Method, terminal device, and program

Abstract

To improve a technique to assist users when the users purchase vehicle options.SOLUTION: A method executed by a terminal device 20 includes receiving option information indicating options from an information processing device 10 via a communication unit 13, outputting the options via an output unit 25, accepting an input of one or more options selected by a user via an input unit 24, transmitting selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device 10 via a communication unit 23, receiving delivery time information indicating a delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 23, and outputting the delivery time together with the one or more options via the output unit 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, a terminal device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique for estimating custom-made products. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a relational database for central management of data accessed by many departments when creating an estimate for a customer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user selects an option when purchasing a vehicle, it may not be possible to grasp the impact of the selected option on the vehicle delivery time, and it may not be possible to use it as a consideration material for purchasing the option. Thus, there has been room for improvement in the technology for assisting users when purchasing vehicle options.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The method according to the present disclosure is a method executed by a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit. The control unit receives option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device via the communication unit, outputs the at least one option via the output unit, receives an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option via the input unit, transmits selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device via the communication unit, receives delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device via the communication unit, and outputs the at least one delivery time together with the one or more options via the output unit.

[0006] The terminal device according to the present disclosure is a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit. The control unit receives option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device via the communication unit, outputs the at least one option via the output unit, receives an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option via the input unit, transmits selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device via the communication unit, receives delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device via the communication unit, and outputs the at least one delivery time together with the one or more options via the output unit.

[0007] The program according to the present disclosure causes a computer as a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device that provides a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit to receive, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device; output the at least one option via the output unit; receive, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option; transmit, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device; receive, via the communication unit, delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device; and output, via the output unit, the at least one delivery time together with the one or more options.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology for assisting a user when purchasing vehicle options.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. The information processing device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via a network 30.

[0012] The information processing device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 10 is operated by a business operator who sells vehicle options. The information processing device 10 provides a sales site for vehicles and vehicle options.

[0013] The terminal device 20 is held by a user. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0014] Network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0015] First, the outline of this embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. The terminal device 20 receives option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 outputs at least one option and receives an input of one or more options selected by the user from among the at least one option. The terminal device 20 transmits selection information indicating one or more options to the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 receives arrival time information indicating at least one arrival time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 outputs at least one arrival time together with one or more options.

[0016] Vehicle options can be selected and purchased by the user together with the vehicle at the time of vehicle purchase. Some vehicle options can be selected instead of or in addition to the standard equipment of the vehicle that the user intends to purchase. Specifically, the options include any type such as the color of the vehicle body, the material and color of the seats, seat heaters, navigation devices, door mirrors, rear monitors, air cleaners, etc. According to the present embodiment, since the delivery time of the vehicle is displayed on the terminal device 20 together with the options selected by the user, it becomes possible for the user to know the influence on the delivery time accompanying the selection of the options. The user can use the delivery time as a consideration material for vehicle purchase, improving the convenience of the user. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the technology for assisting the user's option selection.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0018] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 while controlling each part of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0019] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. Information used in the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and information obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 are stored in the storage unit 12.

[0020] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the information processing apparatus 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used in the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the information processing device 10, respectively. The description here is omitted.

[0022] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with the display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 receives an operation for inputting data used for the operation of the terminal device 20. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 20, the input unit 24 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external input device. As the connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0023] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20. Instead of being provided in the terminal device 20, the output unit 25 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external output device. As the connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0024] The functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 are realized by executing the program according to the present embodiment on a processor as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 by executing the operations of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 according to the program.

[0025] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be stored in the storage of a server and distributed by transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0026] A computer stores, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server, once, in a main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read a program from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may sequentially execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from a server to a computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information for use in processing by an electronic computer and those conforming to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has a property of defining processing of the computer corresponds to "those conforming to the program".

[0027] Some or all functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. That is, some or all functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2A to 3, the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Among the operations shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the operation of the terminal apparatus 20 corresponds to the method according to the present embodiment. In the following, communication between the information processing apparatus 10 and an external apparatus is performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 30, and communication between the terminal apparatus 20 and an external apparatus is performed via the communication unit 23 and the network 30. In this example, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 10 has acquired information indicating a vehicle for sale that the user is trying to purchase.

