Systems, devices, methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a system that can offer users useful parts information. [Solution] The system of the present invention comprises a storage unit 110 and a control unit 120. The storage unit 110 stores component information, and the control unit 120, based on an inquiry from the user, retrieves from the storage unit 110 information regarding the target component in question and information regarding a substitute component to replace the target component, and provides this retrieved information to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, method, and program for providing component information regarding components.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing a user with information regarding the lifespan of a component. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for providing a user with information regarding a component that caused an error. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for providing a user who repairs a component that caused a failure with past repair records having high repair accuracy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of system, conventionally, there has been a desire for something that can provide component information useful to a user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a system, apparatus, method, and program that can provide component information useful to a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a means for achieving the above object, The system of the present invention A system that provides users with parts information about parts, It comprises a memory unit and a control unit, The memory unit stores the component information, The control unit, based on the user's inquiry, retrieves information from the storage unit regarding the target part that is the subject of the inquiry and information regarding a substitute part to replace the target part, and provides this retrieved information to the user. It is characterized by the following:

[0007] As a means of achieving the above objective, The apparatus of the present invention is A device that provides users with component information regarding components, It comprises a memory unit and a control unit, The memory unit stores the component information, The control unit, based on the user's inquiry, retrieves information from the storage unit regarding the target part that is the subject of the inquiry and information regarding a substitute part to replace the target part, and provides this retrieved information to the user. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] As a means of achieving the above objective, The method of the present invention is A method for providing users with part information about a part, The first step is to obtain information about the target part that is the subject of the inquiry from the storage unit that stores the part information based on the inquiry from the user, A second step is to obtain information from the storage unit regarding a replacement part to replace the target part, A third step includes providing the user with the information obtained in the first step and the information obtained in the second step. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] As a means of achieving the above objective, The program of the present invention, A program for operating a computer to provide a user with component information regarding components, a first step of obtaining, based on an inquiry from the user, information regarding a target component that is the subject of the inquiry from a storage unit storing the component information; a second step of obtaining information regarding a replacement component that replaces the target component from the storage unit; and a third step of providing the user with the information obtained in the first step and the information obtained in the second step. It is characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can provide a system, apparatus, method, and program capable of reducing the effort of an orderer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview according to an embodiment (this embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a replicated image obtained by replicating the screen shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing within the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the conversion information check process. [Figure 12] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing within the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process for updating the estimated inventory quantity. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the process for updating the expected inventory quantity. [Figure 17] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing within the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the inventory update process. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates a specific example of inventory update processing. [Figure 21] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing within the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the query processing. [Figure 24] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing within the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 26 shows a flowchart illustrating the order processing process. [Figure 28]This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of order processing. [Figure 30] This figure schematically shows an example of a screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 31] This is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration according to a modified example 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 32] This flowchart shows a part of the processing within the system according to Modification 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration according to a modified example 3 of this embodiment. [Figure 34] This is a flowchart showing part of the processing within the system related to Modification Example 3. [Figure 35] This is a flowchart showing a part of the processing within the system according to Modification 4 of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following description of this embodiment will be made with reference to Figures 1 to 30.

[0013] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of this embodiment.

[0014] The multiple parts manufacturers shown in Figure 1 are businesses that manufacture and import vehicle parts (hereinafter referred to as "parts"). These parts manufacturers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "parts manufacturers") operate and manage websites (not shown) for supplying (selling) parts to parts dealers.

[0015] The parts dealer shown in Figure 1 is a business (wholesaler) that purchases parts from parts manufacturers and supplies (sells) the purchased parts to at least one of several repair shops (hereinafter collectively referred to as "repair shops"). The parts dealer purchases parts from parts manufacturers through websites operated by the parts manufacturers and holds them as inventory. In Figure 1, for the sake of simplicity of the drawing and explanation, only a single parts manufacturer supplies parts to multiple repair shops, but multiple parts manufacturers may supply parts to one or more repair shops.

[0016] In this embodiment, the parts manufacturer supplies only new parts (hereinafter referred to as "new parts") to the parts dealer, and the parts dealer supplies both new and used parts (hereinafter referred to as "used parts") to the repair shop. Alternatively, the parts manufacturer may supply both new and used parts to the parts dealer, or the parts dealer may supply either new or used parts to the repair shop.

[0017] Furthermore, parts manufacturers include at least vehicle manufacturers that supply vehicles to the market, related manufacturers associated with vehicle manufacturers, and other manufacturers other than vehicle manufacturers and related manufacturers. In addition, new parts include new parts supplied to the market by vehicle manufacturers (first-class genuine parts), new parts supplied to the market by related manufacturers (second-class genuine parts), and new non-genuine parts supplied by other manufacturers (good quality parts). In addition, used parts are used first-class genuine parts, second-class genuine parts, and good quality parts, but consumables such as brake pads are not included in used parts.

[0018] The repair shop shown in Figure 1 is a business that disassembles and repairs vehicles. For example, a repair shop performs vehicle inspections (vehicle inspections), and inspects, repairs, replaces, installs, removes, and performs other work on specific parts of a vehicle (including vehicle components). The repair shop orders parts (items to be ordered) from parts suppliers via the SY system.

[0019] The system SY shown in Figure 1 is a system designed to support the operations of parts dealers and repair shops. System SY is equipped with a database (DB) for storing various types of information (data). System SY stores various types of information in the DB at the request of parts dealers (details described later). System SY provides the various types of information stored in the DB to repair shops at their request (details described later).

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of system SY.

[0021] System SY includes parts supplier terminal 1, factory terminal 2, and server 100.

[0022] The parts dealer terminal 1 is a communication terminal (e.g., a personal computer or smartphone) used by parts dealer X (the symbol is omitted in Figure 1). The parts dealer terminal 1 connects to the network NW. The parts dealer terminal 1 connects to the server 100 via an ID (account) that identifies parts dealer X. The parts dealer terminal 1 has input devices (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) and output devices (e.g., a display). The output device of the parts dealer terminal 1 has a display area 1a that displays a predetermined screen.

[0023] Although not shown in Figure 2, the parts dealer terminal 1 displays a website operated by a parts manufacturer in the display area 1a by specifying a predetermined URL (see "Terminal Screen" in Figure 1). Note that URL is an abbreviation for "uniform resource locator".

[0024] Factory terminal 2 is a communication terminal used by a specific maintenance factory Y (the symbol is omitted in Figure 1) among the maintenance factories. Factory terminal 2 connects to the network NW. Factory terminal 2 connects to server 100 via an ID that identifies maintenance factory Y. Factory terminal 2 has an input device and an output device. The output device of factory terminal 2 has a display area 2a that displays a predetermined screen.

[0025] Server 100 is an information processing device for supporting the operations of parts dealers and repair shops. Server 100 functions as the platform necessary for operating System SY. Server 100 has programs installed for performing various processes. Server 100 connects to parts dealer terminal 1 and factory terminal 2 via the network NW.

