System and method

Abstract

To provide a system for managing the progress of work at the time of making a used car suitable for sale.SOLUTION: A system for managing progress of work for bringing a vehicle into a state suitable for sale, the system comprising at least one computer device, the system comprising an input reception unit configured to receive an input related to implementation of transportation, car washing, repair, or signboard erasing of the vehicle from a user terminal operated by a user, and an information storage unit configured to store information related to the implementation corresponding to the received input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, used car dealers have purchased cars from individuals and corporations and resold them at dealerships or auction sites. At this time, they repair and wash the purchased used cars to make them suitable for sale before transporting them to the dealership or auction site. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a system for managing the progress of work to prepare a vehicle for sale. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to [1] A system for managing the progress of work to make a vehicle suitable for sale, comprising at least one computer device, an input receiving means for receiving input from a user terminal operated by a user regarding the implementation of vehicle transportation, car washing, repair, or sign removal, and an information storage means for storing information regarding the implementation corresponding to the received input; [2] The system according to [1], further comprising a first display control means for controlling the user terminal to display a display screen for registering a plurality of images of the vehicle taken from a plurality of directions and / or a plurality of images of a plurality of locations on the vehicle; [3] The system according to [2], wherein the first display control means controls the display screen to display the registered images; [4] The system according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a second display control means for controlling the user terminal to display a display screen for registering an image of the vehicle before the predetermined work is performed and an image of the vehicle after the predetermined work is performed; [5] The system according to [4], wherein the second display control means controls the display screen to display an image of the vehicle before the registered predetermined work is performed and an image of the vehicle after the registered predetermined work is performed; [6] The system according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising an image transmission means for transmitting the image to a first user terminal operated by a first user who has registered the image of the vehicle, or to a second user terminal operated by a second user different from the first user; [7] The system described in any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the work to prepare the vehicle for sale involves performing a plurality of tasks sequentially, and the system is equipped with a second display control means that controls the user terminal to display a display screen for inputting that a first task has been performed first, and that, upon receiving input from the user terminal that the first task has been performed, controls the user terminal to display a display screen for inputting that a second task to be performed after the first task has been performed, or a display screen for performing the second task; [8] The system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the information storage means stores the information about the implementation received by the input receiving means in association with identification information that can identify the user operating the user terminal that executed the input; [9] A location registration means for registering the location of the vehicle; and a third display control means for controlling the user terminal to display information regarding the number of vehicles present at a predetermined location. The system according to any one of [1] to [8] above,

[10] The system according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising: a location registration means for registering the location of the vehicle; and a fourth display control means for controlling the user terminal to display the elapsed time since the vehicle arrived at the location;

[11] The system according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the input receiving means receives inputs regarding the transport, washing, repair, and removal of signs of vehicles from a user terminal operated by a user;

[12] The system described in any one of [1] to

[11] above, comprising: a fifth display control means for controlling the user terminal to display a plurality of vehicles registered as targets for work to make them suitable for sale; a selection receiving means for receiving the selection of at least one vehicle from the plurality of displayed vehicles; and a sixth display control means for controlling the user terminal to display information stored in the information storage means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or sign removal of the selected vehicle;

[13] The system according to

[12] , wherein the sixth display control means displays a screen on the user terminal for receiving input from the input receiving means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or sign removal of the selected vehicle;

[14] The system described in any one of [1] to

[13] above, comprising: a fifth display control means for controlling the user terminal to display a plurality of vehicles registered as targets for work to make them suitable for sale; a selection receiving means for receiving the selection of at least one vehicle from the plurality of displayed vehicles; and a sixth display control means for controlling the user terminal to display a screen for receiving input by the input receiving means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or sign removal of the selected vehicle;