[0029] In S1 of FIG. 2A, the control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits option information indicating at least one option to the terminal device 20. In this example, the at least one option is a plurality of options.

[0030] In S2, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 acquires it by receiving the option information.

[0031] In S3, the control unit 21 outputs at least one option indicated by the option information via the output unit 25.

[0032] In S4, the control unit 21 receives, via the input unit 24, the input of one or more options selected by the user from among the at least one option output in S3, and generates selection information indicating the one or more options. In this way, the control unit 21 acquires the selection information. The control unit 21 may receive, via the input unit 24, the input of at least one selection set composed of a plurality of options selected by the user, and generate selection information. The at least one selection set may be a plurality of selection sets. In this example, it is assumed that the user inputs via the input unit 24 a first selection set composed of a plurality of options of the body color "white", the seat type "synthetic leather", and the navigation device "Type X", and a second selection set composed of a plurality of options of the body color "blue", the seat type "genuine leather", and the navigation device "Type Y". The control unit 21 receives the input and acquires it as selection information including the first selection set and the second selection set.

[0033] In S5, the control unit 21 transmits the selection information indicating one or more options to the information processing apparatus 10.

[0034] In S6, the control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives and acquires the selection information.

[0035] In S7, the control unit 11 determines the vehicle delivery time based on the options indicated by the selection information. Any method may be adopted for determining the vehicle delivery time. For example, when the control unit 11 selects each option indicated by the selection information, it refers to the information indicating the number of days, which is the additional period required in addition to the standard vehicle delivery date as the standard vehicle delivery time, and determines the option with the longest such number of days among the options indicated by the selection information as the target option. This information may be preset and stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The information indicating the standard vehicle delivery date may be associated with the sales vehicle and stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The control unit 11 determines the date obtained by adding the number of days related to the determined target option to the standard vehicle delivery date as the vehicle delivery date as the vehicle delivery time. The vehicle delivery time is not limited to the date, and may be indicated by the month, or may be indicated by "the first ten days", "the middle ten days", or "the last ten days" of the month, etc. The vehicle delivery time may be indicated up to the time.

[0036] For example, assume that the options indicated by the selection information are the option of the vehicle body color "red", the seat material "genuine leather", and the navigation device "Type X". The number of days additionally required in addition to the standard vehicle delivery date for each option is 2 days for the vehicle body color "red", 8 days for the seat material "genuine leather", and 10 days for the navigation device "Type X", and assume that the standard vehicle delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the navigation device "Type X" as the target option and determines April 11, 2024, calculated by adding 10 days to the standard vehicle delivery date, as the vehicle delivery date.

[0037] The method for determining the delivery date is not limited to this. The control unit 11 may refer to the information indicating the number of days as the period associated with each option, and determine the delivery date by adding the number of days obtained by simply adding these numbers of days to the delivery date. The said information may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. For example, assume that the options indicated by the selection information are the option of the body color "green" and the sunroof "Q type". Assume that the number of days associated with each option is 1 day for the body color "green" and 10 days for the sunroof "Q type", and the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 may add the 11 days obtained by adding 1 day and 10 days to each other to the standard delivery date, and determine April 12, 2024 as the delivery date.

[0038] When the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, the control unit 11 may determine the delivery time for each selection set. In this example, for each option of the body color "white", the seat material "synthetic leather", and the navigation device "X type" that constitute the first selection set indicated by the selection information, the additional number of days required from the standard delivery date is 5 days for the body color "white", 4 days for the seat material "synthetic leather", and 10 days for the navigation device "X type. Also assume that the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the navigation device "X type" as the target option, and determines April 11, 2024, calculated by adding 10 days to the standard delivery date, as the delivery date of the first selection set. Also, for each option of the body color "blue", the seat material "genuine leather", and the navigation device "Y type" that constitute the second selection set indicated by the selection information, the additional number of days required from the standard delivery date is 3 days for the body color "blue", 8 days for the seat material "genuine leather", and 0 days for the navigation device "Y type", and assume that the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the seat material "genuine leather" as the target option, and determines April 9, 2024, calculated by adding 8 days to the standard delivery date, as the delivery date of the second selection set.