[0026] In this embodiment, we will describe a case where a parts dealer X and a repair shop Y use the system SY, that is, a case where one parts dealer terminal 1 related to parts dealer X and one factory terminal 2 related to repair shop Y are connected to the server 100. It goes without saying that there may also be a configuration in which multiple parts dealer terminals used by one and / or two or more parts dealers are connected to the server 100, or a configuration in which multiple factory terminals used by one and / or two or more repair shops are connected to the server 100.

[0027] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 100.

[0028] The server 100 includes a storage unit 110 and a control unit 120. The storage unit 110 and the control unit 120 are electrically connected via a communication bus (not shown).

[0029] The storage unit 110 includes ROM, RAM, and a hard disk (not shown). The storage unit 110 stores programs executed by the control unit 120. The storage unit 110 has multiple databases (DBs). These multiple DBs include a vehicle DB, a specification DB, a parts DB, an inventory DB, and other DBs (not shown).

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the vehicle database.

[0031] The vehicle database is a database that stores information about vehicles circulating in the market (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle information"). Vehicle information includes vehicle name, model, chassis number, and other information. As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle database stores vehicle information by associating the vehicle name, model, chassis number, and other information with an identifier called an ID (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle ID"). For example, vehicle ID "001" is associated with vehicle name "AAA", model "AAA1", chassis number "xxx", and other information (not shown in the figure).

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the specification database.

[0033] The specification database is a database that stores information regarding the specifications of parts distributed in the market (hereinafter referred to as "specification information"). Specification information includes specification documents, parts (part IDs), and other information. The specification documents included in the specification information are electronic documents that describe the perspective view of the part, its exploded view, matters concerning the performance of the part, the handling method of the part, and other matters.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the specification database stores specification documents, parts (part IDs shown in the same figure), and other information linked to an identifier (hereinafter referred to as "specification ID") that identifies the specification information. For example, specification ID "001" is linked to specification document "a1", part ID "001" (details described later), and other information (not shown). Specification document "a1" contains perspective views, exploded views, and handling instructions for the part corresponding to part ID "001" (see Figure 6).

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the parts database.

[0036] The parts database is a database that stores ordering information (hereinafter referred to as "parts information") related to vehicle parts (parts) that are available on the market. Parts information includes part name, part number, price, part condition, vehicle, specifications, substitutes, and other information. Part condition included in parts information refers to information indicating whether the part is used or not. Substitutes included in parts information refer to information indicating whether the part can be replaced with another part.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the parts database stores parts information such as part name, part number, price, part status, vehicle (vehicle ID shown in Figure 6), specifications, replacement information, and other information (not shown) linked to an identifier called an ID (hereinafter referred to as "part ID") that identifies the part information.

[0038] In the following explanation, the part corresponding to part ID "001" will be referred to as "part ID 001," the part corresponding to part ID "121" will be referred to as "part ID 121," and the part corresponding to part ID "235" will be referred to as "part ID 235."

[0039] Part ID "001" is associated with the part name "Bumper Face", part number "b001N3", price "45,000 yen", vehicle ID "001", specification "a1", and replacement parts "part ID 121" and "part ID 235". This indicates that part ID 001 is a part for the vehicle corresponding to vehicle ID "001" (see Figure 4) and is a replacement part for parts ID 121 and ID 235. Note that part ID "001" is not associated with a part condition, so part ID 001 is new.

[0040] Part ID "121" is associated with the part name "Bumper Face", part number "ZF02K1", price "36,000 yen", vehicle ID "001", specification "a81", and replacements "part ID 001" and "part ID 235". This indicates that part ID 121, like part ID 001, is a part for the vehicle corresponding to vehicle ID "001", and is a replacement part for parts ID 001 and ID 235. Note that part ID "121" is not associated with a part condition, so part ID 121 is new.

[0041] Part ID "235" is associated with the part name "Bumper Face", part number "b001N3", price "25,000 yen", vehicle ID "001", specification "a1", and replacement parts "part ID 001" and "part ID 121". This indicates that part ID 235, like part ID 001, is a part for the vehicle corresponding to vehicle ID "001" (see Figure 4), and is a replacement part for parts ID 001 and ID 121. In addition, part ID "235" is associated with the part condition "Good". This indicates that part ID 235 is a used part, and its condition is in the middle of the three levels of used parts ("Excellent," "Good," and "Acceptable"). Since part ID "001" and part ID "235" are associated with the same part number "b001N3", part ID 121 is equivalent to a used part ID 001.

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the inventory database.

[0043] The inventory database is a database that stores information related to the inventory of parts (hereinafter referred to as "inventory information"). Inventory information includes information such as the parts supplier, the parts, the quantity in stock, the expected quantity in stock, and other information. The parts supplier included in the inventory information indicates which of the parts suppliers using the SY system holds the inventory information. The expected quantity in the inventory information is the number of parts that have already been ordered from the parts manufacturer but have not yet been delivered to the parts supplier. In other words, the expected quantity in stock indicates the number of parts that the parts supplier is waiting for to be delivered (parts awaiting delivery).

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the inventory database stores inventory information by associating the part supplier, part (part ID shown in Figure 7), inventory quantity, expected inventory quantity, and other information (not shown) with an identifier called an ID (hereinafter referred to as "inventory ID") that identifies the inventory information.

[0045] Inventory ID "001" is associated with parts supplier "Parts Supplier X", part ID "001", and inventory quantity "0". This indicates that parts supplier X is out of stock of part ID 001. Additionally, inventory ID "001" is associated with an expected inventory quantity of "0". This indicates that parts supplier X has not yet ordered part ID 001 from the parts manufacturer.

[0046] Inventory ID "121" is associated with parts supplier "Parts Supplier X", part ID "121", and inventory quantity "0". This indicates that parts supplier X is out of stock of part ID 121. Additionally, inventory ID "121" is associated with an expected inventory quantity of "1". This indicates that parts supplier X has ordered one unit of part ID 121 from the parts manufacturer, but the part has not yet been delivered to parts supplier X.

[0047] Inventory ID "235" is associated with parts supplier "Parts Supplier X", part ID "235", inventory quantity "1", and expected inventory quantity "0". This indicates that parts supplier X holds one part with ID 235, but has not placed an order for that part with the parts manufacturer.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above, only parts dealer X is using the SY system, so all of the inventory IDs shown in Figure 7 are associated with "parts dealer X". That is, the inventory DB stores only inventory information that includes "parts dealer X1". Although not shown in the diagram, if the parts dealers using the SY system are, for example, parts dealers X1, X2, and X3, the inventory DB will store inventory information that includes "parts dealer X1", inventory information that includes "parts dealer X2", and inventory information that includes "parts dealer X3", respectively.

[0049] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 3. The control unit 120 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The control unit 120 executes various processes by reading the program stored in the storage unit 110 and loading it onto the RAM.