[15] A method executed in a system for managing the progress of work to make a vehicle suitable for sale, the system including at least one computer device, the method including: an input receiving step of receiving, from a user terminal operated by a user, input regarding the implementation of vehicle transportation, car washing, repair, and / or sign removal; and an information storage step of storing information regarding the implementation corresponding to the received input: This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system for managing the progress of work to bring a vehicle into a condition suitable for sale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a vehicle registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an information update process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (display screen displaying a list of information relating to a plurality of registered vehicles) according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (a display screen for displaying information about a selected vehicle and for inputting that work has been performed) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (a display screen for registering an image of a vehicle and displaying the registered image) according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention. The vehicle that can be used with the system of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a moving body. Examples of vehicles include bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles, as well as construction vehicles used for construction purposes, industrial vehicles used for loading and transporting goods, and agricultural vehicles used for agricultural purposes. Large vehicles such as trucks, dump trucks, buses, and tanker trucks are particularly suitable for use with the system.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system includes at least one computer device, for example, a server device. The system may include multiple computer devices, and these multiple computer devices may perform the functions of the server. The system may include, for example, a user terminal 1, a server device 2, and a communication network 3. The user terminal 1 can be connected to the server device 2 for communication via the communication network 3.

[0009] The user terminal 1 is a terminal operated by a user of the system. The user of the system is not particularly limited, but may be a person in charge of a sales company that owns a vehicle to be sold, a person in charge of a contracting company that is contracted by the sales company to repair, wash, remove signs, and / or transport the vehicle, or a person in charge of a subcontracting company that is commissioned by the sales company to repair, wash, remove signs, and / or transport the vehicle. The system may include one user terminal 1 or multiple user terminals 1a to 1z.

[0010] Each task of repairing, washing, removing signs, and transporting a vehicle can be handled by a different person in the contract company or the outsourced company. Therefore, multiple user terminals 1 operated by multiple users can be used to input the necessary information for one vehicle at the appropriate time. Specifically, for example, the person who repaired the vehicle can operate the user terminal 1 to input that the repair is complete, the person who removed the sign from the vehicle can operate the user terminal 1 to input that the sign removal is complete, and the person who removed the sign from the vehicle can operate the user terminal 1 to input that the sign removal is complete.

[0011] The user terminal 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. The user terminal 1 may be a stationary type or a portable type that the user can carry when traveling. Examples of the user terminal 1 include conventional mobile phones, tablet terminals, smartphones, and desktop or notebook personal computers.

[0012] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 1 includes a control unit 11, a main memory 12, a storage unit 13, an input device 14, a display device 15, and a communication interface 16, all of which are connected by a bus.

[0013] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the user terminal 1. For example, a RAM is used as the main memory 12. The main memory 12 is a work area for the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a storage area for saving programs and data. The control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing based on programs read from the main memory 12 or programs stored in an external storage medium, and data input via the input device 14.

[0014] The display device 15 has a display screen. The control unit 11 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input device 14.

[0015] The communication interface 16 can be connected to the communication network 3 wirelessly or via a wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 2 via the communication network 3. Data received via the communication interface 16 is loaded into the main memory 12, and the control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing on the data.

[0016] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a main memory 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, all of which are connected by a bus.

[0017] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 23 to control the server device 2. The control unit 21 also has an internal timer that measures time. The main memory 22 is the work area of ​​the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a storage area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 performs program execution processing based on programs read from the main memory 22 or programs stored in an external storage medium, and information received from the user terminal 1, etc.

[0018] This system can be used, for example, by a sales company that owns a vehicle to be sold or its subcontractor when repairing, washing, removing signs, and / or transporting the vehicle, and can also be used by a contracting company that is contracted by a sales company to repair, wash, remove signs, and / or transport the vehicle, or by an outsourcing company that is commissioned by a sales company to repair, wash, remove signs, and / or transport the vehicle. Therefore, the user of this system may be a person in charge of the sales company, or a person in charge of a contracting company or an outsourcing company.

[0019] The following explanation will be given for the case where the user of this system is a person in charge of a contractor company, but the following explanation also applies to the case where the user is a person in charge of a sales company or a subcontracting company, to the extent that no contradictions arise.

[0020] The following describes a system that can manage the progress of a vehicle owned or managed by a dealership, from the time a contractor receives a request from the dealership to transport the vehicle to a workshop where the vehicle is washed, repaired, and the sign removed, to the time the contractor completes these tasks and then transports the vehicle to a location designated by the dealership (hereinafter also referred to as the delivery location). The delivery location can be, for example, a store where the vehicle is sold or an auction site.