[0039] In S8, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a deletion candidate option whose vehicle delivery time advances by a predetermined period or more when not selected. In this example, when the number of days related to the target option determined in S7 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is a deletion candidate option and proceeds to S10. When the number of days related to the target option determined in S7 is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is no deletion candidate option and proceeds to S9. The predetermined value may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] In this example, it is assumed that the predetermined value is 10 days. Among the options included in the first selection set, the number of additional days required for the standard vehicle delivery date for the target option, which is related to the navigation device "X type", is 10 days. Since it is 10 days or more of the predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is a deletion candidate option for the first selection set. Among the options included in the second selection set, the number of additional days required for the standard vehicle delivery date for the target option, which is related to the seat material "genuine leather", is 8 days. Since it is less than 10 days of the predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is no deletion candidate option for the second selection set. The process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S10 for the first selection set and to S9 for the second selection set. The control unit 11 may repeat the processes from S8 to S14 below for all the selection sets included in the selection information.

[0041] The case where the control unit 11 determines in S8 that there is no deletion candidate option and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S9 will be described. In S9, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle delivery time information indicating the vehicle delivery time determined in S7 to the terminal device 20. Thereafter, the operation of the system 1 proceeds to S17.

[0042] In S10 of FIG. 2B, the control unit 11 determines whether there is another option to replace the deletion candidate option. For example, the control unit 11 determines that there is another option when, among the options indicated by the option information, there is an option of the same type as the deletion candidate option and the number of days that is additionally required compared to the standard delivery date as the standard delivery time is less than that of the deletion candidate option. The control unit 11 determines that there is no other option when there is no option with a smaller number of days additionally required compared to the standard delivery date than the deletion candidate option. When it is determined that there is no other option, the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S11. When it is determined that there is another option, the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to S12.

[0043] In this example, there is an option of the navigation device "Type Y", which is of the same type as the deletion candidate option of the navigation device "Type X" that is a deletion candidate option for the first selection set and has a smaller number of days additionally required compared to the standard delivery date than the deletion candidate option. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that there is another option, and the process of the control unit 21 proceeds to S12.

[0044] The case where the control unit 11 determines that there is no other option in S10 and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S11 will be described. In S11, the control unit 11 determines the delivery date, which is the delivery time when the deletion candidate option is deleted, as the updated delivery time. In this case, the control unit 11 deletes the deletion candidate option included in the selection set and determines the target option with the longest number of days that is an additional period compared to the standard delivery date as the standard delivery time among the remaining options of the selection set. The control unit 11 determines the date calculated by adding the number of days related to the determined target option to the standard delivery date as the updated delivery date as the updated delivery time.

[0045] Next, the case where the control unit 11 determines that there is another option in S10 and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S12 will be described. In S12, the control unit 21 determines another option to replace the deletion candidate option.

[0046] Any method may be adopted for determining other options. For example, when there are a plurality of options of the same type as the deletion candidate option and the number of additional days required for the standard delivery date is less than that of the deletion candidate option, the control unit 11 may determine the option with the least number of such days as the other option. In this example, the control unit 11 determines the navigation device "Type Y" as the other option.

[0047] For example, the control unit 11 may determine, as the other option, an option of the same type as the deletion candidate option and having the number of times selected by other users different from the user being equal to or more than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The control unit 11 may refer to the information indicating the purchase history of the options of other users stored in the storage unit 12 and determine the other option. For example, assume that the number of additional days required for the standard delivery date for the navigation device "Type Y" and the navigation device "Type Z" is less than that of the deletion candidate option "Type X". Assume that among the navigation devices "Type Y" and "Type Z", "Type Z" has the number of times selected by other users equal to or more than the predetermined value. In this case, the control unit 11 determines "Type Z" as the other option to replace the deletion candidate option "Type X". As a result, since a popular option selected by other users is replaced as the other option, the possibility that the user accepts and purchases the other option is improved.

