Tire management device, method, and system

Abstract

Improve the technology for managing the usage of vehicle tires. [Solution] The tire management device 20 stores the first user ID of the first user who has entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service in its storage unit. The tire management device 20 stores the first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service of the first user ID, linked to the first user ID. When the tire management device 20 receives the second user ID of the second user whose tire replacement work will be performed by an operator from the first terminal device 10A, it identifies the first user ID that matches the second user ID. Next, when the tire management device 20 receives the second tire information of the tires that the operator will install on the vehicle from the first terminal device 10A, it retrieves the first tire information linked to the identified first user ID from its storage unit. Then, the tire management device 20 determines whether the retrieved first tire information matches the received second tire information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire management device, method, and system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for managing the usage status of vehicle tires are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention capable of efficiently and reliably inputting data related to tire replacement / attachment / detachment, which is essential for managing the usage history of tires by transmitting tire attachment / detachment record information from a mobile terminal to a central management device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There has been room for improvement in technologies for managing the usage status of vehicle tires.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve technologies for managing the usage status of vehicle tires.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A tire management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is A tire management device used for a tire replacement service, comprising: a storage unit that stores one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service, and stores first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs, linked to each of the one or more first user IDs; and a control unit that, upon receiving a second user ID of a second user relating to a vehicle for which the worker is performing tire replacement work from a first terminal device used by the worker performing the tire replacement service, identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit, and upon receiving second tire information of the tires to be installed on the vehicle by the worker from the first terminal device, obtains the first tire information linked to the identified first user ID from the storage unit, and determines whether the obtained first tire information matches the received second tire information. With this configuration, it is determined whether the information of the tires to be used for the tire change service matches the information of the tires that the worker performing the tire change service will install on the vehicle. For example, if the tires to be used for the tire change service are retreaded tires, the worker performing the tire change service will be able to notice that the tires that will be installed on the vehicle are new tires. Therefore, the technology for managing the usage status of vehicle tires is improved in that the probability of performing the tire change service on the wrong user and using the wrong tires is reduced. This also has the advantage of potentially reducing unnecessary costs.

[0007] In one embodiment of the tire management device of this disclosure, the control unit may notify the first terminal device if the first user ID cannot be identified or if the first tire information and the second tire information do not match. With this configuration, in a tire replacement service, a notification is sent to the terminal device of a worker who is about to replace the wrong tire. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to contact the worker separately. Furthermore, this reduces the likelihood of forgetting to contact the worker.

[0008] In a tire management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more first user IDs may be the vehicle ID of the vehicle subject to the tire replacement service usage contract. If the user is a person, it may become unclear which vehicle the service is to be performed on if one person owns multiple vehicles. In contrast, with this configuration, by using the vehicle ID as the user ID, it is possible to clarify which vehicle the maintenance is to be performed on.

[0009] In a tire management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tire information and the second tire information may include information on the type of tire to be mounted at each of the multiple tire mounting positions on the vehicle. With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the wrong tire is mounted at each of the multiple tire mounting positions during a tire replacement service. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the risk of mounting the wrong type of tire, for example, by mistakenly mounting a retreaded tire with reduced durability at a vehicle / mounting position with high durability consumption.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire management device includes a control unit which receives information from the first terminal device indicating whether the tires installed in the tire replacement service are retread tires, and if they are retread tires, counts the number of retread tires used, determines whether the number of retread tires used during a first predetermined period falls below a standard value, and if it does, notifies a second terminal device used by the administrator of the tire replacement service. With this configuration, the administrator of the tire replacement service can check whether the number of retread tires to be used during the contract period stipulated in the contract with the user of the tire replacement service falls below the planned number. Furthermore, if the number of retread tires falls below the planned number, there is a high probability that costs will be exceeded, so measures to reduce costs, such as changing the number of retread tires used in subsequent services, can be considered.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire management device includes a control unit which receives the tread depth of the tire removed in the tire replacement service from the first terminal device, determines whether the tread depth of the removed tire exceeds a first threshold, and if it does, notifies the first terminal device. With such a configuration, it is possible to alert the worker in the tire replacement service that a tire that is still usable has been replaced.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire management device includes a control unit which receives the tread depth of the tires removed during the tire replacement service from the first terminal device each time the tire replacement service is performed, calculates the average value of the tread depth of the removed tires during a second predetermined period, and if the average value exceeds a second threshold, notifies a second terminal device used by the manager of the tire replacement service. With this configuration, the manager of the tire replacement service can understand that the number of times still usable tires have been replaced during the tire replacement service has been higher than expected.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire management device may have a control unit that calculates the average value for each business operator to which the worker belongs. With such a configuration, the manager of the tire replacement service can ascertain, for each business operator undertaking the tire replacement service, that the number of usable tires replaced has exceeded expectations.

