Method

Abstract

To improve a technique for assisting a user to purchase a vehicle.SOLUTION: A method executed by an information processing device 10 includes: providing a user with a purchase simulation for a vehicle; acquiring user information indicative of user's attributes; identifying target procedures performed by the user to own the vehicle on the basis of the user information; and notifying the user of the identified target procedures together with results of the purchase simulation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known to provide assistance to users in purchasing vehicles. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for calculating an estimate of the cost of purchasing a new vehicle when switching from a vehicle to be repaired to a new vehicle, and an estimate of the cost of purchasing a used vehicle when switching from a vehicle to be repaired to a used vehicle, as well as calculating the future maintenance costs of the vehicle for each year when repairing the vehicle to be repaired, when switching from the vehicle to be repaired to a new vehicle, and when switching from the vehicle to be repaired to a used vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-148889 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a lack of support for the procedures required for users to actually own the vehicle they have purchased, which can leave users confused. As such, there is room for improvement in technology to assist users in purchasing vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The method disclosed herein is a method executed by an information processing device having a control unit, and includes the control unit providing a vehicle purchase simulation to a user, acquiring user information indicating the user's attributes, identifying target procedures that the user will perform to own the vehicle based on the user information, and notifying the user of the identified target procedures along with the results of the purchase simulation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure enables improved technology to assist users in purchasing vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0009] The configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. The devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 30 including, for example, the Internet.

[0010] The information processing device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The information processing device 10 can provide a vehicle purchasing simulation to a user's terminal device 20.

[0011] 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. In this embodiment, the terminal device 20 is used by a user who purchases a vehicle.

[0012] Network 30 may include 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. A wireless network may be, 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.

[0013] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be provided later. The information processing device 10 provides a vehicle purchase simulation to a user and acquires user information indicating the user's attributes. Based on the user information, the information processing device 10 identifies target procedures that the user must perform to own a vehicle, and notifies the user of the identified target procedures together with the results of the purchase simulation.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the procedures required to own a vehicle are known during the purchase simulation, which reduces the user's anxiety about not knowing what procedures are actually required after purchasing a vehicle. This saves the user the trouble of having to research the procedures required after the purchase, improving user convenience. This makes it possible to improve the technology that assists users when purchasing a vehicle.

[0015] The configuration of an information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0016] 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. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 and executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0017] 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. 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. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0018] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that complies 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 device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0019] The configuration of the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 again. 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.

[0020] The control unit 21 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 a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls each part of the terminal device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0021] The storage unit 22 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. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0022] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 23 communicates with devices other than the terminal device 20. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0023] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitance key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, a camera, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation to input data used for the operation of the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. As the connection interface, an interface conforming to standards 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.

[0024] 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 electroluminescent. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20. The output unit 25 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. The connection interface may be an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0025] The functions of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0026] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store 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 can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0027] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its functions by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes something equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that specify computer processing falls under the category of "something equivalent to a program."

[0028] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0029] The operation of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Among the operations shown in Fig. 2, the operation of the information processing device 10 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that communication between the information processing device 10 and an external device is performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 30.

[0030] In the following description, it is assumed that the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 provides a vehicle purchase simulation to a user. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits information regarding the vehicle type, options to be installed on the vehicle, etc., to the terminal device 20 for conducting the purchase simulation. The control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives the information and causes the output unit 25 of the terminal device 20 to display the vehicle type, options, etc. The control unit 21 accepts the user's selection of the displayed vehicle type, options, etc. via the input unit 24 and transmits information indicating the selection to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives and acquires the information and calculates the total amount of expenses incurred in accordance with the user's selection. The control unit 11 calculates the total amount by referring to information indicating the amount to be incurred for each vehicle type or option, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 transmits information indicating the calculated total amount to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 receives the information and causes the output unit 25 to display the total amount. This enables the vehicle purchase simulation to be provided to the user.

[0031] In S1 of FIG. 2, the control unit 11 acquires information indicating procedures for vehicle ownership. The procedures for vehicle ownership include procedures that a vehicle purchaser must complete with a public institution or the like to actually own the vehicle. Specifically, the procedures include procedures for registering the vehicle and parking space, procedures for purchasing insurance, etc. The procedures are not limited to these, but may also include procedures for vehicle maintenance, such as periodic vehicle inspections. The information indicating the procedures includes a specific application method, including required documents, an internet website address for applying for the procedures, or the address of a physical store such as a dealer or a public institution, costs incurred for the procedures, the time required for the procedures, and a deadline for the procedures. The information indicating the procedures is not limited to these, and may also include the average cost of refueling the vehicle over a predetermined period, the address of a refueling location, the average parking fee over a predetermined period, etc. The control unit 11 may acquire the information indicating the procedures by reading it from the memory unit 12, or by communicating with an external server such as a public institution and receiving it from the external server.