[0048] In S13, the control unit 11 determines the delivery date as the updated delivery date as the delivery date when the deletion candidate option is replaced with another option determined in S12. In this example, the control unit 11 replaces the navigation device "X type" included in the first selection set with the navigation device "Y type" which is another option, and determines the target option in the first selection set with the longest additional number of days from the standard delivery date. In this example, the additional number of days from the standard delivery date is 5 days for the body color "white", 4 days for the seat material "synthetic leather", and 0 days for the navigation device "Y type". The control unit 11 determines the option of the body color "white" as the target option in the same way as S7, and determines April 6, 2024 calculated by adding 5 days to the standard delivery date of April 1, 2024 as the updated delivery date.

[0049] In S14, the control unit 11 transmits the deletion candidate option information indicating the deletion candidate option, and the delivery time information indicating the delivery time determined in S7 and the updated delivery time determined in S11 or S13 to the terminal device 20. The control unit 11 may include another option replacing the deletion candidate option in the deletion candidate option information and transmit it to the terminal device 20. In this example, the control unit 21 transmits the deletion candidate option information indicating the deletion candidate option "X type" and the other option "Y type" to replace it, and the delivery time information indicating the delivery date of April 11, 2024 of the first selection set determined in S7 and the updated delivery date of April 6, 2024 determined in S13 to the terminal device 20.

[0050] In S15 of FIG. 2C, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives the deletion candidate option from the information processing device 10.

[0051] In S16, the control unit 21 outputs the deletion candidate option indicated by the deletion candidate option via the output unit 25. When the deletion candidate option information further includes another option determined in S12, the control unit 21 may further output the other option emphasizing it.

[0052] In S17, the control unit 21 receives the vehicle storage time information from the information processing device 10.

[0053] In S18, the control unit 21 outputs, via the output unit 25, the vehicle storage time indicated by the vehicle storage time information together with one or more options. If the vehicle storage time information includes the updated vehicle storage time determined in S11 or S13, the control unit 11 may also output the updated vehicle storage time via the output unit 25.

[0054] The control unit 21 may arrange the plurality of selection sets in ascending order of the vehicle storage time or the updated vehicle storage time indicated by the selection information, and output them via the output unit 25. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to immediately grasp the selection set that is a combination of options with an earlier vehicle storage time among the plurality of selected selection sets.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the output unit 25 in which the first selection set and the second selection set, the deletion candidate option, the vehicle storage date as the vehicle storage time, and the updated vehicle storage date as the updated vehicle storage time are output. In FIG. 3, the selection sets are shown in the order of the second selection set and the first selection set from the left so that the vehicle storage dates are in ascending order. Referring to FIG. 3, for the second selection set, it is shown that the vehicle storage date is April 9, 2023. For the first selection set, together with the vehicle storage date being April 11, 2023, the navigation device "X type", which is the deletion candidate option, is shown emphasized with a thick frame. Also, as another alternative option, the option of the navigation device of "Y type" and the updated vehicle storage date determined in S13 when changed to the option of the navigation device of "Y type" are shown by balloons K and L, respectively.

[0056] In this way, the control unit 21 outputs the vehicle storage time together with one or more options via the output unit 25. After that, the operation of the system ends.

[0057] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order according to the description, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capabilities of the device that executes each step, or as necessary. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0058] For example, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may transmit estimate information indicating the estimated amount when purchasing the option indicated by the selection information to the terminal device 20. In this case, the terminal device 20 may output the estimated amount via the output unit 25 together with the vehicle delivery time. The estimate information includes the estimated amount when including other options that replace the above-described deletion candidate options, and the control unit 21 may output the estimated amount together with the updated vehicle delivery time. Thereby, in addition to the vehicle delivery time or the updated vehicle delivery time, it becomes easier for the user to use the estimated amount as a material for considering options. Therefore, the convenience of the user when purchasing an option is improved.

[0059] For example, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may transmit information indicating a period that affects the determination of the vehicle delivery time corresponding to one or more options indicated by the selection information to the terminal device 20. The period that affects the determination of the vehicle delivery time includes the number of additional days from the standard vehicle delivery date. Not limited to this, the period that affects the determination of the vehicle delivery time may be the number of days for calculating the number of days to be added to the vehicle delivery date by adding each other, which is associated with each of the options indicated by the selection information. The control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives the information and outputs it via the output unit 25. FIG. 4 is an example of a screen output by the terminal device 20 to the output unit 25 in this modified example. Referring to FIG. 4, compared with FIG. 3 of the above-described embodiment, the number of additional days from the standard vehicle delivery date corresponding to each option is further indicated by balloons M to R. Thereby, it becomes possible for the user to grasp at a glance which option affects the vehicle delivery date and to what extent. Therefore, the convenience of the user when purchasing an option is improved.