[0021] When the contracted company receives a request from the dealership by fax, telephone, email, etc. to prepare a vehicle in a state suitable for sale, a user belonging to the contracted company executes the vehicle registration process. The state of a vehicle in a state suitable for sale is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a state in which any breakdowns or defects of the vehicle have been repaired, a state in which the vehicle has been washed, a state in which the sign on the vehicle has been removed, a state in which the vehicle has been moved to a place for sale or a place designated by the dealership, or a state in which any two or more of these states are combined.

[0022] In this system, vehicle repair may include not only repairing vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions but also maintaining the vehicle. Furthermore, vehicle washing may include not only washing the exterior of the vehicle but also cleaning the interior of the vehicle. Vehicle sign removal refers to removing signs such as letters and logos painted on the bed of a large vehicle such as a truck.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a vehicle registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 5 is a diagram showing at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] A user operates user terminal 1 to access server device 2 via a browser. Server device 2 is, for example, a web server, and can control the content of the display screen of user terminal 1 according to information sent from server device 2 to user terminal 1 via the browser. The user in the vehicle registration process is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sales representative of a contractor company.

[0025] The server device 2 registers identification information (user ID) and password for each user that can identify the user, and the user logs in to the system by entering the user ID and password into the user terminal 1 (step S1).

[0026] After logging in to the system in step S1, the user operates the user terminal 1 to input information required for vehicle registration (step S2). Information required for vehicle registration includes, for example, the date of receipt of the request from the dealer, the company that placed the order (the dealer), the vehicle's chassis number, vehicle name, vehicle model, the sales representative of the contracted company, the current location of the vehicle (where the vehicle will be picked up), the planned removal date of the vehicle from the current location (planned pickup date), the delivery location (a location specified by the orderer, such as an auction site or a store that plans to sell the vehicle), and the planned delivery date of the vehicle. This information can be input as text information.

[0027] The information entered in step S2 is transmitted to the server device 2 and stored in the server device 2 (step S3). The date of receipt of the request from the dealer 32, the ordering company 33, the vehicle's chassis number 34, the vehicle name 35, the vehicle model 36, the sales representative of the contracted company 37, the vehicle pick-up location 38, the scheduled pick-up date 39, the delivery location 40, the scheduled delivery date 41, and the current vehicle location 42 entered in step S2 are stored in the management table 30 in association with the management number 31.

[0028] Furthermore, the information entered in step S2 may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information, in addition to the management number 31. This makes it possible to identify which of multiple users entered the information. For example, by searching based on the user's identification information, it is possible to extract only the information entered by the user corresponding to the search target identification number.

[0029] The vehicle registration process is completed through steps S1 to S3. The vehicle registration process can register multiple vehicles for which work has been contracted. Information on multiple vehicles can be registered in the management table 30.

[0030] In step S2, it is also possible to input work requested by the dealership. The user can input vehicle repair, vehicle washing, and / or vehicle sign removal as necessary work in accordance with the dealership's request. For example, in step S2, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, and vehicle sign removal can be selected from a pull-down menu or by using check boxes. One or more work may be selected. Then, in step S3, the selected work is stored in the management table 30 of the server device 2 in association with the management number 31.

[0031] If the driver who will transport the vehicle from the pick-up location has already been decided at the stage when a request is received from the sales company, information about the driver, such as the name of the driver in charge, can be entered in step S2, and stored in the server device 2 in association with the management number 31 in step S3.

[0032] The information stored in the management table 30 can be viewed not only by the user who input the information in step S1, but also by other users. In this case, the user who input the information in step S1 or other users operates the user terminal 1 to access the server device 2 via a browser. Then, by operating the user terminal 1 and inputting a user ID and password, the user logs in to the system.

[0033] When a user logs in to the system using the user terminal 1, a list of multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 1. When the user operates the user terminal 1 to select one of the multiple vehicles displayed in the list, the user can check the date of receipt of the request, the ordering company, the vehicle's chassis number, the vehicle name, the model, the sales representative of the contracting company, the departure location, the scheduled departure date, the arrival location, the scheduled arrival date, etc. for the selected vehicle.

