Reuse suggestion device and reuse suggestion program

Abstract

To provide a reuse suggestion device that can propose reuse options while minimizing inconvenience to the user. [Solution] The system includes a purchase price estimation unit 105 that estimates the purchase price of the ECU 100 based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the ECU 100 reaches the end of its lifespan, or usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the ECU 100, and a reuse proposal determination unit 107 that determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between an estimated reuse amount that can be determined from the purchase price and a reuse proposal amount threshold, which is a threshold amount for the amount at which reuse is proposed to the user.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a resource proposal device and a resource proposal program that propose the reuse of electronic devices.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a failure diagnosis system that diagnoses failures of in-vehicle devices such as an engine ECU. In the failure diagnosis system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a warning line before reaching the failure determination line is set, and it is determined whether the vehicle data exceeds the warning line. When the determination result is a warning, it is grasped as a pre-failure phenomenon, and it is described that a screen for arranging in-vehicle parts is provided. The description of the prior art document is incorporated herein by reference as an explanation of the technical elements in this specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When promoting the reuse of electronic devices, it is preferable to propose reuse earlier. However, if reuse is proposed to users when there are no signs of failure, it would mean proposing reuse when the device is in near-new condition. Proposing reuse too early may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0006] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to provide a reuse suggestion device and reuse suggestion program that can suggest reuse while minimizing inconvenience to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above objectives are achieved by combinations of features described in the independent claims, and the subordinate claims provide further advantageous specific examples. The reference numerals in parentheses in the claims indicate a correspondence with specific embodiments described later as one aspect, and do not limit the disclosed technical scope.

[0008] One disclosure relating to a proposed reuse device for achieving the above objective is: A purchase price estimation unit (105) estimates the purchase price of an electronic device based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the electronic device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, A reuse proposal decision unit (107) determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount, which can be determined from the purchase price, and a reuse proposal amount threshold, which is the threshold amount for the amount at which reuse is proposed to the user. This is a reuse proposal device equipped with the following features.

[0009] One disclosure relating to a reuse proposal program to achieve the above objectives is: A reuse proposal program that determines whether or not to propose the reuse of electronic devices, At least one processor, A purchase price estimation unit (105) estimates the purchase price of an electronic device based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the electronic device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, A reuse proposal decision unit (107) determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount, which can be determined from the purchase price, and a reuse proposal amount threshold, which is the threshold amount for the amount at which reuse will be proposed to the user. This is a reuse proposal program designed to function as such.

[0010] This reuse suggestion device and program decides whether or not to suggest reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount, which can be determined from the purchase price of the electronic device, and a reuse suggestion amount threshold. Therefore, even if there are no signs of malfunction in the electronic device, reuse may not be suggested. Thus, reuse can be suggested while minimizing inconvenience to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of the reuse proposal system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a remaining lifespan determination map. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the ECU. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the process when the processor implements a reuse suggestion program. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the contents of the reuse suggestion process in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the contents of the reuse proposal process in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <First Embodiment> The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the reuse proposal system 10 of the first embodiment. The reuse proposal system 10 is a system that proposes the reuse of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 mounted on a vehicle 1. The ECU 100 is an example of an electronic device. The reuse proposal system 10 comprises a server 20, a wireless communication device 30, and the ECU 100.

[0013] The wireless communication device 30 is mounted in the same vehicle 1 as the ECU 100. The wireless communication device 30 communicates wirelessly with an external device, the server 20, via the communication network 2. The wireless communication device 30 also communicates with the ECU 100 via wired or wireless connection.

[0014] Server 20 is located outside of vehicle 1. Server 20 comprises a computer 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The storage unit 23 stores remaining life determination maps 40 for various electronic devices.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of a remaining lifespan determination map 40. In the remaining lifespan determination map 40 shown in Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents cumulative power consumption, and the vertical axis represents the remaining lifespan. The remaining lifespan determination map 40 shows the relationship that the remaining lifespan is determined when the cumulative power consumption is determined. The line with a negative slope shown in the remaining lifespan determination map 40 can be represented by a linear function. In other words, the remaining lifespan determination map 40 can also be represented by an equation. Furthermore, in the remaining lifespan determination map 40 shown in Figure 2, the remaining lifespan (i.e., lifespan) is X1 years when the cumulative power consumption is 0, and the remaining lifespan becomes 0 years when the cumulative power consumption reaches Pe1.