[0060] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] A method executed by a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device via the communication unit, outputs the at least one option via the output unit, receives, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option, transmits selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device via the communication unit, receives, via the communication unit, delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device, and outputs the at least one delivery time via the output unit together with the one or more options including. [Appendix 2] The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options, the delivery time information indicates a plurality of delivery times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets, and the method further includes the control unit outputting each of the plurality of delivery times via the output unit. [Appendix 3] The method according to Appendix 2, and the method further includes the control unit outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of delivery times in ascending order of the plurality of delivery times. [Appendix 4] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option that causes the vehicle storage time to advance by a predetermined period or more when not selected among the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing apparatus; and further includes highlighting the deletion candidate option and outputting it via the output unit. [Appendix 5] The method according to Appendix 4, wherein the vehicle storage time information includes the vehicle storage time when the deletion candidate option replaces another option among the one or more options indicated by the option information; and further includes the control unit outputting, via the output unit, an updated vehicle storage time that is the updated vehicle storage time when replaced with the other option. [Appendix 6] The method according to Appendix 5, wherein the other option includes an option that has been selected by another user different from the user a predetermined number of times or more. [Appendix 7] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, information indicating a period that affects the determination of the at least one vehicle storage time corresponding to the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing apparatus; and further includes outputting the number of days via the output unit. [Appendix 8] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, estimate information indicating an estimated amount when the option indicated by the selection information is selected from the information processing apparatus; and further includes outputting the estimated amount via the output unit. [Appendix 9] A terminal device comprising an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device that provides a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device via the communication unit, outputs the at least one option via the output unit, receives, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option, transmits selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device via the communication unit, receives, via the communication unit, delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device, and outputs the at least one delivery time via the output unit together with the one or more options. [Appendix 10] The terminal device according to Appendix 9, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options, and the delivery time information indicates a plurality of delivery times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets, and the control unit outputs each of the plurality of delivery times via the output unit. [Appendix 11] The terminal device according to Appendix 10, wherein the control unit outputs, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of delivery times in ascending order of the plurality of delivery times. [Appendix 12] The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 11, The control unit receives, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, where if the deletion candidate option is not selected, the vehicle parking time is advanced by a predetermined period or more, from the information processing device. A terminal device that emphasizes the deletion candidate option and outputs it via the output unit. [Appendix 13] The terminal device according to Appendix 12, wherein The vehicle parking time information includes the vehicle parking time when the deletion candidate option replaces other options among the one or more options indicated by the option information. A terminal device in which the control unit outputs, via the output unit, an updated vehicle parking time, which is the updated vehicle parking time when replacing with the other option. [Appendix 14] The terminal device according to Appendix 13, wherein The other option includes an option that has been selected by another user different from the user a predetermined number of times or more. [Appendix 15] The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 14, wherein The control unit receives, via the communication unit, information indicating a period that affects the determination of the at least one vehicle parking time corresponding to the one or more options indicated by the selection information, from the information processing device, and outputs the number of days via the output unit. [Appendix 16] The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 15, wherein The control unit receives, via the communication unit, estimate information indicating an estimated amount when selecting the option indicated by the selection information, from the information processing device, and outputs the estimated amount via the output unit. [Appendix 17] In a computer as a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, Receiving, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device; Outputting the at least one option via the output unit; Receiving, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option; Transmitting, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device; Receiving, via the communication unit, arrival time information indicating at least one arrival time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device; A program for causing an operation including outputting the at least one arrival time via the output unit together with the one or more options. [Appendix 18] The program according to Appendix 17, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options, the arrival time information indicates a plurality of arrival times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets, and the operation further includes outputting each of the plurality of arrival times via the output unit. [Appendix 19] The program according to Appendix 18, wherein the operation further includes outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of arrival times in ascending order of the plurality of arrival times. [Appendix 20] The program according to any one of Appendices 17 to 19, wherein the operation includes receiving, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option for which the arrival time is advanced by a predetermined period or more when not selected, from among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, from the information processing device; A program further including emphasizing the deletion candidate option and outputting it via the output unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1 System 10 Information processing apparatus 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Communication unit 20 Terminal device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 24 Input unit 25 Output unit 30 Network