[0050] A detailed explanation will follow, but the program stored in the memory unit 110 includes, for example, a conversion step that converts an order image representing the order details of parts (ordered items) ordered by a parts supplier (orderer) from a parts manufacturer into order information; an extraction step that accesses the memory unit 110 (parts DB storing parts information) which stores order information about the ordered items, and extracts mismatched information from the order information converted in the conversion step that is not present in the order information stored in the memory unit 110; and a provision step that provides the parts supplier (orderer) with a list of the mismatched information extracted in the extraction step. It also includes, for example, a first step of obtaining information about the target parts that are the subject of the inquiry from the memory unit 110 based on an inquiry from a repair shop (user); a second step of obtaining information about substitute parts to replace the target parts from the memory unit 110; and a third step of providing the information obtained in the first step and the information obtained in the second step to the repair shop (user).

[0051] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the control unit 120. First, we will explain the processing to support the operations of the parts supplier, referring to Figures 8 to 20.

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G1.

[0053] Screen G1 is a screen displayed in the display area 1a of the parts dealer terminal 1. Screen G1 is an example of a screen displayed in the display area 1a when parts dealer X (the ordering party) orders parts from parts manufacturer Z via a website operated by one of the parts manufacturers Z. As shown in Figure 8, Screen G1 indicates that one part corresponding to part number "b001N3", one part corresponding to part number "f201N1", and one part corresponding to part number "s058N15" have been ordered.

[0054] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a duplicate image G1a, which is a copy of screen G1 shown in Figure 8.

[0055] The duplicated image G1a is an image (order image) generated based on the operations of parts supplier X, who is taking a screen capture of screen G1. In other words, the duplicated image G1a can be said to be an order image that represents the order details of the parts ordered by parts supplier X, who is the orderer. As shown in Figure 9, the duplicated image G1a includes multiple text images, such as the part number "b001N3" and the quantity "1" for part number "b001N3".

[0056] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process executed between the parts dealer terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0057] The process shown in Figure 10 includes the process of converting a character image into character information (order information). In explaining the process shown in the figure, we will use the duplicate image G1a shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, the parts dealer terminal 1 transmits the duplicate image G1a to the server 100 based on the operation of parts dealer X (orderer) (step S1). When the server 100 receives the duplicate image G1a (step S2), the control unit 120 first converts the character image contained in the received duplicate image G1a into character information (step S3 (conversion step)), then performs a conversion information check process that compares the character information converted in step S3 with the parts information stored in the parts DB (step S10 (including extraction step)), and finally transmits the result of this conversion information check process to the parts dealer terminal 1 (step S4 (providing step)). When the parts dealer terminal 1 receives the result of the conversion information check process (step S5), it displays this result in the display area 1a (step S6 (providing step)).

[0058] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the conversion information check process (step S10).

[0059] As shown in Figure 11, The control unit 120 first identifies the part number from the character information converted in step S3 (step S11), then accesses the parts database and retrieves the part number stored in the parts database (step S12), then determines whether there are any part numbers identified in step S11 that do not match the part numbers obtained in step S12 (step S13), and if there are any part numbers that do not match (YES in step S13), it extracts those mismatched part numbers (step S14) and moves the process to step S15. On the other hand, if all the part numbers identified in step S11 match the part numbers obtained in step S12 (NO in step S13), the control unit 120 moves the process to step S15 without executing the process in step S14. Finally, the control unit 120 derives the result of the conversion information check process, which treats the part numbers extracted in step S14 as abnormal data (mismatch information) and the part numbers that were determined to match in step S13 as normal data (step S15), and terminates the conversion information check process.

[0060] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G2.

[0061] Screen G2 is an example of the result of the conversion information check process displayed in display area 1a in step S6, when the result in step S13 is NO, that is, when all the character information converted in step S3 is normal. As shown in Figure 12, screen G2 includes area G21, field G22, input field G23, and button G24.

[0062] Area G21 is the area that records the results of the conversion information check process. As shown in Figure 12, area G21 indicates that the result of the conversion information check process is normal, that is, all of the part numbers included in the character information converted in step S3 match the part numbers stored in the parts database.

[0063] Column G22 is where the details of the conversion information check process are recorded. As shown in Figure 12, column G22 contains character information as normal data, for example, a pair of character information consisting of part number "b001N3" and the quantity of the part corresponding to that part number "1". This indicates that the character image "b001N3" (see Figure 9) contained in the duplicated image G1a has been correctly converted to the character information "b001N3", and the converted "b001N3" has been stored in the parts database. Note that no abnormal data is recorded in column G22.

[0064] Input field G23 is a field for entering data indicating that an order to a parts manufacturer has been confirmed (hereinafter referred to as "confirmed data"). In this embodiment, among the normal data and abnormal data recorded in field G22, the normal data is pre-entered into input field G23 without any input operation by the parts supplier (ordering party). As shown in Figure 12, input field G23 is pre-entered with confirmed data, for example, the normal data part number "b001N3" and the corresponding quantity "1".

[0065] Button G24 is used to send the confirmed data entered in input field G23 to server 100. As will be explained in detail later, the control unit 120 updates the estimated inventory quantity stored in the inventory database based on the confirmed data sent to server 100.

[0066] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G2.

[0067] The screen G2 shown in Figure 13(a) is an example of the screen displayed in display area 1a in step S6 when the answer in step S13 is YES, that is, when there is an abnormality in the character information converted in step S3. As shown in Figure 13(a), area G21 indicates that the result of the conversion information check process is abnormal. Column G22 indicates that the character information for part number "b001N" is abnormal data. An empty column G23a is provided in input column G23 to correct the one abnormal data entry in column G22. Note that input column G23 is pre-filled with the same character information as the two normal data entries in column G22.

[0068] The screen G2 shown in Figure 13(b) is an example of the screen after the parts supplier (orderer) has entered the part number and quantity text information into the blank field G23a. As shown in the figure, the blank field G23a contains the text information of part number "b001N3", which is the corrected version of one of the abnormal data entries (part number "b001N") recorded in field G22. Note that, as shown in Figure 6, the part number "b001N3" entered in the blank field G23a matches the part number "b001N3" stored in the parts database.

[0069] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process performed between the parts dealer terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0070] The process shown in Figure 14 includes updating the estimated inventory quantity stored in the inventory database. As shown in the figure, screen G2 is displayed in display area 1a, and parts dealer X (orderer) enters the correct part number "b001N3" and quantity "1" into the blank field G23a of screen G2 shown in Figure 13(a) (step S21), and then selects button G24. As a result, parts dealer terminal 1 sends the confirmed data entered in input field G23 of screen G2 to server 100 (step S22). When control unit 120 receives the confirmed data (step S23), it executes a confirmed data check process to check whether the received confirmed data is valid or not (step S30).