[0014] A method according to one embodiment of this disclosure is: A method performed by a tire management device used for a tire replacement service, comprising: storing in a storage unit one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service; storing in the storage unit first tire information of the tires that each of the one or more first user IDs is scheduled to use for the tire replacement service, linked to each of the one or more first user IDs; when the device receives a second user ID of a second user relating to a vehicle for which the worker is performing tire replacement work from a first terminal device used by the worker performing the tire replacement service, it identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit; when the device receives second tire information of the tires that the worker will install on the vehicle from the first terminal device, it obtains the first tire information linked to the identified first user ID from the storage unit; and it determines whether the obtained first tire information matches the received second tire information. With this configuration, it is determined whether the information of the tires to be used for the tire change service matches the information of the tires that the worker performing the tire change service will install on the vehicle. For example, if the tires to be used for the tire change service are retreaded tires, the worker performing the tire change service will be able to notice that the tires that will be installed on the vehicle are new tires. Therefore, the technology for managing the usage status of vehicle tires is improved in that the probability of performing the tire change service on the wrong user and using the wrong tires is reduced. This also has the advantage of potentially reducing unnecessary costs.

[0015] A system according to one embodiment of this disclosure is A system comprising a tire management device used for a tire replacement service and a first terminal device used by an operator performing the tire replacement service, wherein the tire management device stores in a storage unit one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service, stores in the storage unit first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs, linked to each of the one or more first user IDs, and when the system receives a second user ID of a second user relating to a vehicle for which the operator is performing tire replacement work from the first terminal device used by the operator, it identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit, and when the system receives second tire information of the tires to be installed on the vehicle by the operator from the first terminal device, it obtains the first tire information linked to the identified first user ID from the storage unit, and includes a process to determine whether the obtained first tire information matches the received second tire information. According to such a configuration, it is determined whether the information of the tire intended to be used for the tire replacement service matches the information of the tire that the operator performing the tire replacement service attaches to the vehicle. Therefore, for example, the operator can notice that although the tire intended to be used for the tire replacement service is a retread tire, the tire that the operator performing the tire replacement service attaches to the vehicle is a new tire. Thus, in the tire replacement service, the technology for managing the usage status of the vehicle's tires is improved in that the probability of performing the tire replacement service for the wrong user and using the wrong tire can be reduced. Also, thereby, the merit that unnecessary costs that occur can be suppressed can be obtained.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the technology for managing the usage status of the vehicle's tires is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tire management device. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a tire management device 20. The terminal device 10 and the tire management device 20 are communicably connected to a network 30 including, for example, the Internet.

[0020] The terminal device 10 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is used by the operator and the administrator of the tire replacement service, and the usage purposes are different between the operator and the administrator. Therefore, the terminal device 10 used by the operator is referred to as the first terminal device 10A, and the terminal device 10 used by the administrator is referred to as the second terminal device 10B.

[0021] The tire management device 20 is, for example, a server device, but is not limited thereto and may be any computer. The tire management device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 10 via the network 30.

[0022] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. The tire management device 20 stores, in the storage unit, the one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have signed up for the tire replacement service. The tire management device 20 stores the first tire information of the tires planned to be used for the tire replacement service of each of the one or more first user IDs in the storage unit 22 in association with each of the one or more first user IDs. Then, when the tire management device 20 receives the second user ID of the second user related to the vehicle for which the operator performs the tire replacement work from the first terminal device 10A used by the operator who performs the tire replacement service, the tire management device 20 identifies the first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit 22. Next, when the tire management device 20 receives the second tire information of the tire that the operator attaches to the vehicle from the first terminal device 10A, the tire management device 20 acquires the first tire information associated with the identified first user ID from the storage unit. Then, the tire management device 20 determines whether the acquired first tire information matches the received second tire information.

