Pricing device, matching device, pricing method, pricing program, and computer-readable recording medium.

Abstract

The present invention provides a pricing device, a matching device, a pricing method, a pricing program, and a computer-readable recording medium that enable more appropriate pricing. [Solution] The price setting device 110 sets the price of a used car and includes a driving characteristics information acquisition unit 111 that acquires driving characteristics information relating to the driving operations of the used car or the used car owner, a maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit 112 that acquires maintenance characteristics information relating to the frequency of maintenance performed on the used car, and a price setting unit 116 that sets the price of the used car based on the driving characteristics information and maintenance characteristics information acquired by the driving characteristics information acquisition unit 111 and the maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit 112.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a price setting device, a matching device, a price setting method, a price setting program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an automobile insurance sales system having a functional unit for predicting the price of an automobile according to the selling time has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Since this system can predict the selling time, for example, it can be predicted that a new car with a selling price of 3 million yen will be 1.8 million yen after 4 years.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the system as described in Patent Document 1 is ultimately evaluated based on prediction information, and does not consider the possibility that there may be hidden defects or defects that are not significant enough to be called defects. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the above system can set an appropriate price, such as when a malfunction occurs immediately after purchasing a used car.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a price setting device, a matching device, a price setting method, a price setting program, and a computer-readable recording medium capable of setting a more appropriate price.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The pricing device according to the present invention is a pricing device for setting the price of a used car, comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring driving characteristic information relating to driving operations on the used car or driving operations of the owner of the used car; a second acquisition means for acquiring maintenance characteristic information relating to the frequency of maintenance performed on the used car; and a pricing means for setting the price of the used car based on the driving characteristic information and the maintenance characteristic information acquired by the first acquisition means and the second acquisition means.

[0007] The matching device according to the present invention includes: a sales information acquisition means for acquiring sales information including vehicle identification information for identifying a used car and sales timing information indicating the time when the owner of the used car wishes to sell the used car; a purchase information acquisition means for acquiring purchase information including request information indicating a request for the used car to be purchased, price information indicating the price of the used car to be purchased and purchase timing information indicating the time when the used car wishes to be purchased; and a timing determination means for determining whether the sales timing information of the sales information acquired by the sales information acquisition means matches the purchase timing information of the purchase information acquired by the purchase information acquisition means. The system includes, with respect to the used car whose sales information has been acquired by the sales information acquisition means, a price determination means for determining whether the price set by the price setting device described above matches the price information of the purchase information acquired by the purchase information acquisition means; a vehicle condition determination means for determining whether the vehicle identification information of the sales information acquired by the sales information acquisition means matches the request information of the purchase information acquired by the purchase information acquisition means; and a presentation means for presenting information on a matching used car that has been determined to match by the timing determination means, the price determination means, and the vehicle condition determination means to the buyer.

[0008] The pricing method according to the present invention is a pricing method for setting the price of a used car, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring driving characteristic information relating to driving operations on the used car or driving operations of the owner of the used car, based on sensors attached to the used car; a second acquisition step of acquiring maintenance characteristic information relating to the frequency of maintenance performed on the used car; and a pricing step of setting the price of the used car based on the driving characteristic information and the maintenance characteristic information acquired in the first and second acquisition steps.

[0009] Furthermore, the pricing program according to the present invention is a pricing program that causes a computer to function as the above-mentioned pricing device, and the computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-mentioned pricing program is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to set more appropriate prices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a matching system including a matching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the details of the in-vehicle device shown in 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the details of the matching device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the matching system, showing the calculation process of various information by the in-vehicle device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the matching system, showing the transmission process of various types of information by the in-vehicle device. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the matching system, showing the process of sending sales information from the seller's terminal. [Figure 7]Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the matching system, showing the price setting process by the price setting device. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the matching system, showing the matching process performed by the matching function unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, some illustrations and descriptions of certain components are omitted. It goes without saying that, regarding the details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies are applied as appropriate, to the extent that they do not contradict the content described below.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a matching system including a matching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The matching system 1 shown in Figure 1 matches a seller who wants to sell a vehicle V (hereinafter also referred to as a used car V) with a buyer who wants to purchase a vehicle V. This matching system 1 comprises a seller terminal T1, an in-vehicle device VU, a buyer terminal T2, and a matching device 100.

