Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To streamline work on vehicles.SOLUTION: An information processing device provided herein is configured to acquire work information showing content of work to be done on a first vehicle, and determine a first base capable of performing the work indicated by the work information on the basis of first data associating doable work content with each of multiple bases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle maintenance. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for supporting automobile maintenance are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to this, which is a reservation inspection system that appropriately assigns a person in charge of vehicle inspection and maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-053239 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve the efficiency of work on vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit that acquires work information indicating the content of work to be performed on a first vehicle, and determines a first base station where the work indicated by the work information can be performed based on first data that associates the content of the work that can be performed with each of a plurality of base stations.

[0006] In addition, a second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method including the steps of acquiring work information indicating the content of work to be performed on a first vehicle, and determining a first base station at which the work indicated by the work information can be performed based on first data that associates the content of the work that can be performed with each of a plurality of base stations.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transiently storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, work on vehicles can be made more efficient. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a reservation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a reservation server, a base server, and a user terminal. [Figure 3A] 13 shows an example of location data stored in a reservation server. [Figure 3B] 13 is an example of availability data stored on a reservation server. [Figure 3C] 13 is an example of equipment data stored in the reservation server. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process corresponding to a first phase. [Diagram 5] An example of a screen provided by the base server. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process corresponding to the second phase. [Figure 7] An example of a screen provided by a user device. [Figure 8] An example of a stock receipt request generated by a user terminal. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart of a process executed in step S23. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a list of maintenance depots sent to a user terminal. [Figure 11] An example of reservation data generated by the reservation server. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a reservation server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 shows an example of vehicle data in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 shows an example of equipment data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 11 is a process flowchart of step S23 in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 shows an example of location data according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a process flowchart of step S23 in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 shows an example of cost data according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a list of maintenance bases transmitted to a user terminal in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] With the recent improvement in vehicle functionality, systems that allow retroactive upgrades of vehicle equipment and functions are being considered. For example, it is becoming possible to retroactively add safety equipment that was not installed when a new vehicle was purchased.

[0011] On the other hand, depending on the components to be upgraded, there may be restrictions on the locations where the work can be done. For example, components that are closely related to the vehicle's driving system may only be handled at factories certified by the manufacturer. In other words, depending on the component in question, there is a risk of confusion arising from a mixture of locations where work can be performed and locations where it cannot. The information processing device according to the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0012] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in having a control unit that performs the following: acquiring work information indicating the content of work to be performed on a first vehicle; and determining a first base station at which the work indicated by the work information can be performed, based on first data that associates the content of the work that can be performed with each of a plurality of base stations.

[0013] The work performed on the first vehicle includes maintenance work, as well as component replacement, addition, upgrade, removal, etc. The target components include not only hardware but also software. The work information is information that indicates the specific content of the work. The work information may include, for example, the type of work, information that identifies the target component, etc. Examples of the type of work include inspection, replacement of consumables, installation, uninstallation, and upgrade of software, installation and removal of hardware, etc. The work information may be transmitted from an external device along with information requesting work to be performed on the vehicle.

[0014] The first data is data representing the content of the work that can be performed at each of the plurality of bases. The control unit determines the bases at which the work specified for the first vehicle can be performed based on the work information and the first data. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly determine from among a plurality of bases a base at which the desired work can be performed.

[0015] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, and the like described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to only those.

[0016] First Embodiment An overview of a reservation system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The reservation system according to this embodiment includes a reservation server 100 that manages multiple maintenance bases, and The system includes one or more base servers 200 corresponding to the maintenance bases, and one or more user terminals 300.

[0017] A maintenance base is a base (such as a maintenance shop) where predetermined work can be performed on a vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined work includes work to add, replace, or upgrade a component of the vehicle. The component may be a hardware component or a software component. Furthermore, the hardware component may be an on-board device or a vehicle cabin facility. In this specification, the components to be worked on are referred to as "equipment."

[0018] An example of an in-vehicle device is an electronic control unit of a vehicle. By adding or upgrading an in-vehicle device, it is possible to add new functions to the vehicle. For example, it is possible to add an advanced safety system (such as a collision damage mitigation brake, a false start prevention control device, a following distance control device, a lane departure prevention device, a warning device for vehicles approaching from the rear side, or an automatic headlamp switching device) to the vehicle. Examples of cabin equipment include seats, sunroofs, and rearview mirrors. Adding or upgrading cabin equipment can add new value to a vehicle. Examples of upgrading cabin equipment include replacing seats with genuine leather seats, replacing seats with electric seats, adding a heated steering wheel, adding heated seats, replacing mirrors with digital mirrors, and the like.