[0023] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is determined whether the information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service matches the information of the tires that the worker performing the tire replacement service will install on the vehicle. For example, if the tires to be used for the tire replacement service are retreaded tires, the worker performing the tire replacement service will be able to notice that the tires that will be installed on the vehicle are new tires. Therefore, in the tire replacement service, the probability of performing the tire replacement service on the wrong user and using the wrong tires is reduced, thus improving the technology for managing the usage status of vehicle tires. This also has the advantage of potentially reducing unnecessary costs.

[0024] Next, we will describe each component of System 1 in detail.

[0025] (Terminal device configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an output unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0026] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. These communication interfaces support, for example, mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may support any communication standard.

[0027] The output unit 12 may include one or more output devices that output information to notify the user. Such output devices are, for example, a display that outputs information as video, or a speaker that outputs information as sound, but are not limited to these. The output unit 12 may also include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0028] The input unit 13 may include one or more input devices for detecting user input. These input devices may be, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touchscreen integrated with a display, a microphone for receiving voice input, or a camera. The input unit 13 may also include an interface for connecting external input devices.

[0029] The storage unit 14 includes one or more memories. The memories are, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 14 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 14 stores any information used for the operation of the terminal device 10. For example, the storage unit 14 may store system programs, application programs, and embedded software.

[0030] The control unit 15 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to this. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited to this. The control unit 15 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 10.

[0031] (Configuration of the tire management system) As shown in Figure 3, the tire management device 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0032] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. These communication interfaces may support, for example, mobile communication standards, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these, and may support any communication standard. In this embodiment, the tire management device 20 communicates with the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30.

[0033] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used for the operation of the tire management device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, and databases. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service, and first tire information of the tires that each of the one or more first user IDs associated with each of the one or more first user IDs is scheduled to use for the tire replacement service.

[0034] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the entire tire management device 20.

[0035] (Operation flow of the tire management device) Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the tire management device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0036] S100: The control unit 23 of the tire management device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service.

[0037] Specifically, when a user enters into a contract for tire replacement services, the control unit 23 stores the first user ID of the first user who entered into the contract for tire replacement services in the storage unit 22, based on the input of the contract details into the tire management device 20. The input of the contract details into the tire management device 20 may be performed, for example, by the control unit 23 receiving the contract details entered by the person in charge of the contract using the first terminal device 10A or the second terminal device 10B via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. Alternatively, if the user can enter into a contract for tire replacement services using a terminal device owned by the user, the control unit 23 may receive the contract details entered by that terminal device via the communication unit 21 and the network 30.

[0038] The "First User ID" is information that can uniquely identify the first user who has entered into a contract for the tire replacement service. The First User ID may be represented by alphanumeric characters and symbols, an email address, or Japanese characters such as kanji and hiragana, but is not limited to these and may be represented by any other expression.

[0039] The first user ID may also be a vehicle ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle covered by the tire replacement service contract. If the user is a person, it may become unclear which vehicle the service is for if that person owns multiple vehicles. Therefore, by using the vehicle ID as the user ID, it becomes clear which vehicle the maintenance is for, even in such cases.

[0040] S101: The control unit 23 stores the first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs, associating it with each of the one or more first user IDs.

[0041] Specifically, the control unit 23 receives, for example, first tire information for tires to be used in the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs entered by the tire replacement service administrator using the second terminal device 10B, via the communication unit 21 and the network 30, and stores it in association with each of the one or more first user IDs.

[0042] "First tire information" is information about the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for the first user ID. The first tire information may include a first tire ID that uniquely identifies the tires to be used for the tire replacement service. The first tire information may also include information about the type of tire to be installed at each of the multiple tire mounting positions on the vehicle. Including such information in the first tire information allows the tire replacement service to determine whether or not the wrong tire has been installed at each of the multiple tire mounting positions by comparing it with the second tire information described later. Furthermore, it can reduce the risk of installing the wrong type of tire, such as mistakenly installing a retreaded tire with reduced durability at a vehicle / mounting position with high durability consumption. In this case, the first tire information may include the tire ID for each of the tires to be installed at each of the multiple tire mounting positions on the vehicle. The first tire information may also include information about the tire pattern, tire size, tire tread depth, and / or the tire's condition, such as whether the tire is before installation, during installation, or removed.