[0014] The seller terminal T1 is a terminal held by the owner of vehicle V. This seller terminal T1 transmits sales information to the matching device 100 indicating that the seller wishes to sell vehicle V as a used car V. The sales information includes, for example, information from the owner of used car V, vehicle identification information to identify used car V, and information indicating the timing of the sale of used car V. The vehicle identification information consists of information such as the make, model year, grade, vehicle number, and chassis number. The sales timing information is information indicating the timing at which the owner of used car V wishes to sell used car V. In addition, when transmitting sales information, the seller terminal T1 sends a transmission instruction to the onboard unit VU. It is possible that many vehicles V have the same type of onboard unit VU installed around the seller terminal T1. For this reason, the seller terminal T1 may be pre-coordinated with the onboard unit VU, or it may send a transmission instruction that includes the ID of the onboard unit VU.

[0015] The on-board unit VU is mounted on the vehicle V and calculates various information based on signals from multiple sensors Se, which are also mounted on the vehicle V. When the on-board unit VU receives a transmission instruction from the selling terminal T1, it transmits vehicle information, including vehicle identification information, and various information calculated based on signals from the multiple sensors Se, to the matching device 100.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the details of the in-vehicle unit VU shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle unit VU in Figure 1 includes a vehicle information storage unit VU5 and a transceiver unit VU6. The vehicle information storage unit VU5 stores vehicle information, including vehicle identification information such as the vehicle number and chassis number of the vehicle V on which the in-vehicle unit VU is installed. In addition to vehicle identification information, the vehicle information includes information on total mileage, accident history, and maintenance log information, which is the contents of the maintenance log. The transceiver unit VU6 receives transmission instructions from the selling terminal T1 and transmits vehicle information and various calculated information to the matching device 100.

[0017] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device VU includes a driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1, a maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2, a usage environment information calculation unit VU3, and a parking time information calculation unit VU4.

[0018] The driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1 calculates driving characteristic information. The driving characteristic information is information related to the driving operation on the vehicle V or the driving operation of the owner of the vehicle V, and is information that serves as an indicator of whether the driving is rough or careful.

[0019] Specifically, the driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1 calculates at least one of the frequency of sudden acceleration where the acceleration is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the frequency of sudden deceleration where the deceleration is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, and the frequency of sudden steering where the steering wheel operation is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle at a speed equal to or greater than the predetermined speed as the driving characteristic information. In this case, the driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1 calculates driving characteristic information including the frequency of sudden acceleration, the frequency of sudden deceleration, and the frequency of sudden steering based on signals from sensors Se such as an acceleration sensor and a steering angle sensor provided in the vehicle V.

[0020] The maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 calculates maintenance characteristic information. The maintenance characteristic information is information related to the frequency of maintenance performed on the vehicle V, and is information that serves as an indicator of whether the vehicle V has been used while being carefully maintained. The maintenance characteristic information may represent the frequency of maintenance for each part, or may represent the overall frequency of maintenance. The information on the overall frequency of maintenance is information such as that maintenance has been performed 〇 times within a certain period without regard to the parts of the entire vehicle V. Such maintenance characteristic information is information for distinguishing between cases where maintenance is performed immediately before inspection described in a maintenance manual such as an annual inspection, or immediately before selling the vehicle V as a used vehicle V.

[0021] For example, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 calculates, as maintenance characteristic information, whether the engine oil was changed at a predetermined appropriate time. In this case, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 uses, for example, the engine oil sensor Se to detect the minimum amount of engine oil, and determines that a change has occurred based on the fact that the engine oil was drained and then refilled. The predetermined appropriate time mentioned above may be a regular interval or an interval based on mileage. In particular, since engine oil is an item not listed in the service manual, such as in the annual inspection, it is preferable for the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 to calculate maintenance characteristic information for inspection items not listed in the service manual.

[0022] Furthermore, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 may calculate maintenance characteristic information regarding the maintenance frequency of other parts, such as automatic transmission fluid, in addition to engine oil. Similar to engine oil, automatic transmission fluid can also be replaced based on sensor Se. Additionally, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 may be equipped with sensors Se to detect the replacement of parts such as tires, in addition to oil systems like engine oil and automatic transmission fluid. When a part is removed and then detected again by these sensors Se, the unit may determine that the part has been replaced through maintenance and calculate maintenance characteristic information.

[0023] The usage environment information calculation unit VU3 calculates usage environment information. The usage environment information includes at least one of the following: the frequency of riding in the vehicle V, and the frequency of short-term use where the time from engine start to stop is within a predetermined time.

[0024] In this case, if vehicle V is used infrequently and left unattended for a long period of time, or if vehicle V is used for only a short time, it is more susceptible to damage. Therefore, the usage environment information indicates whether the vehicle was used in an environment where such damage is likely to occur.