[0071] Although not shown in the diagram, in the confirmed data check process, the control unit 120 identifies the part number from the confirmed data received in step S23, and determines whether the identified part number matches the part number stored in the parts DB, that is, whether the confirmed data is normal. If it determines that the data is normal, it moves to the next step S40. On the other hand, if it determines that the confirmed data received in step S23 is abnormal, it does not move to step S40, but instead displays a message indicating that the confirmed data is abnormal in the display area 1a of the parts dealer terminal 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 14, in the confirmed data check process in step S30, if the control unit 120 determines that the confirmed data received in step S23 is normal, it executes the assumed inventory quantity update process (step S40) and transmits the result of that process to the parts dealer terminal 1 (step S24). When the parts dealer terminal 1 receives the result of the assumed inventory quantity update process (step S25), it displays this result in the display area 1a (step S26).

[0073] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the process for updating the assumed inventory quantity (step S40).

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 120 first accesses the parts database and identifies the part number and its quantity from the parts information stored in the parts database, which are included in the confirmed data received in step S23 (step S41). In other words, in step S41, the control unit 120 identifies the part number and its quantity corresponding to the part ordered by parts dealer X from the parts manufacturer. Next, the control unit 120 accesses the inventory database and obtains the part number ID corresponding to the part number identified in step S41 from the inventory database (step S42). Finally, it updates the estimated inventory quantity corresponding to (associated with) the part number ID obtained in step S42 (step S43), and terminates the estimated inventory quantity update process.

[0075] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the process for updating the expected inventory quantity.

[0076] Figure 16(a) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory DB before the expected inventory update process is executed, and Figure 16(b) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory DB after the expected inventory update process is executed. Specifically, in a state where the expected inventory quantity shown in Figure 16(a) is stored in the inventory DB, parts dealer X orders one part corresponding to part number "b001N3" (part id001), one part corresponding to part number "f201N1", and one part corresponding to part number "s058N15" from parts manufacturer Z (see Figure 9). Then, parts dealer X uses parts dealer terminal 1 to send confirmed data regarding these ordered parts (see Figure 13(b)) to server 100 (step S22), which shows how the inventory information shown in Figure 16(a) is updated to the inventory information shown in Figure 16(b). As shown in Figure 16, before and after the estimated inventory update process is executed, the estimated inventory quantities associated with inventory ID "001", inventory ID "016", and inventory ID "017" each increase from "0" to "1".

[0077] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G3.

[0078] Screen G3 is a screen displayed in the display area 1a of the parts dealer terminal 1. Screen G3 is a screen for inputting information about parts delivered to parts dealer X (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information"). Screen G3 includes an input field G31 and a button G32. Input field G31 is a field for the parts dealer to input delivery information. Button G32 is a button for sending the delivery information entered in input field G31 to the server 100.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 17, three delivery information entries are entered in input field G31. As shown in the figure, input field G31a contains delivery information indicating, for example, that one part corresponding to part number "b001N3" was delivered to parts supplier X on December 25, 2024.

[0080] Although the process by which server 100 displays screen G3 in display area 1a is omitted in illustration and detailed explanation, the parts dealer terminal 1 displays screen G3 in display area 1a based on a request from the parts dealer terminal 1.

[0081] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the process executed between the parts dealer terminal 1 and the server 100.

[0082] The process shown in Figure 18 includes updating the expected inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity stored in the inventory database. As shown in the figure, screen G3 is displayed in display area 1a, and parts dealer X (worker) has received the parts that he ordered from parts manufacturer Z, so he enters the delivery information into input field G31 on screen G3 (step S51) and selects button G32. As a result, parts dealer terminal 1 sends the delivery information entered in input field G31 to server 100 (step S52). When control unit 120 receives the delivery information (step S53), it executes the inventory quantity update process (step S60) and sends the result of the process to parts dealer terminal 1 (step S54). When parts dealer terminal 1 receives the result of the inventory quantity update process (step S55), it displays the received result of the inventory quantity update process in display area 1a (step S56).

[0083] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the inventory update process (step S60).

[0084] As shown in Figure 19, the control unit 120 first identifies the part number included in the delivery information received in step S53 (step S61), then accesses the parts database and obtains the part ID corresponding to the part number identified in step S61 from the parts database (step S62), then accesses the inventory database and identifies the inventory ID corresponding to the part ID obtained in step S62 from the inventory database (step S63), and finally updates the expected inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity corresponding to the inventory ID identified in step S63 (step S64), and then terminates the inventory quantity update process.

[0085] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the inventory update process.

[0086] Figure 20(a) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory DB before the inventory quantity update process is executed, and Figure 20(b) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory DB after the expected inventory quantity update process is executed. Specifically, in a state where the expected inventory quantity shown in Figure 20(a) is stored in the inventory DB, parts manufacturer Z delivers one part corresponding to part number "b001N3" (part id001), one part corresponding to part number "f201N1", and one part corresponding to part number "s058N15" to parts dealer X. After this delivery, parts dealer X uses parts dealer terminal 1 to send delivery information (see Figure 17) regarding these delivered parts to server 100 (step S52), resulting in the inventory information shown in Figure 20(a) being updated to the inventory information shown in Figure 20(b). As shown in Figure 20, before and after the inventory update process is executed, the expected inventory quantities associated with inventory IDs "001", "016", and "017" decrease from "1" to "0", while the actual inventory quantities for these items increase from "0" to "1".

[0087] Next, referring to Figures 21 to 30, we will explain the processes for supporting the operations of a maintenance factory.

[0088] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G4.

[0089] Screen G4 is the screen displayed in the display area 2a of the factory terminal 2. Screen G4 is the screen used by the repair shop to inquire about parts information from a parts supplier. Screen G4 includes an input field G41 and a button G42. Input field G41 is a field for entering information that the repair shop will inquire about from the parts supplier (hereinafter referred to as "inquiry information"). Button G42 is a button for sending the inquiry information entered in input field G41 to the server 100.

[0090] In this embodiment, the input field G41 is configured to input a part number as inquiry information, but the configuration is not limited to this, and other part information other than the part number (for example, part name or price) may be entered. In the example shown in Figure 21, one part number "b001N3" is entered in the input field G41.

[0091] Although the process by which server 100 displays screen G4 in display area 2a is not illustrated or described in detail, server 100 controls the display of screen G4 in display area 2a based on a request from factory terminal 2.

[0092] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the process performed between the factory terminal 2 and the server 100.

[0093] The process shown in Figure 22 includes providing parts information stored in the parts database to the repair shop. As shown in the figure, screen G4 is displayed in display area 2a, and repair shop Y (user) enters inquiry information (part number) into input field G41 on screen G4 (step S71) and selects button G42. As a result, the factory terminal 2 sends the inquiry information entered in input field G41 to the server 100 (step S72). The control unit 120 first receives the inquiry information (step S73), executes the inquiry processing (step S80 (first and second steps)), and sends the result of the processing to the factory terminal 2 (step S74 (third step)). When the factory terminal 2 receives the result of the inquiry processing (step S75), it displays the result in display area 2a (step S76 (third step)).