[0043] "Multiple tire mounting positions" may be represented in any way that uniquely identifies the mounting position, for example, by designating the right front wheel as "1" and the left front wheel as "2".

[0044] "Tire type information" includes new tires and retreaded tires, but may also include any other information related to tire types, such as eco-tires, summer tires, and winter tires.

[0045] Alternatively, the first tire information may consist only of a first tire ID that uniquely identifies the tire, or the tire IDs of each tire mounted at each of the multiple mounting positions on the tire. In this case, other tire information may be stored separately in the storage unit 22 as a "tire information DB" that manages all tire information used in the tire replacement service, with the tire ID as the primary key. By configuring the first tire information to use only information that uniquely identifies the tire to be used, the amount of information between the first tire information and the second tire information that will be compared in S106 described later can be reduced.

[0046] S102: The control unit 23 receives the second user ID of the second user related to the vehicle on which the worker is performing tire replacement work, from the first terminal device 10A used by the worker performing the tire replacement service.

[0047] Specifically, the control unit 23 receives the second user ID entered by the worker using the first terminal device 10A before performing the tire change service, via the communication unit 21 and the network 30. The second user ID may be entered, for example, by entering the second user ID displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 10A. Alternatively, the second user ID may be entered by the control unit 15 or control unit 23 converting the name of the second user entered on the screen of the first terminal device 10A into the name of the second user, but any other method is possible, not limited to these.

[0048] The "Second User ID" is information that uniquely identifies the second user associated with the vehicle on which the worker is performing tire replacement work. The Second User ID is expressed in the same format as the First User ID.

[0049] The second user ID may be the vehicle ID of the vehicle covered by the tire replacement service contract, similar to the first user ID. If the user is a person, it may become unclear which vehicle the service is for if that person owns multiple vehicles. Therefore, by using the vehicle ID as the user ID, it becomes clear which vehicle the maintenance is for, even in such cases.

[0050] S103: The control unit 23 identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit 22. If the first user ID is identified, the process proceeds to S104.

[0051] If the first user ID cannot be identified, the control unit 23 may notify the first terminal device 10A. Specifically, if the first user ID cannot be identified, the control unit 23 sends information to the first terminal device 10A indicating that the first user ID could not be identified. The control unit 15 of the first terminal device 10A receives this information via the network 30 and the communication unit 11, and displays on the display of the output unit 12 a message indicating that the first user ID could not be identified, such as "User could not be confirmed." With this configuration, in tire replacement services, it becomes unnecessary to separately contact a worker who is attempting to replace the wrong tire. Furthermore, this reduces the likelihood of forgetting to contact the worker.

[0052] S104: The control unit 23 receives second tire information from the first terminal device 10A regarding the tires that the worker will attach to the vehicle.

[0053] Specifically, when the control unit 23 identifies the first user ID in S103, it instructs the first terminal device 10A to input second tire information for the tires that the worker will install on the vehicle. When the control unit 15 receives the input instruction, it displays a screen on the display for inputting the second tire information and prompts the worker to input the information. Once the worker has entered the second tire information, the control unit 15 transmits the second tire information to the tire management device 20. The control unit 23 then receives the second tire information via the network 30 and the communication unit 21.

[0054] Alternatively, the control unit 23 may receive the second tire information in addition to the second user ID from the first terminal device 10A at the time of S102. In this case, if the control unit 23 can identify the first user ID in S103, it may proceed to S105, assuming that it has executed S104.

[0055] "Second tire information" refers to information about the tires that the worker will install on the vehicle. The second tire information may have the same configuration as the first tire information described above.

[0056] Alternatively, if a tire information database is stored in the storage unit 22, the second tire information may consist only of a second tire ID that uniquely identifies the tire, or the tire IDs of the tires mounted at each of the multiple mounting positions of the tire. As described above, such a configuration can reduce the amount of information between the first tire information and the second tire information that will be compared in S106, which will be described later.

[0057] S105: The control unit 23 obtains the first tire information associated with the first user ID identified in S103 from the storage unit 22.

[0058] Specifically, the control unit 23 retrieves the first tire information linked in S101 to the first user ID identified in S103 from the storage unit 22.

[0059] S106: The control unit 23 determines whether the first tire information acquired in S105 matches the second tire information received in S104.