[0019] The reservation server 100 is a device that manages a plurality of maintenance bases. The reservation server 100 makes a reservation for work to be performed on a specific vehicle based on a request (hereinafter, work request) sent from the user terminal 300. The reservation server 100 manages the content of work that can be performed for each maintenance base, and can determine the maintenance base to which the vehicle is to be stored based on the content of the work requested by the work request. Data related to the reservation generated by the reservation server 100 (hereinafter, reservation data) is sent to the base server 200 and the user terminal 300.

[0020] The base server 200 is a server device associated with a maintenance base where work is performed on a vehicle. The maintenance base is, for example, a vehicle manufacturing plant, a maintenance shop, a car dealer, etc. The base server 200 receives a vehicle based on an instruction from the reservation server 100 and performs work on the vehicle.

[0021] The user terminal 300 is a computer associated with a user. The user can access the reservation server 100 via the user terminal 300 and reserve work. The user terminal 300 may be a computer owned by the owner of the vehicle, or may be a computer installed in a business operator's store (e.g., a car dealership, etc.).

[0022] 2 is a diagram showing in more detail the components of the reservation server 100, base server 200, and user terminal 300 included in the reservation system according to this embodiment. First, the user terminal 300 will be described. The user terminal 300 is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, etc. The user terminal 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, and an input / output unit 304.

[0023] The control unit 301 is a calculation device that controls the user terminal 300. The control unit 301 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). do. The control unit 301 executes a function of accessing and interacting with the reservation server 100. This function may be realized by a web browser running on the user terminal 300 or dedicated application software.

[0024] The storage unit 302 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store the programs executed by the control unit 301 packaged as applications. In addition, the auxiliary storage device may store an operating system for executing these applications. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device are loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 301, thereby performing the processing described below.

[0025] The primary storage device may include a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The secondary storage device may include an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). It may also include a disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media.

[0026] The communication unit 303 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the user terminal 300 to a network. The communication unit 303 is configured to be able to communicate with the reservation server 100 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a mobile communication service such as 3G, LTE, or 5G. The input / output unit 304 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by a user and presents information to the user. The input / output unit 304 is, for example, a touch panel display. The input / output unit 304 may be composed of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means.

[0027] Next, the reservation server 100 will be described. The reservation server 100 manages a database for managing multiple maintenance bases, and when a work request is sent from the user terminal 300, it selects a maintenance base that can perform the specified work and generates reservation data. In addition, the reservation server 100 can also update the database based on the data transmitted from the base server 200.

[0028] In this embodiment, the reservation server 100 may be configured to be capable of executing a Web server for interacting with the base server 200 and the user terminal 300. In this case, for example, the base server 200 and the user terminal 300 can input and output information by accessing a Web service using a browser. Note that the reservation server 100 may provide a service by means other than a Web server. For example, the reservation server 100 may execute a service that interacts with dedicated application software installed in the base server 200 or the user terminal 300 using a predetermined protocol.

[0029] The reservation server 100 can be configured by a general-purpose computer. That is, the reservation server 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and the programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of ​​the main storage device and executed. Each component is controlled through the execution of the programs, thereby realizing each function that matches a predetermined purpose, as described below. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0030] The reservation server 100 includes a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , and a communication unit 103 . The control unit 101 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the reservation server 100. The control unit 101 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have two functional modules: a reservation unit 1011 and a data update unit 1012. Each functional module may be realized by causing a CPU to execute a stored program.

[0031] The reservation unit 1011 reserves a maintenance base where work will be performed on a vehicle, based on a work request received from the user terminal 300. Specifically, it executes a process of searching a database based on work information included in the work request, selecting a maintenance base that can perform the specified work, and generating data (reservation data) for reserving the selected maintenance base.

[0032] In this embodiment, the reservation unit 1011 refers to the following data stored in the database to determine the maintenance base where the work will be performed. (1) Location data The base data is specific to each maintenance base under management, and defines the types of work that can be performed at each maintenance base. (2) Vacancy status data The availability data is data that stores reservation availability for each maintenance base. (3) Equipment data The accessory data is data that stores the selling price of the accessory, the labor cost for installation, the time required for installation, and the like. These data are stored in the storage unit 102 as base data 102A, availability data 102B, and equipment data 102C, respectively.

[0033] The data update unit 1012 updates the above three types of data based on the data received from the base server 200 .

[0034] The storage unit 102 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0035] The storage unit 102 also stores the above-mentioned base data 102A, availability data 102B, and equipment data 102C.

[0036] The base data 102A is data specific to each maintenance base under management. 3A is an example of the base data 102A. As shown in the figure, the base data 102A includes identifiers and location information of a plurality of maintenance bases. The base data 102A also stores, for each maintenance base, a combination of a vehicle model and an accessory, and whether work can be performed on the combination. For example, in the example shown in the figure, it is defined that at the maintenance base "F001", work can be performed on the combination of a vehicle model "M001" and an accessory "E001", but work cannot be performed on the combination of a vehicle model "M001" and an accessory "E002". By referring to the base data 102A, it is possible to search for a maintenance base that can install a specified accessory on a specified vehicle model. In this specification, a vehicle model is defined by vehicle type, year, and grade.