[0016] The cumulative power consumption on the horizontal axis is an example of usage information that increases with the use of ECU100. The cumulative power consumption is the cumulative power consumption from the start of use. The usage information is related to the remaining life and is information that increases with the use of ECU100. Other examples of usage information include the number of operations and the operation time. The number of operations and the operation time are also cumulative values from the start of use. The number of years of use may be used as usage information as simpler information. The remaining life on the vertical axis means the period until the end of life, that is, the period until ECU100 becomes unusable. It can be said that the remaining life determination map 40 is shown by a relational line in which the remaining life is determined with the usage information as an input value.

[0017] The remaining life determination map 40 stored in the storage unit 23 is set at the time of product design. A plurality of ECU100s are mounted on the vehicle 1. The plurality of ECU100s mounted on the vehicle 1 have different uses and functions from each other. A remaining life determination map 40 is set for each ECU100.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the ECU100 includes a storage unit 101. In addition to the storage unit 101, the ECU100 includes a processor and a RAM. The ECU100 is connected to the in-vehicle network and can communicate with other in-vehicle electronic devices.

[0019] The memory unit 101 is non-volatile and stores multiple programs executed by the processor. One of the programs stored in the memory unit 101 is a program for executing the original function of the ECU 100. The original function of the ECU 100 is a vehicle control function that controls the equipment installed in the vehicle 1. The programs stored in the memory unit 101 include a reuse proposal program. By executing the reuse proposal program using the temporary storage function of the RAM, the processor enables the ECU 100 to function as a reuse proposal device and propose its own reuse. By executing the reuse proposal program, the ECU 100 has the functions of the usage information acquisition unit 102, remaining life estimation unit 103, replacement decision unit 104, purchase price estimation unit 105, expected replacement cost calculation unit 106, and reuse proposal decision unit 107 shown in Figure 3. In addition, the reuse proposal method is executed when the processor executes the reuse proposal program.

[0020] The usage information acquisition unit 102 acquires actual usage information of the ECU 100. Examples of usage information include, as mentioned above, cumulative power consumption, number of operations, operating time, and years of use. The usage information acquisition unit 102 acquires the same type of usage information as the horizontal axis of the remaining life determination map 40. The usage information can be stored in the storage unit 101 and updated when the ECU 100 performs vehicle control functions. The usage information acquisition unit 102 acquires the usage information from the storage unit 101.

[0021] The remaining life estimation unit 103 estimates the remaining life of the ECU 100 from the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 102 and the remaining life determination map 40. The remaining life determination map 40 for this ECU 100 is acquired from the server 20 via the wireless communication device 30. The remaining life determination map 40 can also be created from the lifespan in years and limit values ​​of usage information such as the limit cumulative power consumption. Therefore, the ECU 100 may create the remaining life determination map 40 by acquiring the lifespan in years and limit values ​​of usage information. The remaining life estimated by the remaining life estimation unit 103 is taken as the estimated remaining life.

[0022] The remaining life estimation unit 103 may store remaining life-related information, including the estimated remaining life, in the storage unit 101. In addition to the estimated remaining life, the remaining life-related information may include one or more pieces of information necessary to determine the estimated remaining life. The information necessary to determine the estimated remaining life is the remaining life determination map 40 or the information necessary to create the remaining life determination map 40, and usage information. The remaining life-related information may also include the date and time on which the replacement of the ECU 100 was proposed.

[0023] The replacement decision unit 104 determines whether or not the ECU 100 needs to be replaced. The replacement decision unit 104 determines that the ECU 100 needs to be replaced based on the fact that the estimated remaining lifespan determined by the remaining lifespan estimation unit 103 is shorter than the replacement threshold TH. In this embodiment, however, even if the estimated remaining lifespan is longer than the replacement threshold TH, the reuse proposal decision unit 107 may propose replacing the ECU 100.