[0060] For example, if the first tire information includes information on the type of tire to be mounted at each of the multiple tire mounting positions on the vehicle, the control unit 23 determines whether the information on the type of tire to be mounted at each of the multiple tire mounting positions matches that of the second tire information. If they all match and the first tire information includes information on the tire's state, the control unit 23 may update the tire's state to "mounted". Alternatively, for example, if the storage unit 22 stores a tire information database, the control unit 23 may determine whether the tire ID of the first tire information matches the tire ID of the second tire information. Furthermore, for example, if the storage unit 22 stores a tire information database and the first and second tire information are the respective tire IDs of the tires to be mounted at each of the multiple tire mounting positions, the control unit 23 may determine whether the respective tire IDs of the first and second tire information all match. If they all match and the tire information database includes information on the tire's state, the control unit 23 may update the tire's state to "mounted".

[0061] Furthermore, if the first tire information and the second tire information do not match, the control unit 23 may notify the first terminal device 10A. Specifically, if the first tire information and the second tire information do not match, the control unit 23 sends information indicating the mismatch to the first terminal device 10A. The control unit 15 of the first terminal device 10A receives this information via the network 30 and the communication unit 11, and displays on the display of the output unit 12 a message indicating that the first tire information and the second tire information do not match, such as "Does not match the tire to be replaced." With this configuration, in tire replacement services, it becomes unnecessary to separately contact workers who are about to replace the wrong tire. This also helps to prevent situations where the notification is forgotten.

[0062] As described above, the tire management device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the tire replacement service. The tire management device 20 stores in the storage unit 22 the first tire information of the tires that each of the one or more first user IDs is scheduled to use for the tire replacement service, associating it with each of the one or more first user IDs. When the tire management device 20 receives the second user ID of a second user relating to the vehicle for which the worker is performing tire replacement work from the first terminal device 10A used by the worker performing the tire replacement service, it identifies the first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit 22. Next, when the tire management device 20 receives the second tire information of the tires that the worker will install on the vehicle from the first terminal device 10A, it retrieves the first tire information associated with the identified first user ID from the storage unit 22. The tire management device 20 then determines whether the retrieved first tire information matches the received second tire information.

[0063] This configuration allows for the determination of whether the information on the tires to be used in the tire change service matches the information on the tires that the worker performing the tire change service will install on the vehicle. For example, if the tires to be used in the tire change service are retreaded tires, the worker performing the tire change service will be able to notice that the tires that will be installed on the vehicle are new tires. Therefore, the technology for managing the usage status of vehicle tires is improved in that the probability of performing the tire change service on the wrong user and using the wrong tires is reduced. This also has the advantage of potentially reducing unnecessary costs.

[0064] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each component or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided into two.

[0065] For example, in the embodiment described above, a modification is also possible in which the configuration and operation of the tire management device 20 are distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Alternatively, for example, a modification is also possible in which the terminal device 10 performs some or all of the operations of the tire management device 20.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the control unit 23 may also receive information from the first terminal device 10A indicating whether or not the tires installed in the tire replacement service are retread tires. Next, if the tires are retread tires, the control unit 23 may count the number of retread tires used and determine whether or not the number of retread tires used during the first predetermined period falls below a standard value. If it does, the control unit 23 may notify the second terminal device 10B used by the manager of the tire replacement service.

[0067] Specifically, in S104, when the control unit 23 receives the second tire information from the first terminal device 10A, it receives information indicating whether or not the installed tire is a retread tire. If the first tire information, the second tire information, or the tire information DB includes information on the type of tire, the control unit 23 may use this information to indicate whether or not it is a tread tire. If the installed tire is a retread tire and the first tire information and the second tire information match in S106, the control unit 23 counts the number of retread tires used. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may receive information from the first terminal device 10A indicating whether or not the installed tire is a retread tire at any time after the worker's tire change service is completed, and count the number of retread tires used. The control unit 23 then determines whether or not the number of retread tires used during the first predetermined period falls below a standard value. If it does, the control unit 23 transmits information to the second terminal device 10B indicating that it has fallen below the standard value. The control unit 15 of the second terminal device 10B receives the information via the network 30 and the communication unit 11, and displays on the display of the output unit 12 that the number of retread tires used during this period has fallen below the standard value, for example, "The number of retread tires used during this period has fallen below the standard value." With this configuration, the manager of the tire replacement service can check whether the number of retread tires to be used during the contract period stipulated in the contract with the user of the tire replacement service is below the planned number. Furthermore, if the number of retread tires falls below the planned number, there is a high probability that costs will be exceeded, so measures to reduce costs, such as changing the number of retread tires used in subsequent services, can be considered.