[0034] Next, the information update process will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the information update process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen displaying a list of information related to a plurality of registered vehicles). Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen displaying information related to a selected vehicle and for inputting that work has been performed).

[0035] A user can operate the user terminal 1 to update or add information stored in the management table 30. The user operates the user terminal 1 to access the server device 2 via a browser. The user logs in to the system by inputting a user ID and password into the user terminal 1 (step S11).

[0036] In step S1, when the user terminal 1 logs in to the system, a list of information about multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the display screen 60 of the user terminal 1, as shown in Fig. 7. For each vehicle, the display screen 60 displays a confirmation button 61, a management number 62, an order date 63, a sales representative 64, an order originator 65, a driver 66, a removal date / removal location 67, a delivery date / removal location 68, and a task 69. This information is displayed based on the information stored in the management table 30. By checking the information displayed on the display screen 60, the user can identify the vehicle for which they are about to enter information.

[0037] The user operates the user terminal 1 to select a vehicle for which information is to be updated or added from among a plurality of vehicles (step S12). More specifically, the user can select a vehicle by pressing the confirmation button 61 displayed on the display screen 60.

[0038] When the user operates the user terminal 1 to select a vehicle, a display screen 70 for updating or adding information about the selected vehicle is displayed (step S13). As shown in FIG. 8, information about the vehicle selected in step S12 is displayed on the display screen 70. Based on the information entered in step S2 and stored in the management table 30 in step S3, information about the progress of work on the selected vehicle (e.g., the vehicle work progress status, scheduled removal date and time, removal location, delivery date and time, delivery location, work location, and work content such as repair, sign removal, and car wash) is displayed on the display screen 70. The user can update or add information about the selected vehicle while checking this information on the display screen 70 of the user terminal 1. In other words, the user terminal 1 can input information about the next work while checking the progress of work on the selected vehicle on the display screen 70.

[0039] A case where information relating to the transportation of a vehicle is updated or added will be described below. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The user who updates or adds information regarding vehicle transportation is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a dispatcher in charge of dispatching vehicles such as loading trucks at a contracting company, or a transportation officer (driver) who transports the vehicle.

[0041] When a contractor receives a request from a dealership to prepare a used or new vehicle in a condition suitable for sale, the contractor must collect the vehicle from the dealership and transport it from the vehicle collection location designated by the dealership to a temporary storage facility, a workshop where the work will be carried out, or a delivery location in order to carry out work such as repairs, washing, and removing signs. In addition, if the vehicle is already in a temporary storage facility or a workshop where the work has already been carried out, and repairs, washing, and removing signs have already been completed, the contractor must transport the vehicle from these locations to the delivery location.

[0042] The transportation of vehicles may be performed by a driver, or by using a dedicated vehicle such as a loading truck. The concept of transportation includes not only land transportation but also sea transportation using ferries, etc.

[0043] The user operates the user terminal 1 to input, for the selected vehicle, the planned removal date for removing the vehicle from its current location, the delivery location to which the vehicle will be transported, and the driver who will transport the vehicle (step S14). The information input in step S14 is sent to the server device 2 and stored in the management table 30 of the server device 2 (step S15).

[0044] In step S15, as shown in Fig. 9, the planned removal date 45 for removing the vehicle from its current location, the delivery location 46 to which the vehicle will be transported, and the driver 47 who will transport the vehicle, which were input in step S14, are stored in the management table 30 in association with the management number 31. Furthermore, this information may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information in addition to the management number 31. This makes it possible to identify which of multiple users has input this information.

[0045] When the transportation of the vehicle is completed, after selecting the vehicle in step S12, the user operates the user terminal 1 to register that the transportation of the vehicle has been completed (step S16). There are no particular limitations on the method for registering that the transportation of the vehicle has been completed, but examples include operating the user terminal 1 to input the delivery date or pressing a button indicating that the transportation of the vehicle has been completed. The registration that the transportation of the vehicle has been completed can also be stored in association with the user's identification information.