[0024] The replacement threshold TH can be expressed in terms of the remaining lifespan. For example, the replacement threshold TH can be expressed as a period of time such as years. The replacement threshold TH can be set considering various circumstances. Even if a user of vehicle 1 is proposed to replace the ECU 100, they cannot immediately bring vehicle 1 to a replacement facility. Therefore, the replacement threshold TH takes into account the period from when a replacement is proposed to the user of vehicle 1 until the user actually performs the replacement. The replacement threshold TH is set during product design, etc. The replacement threshold TH is a threshold used to determine whether replacement is necessary by comparing it with the estimated remaining lifespan, and can also be called a remaining lifespan determination threshold. Multiple types of replacement threshold TH may be set.

[0025] If the replacement determination unit 104 determines that the ECU 100 needs to be replaced, it outputs a message from the display device 110 installed in the vehicle 1 suggesting that the ECU 100 be replaced. The message may include the estimated remaining lifespan in years. The display device 110 is, for example, a display device installed in a position visible from the driver's seat. The display device 110 is an example of a user-recognizable output device. The replacement determination unit 104 may, instead of the display device 110, or in addition to the display device 110, display a message suggesting the replacement of the ECU 100 on a portable terminal held by the user of the vehicle 1.

[0026] The buyback price estimation unit 105 estimates the current buyback price of the ECU 100 based on the estimated remaining lifespan. When replacing an ECU 100 in use with a new ECU 100, the used ECU 100 can also be traded in. Therefore, the buyback price can also be called the trade-in price. The buyback price estimation unit 105 estimates the buyback price when the replacement decision unit 104 does not determine that the ECU 100 needs to be replaced. If the replacement decision unit 104 determines that the ECU 100 needs to be replaced, the ECU 100 should be replaced regardless of the buyback price of the used ECU 100. Therefore, if the replacement decision unit 104 determines that the ECU 100 needs to be replaced, there is no need to estimate the buyback price.

[0027] To estimate the current buyback price of the ECU100, the buyback price estimation unit 105 transmits the estimated remaining lifespan obtained from the remaining lifespan estimation unit 103, along with information identifying the ECU100, to an external buyback price estimation server via the wireless communication device 30. The external buyback price estimation server may be server 20 or another server.

[0028] The purchase price estimation server maintains and continuously updates the relationship between the estimated remaining lifespan and the current actual purchase price for various electronic devices, including the ECU100. The actual purchase price is the price at which the device is actually purchased. There is also an estimated purchase price, which is a purchase price other than the actual purchase price. The estimated purchase price is the current purchase price estimated from the trend of past actual purchase prices.

[0029] The purchase price estimation server may be a server managed by a company that operates a website for purchasing electronic devices. When the purchase price estimation server receives the estimated remaining lifespan from the ECU 100 of vehicle 1, it determines the current actual purchase price based on the estimated remaining lifespan and the above relationship. It then transmits the determined current actual purchase price to vehicle 1. The purchase price estimation unit 105 uses the current actual purchase price received from the purchase price estimation server as the estimated purchase price.

[0030] The estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106 calculates the estimated replacement cost. The estimated replacement cost is an estimate of the cost required when the ECU 100 is replaced. The estimated replacement cost is calculated based on the buyback price and the new product price. The buyback price is estimated by the buyback price estimation unit 105. In order to obtain the new product price, the estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106 transmits information identifying the ECU 100 to an external new product price estimation server via the wireless communication device 30. The external new product price estimation server may be server 20 or another server.

[0031] The new parts price estimation server may be a server managed by a company that operates a website for selling new electronic devices, including the ECU100. When the new parts price estimation server receives information identifying the ECU100 from the ECU100 of vehicle 1, it transmits the current new price of the ECU100 to vehicle 1. The estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106 receives the new parts price from the new parts price estimation server.

[0032] The estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106 calculates the estimated replacement cost by subtracting the buyback price from the new product price. Alternatively, it may calculate the estimated replacement cost by subtracting the buyback price from the amount obtained by adding the replacement labor cost to the new product price. The replacement labor cost may be a fixed amount set in advance, or it may be obtained from an external server such as a new product price estimation server.