[0025] In this case, the operating environment information calculation unit VU3 calculates the operating environment information based on signals from sensors such as the sensor Se that detects the power-on status of the vehicle V, and the sensor Se that checks the operating status of the engine.

[0026] The VU4 stopping information calculation unit calculates stopping information. The stopping information consists of at least one of the following: the frequency with which the handbrake is used when the vehicle is stopped, the frequency with which the tires are in contact with the wheel stop when the vehicle is stopped, and the frequency of steering that results in a steering angle of a second predetermined angle or more while the vehicle is stopped.

[0027] Here, if the parking brake is not used when vehicle V is stopped, a load is placed on the transmission gears, etc., in order to maintain the stopped state. Also, if the tires continue to come into contact with the wheel chock, a load is placed on the tires, suspension, etc., while the vehicle is stopped. Furthermore, turning the steering wheel while stationary places a load on the tires, steering mechanism, and suspension, etc. Thus, the information at the time of stopping indicates what actions were taken while vehicle V was stopped, and it indicates whether vehicle V was damaged while it was stopped.

[0028] In this case, the stationary information calculation unit VU4 calculates stationary information based on signals from a sensor Se that detects the power-on status of the vehicle V, a sensor Se that indicates the status of the handbrake, a tire pressure sensor Se, a steering angle sensor Se, and the like.

[0029] As described above, the in-vehicle unit VU is equipped with calculation units VU1 to VU4 and calculates various information. Preferably, the various information is numerical information with an average of 1, for example, as a result of the calculation. Furthermore, as described above, when the in-vehicle unit VU receives a transmission instruction from the selling terminal T1, it transmits the various information calculated by the calculation units VU1 to VU4 and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit VU5 to the matching device 100 via the transmitting / receiving unit VU6.

[0030] In this embodiment, the selling terminal T1 and the in-vehicle unit VU each transmit information to the matching device 100. However, this is not the only option; the in-vehicle unit VU, upon receiving a transmission instruction, may transmit the information to the selling terminal T1, and the selling terminal T1 may integrate the information and transmit it to the matching device 100. Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit VU, upon receiving information from the selling terminal T1, may integrate the information and transmit it to the matching device 100.

[0031] In addition, the information calculated by the various calculation units VU1 to VU4 of the in-vehicle unit VU may be accessible to the selling terminal T1. Furthermore, the calculated information may be accessible to the purchasing terminal T2 and the matching device 100. It is preferable that the in-vehicle unit VU and sensor Se be provided with a separate power supply, as the in-vehicle unit VU may need to collect information such as stationary information when the ignition switch is off.

[0032] Refer to Figure 1 again. The buyer terminal T2 is a terminal held by a prospective buyer of vehicle V. This buyer terminal T2 transmits purchase information to the matching device 100 indicating that the buyer wishes to purchase the used car V. The purchase information includes, for example, the buyer's information, request information indicating the buyer's requirements for the used car V, price information indicating the price of the used car V, and purchase timing information indicating the desired purchase date. The request information includes vehicle type, year, grade, accident history, mileage, and service record information. The purchase timing information indicates the desired purchase date of the used car V, as determined by the buyer of the used car V. Preferably, the price information is in the form of a range, such as XX yen to YY yen or YY yen or less.

[0033] Furthermore, when the buyer terminal T2 transmits purchase information, it can access information on used cars V, etc., that match the requested information, price information, and purchase timing information. The prospective buyer will purchase the used car V based on the information accessible on the buyer terminal T2. In other words, the matching device 100 performs a matching process based on the information from the seller terminal T1 and the in-vehicle unit VU, and the information from the buyer terminal T2, and transmits the information on the matched used cars V, etc., to the buyer terminal T2, making the information on the matched used cars V accessible on the buyer terminal T2.

[0034] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the details of the matching device 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the matching device 100 matches sellers and buyers of used cars V and comprises a price setting device 110, a matching function unit 120, a transmitting / receiving unit 130 (presentation means), and a storage unit (recording medium) 140.

[0035] The transmitting / receiving unit 130 transmits and receives information with the selling terminal T1 and the buying terminal T2, and receives information from the in-vehicle unit VU. The received information is stored in the storage unit 140. The storage unit 140 also stores the matching program necessary for the matching device 100 to function. The matching program includes the price setting program necessary for the price setting device 110 to function. Furthermore, the storage unit 140 also stores information on the price set for the used car V by the price setting device 110, etc.