Claims

1. A method executed by a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, comprising: the control unit:[[]] receiving, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device; outputting the at least one option via the output unit; receiving, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option; transmitting, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device; receiving, via the communication unit, delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device; outputting, via the output unit, the at least one delivery time together with the one or more options.[[]] A method comprising the above.[[]]

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options, the delivery time information indicates a plurality of delivery times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets, and the control unit further includes outputting each of the plurality of delivery times via the output unit.[[]]

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further includes outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of delivery times in ascending order of the plurality of delivery times.[[]]

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options for which the delivery time is advanced by a predetermined period or more when not selected, from among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, from the information processing device; and the method further includes emphasizing and outputting the deletion candidate options via the output unit.[[]]

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the delivery time information includes the delivery time when the deletion candidate options replace other options among the one or more options indicated by the option information.[[]] The method further includes the control unit outputting, via the output unit, an updated vehicle storage time, which is the updated vehicle storage time when replacing with the other option.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the other option includes an option in which the number of times selected by another user different from the user is equal to or more than a predetermined value.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, information indicating a period that affects the determination of the at least one vehicle storage time corresponding to the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device, and further includes outputting the period via the output unit.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, estimate information indicating an estimated amount when the option indicated by the selection information is selected from the information processing device, and further includes outputting the estimated amount via the output unit.

9. A terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device providing a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device, outputs the at least one option via the output unit, receives, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user among the at least one option, transmits selection information indicating the one or more options via the communication unit to the information processing device, receives, via the communication unit, vehicle storage time information indicating at least one vehicle storage time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device, and outputs the at least one vehicle storage time via the output unit together with the one or more options.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user among the plurality of options, and the vehicle storage time information indicates a plurality of vehicle storage times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets. The control unit outputs each of the plurality of vehicle storage times via the output unit, a terminal device.

11. The terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit outputs, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of vehicle storage times in ascending order of the vehicle storage times, a terminal device.

12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option that, when not selected among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, advances the vehicle storage time by a predetermined period or more, from the information processing device, and emphasizes the deletion candidate option and outputs it via the output unit, a terminal device.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle storage time information includes the vehicle storage time when the deletion candidate option replaces another option among the one or more options indicated by the option information, and the control unit outputs, via the output unit, an updated vehicle storage time, which is the updated vehicle storage time when replaced with the other option, a terminal device.

14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the other option includes an option that has been selected by another user different from the user a predetermined number of times or more, a terminal device.

15. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, information indicating a period that affects the determination of the at least one vehicle storage time corresponding to the one or more options indicated by the selection information, from the information processing device, and outputs the period via the output unit, a terminal device.

16. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit receives, via the communication unit, estimate information indicating an estimated amount when the option indicated by the selection information is selected, from the information processing device, and outputs the estimated amount via the output unit, a terminal device.

17. A computer as a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device that provides a sales site for vehicle options, and a control unit, receiving, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device, and outputting the at least one option via the output unit receiving, via the input unit, an input of one or more options selected by a user from among the at least one option; transmitting, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing apparatus; receiving, via the communication unit, from the information processing apparatus, delivery time information indicating at least one delivery time determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information; a program for causing an operation to be performed, the operation including outputting, via the output unit, the at least one delivery time together with the one or more options.

18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets each composed of a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options, the delivery time information indicates a plurality of delivery times determined for each of the plurality of selection sets, and the operation further includes outputting, via the output unit, each of the plurality of delivery times.

19. The program according to claim 18, wherein the operation further includes outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of selection sets together with the plurality of delivery times in ascending order of the plurality of delivery times.

20. The program according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the operation further includes receiving, via the communication unit, from the information processing apparatus, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option for which the delivery time is advanced by a predetermined period or more when not selected, among the one or more options indicated by the selection information; and further includes highlighting and outputting, via the output unit, the deletion candidate option.

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