[0033] The reuse proposal decision unit 107 decides whether to propose the reuse of the ECU 100 based on a comparison of the estimated replacement cost and the user's desired replacement cost. The estimated replacement cost is an amount that can be determined from the purchase price and is an example of the estimated reuse cost. The user's desired replacement cost is a threshold amount for proposing reuse to the user and is an example of the reuse proposal amount threshold and the replacement cost threshold. The user's desired replacement cost is set by the user of the ECU 100, i.e., the user of vehicle 1. The user inputs the user's desired replacement cost from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of vehicle 1, or from a terminal that can communicate with the ECU 100 via a communication device mounted on vehicle 1. When the user inputs the user's desired replacement cost, it is stored in the storage unit 101. Therefore, the reuse proposal decision unit 107 retrieves the user's desired replacement cost from the storage unit 101.

[0034] The reuse proposal decision unit 107 decides to propose reuse to the user if the estimated replacement cost is lower than the user's desired replacement cost. In this case, the reuse proposal decision unit 107 outputs a message from the display device 110 to the user proposing the reuse of the ECU 100.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the processing that occurs when the ECU100 processor implements the reuse suggestion program. Examples of conditions for initiating the processing shown in Figure 4 are as follows: For example, when the power state of vehicle 1 is turned on, when the engine of vehicle 1 is started, when the number of operations or operating time of ECU100 reaches a specified value, when a start operation is performed by a person, or when ECU100 starts operating are examples of conditions for initiating the processing shown in Figure 4. The person performing the start operation may include not only the driver or owner of vehicle 1, but also personnel at the facility that maintains vehicle 1. Therefore, the processing shown in Figure 4 may be performed when vehicle 1 is being maintained or inspected.

[0036] In S1, the usage information acquisition unit 102 acquires usage information from the storage unit 101. In S2, the remaining life estimation unit 103 determines the estimated remaining life from the remaining life determination map 40 and the usage information acquired in S1.

[0037] Steps S3 through S6 are executed by the replacement decision unit 104. In S3, it is determined whether the estimated remaining lifespan determined in S2 is shorter than the early replacement threshold THe. The early replacement threshold THe is a threshold used to determine whether the ECU 100 needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The early replacement threshold THe can be set during product design, etc., and is expressed as a remaining lifespan period.

[0038] If the result of S3 is YES, proceed to S4. In S4, the display device 110 outputs a message suggesting that the ECU100 be replaced as soon as possible. After executing S4, proceed to S7.

[0039] If the result of S3 is NO, proceed to S5. In S5, determine whether the estimated remaining lifespan determined in S2 is shorter than the recycling replacement threshold THc. The recycling replacement threshold THc is expressed as the remaining lifespan period. The recycling replacement threshold THc is the threshold at which it is determined that if the remaining lifespan is shorter than this threshold, it is better to recycle the ECU100 rather than reuse it because the period is too short for reuse. The recycling replacement threshold THc can also be set during product design, etc. The recycling replacement threshold THc is a larger value than the early replacement threshold THe.

[0040] If the result of the S5 decision is YES, proceed to S6. In S6, the display device 110 outputs a message suggesting the replacement of the ECU 100 and the recycling of the ECU 100 that will no longer be used as a result of the replacement. After executing S6, proceed to S7. In S7, the remaining life estimation unit 103 stores life-related information, including the estimated remaining life, in the storage unit 101.

[0041] If the result of the S5 decision is NO, the process proceeds to S8. In S8, the reuse proposal process is executed. The reuse proposal process is shown in Figure 5. The reuse proposal process will be explained using Figure 5. In S81, the purchase price estimation unit 105 estimates the current purchase price of the ECU 100 based on the estimated remaining lifespan determined in S2.

[0042] Steps S82 and S83 are executed by the estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106. In S82, the current new price of the ECU 100 is obtained. In S83, the estimated replacement cost is calculated based on the buyback price estimated in S81 and the new price obtained in S82.