[0094] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the query processing (step S80).

[0095] The process shown in Figure 23 includes the process of identifying a replacement part (hereinafter referred to as "replacement part") for the part that is the subject of the inquiry (hereinafter referred to as "target part"). As shown in the figure, the control unit 120 first identifies the part number included in the inquiry information received in step S73 (step S81 (first step)), then accesses the parts database and identifies the part ID corresponding to the part number identified in step S81 (step S82), then obtains part information corresponding to the part ID identified in step S82 from the parts database (step S83), and then accesses the inventory database and obtains inventory information corresponding to the part ID identified in step S82 from the inventory database (step S84). The information obtained by the control unit 120 in steps S83 and S84 is information related to the target part.

[0096] As shown in Figure 23, the control unit 120 identifies the substitute (part ID) included in the part information obtained in step S83 (step S85), then accesses the part DB and obtains part information corresponding to the substitute (part ID) identified in step S85 from the part DB (step S86 (second step)), then accesses the inventory DB and obtains inventory information corresponding to the substitute identified in step S85 from the inventory DB (step S87 (second step)). The information obtained by the control unit 120 in steps S86 and S87 is information about substitute parts. Finally, the control unit 120 generates the result of the query processing based on the various information obtained in the query processing, i.e., the various information obtained in steps S83, S84, S86 and S87 (step S88), and terminates the query processing.

[0097] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G5.

[0098] Screen G5 is an example of a screen displayed in the display area 2a in step S76 when repair shop Y inquires about a part corresponding to part number "b001N3". The process of displaying screen G5 shown in Figure 24 in the display area 2a is not illustrated, but when repair shop Y inquires about a part corresponding to part number "b001N3" (Figure 21), in steps S83 to S84, the control unit 120 acquires part information associated with part id001 and inventory information corresponding to part id001 as information about the target part (Figures 6 and 20(b)). In steps S85 to S87, the control unit 120 acquires part information associated with part id121 and part id235, respectively, and inventory information corresponding to part id121 and part id235, respectively, as information about alternative parts (Figures 6 and 20(b)). In step S76, the control unit 120 provides all of this acquired information to repair shop Y via screen G5 shown in Figure 24.

[0099] As shown in Figure 24, screen G5 includes areas G51 and G52. Area G51 is an area that displays various information about the target part. Area G52 is an area that displays various information about the replacement part. In the example shown in the figure, area G51 displays various information about the target part corresponding to part id001, and area G52 displays various information about the replacement part corresponding to part id121 and various information about the replacement part corresponding to part id235.

[0100] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G6.

[0101] Screen G6 is a screen used by a repair shop to order parts from a parts supplier, and is displayed in the display area 2a of the factory terminal 2. Screen G6 includes an input field G61 and a button G62. Input field G61 is a field for entering the part number and quantity of the parts to be ordered from the parts supplier. Button G62 is a button for sending the part number and quantity (hereinafter referred to as "order information") entered in input field G61 to the server 100. In the example shown in Figure 25, the part number "b001N3" and the quantity "1" are entered in input field G61.

[0102] Although the process by which server 100 displays screen G6 in display area 2a is not illustrated or described in detail, server 100 controls the display of screen G6 in display area 2a based on a request from factory terminal 2.

[0103] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the processes performed between the factory terminal 2, the server 100, and the parts supplier terminal 1.

[0104] As shown in Figure 26, screen G6 is displayed in display area 2a. Repair shop Y (user) enters order information (part number and quantity) into input field G61 on screen G6 (step S91) and selects button G62. Then, factory terminal 2 sends the order information entered in input field G61 to server 100 (step S92). When control unit 120 receives the order information (step S93), it first performs order processing (step S100), then sends a portion of the order processing result to factory terminal 2 (step S94), and finally sends the order processing result to parts dealer terminal 1 (step S95). When factory terminal 2 receives a portion of the order processing result (step S96), it displays that portion of the result in display area 2a (step S97). When parts dealer terminal 1 receives the order processing result (step S98), it displays the result in display area 1a (step S99).

[0105] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the order processing (step S100).

[0106] As shown in Figure 27, the control unit 120 first identifies the part number included in the order information received in step S93 (step S101), then accesses the parts database and identifies the part ID corresponding to the part number identified in step S101 (step S102), then accesses the inventory database and identifies the inventory ID corresponding to the part ID identified in step S102 (step S103), then updates the inventory quantity corresponding to the inventory ID identified in step S103 (step S104), and finally terminates the order processing.

[0107] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G7.

[0108] Screen G7 is an example of a screen displayed in display area 2a in step S97. As shown in Figure 28, screen G7 indicates that parts supplier X has received an order from repair shop Y for one part corresponding to part number "b001N3" ordered by repair shop Y.

[0109] Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of order processing.

[0110] Figure 29(a) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory database before order processing is executed, and Figure 29(b) shows the inventory information stored in the inventory database after order processing is executed. Specifically, Figure 29(a) shows an example where, with the inventory information shown in Figure 29(a) stored in the inventory database, repair shop Y places an order with parts supplier X for one part corresponding to part number "b001N3" (part id001) (step S92), which triggers order processing (step S100), resulting in the inventory information shown in Figure 29(a) being updated to the inventory information shown in Figure 29(b). As shown in Figure 29, the inventory count associated with inventory id "001" decreases from "1" to "0" before and after the execution of order processing. Although the diagrams and detailed explanations are omitted, in this specific example of order processing (step S100), the control unit 120 identifies part number "b001N3" (step S101), identifies part ID "001" corresponding to this part number from the parts database (step S102), identifies inventory ID "001" corresponding to the identified part ID "001" from the inventory database (step S103), and reduces the inventory quantity corresponding to the identified inventory ID "001" from "1" to "0" (step S104).

[0111] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen G8.

[0112] Screen G8 is an example of a screen that displays the results of order processing shown in display area 1a in step S99. As shown in Figure 30, screen G8 shows that parts supplier X has received an order for "1" part corresponding to part number "b001N3" from repair shop Y, that the stock quantity of this part has decreased from "1" to "0" and is now out of stock, and that the expected stock quantity of this part is "1".

[0113] As described above, the control unit 120 is configured to convert a character image representing the order details of the parts ordered by the parts supplier from the parts manufacturer into character information, and to update the estimated inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 based on the converted character information (step S40). This eliminates the need for the parts supplier to manually input the character image as text (for example, by typing the part number on the keyboard) or to manually input the estimated inventory quantity (for example, by typing the estimated inventory quantity on the keyboard).

[0114] Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to extract character information from the converted character information that is not present in the part information stored in the storage unit 110 (part information stored in the part DB), based on the conversion of character images representing the order details of the parts, and to provide a list of the extracted character information (see Figures 12 and 13) to the parts supplier (orderer). This allows the parts supplier to easily verify whether the conversion from character images to character information has been performed correctly.

