to obtain an evaluation of the target vehicle, or to another terminal different from the user terminal 50.

[0101] Next, the output processing of the print instruction unit 21G will be explained. In step S48, the print instruction unit 21G sends an instruction to the management terminal 30 to print the generated report data. When the processing instruction unit 31B of the management terminal 30 determines that it has received the print instruction, it instructs the printing device 80 to print. Next, in step S49, processing is performed to make the display unit 35 of the management terminal 30 display a message indicating that the output processing is complete. The operator of the management terminal 30 mails the printed report to the used car dealer who wants to obtain an evaluation of the target vehicle.

[0102] When the selection unit 21C determines that the number of selected comparison information Ninf is lower than the predetermined number Nth, it proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the control unit 21 stops the average value calculation process and the report data generation process. This prevents the relative evaluation between the target vehicle and other used vehicles from being performed when the number of used vehicles being compared with the target vehicle is small.

[0103] Furthermore, it's possible for the same used vehicle to change hands multiple times in the market, resulting in multiple appraisals. In this case, the appraisal information 63A for the same used vehicle will be stored in the IDC server 60 due to registration processing. If these multiple appraisals were conducted in different years, even for the same used vehicle, the corresponding vehicle age in each appraisal will be different. Therefore, storing multiple appraisal records for the same used vehicle with different ages in the database provides appraisal information that can be appropriately compared with the target vehicle.

[0104] Based on the above-described embodiment, appropriate assessment information on used vehicles can be provided to individuals considering purchasing used vehicles.

[0105] <Other Implementation Forms> In addition, the above-mentioned implementation can also be modified as follows.

[0106] Archives Production Department 21F Figure 8 In step S48, the report data converted into the predetermined format can be stored not only in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20, but also in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60, or simultaneously in both the storage unit 23 and the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60. In this case, for example, the IDC server 60 can be accessed from the user terminal 50 of the used car dealer who wants to obtain the vehicle appraisal information, or from another terminal different from the user terminal 50, to view or download the report data.

[0107] exist Figure 8 In step S43, the method of determining the category based on the total mileage can also be, for example, the method of distinguishing by a predetermined mileage level, as described below. For example, when the predetermined mileage is 16,000 km, the i-th range Cdis(i) distinguished by the total mileage is "0 km ≦ Cdis(1) < 16,000 km", "16,000 km ≦ Cdis(2) < 32,000 km", ..., "176,000 km ≦ Cdis(12) < 192,000 km", etc. The selection unit 21C determines which range the total mileage of the target vehicle belongs to, and determines the category including used vehicles based on the determined range.

[0108] In step S43, the method for determining the category based on vehicle age information can be, for example, the method described below. The selection unit 21C calculates a predetermined age range that includes the vehicle age OD of the target vehicle as an intermediate value. Specifically, the selection unit 21C calculates a predetermined age range (OD-ΔA to OD+ΔB) centered on the vehicle age OD of the target vehicle. For example, if the vehicle age is 5 years and ΔA and ΔB are 1 year, then the selection unit 21C determines that the age range included in the category to which the used vehicle belongs is 4 to 6 years. ΔA and ΔB are not limited to being the same value; they can also be different values.

[0109] exist Figure 2 In step S10, the year information can be not only the vehicle's manufacturing year, but also the vehicle's manufacturing month and year. Alternatively, the month and year of the assessment can be used instead of the assessment implementation year. In this case, the processing instruction unit 51B of the user terminal 50 can also generate information on the number of months elapsed from vehicle manufacturing to the implementation of the assessment, as the vehicle age information. In this case, the method for determining the category based on the vehicle age information in step S43 can also be a method that determines a predetermined vehicle age range (OD-ΔA to OD+ΔB) centered on the vehicle's age OD. In this case, ΔA and ΔB can be set as values ​​in months.

[0110] In step S43, the year information of the used vehicle can also be used instead of the vehicle age information as the basis for determining the category.

[0111] In step S46, the maximum, minimum, and median values ​​of the comprehensive score can be calculated instead of the average value of the comprehensive score. In this case, the report data in step S47 may also include information comparing the comprehensive score, maximum, minimum, and median values ​​of used vehicles belonging to the same category as the target vehicle with the comprehensive score of the target vehicle.

[0112] Vehicle age information can also be generated on the IDC server 60 instead of the user terminal 50. In this case, it is sufficient to send the year information (A2) and the identification implementation year information (A3) from the user terminal 50 to the IDC server 60.