[0036] The pricing device 110 sets the price of a used car V. This pricing device 110 includes a driving characteristics information acquisition unit (first acquisition means) 111, a maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit (second acquisition means) 112, a usage environment information acquisition unit (third acquisition means) 113, a stationary information acquisition unit (fourth acquisition means) 114, a vehicle information acquisition unit 115, and a pricing unit (pricing means) 116.

[0037] The driving characteristics information acquisition unit 111 acquires driving characteristics information by reading it from the in-vehicle unit VU that has been transmitted and stored in the storage unit 140. The maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit 112 acquires maintenance characteristics information by reading it from the in-vehicle unit VU that has been transmitted and stored in the storage unit 140.

[0038] The usage environment information acquisition unit 113 acquires usage environment information by reading it from the in-vehicle unit VU that has been transmitted and stored in the storage unit 140. The stationary information acquisition unit 114 acquires stationary information by reading it from the in-vehicle unit VU that has been transmitted and stored in the storage unit 140. The vehicle information acquisition unit 115 acquires vehicle information by reading it from the in-vehicle unit VU that has been transmitted and stored in the storage unit 140.

[0039] The pricing unit 116 sets the price of the used car V based on various information acquired by the various acquisition units 111 to 115. For example, the pricing unit 116 sets a provisional price based on information about the timing of sale and vehicle information, and then sets the final price based on the provisional price, driving characteristics information, maintenance characteristics information, usage environment information, and parked vehicle information, taking into account the possibility of hidden defects.

[0040] First, let's explain how to set a provisional price. The pricing unit 116 sets a provisional price based on the vehicle identification information, total mileage information, accident history information, and maintenance log information, which is the content of the maintenance log, as well as the sale date information, which constitute the vehicle information.

[0041] In detail, the pricing unit 116 calculates a base value based on the vehicle identification information, including the vehicle type, grade, and year of manufacture, as well as the timing of sale. The storage unit 140 stores current base value information for each vehicle type, grade, and year of manufacture, as well as information regarding the trends of each base value. Therefore, the pricing unit 116 reads the matching current base value information from the storage unit 140 and calculates the base value at the time of sale based on the information regarding the trends of that base value. The current base value information and the information regarding the trends of each base value stored in the storage unit 140 are updated periodically or irregularly.

[0042] Next, the pricing unit 116 sets a provisional price by adjusting the base value based on the total mileage information, accident history information, maintenance log information, and sale date information. In this case, the pricing unit 116 uses the predicted total mileage at the time of sale from the total mileage information and the sale date information, and adjusts the base value by subtracting it as the predicted value increases. The pricing unit 116 also adjusts the base value by subtracting it as the accident history and the number of accidents increase. The accident history information includes information such as the location of the accident, and the pricing unit 116 may also take this information into consideration when making adjustments. Furthermore, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the base value by subtracting it if it becomes clear from the maintenance log information that maintenance has not been performed. The pricing unit 116 may adjust the amount of subtraction considering the number of items and locations that have not been maintained.

[0043] In this way, the pricing unit 116 sets a provisional price based on the vehicle information and the information on the timing of sale. Next, the pricing unit 116 sets the final price by adjusting the provisional price based on the information acquired by each acquisition unit 111 to 114. The final price will be explained in detail below.

[0044] First, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price based on the driving characteristics information acquired by the driving characteristics information acquisition unit 111. In this process, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price so that the rougher the driving characteristics information indicates, the lower the provisional price, and so that the more careful the driving characteristics information indicates, the higher the provisional price. If the driving characteristics information is numerical information with a mean of 1, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price by simply multiplying the provisional price by the numerical information.

[0045] Furthermore, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price based on the maintenance characteristics information acquired by the maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit 112. In this case, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price so that the lower the maintenance frequency, the lower the provisional price, and so that the higher the maintenance frequency, the higher the provisional price. If the maintenance characteristics information is numerical information with an average of 1, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price by simply multiplying the provisional price by the numerical information.

[0046] Furthermore, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price based on the usage environment information acquired by the usage environment information acquisition unit 113. In this case, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price so that it decreases as the usage environment information indicates a more severely damaged environment, and increases as the usage environment information indicates a less severely damaged environment. If the usage environment information is numerical information with a mean of 1, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price by simply multiplying the provisional price by the numerical information.