[0043] Steps S84 through S86 are executed by the reuse proposal decision unit 107. In S84, the user's desired replacement cost is obtained from the storage unit 101. In S85, it is determined whether the estimated replacement cost calculated in S83 is lower than the user's desired replacement cost obtained in S84. If the result of the decision in S85 is NO, the process in Figure 5 is terminated without executing S86. On the other hand, if the result of the decision in S85 is YES, the process proceeds to S86. In S86, a message proposing the replacement of the ECU 100 and the reuse of the ECU 100 that will no longer be used due to the replacement is output from the display device 110.

[0044] As described above, the ECU 100 of the first embodiment decides whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison of the expected replacement cost of the ECU 100 and the replacement cost desired by the user (S85). Therefore, even if there are no signs of failure in the ECU 100, reuse is not necessarily proposed. Thus, reuse can be proposed while minimizing inconvenience to the user.

[0045] Furthermore, the ECU100 determines its estimated remaining lifespan (S2), and if the estimated remaining lifespan is greater than or equal to the recycling replacement threshold THc (S5 is NO), it executes a reuse proposal process (S8). This prevents the ECU100 from proposing reuse even when its remaining lifespan is short and the period during which it can be reused is too short.

[0046] If the estimated replacement cost of the ECU100 is lower than the user-desired replacement cost set by the user (S85 is YES), the user will be offered the option to reuse the ECU100 (S86). Therefore, the user is more likely to be able to replace the ECU100 within their desired budget.

[0047] The purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the current actual purchase price of the ECU 100, and the reuse proposal decision unit 107 determines the estimated replacement cost from the current new price of the ECU 100 and the current actual purchase price. In this way, the discrepancy between the estimated replacement cost and the actual cost required when the ECU 100 is replaced can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cost incurred by a user who has been offered reuse and actually replaces the ECU 100 from being higher than the replacement cost desired by the user.

[0048] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this second embodiment and subsequent descriptions, elements having the same reference numerals as those used up to that point are identical to the elements with the same reference numerals in the previous embodiments, unless otherwise specified. Also, when only a part of the configuration is described, the previously described embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the method by which the purchase price estimation unit 105 estimates the purchase price differs from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the purchase price estimation unit 105 estimates the current purchase price of the ECU 100 based on the trend of the past purchase price of the ECU 100. For example, the purchase price estimation unit 105 approximates the trend of the purchase price of the ECU 100 over a predetermined period in the past using a function. Based on that function, it estimates the current purchase price, that is, determines the current estimated purchase price.

[0050] The estimated replacement cost calculation unit 106 calculates the estimated replacement cost based on the new price of the ECU 100 and the current estimated buyback price of the ECU 100 estimated by the buyback price estimation unit 105.

[0051] As in this second embodiment, the current estimated purchase price of the ECU100 may be estimated based on the trend of past purchase prices of the ECU100. The current new price of the ECU100 may also be estimated based on the trend of past new prices of the ECU100.

[0052] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the method by which the purchase price estimation unit 105 estimates the purchase price differs from that of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the desired purchase price offered by an individual prospective buyer and estimates the obtained desired purchase price as the current purchase price of the ECU 100. The desired purchase price offered by an individual prospective buyer can be obtained, for example, from a server managing an auction site or a flea market site.

[0053] It is assumed that the desired purchase price set by an individual prospective buyer has conditions set regarding remaining lifespan or usage information. For example, the remaining lifespan may be x years or more, and the usage information may include a year or less. The purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the desired purchase price if the remaining lifespan or usage information of the ECU 100 matches the conditions set by the prospective buyer.

[0054] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the purchase price estimation unit 105 is the same as in the third embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment as well, the purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the desired purchase price presented by an individual prospective buyer and estimates the obtained desired purchase price as the current purchase price of the ECU 100. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the reuse proposal determination unit 107 uses the above desired purchase price as the estimated reuse amount and uses the user's desired trade-in price as the reuse proposal amount threshold. The user's desired trade-in price is set by the user, similar to the user's desired replacement cost.

[0055] The user inputs their desired trade-in price from an input device located inside the vehicle 1 or from a terminal capable of communicating with the ECU 100. When the user inputs their desired trade-in price, it is stored in the storage unit 101. Therefore, the reuse proposal decision unit 107 retrieves the desired trade-in price from the storage unit 101.