[0046] When the completion of the vehicle transportation is registered in step S16, the vehicle location 42 in the management table 30 is updated (step S17). If the vehicle location 42 is updated and the location matches the delivery location requested by the dealer, the work is completed.

[0047] The processing of steps S14 to S17 can be applied when a vehicle is collected from a dealer and transported to a storage yard for temporary storage, a workshop for work to be performed, or a delivery location, or when the vehicle is already in a storage yard for temporary storage or a workshop for work to be performed and is transported from these locations to the delivery location.

[0048] When it is registered in step S16 that the vehicle has been transported to a location where a contractor can perform predetermined work (for example, repairs, car washing, sign removal, etc.), or when, following step S16, the vehicle's location 42 is changed in step S17 to a location where predetermined work can be performed, the display content on the display screen of user terminal 1 is changed or added so that information related to the predetermined work can be entered (step S18). In this way, by making it possible to enter information related to the next work as work is completed, input errors and mistakes in the order of work can be prevented.

[0049] In step S18, the display content may be changed or added so that information about all work other than transportation, such as repairs, car washing, and sign removal, can be input. Also, in step S18, the display content may be changed or added so that information about some of the work, such as repairs and / or sign removal, can be input. In this case, when it is registered that work such as repairs and / or sign removal has been completed, the display content on the display screen of the user terminal 1 is changed or added so that information about car washing can be input. Since car washing is usually performed after repairs or sign removal, doing so can prevent the car from being washed before repairs or sign removal are performed.

[0050] Next, a case where information relating to repairs, car washes, and sign removal is updated or added will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing at least a part of a management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The user inputs information about repairs, car washes, and sign removal by operating the user terminal 1 (step S19). Step S19 can be executed immediately after step S18, but the user may also log out after step S18 is executed, and then execute step S19 via steps S11 to S13.

[0052] In step S19, the person who will perform the work and the scheduled date for the work are entered for each of the tasks of repair, car wash, and sign removal. The entered information is stored in the management table 30 of the server device 2 (step S20). As shown in FIG. 10, the name of the repair person 50, the scheduled date for repair 51, the person who will remove the sign 52, the scheduled date for sign removal 53, the person who will wash the car 54, and the scheduled date for car wash 55 entered in step S19 are stored in the management table 30 in association with the management number 31. This information may be stored in the management table 30 in association with not only the management number 31 but also the user's identification information.

[0053] When all or any of the repair, car wash, and sign removal work has been completed, after selecting the vehicle in step S12, the user operates the user terminal 1 to input that the repair, car wash, and / or sign removal work has been completed (step S21). There is no particular limitation on the method for inputting that the work has been completed, but examples include operating the user terminal 1 to input the date the work was completed or pressing a button indicating that the work has been completed.

[0054] When it is input in step S21 that the work has been completed, the completion of the work is registered in the management table 30 (step S22). More specifically, the management table 30 is updated by setting a flag indicating that the work has been completed, or by registering the date of completion of the work, etc. Furthermore, the registration of the completion of the work in step S22 may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information.

[0055] In addition, in step S14, it may be possible to input the destination of the selected vehicle as the delivery location, provided that it has been registered that all necessary work such as repairs, washing, and sign removal has been completed. In this case, even if the display screen of the user terminal 1 displayed in step S13 displays other destinations as options, the delivery location may not be displayed as an option for the vehicle's destination. Alternatively, even if the delivery location is displayed as an option for the vehicle's destination, input may not be accepted.

[0056] Next, the registration of a vehicle image will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (a display screen for registering a vehicle image and displaying the registered image) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] A user can take images of a vehicle from multiple different directions, both before a predetermined task is performed and after the predetermined task has been performed, and register these multiple images in the system.A user can take images of multiple locations on a vehicle, both before a predetermined task is performed and after the predetermined task has been performed, and register these multiple images in the system.