[0113] The category information used in the registration and processing of identification information may also include, for example, at least one of the following: information about the area where the used vehicle is located (hereinafter referred to as area information), information about whether the used vehicle is a smoking vehicle (hereinafter referred to as smoking vehicle information), and information about whether there are multiple owners of the used vehicle (hereinafter referred to as owner number information). In the previous... Figure 2In step S10, the input screen for identification information displayed on the display unit 55 may also include input fields for inputting region information, smoking vehicle information, and number of vehicle owners. Region information may include, for example, information about the county or city where the vehicle is located, whether it is a snowfall area, or information about a coastal area.

[0114] For example, if the target vehicle is a smoking vehicle, then in the previous Figure 8 In step S43, the selection unit 21C of the management server 20 can select the identification information of the smoking vehicle from the used vehicles that are the same model and age as the target vehicle and whose total mileage is included in the predetermined total mileage range.

[0115] Even for vehicles that fall under the category of smoking vehicles or other vehicles with negative characteristics, a report can be generated that shows the degree of excellence or poorness of the vehicle compared to multiple smoking vehicles that also have the same negative characteristics.

[0116] Vehicle models can also be categorized by minor facelifts rather than major facelifts. In this case, the vehicle model information includes details of the used vehicle after each minor facelift.

[0117] The control unit 21 of the management server 20 can also receive the authentication information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60 instead of the authentication information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20, and execute according to the received authentication information. Figure 8 The processing steps S41 to S50.

[0118] The entities responsible for evaluating and processing used vehicles are not limited to the management server 20.

[0119] Figure 8 The processing steps S41 to S50 can be performed by the control unit 31 of the management terminal 30 instead of the control unit 21 of the management server 20. In this case, the control unit 31 of the management terminal 30 functions as an "information processing device". The control unit 31 of the management terminal 30 can receive the authentication information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20. The control unit 31 of the management terminal 30 can also receive the authentication information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60, replacing the authentication information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20.

[0120] Figure 8The processing steps S41 to S50 can also be performed by the control unit 51 of the user terminal 50 instead of the control unit 21 of the management server 20. In this case, the control unit 51 of the user terminal 50 is equivalent to an "information processing device". The control unit 51 of the user terminal 50 can receive the authentication information 23A stored in the storage unit 23 of the management server 20, or the authentication information 63A stored in the storage unit 63 of the IDC server 60, and perform the processing according to the received authentication information. Figure 8 The processing steps S41 to S50.

[0121] The category information may not include either vehicle age information or total mileage information.

[0122] The management terminal 30 can also be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0123] The description of this invention is based on its embodiments, and therefore should not be construed as limiting its embodiments or construction. This invention can include various variations or modifications within an equivalent range. Furthermore, the scope or concept of this invention also includes various forms and combinations of elements comprising at least one of these forms.

[0124] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A used vehicle appraisal system, comprising a storage device and an information processing device communicatively connected to the storage device, characterized in that, The storage device stores multiple appraisal information, each of which contains the appraisal value of the used vehicle that is associated with the category information of the used vehicle. The category information includes at least one of the following: vehicle model information, vehicle age information, and vehicle total mileage information. The information processing device performs decision processing, selection processing, statistical value calculation processing, and information generation processing. The decision process involves determining the category to which the used vehicle to be evaluated belongs based on the category information. The selection process involves selecting multiple pieces of identification information belonging to the determined category from the identification information stored in the storage device as comparison information. The statistical value calculation process involves calculating a statistical value of the appraised value of a used vehicle that is associated with a set of the selected multiple comparison information. The information generation process generates information that compares the appraised value of the object vehicle with the calculated statistical value.

2. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The category information includes the number of years. The age information refers to the number of years or months elapsed from the time the vehicle was manufactured until the time of the used vehicle appraisal, which is the vehicle age information.

3. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle model information includes details about various major or minor facelifts of used vehicles. In the decision processing, the information processing device determines the category of used vehicles of the same model as the target vehicle in each major or minor facelift.

4. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The category information includes the total mileage information. In the decision-making process, the information processing device calculates a predetermined total mileage range, which includes the total mileage of the target vehicle as an intermediate value, and determines the category of used vehicles whose total mileage falls within the calculated predetermined total mileage range.

5. The used vehicle appraisal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In the information generation process, the information processing device generates information containing the following content: The model, year, and total mileage of the vehicle in question. The table or chart comparing the appraised value of the vehicle in question with any of the statistical values ​​is as follows: This is a descriptive text explaining the relative comparison results of the object vehicle with other used vehicles belonging to the determined category.

6. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The information processing device: The appraised value of the vehicle in question and the difference between the statistical values ​​are calculated. The calculated gap is used to generate quantitative information showing the degree of superiority of the object vehicle compared to used vehicles belonging to a determined category, and this quantitative information is included in the description of the relative comparison results.

7. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the statistical value calculation process, the information processing device calculates the average value as the statistical value.

8. The used vehicle appraisal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The appraisal information includes the appraisal value of at least two main items among the following: the exterior of the used vehicle, the interior of the used vehicle, the engine or motor of the used vehicle, the frame of the used vehicle, the tire wear of the used vehicle, and the air conditioning function of the used vehicle. The information processing device calculates the statistical values ​​for each of the main items. Information is generated comparing the appraised value of the target vehicle with the calculated statistical value in each of the main projects.

9. The used vehicle appraisal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It has multiple user terminals, which are operated by operators performing used vehicle appraisal services and are communicatively connected to the information processing device. The user terminal has an input section that the operator can operate to input the authentication information during the authentication process. The user terminal executes, Processing of the identification information input through the input operation of the input unit, and The obtained identification information is sent to the information processing device for processing. The information processing device performs the process of storing the authentication information received from the user terminal in the storage device.

10. The used vehicle appraisal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Even if the information processing device can calculate the statistical value, it will not perform the statistical value calculation process and the information generation process if it determines that the number of selected comparison information is lower than a predetermined number.

11. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vehicle model information includes details about various major or minor facelifts of used vehicles. In the decision processing, the information processing device determines the category of used vehicles of the same model as the target vehicle in each major or minor facelift.

12. The used vehicle appraisal system according to claim 2 or claim 10, characterized in that, The category information includes the total mileage information. The information processing device in the decision processing Calculate a predetermined total mileage range that includes the total mileage of the target vehicle. And determine the category to which used vehicles whose total mileage falls within the calculated predetermined total mileage range belong.

13. An information processing device for evaluating used vehicles based on stored information in a storage device, characterized in that, The storage device stores multiple appraisal information entries for used vehicles, each containing an appraisal value associated with a category of used vehicle information. The category information includes at least one of the following: vehicle model information, vehicle age information, and total mileage information of the used vehicle. The information processing device performs decision processing, selection processing, statistical value calculation processing, and information generation processing. The decision process involves determining the category to which the used vehicle to be evaluated belongs based on the category information. The selection process involves selecting multiple pieces of identification information belonging to the determined category from the identification information stored in the storage device as comparison information. The statistical value calculation process involves calculating a statistical value of the appraised value of a used vehicle that is associated with a set of the selected multiple comparison information. The information generation process generates information that compares the appraised value of the object vehicle with the calculated statistical value.

14. A program applicable to an appraisal system for used vehicles equipped with a storage device and a processor, characterized in that, The storage device stores multiple appraisal information, each of which contains the appraisal value of the used vehicle that is associated with the category information of the used vehicle. The category information includes at least one of the following: vehicle model information, vehicle age information, and total mileage information of the used vehicle. The program enables the processor to perform decision processing, selection processing, statistical value calculation processing, and information generation processing. The decision process involves determining the category to which the used vehicle to be evaluated belongs based on the category information. The selection process involves selecting multiple pieces of identification information belonging to the determined category from the identification information stored in the storage device as comparison information. The statistical value calculation process involves calculating a statistical value of the appraised value of a used vehicle that is associated with a set of the selected multiple comparison information. The information generation process generates information that compares the appraised value of the object vehicle with the calculated statistical value.

15. A method for evaluating used vehicles using a storage device and a processor, characterized in that, The storage device stores multiple appraisal information, each of which contains the appraisal value of the used vehicle that is associated with the category information of the used vehicle. The category information includes at least one of the following: vehicle model information, vehicle age information, and total mileage information of the used vehicle. The processor performs decision processing, selection processing, statistical value calculation processing, and information generation processing. The decision process involves determining the category to which the used vehicle to be evaluated belongs based on the category information. The selection process involves selecting multiple pieces of identification information belonging to the determined category from the identification information stored in the storage device as comparison information. The statistical value calculation process involves calculating a statistical value of the appraised value of a used vehicle that is associated with a set of the selected multiple comparison information. The information generation process generates information that compares the appraised value of the object vehicle with the calculated statistical value.

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