[0056] Figure 6 shows the processes executed by the purchase price estimation unit 105 and the reuse proposal decision unit 107 in the fourth embodiment. The processes shown in Figure 6 are executed in place of those in Figure 5. In S181, the purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the desired purchase price.

[0057] S182 and S183 are executed by the reuse proposal decision unit 107. In S182, the user's desired trade-in price is obtained from the storage unit 101. In S183, it is determined whether the desired purchase price obtained in S181 is higher than the user's desired trade-in price obtained in S182. If the result of the determination in S183 is NO, the process in Figure 6 is terminated without executing S184.

[0058] If the result of S183 is YES, the process proceeds to S184. In S184, the display device 110 outputs a message suggesting the replacement of ECU100 and the reuse of ECU100 that will no longer be used as a result of the replacement.

[0059] In this fourth embodiment, if the desired purchase price is higher than the user's desired trade-in price (S183 is YES), reuse is proposed to the user (S184). In this fourth embodiment, if a user is willing to replace the ECU100 only if they can get a price for the ECU100 they want, rather than the amount required to replace the ECU100, then reuse can be proposed under conditions that align with that idea.

[0060] <Fifth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, similar to the first to third embodiments, the reuse proposal decision unit 107 compares the expected replacement cost with a replacement cost threshold. In the first to third embodiments, the replacement cost threshold compared with the expected replacement cost was the user-desired replacement cost entered by the user. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the user does not need to enter a replacement cost threshold to compare with the expected replacement cost. In the fifth embodiment, the replacement cost threshold is set automatically. As an example, the replacement cost threshold is set to a value obtained by multiplying the price of a new ECU 100 at the time the replacement cost threshold is calculated by a threshold calculation coefficient less than 1.

[0061] The threshold calculation coefficient can be increased as the estimated remaining lifespan of the ECU100 decreases. It is likely that many users will accept the cost of replacement as the estimated remaining lifespan of the ECU100 shortens. This embodiment allows for the proposal of reuse to such users at a time when they are more likely to accept it. In addition, users do not need to update their desired replacement cost repeatedly.

[0062] Although embodiments have been described above, the disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above. The following modifications are also included within the scope of disclosure, and further modifications can be made in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0063] <Example 1> The server 20 may be equipped with a remaining lifespan estimation unit 103, which transmits usage information from the vehicle 1 to the server 20, and the server 20 may determine the estimated remaining lifespan based on the usage information. Furthermore, the server 20 may estimate the purchase price based on the estimated remaining lifespan. In this case, the purchase price estimation unit 105 obtains the purchase price from the server 20. Since the ECU 100 is not equipped with a remaining lifespan estimation unit 103, the purchase price estimation unit 105 equipped in the ECU 100 estimates the purchase price based on the usage information transmitted from the ECU 100 to the server 20.

[0064] <Modification 2> In this embodiment, the remaining life estimation unit 103 obtained the remaining life determination map 40 from the server 20. However, the remaining life determination map 40 may also be stored in the storage unit 101 of the ECU 100.

[0065] <Variation 3> In this embodiment, the ECU 100 decided whether or not to propose its own reuse. However, a device other than the ECU 100, such as the server 20 or the user's mobile terminal, may decide whether or not to propose the reuse of the ECU 100. Furthermore, the electronic device may be a device used in a vehicle other than the vehicle 1.

[0066] <Modification 4> Electronic devices such as the ECU100 only need to have a processor and at least one of the circuits as part of their hardware configuration. Therefore, the electronic device is not limited to a configuration with a processor and memory, but may also have a configuration without a processor and with hardware circuits other than the processor, or a configuration with a processor and hardware circuits other than the processor.

[0067] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0068] (Technical thought 1) A purchase price estimation unit (105) estimates the purchase price of the electronic device based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the electronic device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, A reuse proposal determination unit (107) determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount that can be determined from the aforementioned purchase price and a reuse proposal amount threshold that is the threshold amount for which reuse is proposed to the user, A reuse proposal device equipped with the following features.