[0058] By taking and registering images of vehicles before undergoing prescribed work (for example, repairs, washing, removing signs), evidence of the presence or absence of scratches or dents at the time the vehicle is received from the dealership can be kept. Also, if the vehicle's characteristics are clearly visible, even if an unforeseen incident such as theft occurs while the vehicle is in the contractor's custody, the images can be compared with footage from security cameras, etc. Because the vehicle does not have a license plate attached before it is sold, it is difficult to track a stolen vehicle based solely on the text information on the documents, but images of the vehicle can be useful in tracking the stolen vehicle.

[0059] By taking and registering images of a vehicle after predetermined work (for example, repairs, washing, removing signs), it is possible to check the progress of the work. In addition, the photos taken after the predetermined work has been performed can be used by the dealer when selling the vehicle. Images of the vehicle after the predetermined work has been performed can be shown to buyers at dealerships or auction sites, leading to the purchase of the vehicle. In this case, a dealer's representative or the like can operate the user terminal 1 to access the system and download images of the vehicle after the predetermined work has been performed from the server device 2.

[0060] The images registered in the system may be not only still images but also moving images.

[0061] The user may take an image of the vehicle using the user terminal 1, or may take an image of the vehicle using another terminal and then transmit the image data of the image to the user terminal 1.

[0062] The user takes an image of the vehicle before performing the predetermined work and operates the user terminal 1 to register the captured image in the system. Then, after performing the predetermined work, the user takes an image of the vehicle and operates the user terminal 1 to register the captured image in the system. The predetermined work is not particularly limited. The predetermined work may be vehicle repair, vehicle washing, or removal of signs from the vehicle. The predetermined work may also be any work that affects the appearance of the vehicle, such as vehicle repair, washing, or removal of signs. In this case, after the vehicle is transported to the contractor's work site, the vehicle is imaged before work such as vehicle repair, washing, or removal of signs is performed. The vehicle is also imaged after work such as vehicle repair, washing, or removal of signs is performed.

[0063] The multiple directions in which images of a vehicle are taken are not particularly limited, but images can be taken from the front, rear, left side, right side, and above the vehicle and registered. As a method for taking images from above the vehicle, a drone equipped with an imaging device can be positioned above the vehicle to take images of the vehicle.

[0064] The multiple locations to be imaged when capturing images of a vehicle are not particularly limited, but may include the entire vehicle, the license plate, the frame, the area around the rear differential, the inside of the cargo bed, the driver's seat, and the like.

[0065] For example, before or after vehicle repair, washing, sign removal, or other such work is performed on the vehicle, the user selects the vehicle in step S12 and operates the user terminal 1 to upload a captured image of the vehicle (step S23). The uploaded image is stored in the server device 2 in association with the management number (step S24). At this time, as described above, multiple images can be uploaded for one vehicle and stored in the server device 2.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11 , registration buttons 81a to 81g are displayed on the display screen 80. By operating the user terminal 1 and selecting one of these registration buttons 81, it becomes possible to upload an image of the vehicle. For example, registration button 81a displays "front," registration button 81b displays "rear," registration button 81c displays "left," registration button 81d displays "right," registration button 81e displays "up," registration button 81f displays "driver's seat," and registration button 81e displays "inside of cargo bed." The user can register an image of the vehicle in the server device 2 while checking these displays. In this way, by displaying on or near the registration buttons which direction an image of the vehicle should be registered from or which part of the vehicle an image of the vehicle should be registered, the user can avoid missing an image from being registered.

[0067] When one of the registration buttons 81a to 81f is selected to register an image, the registered image is displayed below and near the selected registration button 81 in a manner that allows the user to recognize that the image corresponds to the content displayed on the selected registration button 81. In Fig. 11, image 82e is displayed below and near registration button 81e, allowing the user to recognize that it is an image that corresponds to "above" displayed on registration button 81e, that is, that it is an image captured from above the vehicle.