[0047] In addition, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price based on the stopping information acquired by the stopping information acquisition unit 114. In this case, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price so that the more actions that place a load on the vehicle while it is stopped, the lower the provisional price, and so that the more actions that place a load are avoided, the higher the provisional price. If the stopping information is numerical information with an average of 1, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price by simply multiplying the provisional price by the numerical information.

[0048] As described above, the pricing unit 116 adjusts the provisional price to determine the final price and sets this as the price of the used car V. The set price information is stored in the storage unit 140. The set price information stored in the storage unit 140 is updated periodically or irregularly.

[0049] The matching function unit 120 is a function unit that matches sellers and buyers, and includes a sales information acquisition unit (sales information acquisition means) 121, a purchase information acquisition unit (purchase information acquisition means) 122, a timing determination unit (timing determination means) 123, a price determination unit (price determination means) 124, and a vehicle condition determination unit (vehicle condition determination means) 125.

[0050] The sales information acquisition unit 121 acquires sales information by reading it from the sales terminal T1 and stored in the storage unit 140. The purchase information acquisition unit 122 acquires purchase information by reading it from the purchase terminal T2 and stored in the storage unit 140. Preferably, the sales information acquisition unit 121 acquires sales information by reading vehicle information that includes at least one of the total mileage information, accident history information, and maintenance log information transmitted from the in-vehicle unit VU.

[0051] The timing determination unit 123 determines whether the sales timing information included in the sales information matches the purchase timing information included in the purchase information. This timing determination unit 123 determines whether there is sales timing information that matches the stored purchase timing information transmitted from the purchasing terminal T2, and extracts the matching target (information on the used car V, including sales information and price information).

[0052] The price determination unit 124 determines whether the price set by the price setting unit 116 matches the price information included in the purchase information. For example, in this embodiment, the price determination unit 124 determines whether there are any targets among those extracted by the timing determination unit 123 that match the price information included in the purchase information, and extracts the matching targets. Here, if the price information is range information, the price determination unit 124 determines that there are matching targets if the price set by the price setting unit 116 is included in that range.

[0053] The vehicle condition determination unit 125 determines whether the vehicle identification information included in the sales information matches the requested information included in the purchase information. For example, in this embodiment, the vehicle condition determination unit 125 determines whether there are any vehicles among those extracted by the price determination unit 124 that match the requested information included in the purchase information, and extracts the matching vehicles. Preferably, the vehicle condition determination unit 125 determines whether the requested information matches the vehicle information, which includes, in addition to the vehicle identification information included in the sales information, information on total mileage, information on accident history, and information on maintenance records, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 130 presents the buyer with information on the matching used car V (information including at least sales information and set price information) that has been determined to be a match by the timing determination unit 123, the price determination unit 124, and the vehicle condition determination unit 125. The transmitting / receiving unit 130 presents the information on the matching used car V to the buyer's terminal T2. The buyer then decides which used car V to purchase by referring to the information displayed on terminal T2.

[0055] In the above configuration, the judgment units 123 to 125 perform matching judgments in the order of the timing judgment unit 123, the price judgment unit 124, and the vehicle condition judgment unit 125, and then sequentially extract targets. However, the extraction order is not limited to this, and may differ from the above; for example, matching extraction by the vehicle condition judgment unit 125 may be performed first. Furthermore, the extraction method is not limited to sequential extraction; all judgment units 123 to 125 may perform matching judgments simultaneously.

[0056] Next, the processing of the matching system 1, including the matching method (pricing method) by the matching device 100 according to this embodiment, will be described.

[0057] Figures 4 to 8 are flowcharts showing the processing of the matching system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the calculation process of various information by the in-vehicle device VU.

[0058] First, the in-vehicle unit VU stores the information from sensor Se in advance. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the in-vehicle unit VU determines whether the predetermined time has arrived (S1). If it determines that the predetermined time has not arrived (S1:NO), this process is repeated until the predetermined time arrives.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined time has arrived (S1:YES), the driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1 calculates the driving characteristic information (S2). At this time, the driving characteristic information calculation unit VU1 calculates the frequency of sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and sudden steering based on the stored sensor Se information, and calculates the driving characteristic information by, for example, adding or averaging these values.

[0060] Subsequently, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 calculates the maintenance characteristic information (S3). At this time, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 calculates the maintenance frequency based on the stored sensor Se information and uses it as maintenance characteristic information. For example, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 calculates the maintenance characteristic information based on whether the engine oil is changed at a predetermined appropriate time. Here, it is assumed that the engine oil needs to be changed at least every six months. In this case, if the engine oil has been changed within six months, it can be said that the maintenance frequency is high. Conversely, if the engine oil has never been changed, it can be said that the maintenance frequency is low. Thus, the maintenance characteristic information calculation unit VU2 may calculate the maintenance characteristic information based on whether the engine oil is changed at a predetermined appropriate time.