[0069] (Technical thought 2) The system includes a remaining life estimation unit (103) that determines the estimated remaining life based on usage information that increases with the use of the aforementioned electronic device, The conditions under which the reuse proposal decision unit decides to propose reuse to the user include the condition that the estimated remaining lifespan is longer than the recycling replacement threshold at which it determines that it would be better to recycle the electronic device. The reuse proposal device described in Technical Concept 1.

[0070] (Technical Thought 3) The system includes an estimated replacement cost calculation unit (106) that calculates an estimated replacement cost, which is the estimated cost required when the electronic device is replaced, based on the purchase price and the new price of the electronic device. The aforementioned estimated reuse amount is the aforementioned estimated replacement cost, The reuse proposal price threshold is the exchange cost threshold, which is the threshold for the expected exchange cost. The reuse proposal decision unit decides to propose reuse to the user based on the fact that the expected replacement cost is lower than the replacement cost threshold. The reuse proposal device described in Technical Concept 2.

[0071] (Technical Thought 4) The aforementioned exchange cost threshold is set by the user. The reuse proposal device described in Technical Idea 3.

[0072] (Technical Thought 5) The replacement cost threshold is a value calculated by multiplying the price of a new electronic device by a threshold calculation coefficient less than 1, wherein the threshold calculation coefficient increases as the estimated remaining lifespan decreases. The reuse proposal device described in Technical Idea 3.

[0073] (Technical Thought 6) The purchase price estimation unit estimates the current purchase price of the electronic device based on the trend of past purchase prices of the electronic device, The estimated replacement cost calculation unit calculates the estimated replacement cost based on the new price of the electronic device and the current purchase price of the electronic device estimated by the purchase price estimation unit. A reuse proposal device as described in any one of the technical ideas 3 to 5.

[0074] (Technical Thought 7) The purchase price estimation unit obtains the current actual purchase price of the electronic device and sets the obtained actual purchase price as the purchase price of the electronic device. The estimated replacement cost calculation unit calculates the estimated replacement cost based on the new price of the electronic device and the actual purchase price obtained by the purchase price estimation unit. A reuse proposal device as described in any one of the technical ideas 3 to 5.

[0075] (Technical Thought 8) The purchase price estimation unit obtains the desired purchase price presented by an individual prospective buyer and estimates the obtained desired purchase price as the purchase price of the electronic device. The reuse proposal device described in Technical Idea 7.

[0076] (Technical Thought 9) A method for proposing the reuse of electronic devices, which determines whether or not to propose the reuse of electronic devices. Based on the remaining lifespan of the electronic device, which is the period until the device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, the purchase price of the electronic device is estimated. A reuse proposal method that determines whether or not to propose reuse to a user based on a comparison between an estimated reuse amount that can be determined from the aforementioned purchase price and a reuse proposal amount threshold that is the threshold amount for which reuse is proposed to the user.

[0077] In this disclosure or claims, the term “processor” means one or more hardware processors configured to execute processing defined by computer program code (i.e., one or more instructions of a computer program) contained in a computer program, by reading the computer program code each time. In other words, a “processor” is a hardware device that executes one or more programmed processes. Therefore, computer program code can also be said to be software that can define the processing of the processor according to its content. A “processor” can be a general-purpose or specific-purpose processor, and may be, but is not limited to, a CPU, microprocessor, GPU, and DFP (Data Flow Processor).

[0078] In this disclosure or claims, the term “memory” refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitional tangible recording media configured to record computer program code and / or data in a manner accessible from a processor. “Memory” can be implemented by memory technology such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile / flash type memory, or other types of memory. The computer program code that constitutes the program is recorded in memory and executed by a processor, thereby enabling the processor to perform the various functions described above.

[0079] In this disclosure or claims, the term “circuit” refers to one or more logic circuits as hardware, configured to perform specific processing defined by a pre-designed circuit configuration. In other words (and, in contrast to “processor”), “circuit” in this disclosure or claims refers to a hardware device that performs specific processing based on a circuit configuration, rather than processing defined by software such as the computer program code described above. For example, “circuit” may include custom ICs such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) designed with a Hardware Description Language (HDL). That is, “circuit” in this disclosure or claims includes all hardware circuits except for the processors described above that perform processing by reading computer program code.