[0032] In S2, the control unit 11 acquires user information. The user information indicates user attributes such as the user's generation or age, the user's gender, whether the user is a person requiring care or a person with a disability, the administrative district of the user's home address, etc. The control unit 11 acquires the user information by reading it from the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 may also acquire information input by the user to the terminal device 20 by receiving it from the terminal device 20 as user information.

[0033] In S3, the control unit 11 identifies, based on the user information, a procedure to be performed by the user from among the procedures indicated by the information acquired in S1 as a target procedure. For example, if the procedure information includes a procedure that can be applied for when a predetermined condition is met, the control unit 11 determines whether the user meets the condition based on the user information, and if it determines that the condition is met, it identifies the procedure as a target procedure. If it determines that the condition is not met, the control unit 11 does not identify the procedure as a target procedure. Examples of predetermined conditions include that the user's home address belongs to a predetermined administrative district, or that the user belongs to a predetermined attribute such as a person requiring care or a person with a disability. Information indicating the condition may be set in advance and stored in the memory unit 12.

[0034] The control unit 11 may identify the target procedure based on the type of vehicle that the user is considering purchasing in the purchase simulation. For example, assume that the control unit 11 receives information indicating the user's selection of a vehicle for nursing care or welfare use, such as a vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair, in the purchase simulation from the terminal device 20. In this case, the control unit 11 may identify, as the target procedure, the procedure for applying for a subsidy that can be applied for when purchasing a vehicle for nursing care or welfare use, from among the procedures indicated by the information acquired in S1.

[0035] In S4, the control unit 11 generates and outputs information indicating the target procedure identified in S3. In this example, the control unit 11 outputs the information indicating the target procedure identified in S3 together with information indicating the total amount calculated in the purchase simulation by transmitting it to the terminal device 20. In this way, the control unit 11 notifies the user of the identified target procedure together with the results of the purchase simulation.

[0036] In S5, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives information indicating the target procedure.

[0037] In S6, based on the received information indicating the target procedure, the control unit 21 outputs the target procedure together with the total amount resulting from the purchase simulation via the output unit 25. For example, the control unit 21 may sort the target procedures in order of the earliest deadline and output this via the output unit 25. For example, the control unit 21 may output via the output unit 25 the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of subsidy or other amount to be received through the procedure from the total amount calculated in the simulation. Thereafter, the operation of the system 1 ends.

[0038] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] In one variation of the present disclosure, the control unit 11 may generate benefit information indicating a benefit the user can receive when the target procedures identified in S3 are completed, and transmit the benefit information to the terminal device 20. The benefit may include, for example, a discount coupon or a coupon for a commemorative gift that can be used at a physical store such as a dealer where the target procedures are performed. If there are multiple identified target procedures, the benefit may be received after the vehicle is delivered if the user completes all of the multiple procedures. In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives, via the input unit 24, an approval input from the person at the counter where the target procedures are performed, each time a target procedure is completed. The control unit 21 transmits information indicating the input to the information processing device 10. When the information processing device 10 determines that the information has been received for all of the identified target procedures, the information processing device 10 generates benefit information and transmits it to the user's terminal device 20. This makes it easier for the user to complete all of the multiple target procedures.

[0040] As a variant example, the control unit 11 may further notify the user of parking lot information indicating a parking space required for parking a vehicle based on the size of the vehicle the user is considering purchasing in the purchase simulation. For example, assume that the control unit 11 receives information indicating the user's selection of a specific vehicle from the terminal device 20 in the purchase simulation. In this case, the control unit 11 identifies the size of the vehicle by referring to information indicating the size of the vehicle selected by the user. This information may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 further determines the dimensions of a parking space that can accommodate a vehicle of the identified size by referring to information indicating the dimensions of the parking space that are set in advance for each vehicle size. The control unit 11 generates parking lot information indicating the determined dimensions and transmits it to the terminal device 20. This makes it easier for the user to accurately understand in advance the dimensions of the parking space that should be prepared. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 System 10. Information processing equipment 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 20 Terminal equipment 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section 30 Network

Claims

[Claim 1] A method executed by an information processing device having a control unit, The control unit Providing a vehicle purchase simulation to a user; acquiring user information indicating attributes of the user; Identifying a target procedure to be performed by the user to own the vehicle based on the user information; notifying the user of the identified target procedure together with the result of the purchase simulation; A method comprising:

Images