[0068] The "first specified period" is any period, such as two months after the start of the tire replacement service for the user. The "standard value" is the number of retread tires that are expected to be used during the first specified period, and is set for each user. For example, the standard value may be calculated based on the number of retread tires that are expected to be used during the contract period stipulated in the contract with the user. For example, if the number of retread tires that are expected to be used during the contract period stipulated in the contract with the user is 12, and the first specified period is 3 months, the standard value may be 3. The first specified period may also be set for each user. Furthermore, the first specified period and the standard value may be changed.

[0069] Furthermore, the standard value may be set for each business operator to which the worker belongs, rather than for each user. In this case, the control unit 23 may count the number of retreaded tires used for each business operator. By doing so for each business operator, it becomes possible to identify business operators that are highly likely to exceed costs and to issue warnings to those business operators.

[0070] A "business operator" is any voluntary organization to which the workers belong. A business operator may be a store to which the workers belong, a company, or any other voluntary organization.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the control unit 23 may also receive the tread depth of the tire removed during the tire replacement service from the first terminal device 10A. In this case, the control unit 23 may determine whether the tread depth of the removed tire exceeds a first threshold, and if it does, it may notify the first terminal device 10A.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 23 receives the tread depth of the tire removed from the first terminal device 10A at any time when the worker has completed the tire replacement service. The tread depth of the removed tire may be information entered by the worker using any form displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 10A and sent to the tire management device 20. Alternatively, the tread depth of the removed tire may be information transmitted to the tire management device 20 by any machine that measures tire tread depth. The control unit 23 determines whether the tread depth of the removed tire exceeds a first threshold, and if it does, sends information to the first terminal device 10A indicating that the first threshold has been exceeded. The control unit 15 of the first terminal device 10A receives this information via the network 30 and the communication unit 11, and displays on the display of the output unit 12 a message indicating that the first threshold has been exceeded, such as "The tread depth of the removed tire has exceeded the first threshold." With this configuration, it is possible to alert the worker during the tire replacement service that they have replaced a tire that is still usable.

[0073] The "first threshold" is the tread depth of any tire that is still considered usable after being removed. The first threshold may be modifiable.

[0074] In the embodiment described above, the control unit 23 may also receive the tread depth of the tires removed during the tire replacement service from the first terminal device 10A each time a tire replacement service is performed. In this case, the control unit 23 may calculate the average value of the tread depth of the tires removed during the second predetermined period and notify the second terminal device 10B if the average value exceeds the second threshold.

[0075] Specifically, each time a tire change service is performed, the control unit 23 receives the tread depth of the tire removed from the first terminal device 10A at any time when the worker has finished the tire change service. The tread depth of the removed tire may be information entered by the worker using any form displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 10A and sent to the tire management device 20. Alternatively, the tread depth of the removed tire may be information transmitted to the tire management device 20 by any machine that measures tire tread depth. The control unit 23 then calculates the average value of the tread depth of the removed tires during the second predetermined period, and if the average value exceeds the second threshold, it sends information to the second terminal device 10B indicating that the average value has exceeded the second threshold. The control unit 15 of the second terminal device 10B receives this information via the network 30 and the communication unit 11, and displays on the display of the output unit 12 that the second threshold has been exceeded, for example, "The tread depth of the removed tire exceeds the second threshold." With this configuration, the manager of the tire replacement service can be aware that the number of times still usable tires have been replaced during the tire replacement service has exceeded expectations.

[0076] The "second predetermined period" is any period, such as two months after the start of the tire replacement service for the user. The "second threshold" is any tread depth of the removed tire that is still considered usable. Note that the second predetermined period and the second threshold may be changed.

[0077] Furthermore, the average value may be calculated per business operator to which the worker belongs, rather than per user. In this case, the control unit 23 may count the number of retreaded tires used per business operator. By doing so per business operator, the manager of the tire replacement service can find out, for each business operator undertaking the tire replacement service, if the number of usable tires replaced in the tire replacement service has exceeded expectations. This allows the manager to take appropriate measures, such as issuing a warning to the business operator in question.