[0061] Next, the usage environment information calculation unit VU3 calculates the usage environment information (S4). At this time, the usage environment information calculation unit VU3 calculates the frequency of riding and the frequency of short-term use based on the information of the stored sensor Se to obtain the usage environment information. For example, the usage environment information calculation unit VU3 calculates whether the frequency of riding and the frequency of short-term use are high or low based on the power-on status of the vehicle V and the operating status of the engine, and calculates the usage environment information by adding or averaging these values.

[0062] Subsequently, the stationary information calculation unit VU4 calculates stationary information (S5). At this time, based on the stored sensor Se information, the stationary information calculation unit VU4 calculates the frequency of use of the parking brake while stationary, the frequency of contact with the wheel stop while stationary, and the frequency of steering while stationary, and uses these as stationary information. For example, the stationary information calculation unit VU4 calculates whether the above frequencies are high or low from the power-on state of the vehicle V, the status of the parking brake, the tire pressure, and the change in steering angle, and calculates stationary information by adding or averaging these values.

[0063] Subsequently, the in-vehicle unit VU updates and stores the various calculated information (S6). Then, the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0064] Figure 5 shows the transmission process of various information by the in-vehicle unit VU. The in-vehicle unit VU also determines whether it has received a transmission instruction (S11), as shown in Figure 5. If no transmission instruction is received (S11: NO), this process is repeated until a transmission instruction is received.

[0065] On the other hand, if a transmission instruction is given (S11: YES), the in-vehicle unit VU reads various information that has been calculated and updated in step S6 by each calculation unit VU1 to VU4 (S12).

[0066] Then, the transmitting / receiving unit VU6 transmits the information read in step S12 and the vehicle information to the matching device 100 (S13). After that, Figure 5 ends.

[0067] In this case, it is preferable that the transmitting / receiving unit VU6 adds some information so that it can establish a correspondence with the sales information from the selling terminal T1. However, even if the transmitting / receiving unit VU6 does not add any information to establish a correspondence, the matching device 100 may establish a correspondence by combining information that has the same vehicle identification information from information received at approximately the same time.

[0068] Figure 6 shows the process of sending sales information by the selling terminal T1. The processing on the selling terminal T1 is as shown in Figure 6. First, the selling terminal T1 determines whether the sales timing information has been entered (S21). If the sales timing information has not been entered (S21: NO), this process is repeated until the sales timing information is entered.

[0069] On the other hand, if sales timing information is entered (S21:YES), the seller terminal T1 combines the entered sales timing information with the owner's information and vehicle identification information to identify the used car V, and transmits it to the matching device 100 (S22).

[0070] Subsequently, the selling terminal T1 sends a transmission instruction to, for example, the pre-connected in-vehicle unit VU (S23). This results in a "YES" determination in step S11 shown in Figure 5. After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is completed.

[0071] Figure 7 shows the pricing process performed by the pricing device 110. The matching device 100 also executes the process shown in Figure 7 upon receiving the information transmitted in steps S13 and S22. The process shown in Figure 7 may be performed periodically or irregularly.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, each acquisition unit 111 to 115 of the price setting device 110 acquires various information from the storage unit 140 (S31). At this time, the driving characteristics information acquisition unit 111 acquires driving characteristics information, and the maintenance characteristics information acquisition unit 112 acquires maintenance characteristics information. Similarly, the usage environment information acquisition unit 113 acquires usage environment information, and the stationary information acquisition unit 114 acquires stationary information. Furthermore, the vehicle information acquisition unit 115 acquires vehicle information.

[0073] Subsequently, the pricing unit 116 sets the price of the used car V (S32). At this time, the pricing unit 116 sets a provisional price based on, for example, information on the timing of sale and vehicle information, and then sets the final price based on the provisional price, driving characteristics information, maintenance characteristics information, usage environment information, and parked vehicle information, taking into account the possibility of hidden defects, etc.

[0074] Next, the matching device 100 stores the price information set in step S32 in the storage unit 140 (S33). At this time, the matching device 100 stores the price information along with the vehicle information of the used car V stored in the storage unit 140. Then, the process shown in Figure 7 is completed.

[0075] Figure 8 shows the matching process performed by the matching function unit 120. The matching device 100 performs matching based on the purchase information as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the matching function unit 120 determines whether it has received the purchase information (S41). If it has not received the purchase information (S41: NO), this process is repeated until it is determined that it has been received.