[0115] In this embodiment, the duplicated image G1a (Figure 9) is generated by duplicating the screen G1 displayed in the display area 1a using screen capture. However, the method of obtaining the text image may be any method other than screen capture, such as generating the duplicated image G1a by printing the screen G1 on paper and reading it with an optical means such as a scanner to generate a duplicated image G1a with characters and patterns drawn on it, or obtaining a text image containing the order details by a method other than duplicating the screen G1.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to provide the parts dealer X with a screen G2 containing both abnormal data (character information extracted in step S14) and normal data (character information not extracted in step S14) (step S6), and to update the estimated inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 based on the operation of selecting a button G24 located on screen G2 (step S22) (step S40). This allows the parts dealer to perform the verification work of the conversion from character images to character information and the work of updating the estimated inventory quantity in succession.

[0117] In this embodiment, even if the conversion from character image to character information is not performed correctly, the input field G23 (Figure 13) located on screen G2 is provided with a blank field G23a for entering the correct character information (part number). By entering the correct character information into this blank field and then selecting button G24, the abnormal data is corrected to normal data, and the estimated inventory quantity is updated based on the corrected data (character information). This allows the parts supplier to easily correct any abnormal character information.

[0118] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the conversion from character images to character information is performed correctly, abnormal data and / or normal data are provided to the parts supplier (orderer) via screen G2. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, only the part numbers (abnormal data) extracted in step S14 are provided to the parts supplier, while for part numbers (normal data) not extracted in step S14, the part numbers and quantities are identified, and the estimated inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 is updated based on the identified part numbers and quantities. In other words, the control unit 120 may be configured to include: a conversion means for converting a character image (order image) representing the order details (order content) of parts (ordered items) ordered by a parts supplier (orderer) into character information (order information); an extraction means for extracting character information from the character information converted by the conversion means that is not present in the parts information (parts information stored in the parts DB) stored in the storage unit 110; a providing means for providing the parts supplier with a list of the character information extracted by the extraction means; and an update means for updating the estimated inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110, wherein the update means updates the estimated inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 based on the character information converted by the conversion means that was not extracted by the extraction means.

[0119] Furthermore, the control unit 120 controls the display area 1a to display screen G3 (Figure 17) for inputting delivery information of parts delivered to the parts supplier, based on the operation of the parts supplier (orderer). By selecting a button G32 located on screen G3, the control unit 120 transmits the delivery information entered on screen G3 to the server 100 (step S52). Based on this delivery information, it executes an inventory update process to update the estimated inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 (step S60), and provides the result of this process to the parts supplier (step S56). In other words, the control unit 120 includes an update means for updating the assumed inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110, and a receiving means for receiving delivery information regarding parts delivered from a parts manufacturer to a parts supplier. The update means updates the assumed inventory quantity and the corresponding inventory quantity stored in the storage unit 110 based on the delivery information received by the receiving means. This makes inventory management easier and reduces the workload for parts suppliers.

[0120] In this embodiment, screen G3 is displayed in the display area 1a based on the operation of the parts dealer, and the parts dealer is configured to input delivery information into this screen G3. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which screen G3 with pre-entered delivery information is displayed in the display area 1a based on an image (for example, the duplicate image G1a shown in Figure 9) that shows the order details that the parts dealer has placed with the parts manufacturer may be used. In other words, the control unit 120 may be configured to include: a conversion means that converts a character image (order image) representing the order details (order content) of parts (ordered items) ordered by a parts supplier (orderer) into character information (order information); an extraction means that extracts character information from the character information converted by the conversion means that matches the parts information stored in the storage unit 110 (parts information stored in the parts DB); a generation means that generates a screen G3 that displays delivery information regarding the parts delivered to the parts supplier; and a providing means that provides the screen G3 generated by the generation means to the parts supplier, wherein the screen G3 includes the character information extracted by the extraction means as the delivery information. As a result, screen G3 already has the correct text information converted from text images entered as delivery information, saving the parts supplier the trouble of manually entering delivery information into screen G3, and preventing incorrect input of text information into screen G3.

[0121] In this embodiment, the example given is ordering vehicle parts, but the items to be ordered are not limited to vehicle parts. For example, items to be ordered include parts for machinery other than vehicles, vehicles themselves, machinery other than vehicles, books, food ingredients and other tangible items, as well as intangible items such as programs for performing predetermined processes on hardware. In short, the items to be ordered can be anything that can generally be ordered, such as items or programs.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to retrieve information about the target part inquired about and information about a substitute part to replace the target part from the storage unit 110 based on an inquiry from the repair shop (user), and to provide this retrieved information to the repair shop. In other words, in this embodiment, the system is configured to provide the repair shop not only with information about the target part inquired about, but also with information about a substitute part to replace the target part. This reduces the effort required by the repair shop to search for or investigate substitute parts. It should be noted that while vehicle parts are given as an example of target parts, the target parts are not limited to these, and could be, for example, parts of machinery other than vehicles.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to retrieve the "part name, part number, price, stock quantity, estimated stock quantity, part condition, and specifications" of the target part and the "part name, part number, price, stock quantity, estimated stock quantity, part condition, and specifications" of the alternative part from the storage unit 110 based on inquiries from the repair shop (user), and to display screen G5 (Figure 24), which includes this retrieved information, in the display area 2a. This allows the repair shop to select the part it desires, and for example, it can order the selected part from a parts supplier or introduce the selected part to the vehicle owner who is a customer of the repair shop.

[0124] In this embodiment, in response to inquiries from repair shops, the system may be configured to provide at least one of the following information regarding the target part and its replacement part: price, stock quantity, estimated stock quantity, part condition, and specifications. For example, if the system is configured to provide only the stock quantity and estimated stock quantity of the target part and its replacement part, it can accommodate the situation of repair shops that place importance on the time required to procure parts, such as when a vehicle owner, who is a customer of the repair shop, wants the part replaced quickly. For example, if the system is configured to provide only the price of the target part and its replacement part, it can accommodate the situation of repair shops that place importance on the price of parts, such as when a vehicle owner wants to replace the part with an inexpensive one. For example, if the system is configured to provide only the stock quantity and condition of the target part and its replacement part, it can accommodate the situation of repair shops that the vehicle owner wants to replace the part with a used one. For example, if the system is configured to provide only the specifications of the target part and its replacement part, it can provide the repair shop with information on how to handle the part before the repair shop performs the part replacement work.

[0125] Furthermore, the control unit 120 is configured to update the inventory count stored in the inventory DB (step S100) based on the parts order from the repair shop to the parts supplier (step S92), and to provide the updated inventory count to the parts supplier (step S97, Figure 30). This allows the parts supplier to be prompted to procure parts that are out of stock.