[0068] The display screen 80 may also be provided with a registration button 81 for registering an image of a vehicle before a predetermined task is performed, and a registration button 81 for registering an image of the vehicle after the predetermined task has been performed. In this case, a registration button 81 for registering multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple directions or multiple locations before the predetermined task is performed, and a registration button 81 for registering multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple directions or multiple locations after the predetermined task has been performed, are provided. In this case, an indication of the direction from which the image of the vehicle is to be registered or the location of the vehicle from which the image of the vehicle is to be registered is displayed on or near the registration button. When an image is registered by selecting one of the registration buttons 81, a registered image 82 is displayed below and near the selected registration button 81 in a manner that allows the user to recognize that it is an image corresponding to the selected registration button 81.

[0069] In this way, for example, images of a vehicle taken from the same direction or images of the same location on the vehicle can be compared on the display screen 80 before and after a predetermined task is performed. In this case, by displaying a registration button 81 and a registered image 82 on the left side for registering an image of the vehicle before the predetermined task is performed and a registration button 81 and a registered image 82 on the right side for registering an image of the vehicle after the predetermined task is performed, it is possible to display images 82 taken from the same direction before and after the predetermined task is performed side by side, or images 82 taken of the same location on the vehicle before and after the predetermined task is performed side by side. For example, an image 82 of the "front" of the vehicle before the predetermined task is performed and an image 82 of the "front" of the vehicle after the predetermined task are performed can be displayed side by side (or front and back), and an image 82 of the "rear" of the vehicle before the predetermined task is performed and an image 82 of the "rear" of the vehicle after the predetermined task is performed can be displayed side by side (or front and back). Similarly, images 82 before and after a specific task can be displayed side by side for the "left side," "right side," "upper side," "driver's seat," and "inside the loading platform" of the vehicle.

[0070] Note that the system may be configured so that registration of an image of the vehicle is possible when it is registered in step S16 that the vehicle has been transported to a location where a contractor can perform predetermined work (for example, repairs, car washing, sign removal, etc.), or when, following step S16, the vehicle location 42 is changed to a location where predetermined work can be performed in step S17. For example, only when the vehicle has been transported to a location where predetermined work can be performed, a button for registering an image of the vehicle may be displayed on the display screen, and pressing this button may enable registration of the vehicle.

[0071] Furthermore, it is possible to register a vehicle after the predetermined work has been performed, provided that the vehicle has been registered before the predetermined work has been performed. This makes it possible to prevent vehicles from being overlooked in the registration of vehicles before the predetermined work has been performed. Alternatively, it is possible to register a vehicle after the predetermined work has been performed, provided that the vehicle has been registered as having undergone the predetermined work. This makes it possible to prevent a vehicle from being erroneously registered as having undergone the predetermined work, even though the predetermined work has not been performed, by capturing an image of the vehicle.

[0072] The information stored in the management table 30 can be viewed not only by the user who input the information through steps S11 to S24, but also by other users. In this case, the user who input the information through steps S11 to S24 or other users operates the user terminal 1 to access the server device 2 via a browser. Then, by operating the user terminal 1 and inputting a user ID and password, the user logs in to the system.

[0073] When a user logs in to the system using the user terminal 1, a list of multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 1. When the user operates the user terminal 1 to select one of the multiple vehicles displayed in the list, the user can check the date of receipt of the request form, the ordering company, the vehicle's chassis number, the vehicle name, the model, the sales representative of the contracted company, the pick-up location, the scheduled pick-up date, the delivery location, the scheduled delivery date, the vehicle's current location, the work that has been performed, and the scheduled date of the work that is to be performed, etc., for the selected vehicle.

[0074] Furthermore, if a contractor has multiple workshops for performing car washes, repairs, and sign removal, it is necessary to consider the capacity of each workshop and determine which workshop is most suitable for carrying out the work, and then move the vehicle from the pickup location. Therefore, the server device 2 can identify the number of vehicles present at each workshop based on the vehicle locations 42 in the management table 30, and transmit information regarding the identified number of vehicles to the user terminal 1. The user can check this information on the user terminal 1 and decide which workshop to transport each vehicle to.