[0076] If purchase information is received (S41: YES), the matching device 100 stores the purchase information in the storage unit 140, and the purchase information acquisition unit 122 acquires the purchase information (S42). Next, the matching function unit 120 performs matching in steps S43 to S45.

[0077] The processing in steps S43 to S45 is not in any particular order, but for example, the vehicle condition determination unit 125 searches the storage unit 140 for targets that have vehicle information that matches the request information included in the purchase information (S43). Next, the price determination unit 124 searches for targets among those found in step S43 that have a price that matches the price information included in the purchase information (S44). The price that matches the price information is the price set in step S32.

[0078] Furthermore, the timing determination unit 123 searches for targets with a sale date that matches the purchase date information included in the purchase information among the targets searched in step S44 (S45). Then, the transmission / reception unit 130 presents the information of the targets searched in step S45 to the purchasing terminal T2 by transmitting it (S46). The process shown in Figure 8 is then completed.

[0079] In this way, according to the pricing device 110, pricing method, pricing program, and computer-readable recording medium of this embodiment, the price is set based on driving characteristics and maintenance characteristics that are not detailed from the current state of the vehicle V. This makes it possible to set a price that takes into account the possibility of hidden defects or malfunctions that do not constitute defects, thereby enabling more appropriate pricing.

[0080] Furthermore, the driving characteristics information includes at least one of the frequencies of sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and sudden steering. Therefore, based on this, it becomes possible to consider the degree of damage accumulation that is not visible in the table due to driving that damages vehicle V, and thus enable more appropriate pricing.

[0081] Furthermore, by considering usage environment information, pricing can be set based on factors such as whether the vehicle has been left unattended for extended periods or whether it has been used for short periods, which can damage the vehicle (V), thus enabling more appropriate pricing.

[0082] Furthermore, by considering information about the vehicle's state of being stationary, it becomes possible to set prices based on whether the parking brake is rarely used and could cause damage to the transmission's internal gears, whether the tires are in contact with wheel stops and could cause damage to the suspension, or whether the steering wheel is turned too sharply while stationary, thus enabling more appropriate pricing.

[0083] Furthermore, maintenance characteristics information includes whether the engine oil was changed at the predetermined appropriate time. Therefore, it will be impossible to falsify information that is not included in the service manual and could be somewhat masked by changing the engine oil immediately beforehand. Consequently, it will be possible to set more appropriate prices.

[0084] Furthermore, the matching device 100 according to this embodiment matches sellers and buyers at the price set by the price setting device 110, enabling more appropriate price setting for matching. In addition, since sellers can set information on the timing of sale and buyers can set information on the timing of purchase, buyers can purchase the vehicle V before the current owner gives it up, which helps to reduce the amount of used vehicle V that becomes inventory. Moreover, the daily data of the vehicle V (owner) serves as an indicator of the condition of the vehicle V, and this condition definition can lead to an improvement in the matching rate.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made or publicly known or well-known technologies may be combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0086] For example, although the above embodiment was described assuming that driving characteristic information is calculated for each vehicle V, it may also be calculated for each driver. In this case, the driver can be identified, for example, by inserting an IC card containing personal data into the in-vehicle unit VU. This makes it possible to set the price of a used car V based on the driver's tendencies, and prevents the price from being set based on information of family members or others who have occasionally driven the used car V. Furthermore, when calculated for each driver, it can be used as reliable information, such as when a certain driver tends to drive carefully, and can be used, for example, in a driver's insurance information. In addition, by calculating for each driver, even when it is not possible to calculate sufficient driving characteristic information, such as when purchasing a new or nearly new car (for example, within a specified period such as several months after the driver purchased the vehicle V), it becomes possible to set a future price assuming careful driving, for example, by assuming that a certain driver drives carefully.

[0087] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 to 8 are merely examples, and the order of processes can be rearranged or other processes added as much as possible. Moreover, some processes may be omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above, the purchase information includes request information, price information, and purchase timing information, and based on this information, information about the used car V is presented to the buyer terminal T2. However, it is also possible to transmit only a part of the purchase information, for example, only the request information and price information, to the matching device 100, and present information about the used car V to the buyer terminal T2 without considering the purchase timing information.