[0078] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the tire management device 20 according to the above embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the tire management device 20 according to the above embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the processor reads and executes the program. Therefore, the invention according to this embodiment can also be realized as a program that can be executed by a processor, or as a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores the program.

[0079] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of this invention is considered to be a technology that can contribute to "No. 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation," among others. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 System 10 Terminal devices 11 Communications Department 12 Output section 13 Input section 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 20 Tire Management Device 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 30 Networks

Claims

1. A tire management device used in tire replacement services, The system stores one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the aforementioned tire replacement service. The first tire information of the tire to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs is stored in association with each of the one or more first user IDs. Memory unit and, When the first terminal device used by the worker performing the tire replacement service receives the second user ID of the second user relating to the vehicle for which the worker is performing the tire replacement, the storage unit identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit. When the first terminal device receives second tire information of the tires to be installed on the vehicle by the worker, the first tire information associated with the identified first user ID is obtained from the storage unit. It is determined whether the acquired first tire information and the received second tire information match. Control unit and A tire management device equipped with the following features.

2. A tire management device according to claim 1, The control unit, A tire management device that notifies the first terminal device if the first user ID cannot be identified, or if the first tire information and the second tire information do not match.

3. A tire management device according to claim 1, A tire management device in which each of the one or more first user IDs is the vehicle ID of a vehicle that is the subject of the tire replacement service usage contract.

4. A tire management device according to claim 1, A tire management device in which the first tire information and the second tire information include information on the type of tire to be mounted at each of a plurality of tire mounting positions on a vehicle.

5. A tire management device according to claim 1, The control unit, The first terminal device receives information indicating whether or not the tire installed in the tire replacement service is a retreaded tire. If the tires are retreaded, count the number of retreaded tires used. Determine whether the number of retreaded tires used during the first predetermined period falls below the standard value. A tire management device that, if the tire level falls below a certain level, notifies a second terminal device used by the administrator of the tire replacement service.

6. A tire management device according to claim 1, The control unit, The first terminal device receives the tread depth of the tire removed in the tire replacement service, Determine whether the groove depth of the removed tire exceeds a first threshold. A tire management device that notifies the first terminal device if the value exceeds a certain limit.

7. A tire management device according to claim 1, The control unit, The first terminal device receives the tread depth of the tire removed during the tire replacement service each time the tire replacement service is performed. During the second predetermined period, the average value of the groove depth of the removed tires is calculated. A tire management device that, when the aforementioned average value exceeds a second threshold, notifies a second terminal device used by the administrator of the tire replacement service.

8. A tire management device according to claim 7, The control unit, The aforementioned average value is calculated for each business to which the worker belongs. Tire management device.

9. A method performed by a tire management device used for tire replacement services, The system stores in the memory the one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the aforementioned tire replacement service, The first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs is stored in the storage unit, linked to each of the one or more first user IDs. When the first terminal device used by the worker performing the tire replacement service receives the second user ID of the second user relating to the vehicle for which the worker is performing the tire replacement, the first user ID that matches the second user ID is identified from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit. When the first terminal device receives second tire information of the tires to be installed on the vehicle by the worker, the first tire information associated with the identified first user ID is obtained from the storage unit, To determine whether the acquired first tire information and the received second tire information match, Methods that include...

10. A system comprising a tire management device used for tire replacement services, and a first terminal device used by workers performing the tire replacement service, The tire management device, The memory unit stores one or more first user IDs of one or more first users who have entered into a contract to use the aforementioned tire replacement service. The first tire information of the tires to be used for the tire replacement service for each of the one or more first user IDs is stored in the storage unit, linked to each of the one or more first user IDs. When the first terminal device used by the worker performing the tire replacement service receives the second user ID of the second user relating to the vehicle for which the worker is performing the tire replacement, the storage unit identifies a first user ID that matches the second user ID from among the one or more first user IDs stored in the storage unit. When the first terminal device receives second tire information of the tires to be installed on the vehicle by the worker, the first tire information associated with the identified first user ID is obtained from the storage unit. A system including a process for determining whether the acquired first tire information matches the received second tire information.

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