[0075] The date or time when the vehicle is moved from the pick-up location to the workshop (the current location of the vehicle) may be registered in the management table 30 of the server device 2. Therefore, by subtracting the registered date or time when the vehicle was moved from the current date and time in the server device 2, it is possible to determine the number of days or time that has passed since the vehicle arrived at the workshop, and the determined number of days or time that has passed can be displayed on the user terminal 1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the description has been primarily directed to a case in which a vehicle is transported from a pickup location to a workshop, where it is repaired, washed, and has had its sign removed, and then transported to a delivery location. However, the present system can also be used in a case in which a vehicle is transported from a pickup location to a storage location, temporarily stored, and then transported to a delivery location (e.g., a location for selling the vehicle). In this case, no repairs, washing, sign removal, or other such work is performed on the vehicle. The present system allows the server device 2 to register the vehicle's chassis number, name, model, pickup location, pickup date, delivery location, delivery date, and vehicle location, making it possible to manage the so-called inventory of vehicles. In this case, it is also possible to manage the transportation of the vehicle from the pickup location to the storage location, and from the storage location to the pickup location.

[0077] According to the present invention, inputs regarding the transport of vehicles, car washing, repairs, and / or sign removal can be accepted from a user terminal operated by a user, and information regarding the implementation corresponding to the accepted input can be stored.

[0078] According to the present invention, a display screen for registering a plurality of images of a vehicle taken from a plurality of directions and / or a display screen for registering a plurality of images of a vehicle taken from a plurality of locations can be displayed on the user terminal. Also, the registered plurality of images can be displayed on the display screen.

[0079] According to the present invention, a display screen can be displayed on a user terminal for registering an image of a vehicle before a predetermined task is performed and for registering an image of the vehicle after the predetermined task has been performed. Furthermore, the display screen can display an image of the vehicle before the registered predetermined task is performed and an image of the vehicle after the registered predetermined task has been performed.

[0080] According to the present invention, the image of the vehicle can be transmitted to a first user terminal operated by a first user who registered the image, or to a second user terminal operated by a second user different from the first user.

[0081] According to the present invention, a display screen for inputting that a first task that is to be performed first has been completed is displayed on the user terminal, and when input that the first task has been completed is received from the user terminal, a display screen for inputting that a second task that is to be performed after the first task has been completed, or a display screen for performing the second task, can be displayed on the user terminal.

[0082] According to the present invention, information relating to the implementation for which the input was received can be stored in association with identification information that can identify the user operating the user terminal that executed the input.

[0083] According to the present invention, it is possible to display information on the number of vehicles present at a given location on a user terminal, and it is also possible to display the elapsed time since the vehicle arrived at the location on the user terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. User terminal 2. Server device 3. Communication Network 11 control section, 12. Main memory 13 Storage Section 14 Input Devices 15 display device; 16 Communication Interface 21 Control section 22 RAM 23 Storage Department 24 Communication Interface 30 Management Table 60 display screen 70 display screen 80 display screen

Claims

1. A system for managing the progress of work on washing, repairing, or removing signs to make a vehicle suitable for sale, the system comprising at least one computer device, an input receiving means for receiving input regarding the transport, washing, repair, or removal of a sign from a user terminal operated by a user; an information storage means for storing information relating to the implementation corresponding to the received input; Equipped with the input receiving means receives an input indicating that the vehicle has been transported to a workshop for washing, repair, or removing a sign, or that the vehicle has been transported to a place for sale after the work has been performed; a location update means for updating the location of the vehicle in response to receiving an input from the input receiving means indicating that the transportation of the vehicle has been completed; A system comprising:

2. a display control means for controlling the user terminal to display the elapsed time since the vehicle arrived at the updated location; The system of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 1. A method executed in a system for managing the progress of work on washing, repairing, or removing signs to prepare a vehicle for sale, the system including at least one computer device, the method comprising: an input receiving step of receiving input regarding the transport, washing, repair, or removal of a sign from a user terminal operated by a user; an information storage step of storing information about the implementation corresponding to the received input; and the input receiving step receives an input indicating that transportation of the vehicle to a workshop for washing, repairing, or removing a sign has been completed, or that transportation of the vehicle to a place for selling the vehicle after the work has been completed; a location updating step of updating the location of the vehicle in response to receiving an input indicating that transportation of the vehicle has been completed in the input receiving step; A method comprising:

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