[0089] Furthermore, the driving characteristics information is not limited to the frequency of sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and sudden steering, but may also include information on other driving operations such as the frequency of starting to drive immediately after engine start-up and the frequency of shifting directly from drive position to reverse position without stopping. In addition, the stopping information may include the frequency of revving the engine while the vehicle is stopped.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the matching program, including the pricing program, is stored in the storage unit 140 of the matching device 100, but it is not limited to this and may be stored in other types of recording media such as HDD, USB, CD-ROM, CD-R, etc.

[0091] In addition, although the above embodiment assumes that the price setting device 110 and the matching device 100 are a single device, the system is not limited to this and may consist of multiple devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Matching System 100: Matching device 110: Pricing device 111: Driving characteristics information acquisition unit (first acquisition means) 112: Maintenance characteristic information acquisition unit (second report acquisition means) 113: Usage environment information acquisition unit (third acquisition means) 114: Stop information acquisition unit (fourth acquisition means) 115: Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 116: Pricing section (pricing means) 120: Matching function unit 121: Sales Information Acquisition Unit (Sales Information Acquisition Means) 122: Purchase Information Acquisition Unit (Purchase Information Acquisition Means) 123: Timing judgment unit (timing judgment means) 124: Price determination unit (price determination means) 125: Vehicle condition determination unit (vehicle condition determination means) 130: Transmitting / receiving unit (presentation means) 140: Memory unit (recording medium) Se: Sensor V: Used car (vehicle)

Claims

1. A pricing device for setting the price of a used car, A first acquisition means for acquiring driving characteristic information relating to the driving operations of the used car or the driving operations of the owner of the used car, A second acquisition means for acquiring maintenance characteristic information regarding the frequency of maintenance performed on the aforementioned used car, A pricing means for setting the price of the used car based on the driving characteristics information and maintenance characteristics information acquired by the first acquisition means and the second acquisition means, A pricing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned driving characteristic information includes at least one piece of information: the frequency of sudden acceleration where the acceleration is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value; the frequency of sudden deceleration where the deceleration is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value; and the frequency of sudden steering, which is a steering operation of a first predetermined angle or greater at a predetermined speed or greater. The price setting device according to feature 1.

3. The system further includes a third acquisition means for acquiring usage environment information, which is at least one of the following: the frequency of driving the used car, and the frequency of short-term use where the time from engine start to stop is within a predetermined time. The pricing means further sets the price of the used car based on the usage environment information acquired by the third acquisition means. The price setting device according to feature 1.

4. The system further includes a fourth acquisition means for acquiring information about the vehicle's stopping state, which includes at least one of the following: the frequency with which the handbrake is used when the vehicle is stopped, the frequency with which the tires are in contact with the wheel stop when the vehicle is stopped, and the frequency of steering while stationary, where the steering wheel is turned to a second predetermined angle or greater. The pricing means further sets the price of the used car based on the parking information acquired by the fourth acquisition means. The price setting device according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned maintenance characteristics information includes information on whether the engine oil was changed at a predetermined appropriate time. The price setting device according to feature 1.

6. A means for acquiring sales information that includes vehicle identification information for identifying a used car and sales timing information indicating the time when the owner of the used car wishes to sell the used car, Purchase information acquisition means for acquiring purchase information including request information indicating the desire for the used car to be purchased, price information indicating the price of the used car to be purchased, and purchase time information indicating the time when the used car to be purchased, A timing determination means for determining whether the sales timing information of the sales information obtained by the sales information acquisition means matches the purchase timing information of the purchase information obtained by the purchase information acquisition means, A price determination means for determining whether the price set by the price setting device described in claim 1 matches the price information of the purchase information obtained by the purchase information acquisition means for the used car whose sales information has been acquired by the sales information acquisition means, A vehicle condition determination means that determines whether the vehicle identification information of the sales information obtained by the sales information acquisition means matches the request information of the purchase information obtained by the purchase information acquisition means, A presentation means for presenting to the buyer information on a matching used car that is determined to match the timing determination means, the price determination means, and the vehicle condition determination means, A matching device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

7. A pricing method for setting the price of a used car, A first acquisition step of acquiring driving characteristic information relating to driving operations on the used vehicle or driving operations of the owner of the used vehicle, based on sensors installed on the used vehicle, A second acquisition step involves acquiring maintenance characteristic information regarding the frequency of maintenance performed on the aforementioned used car, A pricing step which sets the price of the used car based on the driving characteristics information and maintenance characteristics information acquired in the first acquisition step and the second acquisition step, A pricing method characterized by comprising the following features.

8. A pricing program for causing a computer to function as a pricing device according to claim 1.

9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the pricing program described in claim 8 is recorded.

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