[0080] Furthermore, in this disclosure or claims, the expression "at least one processor and circuit" should be interpreted as a disjunctive (logical OR) and not as at least one processor and at least one circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1...Vehicle, 2...Communication network, 10...Reuse proposal system, 20...Server, 21...Computer, 22...Communication unit, 23...Storage unit, 30...Wireless communication device, 40...Remaining life determination map, 100...ECU (Electronic Unit), 101...Storage unit, 102...Usage information acquisition unit, 103...Remaining life estimation unit, 104...Replacement decision unit, 105...Purchase price estimation unit, 106...Expected replacement cost calculation unit, 107...Reuse proposal decision unit, 110...Display device, THc...Recycling replacement threshold, TH...Replacement threshold, THe...Early replacement threshold

Claims

1. A purchase price estimation unit (105) estimates the purchase price of the electronic device based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the electronic device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, A reuse proposal determination unit (107) determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount that can be determined from the purchase price and a reuse proposal amount threshold that is the threshold amount for which reuse will be proposed to the user, A reuse proposal device equipped with the following features.

2. The system includes a remaining life estimation unit (103) that determines the estimated remaining life based on usage information that increases with the use of the aforementioned electronic device, The conditions under which the reuse proposal decision unit decides to propose reuse to the user include the condition that the estimated remaining lifespan is longer than the recycling replacement threshold at which it is determined that it would be better to recycle the electronic device. The reuse proposal device according to claim 1.

3. The system includes an estimated replacement cost calculation unit (106) that calculates an estimated replacement cost, which is the estimated cost required when the electronic device is replaced, based on the purchase price and the new price of the electronic device. The aforementioned estimated reuse amount is the aforementioned estimated replacement cost, The reuse proposal price threshold is the exchange cost threshold, which is the threshold for the expected exchange cost. The reuse proposal decision unit decides to propose reuse to the user based on the fact that the expected replacement cost is lower than the replacement cost threshold. The reuse proposal device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned exchange cost threshold is set by the user. The reuse proposal device according to claim 3.

5. The replacement cost threshold is a value calculated by multiplying the price of a new electronic device by a threshold calculation coefficient less than 1, wherein the threshold calculation coefficient increases as the estimated remaining lifespan decreases. The reuse proposal device according to claim 3.

6. The purchase price estimation unit estimates the current purchase price of the electronic device based on the trend of past purchase prices of the electronic device, The estimated replacement cost calculation unit calculates the estimated replacement cost based on the new price of the electronic device and the current purchase price of the electronic device estimated by the purchase price estimation unit. The reuse proposal device according to claim 3.

7. The purchase price estimation unit obtains the current actual purchase price of the electronic device and sets the obtained actual purchase price as the purchase price of the electronic device. The estimated replacement cost calculation unit calculates the estimated replacement cost based on the new price of the electronic device and the actual purchase price obtained by the purchase price estimation unit. The reuse proposal device according to claim 3.

8. The purchase price estimation unit obtains the desired purchase price presented by an individual prospective buyer and estimates the obtained desired purchase price as the purchase price of the electronic device. The reuse proposal device according to claim 7.

9. The purchase price estimation unit obtains the desired purchase price presented by an individual prospective buyer, and estimates the obtained desired purchase price as the purchase price of the electronic device. The aforementioned estimated reuse price is the aforementioned desired purchase price. The aforementioned reuse proposal price threshold is the user's desired trade-in price set by the user. The reuse proposal decision unit decides to propose reuse to the user based on the fact that the desired purchase price is higher than the user's desired trade-in price. The reuse proposal device according to claim 1.

10. A reuse proposal program that determines whether or not to propose the reuse of electronic devices, At least one processor, A purchase price estimation unit (105) estimates the purchase price of the electronic device based on the remaining lifespan, which is the period until the electronic device reaches the end of its lifespan, or on usage information related to the remaining lifespan that increases with the use of the electronic device, A reuse proposal determination unit (107) determines whether or not to propose reuse to the user based on a comparison between the estimated reuse amount that can be determined from the aforementioned purchase price and a reuse proposal amount threshold that is the threshold amount for which reuse is proposed to the user. A reuse proposal program designed to function as such.

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