[0126] In this embodiment, the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11 are executed between the parts supplier and the server 100. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11 may be executed between the parts supplier, which also has a repair shop, and the server 100.

[0127] In this embodiment, the component information stored in the component DB (Figure 6) is configured to include information on whether or not a used part needs to be repaired. In step S86 of the query processing (Figure 23), if the component information corresponding to the replacement (component ID) obtained by the control unit 120 includes information indicating that the replacement part is a used part, the control unit 120 may provide the repair shop with information on whether or not this used part needs to be repaired.

[0128] In this embodiment, server 100 is equipped with an inventory database, but server 100 may also be configured not to be equipped with an inventory database. A modification 1 is described below.

[0129] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of system SY according to modified example 1.

[0130] As shown in Figure 31, system SY includes a parts dealer server. The parts dealer server connects to parts dealer terminal 1 and server 100 via the network NW. The parts dealer server has an inventory database. The inventory database in Modification 1 differs from the inventory database in this embodiment in that it is configured to store only inventory information of parts held by parts dealer X.

[0131] The process shown in Figures 14 and 15 when configured as in Modification Example 1 will now be explained. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 120, upon receiving the confirmed data transmitted from the parts dealer terminal 1, identifies the part number included in this confirmed data, then accesses the parts database built on the server 100 to determine whether the identified part number matches a part number stored in the parts database. If they match, it accesses the inventory database built on the parts dealer server to identify the inventory ID corresponding to the identified part number and updates the expected inventory quantity corresponding to the identified inventory ID. If they do not match, it controls the system to display a message in the display area 1a indicating that the confirmed data is abnormal.

[0132] The process shown in Figures 18 and 19 when configured as in Modification Example 1 will now be explained. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 120, upon receiving delivery information transmitted from the parts dealer terminal 1, accesses the parts DB constructed on the server 100, retrieves the part numbers included in the delivery information from the parts DB, then accesses the inventory DB constructed on the parts dealer server, identifies the inventory ID corresponding to the retrieved part number, updates the estimated inventory quantity and actual inventory quantity corresponding to the identified inventory ID, and controls the display area 1a of the parts dealer terminal 1 to display the updated estimated inventory quantity and actual inventory quantity.

[0133] The process shown in Figures 22 and 23 when configured as in Modification Example 1 will now be explained. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 120, upon receiving an inquiry from the repair shop, accesses the parts database built on the server 100 and obtains information about the target part (the part that was the subject of the inquiry) and information about a substitute part to replace the target part from this parts database. It also accesses the inventory database built on the parts supplier server and obtains inventory information about the target part and inventory information about the substitute part from this inventory database, and controls the display area 2a of the factory terminal 2 to display all of this obtained information.

[0134] The process shown in Figures 26 and 27 when configured as in Modification Example 1 will now be explained. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 120, upon receiving order information transmitted from the repair shop, identifies the part number included in the order information, then accesses the parts database built on the server 100, obtains the part ID corresponding to the identified part number from this parts database, accesses the inventory database built on the parts dealer server, identifies the inventory ID corresponding to the obtained part ID, updates the inventory quantity corresponding to this identified inventory ID, and controls the system to display the updated inventory quantity in the display area 1a of the parts dealer terminal 1.

[0135] It goes without saying that even when configured as in Modification Example 1, the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11 can be executed.

[0136] In this embodiment, the process shown in Figures 21 and 22 is configured to provide the results of the inquiry process only to the repair shop (user), but it may also be configured to provide the results to both the repair shop and the parts supplier. Modification 2 is described below.

[0137] Figure 32 is a flowchart relating to the second modified example.

[0138] Steps S71 to S76 and S80 shown in Figure 32 perform the same processes as steps S71 to S76 and S80 shown in Figure 22, so their explanations are omitted.

[0139] As shown in Figure 32, after executing the inquiry process (step S80), the control unit 120 determines whether the various information obtained in the process includes information indicating a stock quantity of "0" (step S201). If the information indicating a stock quantity of "0" is included (YES in step S201), it sends a message to the parts dealer terminal 1 indicating that the result of the inquiry process includes a part number corresponding to a stock quantity of "0" (step S202), and the parts dealer terminal 1 displays this information in the display area 1a (step S203). On the other hand, if the information indicating a stock quantity of "0" is not included (NO in step S201), the process is terminated without executing the process in step S202.

[0140] In the modified example 2, the display area 1a shows that the query processing results include a part number corresponding to an inventory quantity of "0," thereby prompting the parts supplier to procure the part corresponding to that part number.

[0141] In this embodiment, depending on the result of the inquiry process, the parts supplier may inquire with the parts manufacturer about the delivery date of the parts. A modified example 3 is described below.

[0142] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of system SY according to modified example 3.

[0143] The system SY in Modification 3 includes a manufacturer terminal 3. The manufacturer terminal 3 is a communication terminal used by parts manufacturer Z. The manufacturer terminal 3 connects to the network NW. The manufacturer terminal 3 connects to the server 100 via an ID that identifies parts manufacturer Z. The manufacturer terminal 3 has an input device and an output device. The output device of the manufacturer terminal 3 has a display area 3a that displays a predetermined screen.

[0144] Figure 34 is a flowchart relating to the third modified example.

[0145] Steps S71 to S76, S80, and S201 shown in Figure 34 perform the same processes as steps S71 to S76, S80, and S201 shown in Figure 32, so their explanations are omitted.

[0146] As shown in Figure 34, the control unit 120 determines whether the various information obtained in the inquiry process (step S80) includes an inventory quantity of "0" (step S201). If an inventory quantity of "0" is included (YES in step S201), it sends a message to the manufacturer terminal 3 inquiring about the delivery date of the part corresponding to the inventory quantity of "0" (step S212), and the manufacturer terminal 3 displays this information in the display area 3a (step S213). On the other hand, if the various information obtained in the inquiry process (step S80) does not include an inventory quantity of "0" (NO in step S201), the process is terminated without executing the process in step S202.

[0147] In Modification 3, based on an inquiry from a repair shop, the parts supplier can inquire with the parts manufacturer about the delivery date for out-of-stock parts, thereby reducing the workload of the parts supplier. In Figure 34, only one parts manufacturer is using System SY, that is, only one manufacturer terminal 3 is connected to Server 100. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and it goes without saying that multiple manufacturer terminals may be connected to Server 100, and if the various information obtained in the inquiry processing (step S80) includes an inventory quantity of "0" (YES in step S201), a message inquiring about the delivery date of the part corresponding to the inventory quantity of "0" may be sent to multiple manufacturer terminals.

[0148] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 may be configured to order parts from a parts manufacturer according to the results of order processing. A modified example 4 is described below.

[0149] 5 Figure 35 is a flowchart relating to Modification 4.

[0150] Steps S91 to S99 and S100 shown in Figure 35 perform the same processes as steps S91 to S99 and S100 shown in Figure 26, so their explanations are omitted.

[0151] As shown in Figure 35, After executing order processing (step S100), the control unit 120 determines whether the various information acquired in the processing includes an inventory quantity of "less than 0" (step S221). If an inventory quantity of "less than 0" is included, that is, if the inventory quantity of a certain part held by parts supplier X is updated to "less than 0" (for example, "-1") due to repair shop Y ordering a part from parts supplier X via screen G6, in other words, if repair shop Y has ordered a part that is out of stock from parts supplier X (YES in step S221), the process moves to step S222, in which step parts supplier X sends a message to manufacturer terminal 3 indicating that it has ordered the part (the out-of-stock part that repair shop Y ordered from parts supplier X) from parts manufacturer Z (step S222), and the process moves to step S94. Although not shown in the diagram, based on the fact that the manufacturer terminal 3 has received the order details from parts supplier X transmitted in step S222, parts manufacturer Z delivers the parts corresponding to the order to parts supplier X.

[0152] The number of parts ordered from parts manufacturer Z in step S222 may be the number of parts that makes the inventory of those parts in parts supplier X "0" (for example, if the inventory is "-1", the number of parts to order is "1"), or it may be the number of parts that makes the inventory "1 or more".

[0153] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 35. In step S221, if the inventory quantity is not "less than 0", that is, if repair shop Y orders parts from parts supplier X for parts that it has in stock (NO in step S221), the process moves to step S94 without executing the process in step S222.

[0154] When the parts supplier terminal 1 receives the result of the order processing transmitted in step S94 (step S98), it displays the result of the order processing in the display area 1a (step S99). If the repair shop Y orders a part that is out of stock from parts supplier X (YES in step S221), it is preferable that in step S99, the display area 1a displays the result of the order processing, indicating that an order has been placed by repair shop Y for the out-of-stock part, along with part information such as the part number, and that the part has been ordered from parts manufacturer Z.

[0155] In Modification 4, the control unit 120 is configured to order a part from the parts manufacturer based on the repair shop's order for a part that is out of stock from the parts supplier. This allows for the quick procurement of the out-of-stock part and reduces the workload of the parts supplier.

[0156] In Modification 4, the system SY includes the manufacturer terminal 3, and in step S222, the control unit 120 sends a message to the manufacturer terminal 3 indicating that it will order the out-of-stock part, thereby allowing the parts supplier to order the out-of-stock part from the parts manufacturer. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the system SY may not include the manufacturer terminal 3. For example, if a repair shop orders an out-of-stock part from a parts supplier (NO in step S221), in step S222, the control unit 120 may order the out-of-stock part via a website operated and managed by the parts manufacturer.

[0157] The systems, programs, etc., in this embodiment and variations 1 to 4 can be modified in various ways, such as by combining them as appropriate, without altering the essence of the present invention. Furthermore, the control sequence can also be modified as appropriate, provided that it achieves the desired effect. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] SY System 1. Parts dealer terminal 2. Factory terminals 100 Servers (Devices) 110 Storage section 120 Control Unit

Claims

1. A system that provides users with parts information about parts, It comprises a memory unit and a control unit, The memory unit stores the component information, The control unit, based on the user's inquiry, retrieves information from the storage unit regarding the target part that is the subject of the inquiry and information regarding a substitute part to replace the target part, and provides this retrieved information to the user. A system characterized by the following features.

2. A device that provides users with component information regarding components, It comprises a memory unit and a control unit, The memory unit stores the component information, The control unit, based on the user's inquiry, retrieves information from the storage unit regarding the target part that is the subject of the inquiry and information regarding a substitute part to replace the target part, and provides this retrieved information to the user. A device characterized by the following features.

3. A method for providing users with part information about a part, The first step is to obtain information about the target part that is the subject of the inquiry from the storage unit that stores the part information based on the inquiry from the user, A second step is to obtain information from the storage unit regarding a replacement part to replace the target part, A third step includes providing the user with the information obtained in the first step and the information obtained in the second step. A method characterized by the following:

4. A program for operating a computer that provides users with part information about parts, The first step is to obtain information about the target part that is the subject of the inquiry from the storage unit that stores the part information based on the inquiry from the user, A second step is to obtain information from the storage unit regarding a replacement part to replace the target part, A third step includes providing the user with the information obtained in the first step and the information obtained in the second step. A program characterized by the following features.

5. A storage unit that stores: first correspondence relationship information that associates a part ID that uniquely identifies each of a plurality of parts with specification information relating to the specifications of the part; and second correspondence relationship information that associates the part IDs of parts that can be substituted for each other. A process to identify the part ID corresponding to the first part based on the specification information, based on a request from an external device including the specification information for a certain first part, by referring to the first correspondence information, A process to obtain the part ID of a replacement part that replaces a certain first part by referring to the second correspondence information based on the identified part ID, A process to obtain the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the substitute part by referring to the first correspondence information, The system includes a control unit that performs a process of transmitting the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the acquired replacement part to the external device. A system characterized by the following features.

6. A storage unit that stores: first correspondence relationship information that associates a part ID that uniquely identifies each of a plurality of parts with specification information relating to the specifications of the part; and second correspondence relationship information that associates the part IDs of parts that can be substituted for each other. A process to identify the part ID corresponding to the first part based on the specification information, based on a request from an external device including the specification information for a certain first part, by referring to the first correspondence information, A process to obtain the part ID of a replacement part that replaces a certain first part by referring to the second correspondence information based on the identified part ID, A process to obtain the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the substitute part by referring to the first correspondence information, The system includes a control unit that performs a process of transmitting the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the acquired replacement part to the external device. A device characterized by the following features.

7. A computer comprising a storage unit that stores: first correspondence relationship information that associates a part ID that uniquely identifies each of a plurality of parts with specification information relating to the specifications of the part; and second correspondence relationship information that associates the part IDs of parts that can be substituted for each other, A process to identify the part ID corresponding to the first part based on the specification information, based on a request from an external device including the specification information for a certain first part, by referring to the first correspondence information, A process to obtain the part ID of a replacement part that replaces a certain first part by referring to the second correspondence information based on the identified part ID, A process to obtain the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the substitute part by referring to the first correspondence information, The process of transmitting the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the acquired replacement part to the external device is performed. A method characterized by the following:

8. A computer comprising a storage unit that stores: first correspondence relationship information that associates a part ID that uniquely identifies each of a plurality of parts with specification information relating to the specifications of the part; and second correspondence relationship information that associates the part IDs of parts that can be substituted for each other; A process to identify the part ID corresponding to the first part based on the specification information, based on a request from an external device including the specification information for a certain first part, by referring to the first correspondence information, A process to obtain the part ID of a replacement part that replaces a certain first part by referring to the second correspondence information based on the identified part ID, A process to obtain the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the substitute part by referring to the first correspondence information, The process of transmitting the specification information corresponding to the part ID of the acquired replacement part to the external device is performed. A program characterized by the following features.

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