[0037] The availability data 102B is data that indicates the dates and times when there are vacant reservations at the maintenance base. By referring to the availability data 102B, it is possible to specify the dates and times when work is possible. An example of the availability data 102B is shown in FIG. 3(B). The availability data 102B stores data on availability for each maintenance base and date. The availability data may include, for example, a timetable for each facility (pit) and maintenance staff. Information on availability is transmitted and updated as needed via the base server 200 by, for example, a staff member at the maintenance base.

[0038] The equipment data 102C is data relating to equipment that can be installed on a vehicle. 3C shows an example of the equipment data 102C. The equipment data 102C stores data related to the combination of the vehicle model and the equipment, the selling price of the equipment, the hourly labor cost, the time required for installation, the time required for removal, etc. By referring to the equipment data 102C, the amount of money required for the work and the time required for the work can be obtained.

[0039] Each of the above-mentioned data may be constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by a processor managing data stored in a storage device. In this case, each of the data may be, for example, a relational database.

[0040] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the reservation server 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0041] Next, the base server 200 will be described. The base server 200 is a device installed at a maintenance base where work is performed on vehicles. The base server 200 acquires reservation data transmitted from the reservation server 100. In addition, the base server 200 transmits data related to the work (for example, data related to whether work can be performed for each piece of equipment, data related to availability of reservations, etc.) to the reservation server 100.

[0042] The base server 200 can be configured by a general-purpose computer, similar to the reservation server 100. That is, the base server 200 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium.

[0043] The base server 200 includes a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , a communication unit 203 , and an input / output unit 204 . The control unit 201 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the base server 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 201 is configured to have two functional modules: a reservation reception unit 2011 and a data transmission unit 2012. Each functional module may be realized by causing a CPU to execute a stored program.

[0044] The reservation reception unit 2011 receives reservation data from the reservation server 100 and provides it to a staff member at the maintenance base.

[0045] The data transmission unit 2012 acquires the following information based on the input made by the staff at the maintenance base, and transmits it to the reservation server 100: (1) Information indicating whether work can be performed for each vehicle model and equipment (first information) (2) Information showing reservation availability (second information) (3) Information showing the price and labor cost of each piece of equipment (third information) The first information updates base data 102A held by the reservation server 100. Similarly, the second information updates availability data 102B. Moreover, the third information updates equipment data 102C. Hereinafter, the first to third information are collectively referred to as base information.

[0046] The storage unit 202 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs (including the aforementioned base information) are stored.

[0047] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface for connecting the base server 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. The input / output unit 204 is a unit that receives an input operation performed by a user and presents information to the user. The input / output unit 204 may include, for example, an interface with an external display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0048] 2 is an example, and all or part of the functions shown in the figure may be executed using a dedicated circuit. Also, the programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device other than those shown in the figure.

[0049] Next, the processes executed by each device included in the reservation system will be described in detail. The processing executed by each device is roughly divided into a phase in which the base server 200 transmits base information to the reservation server 100 and updates the database held by the reservation server 100, and a phase in which a maintenance base is reserved based on a request transmitted from the user terminal 300. The former is referred to as the first phase, and the latter is referred to as the second phase.

[0050] 4 is a flow diagram showing the processing executed in the first phase. The processing shown in FIG.

[0051] First, in step S11, the base server 200 (data transmission unit 2012) generates base information. The base information can be acquired, for example, via the following three types of screens. (1) The first screen for entering whether work can be performed for each vehicle model and equipment (2) The second screen to enter reservation availability (3) The third screen for inputting the price of the equipment and the labor cost It is possible to obtain first information via the first screen, second information via the second screen, and third information via the third screen. 5 is an example of a screen for inputting these pieces of information. In this embodiment, the base information includes the first information, the second information, and the third information, but the base information does not necessarily need to include all of the above three types of information. The base information may include, for example, at least one of the three types of information illustrated.

[0052] In step S12, the data transmission unit 2012 transmits to the reservation server 100 the base information generated based on the input information. In step S13, the reservation server 100 (data update unit 1012) updates the database based on the received base information. Specifically, if the base information includes information on the handling of equipment (first information), the data update unit 1012 updates the base data 102A. If the base information includes information on reservation availability (second information), the data update unit 1012 updates availability data 102B. Also, if the base information includes information on the handling of equipment (second information), the data update unit 1012 updates availability data 102B. If the information (third information) relating to the price and labor cost of the equipment is included, the data update unit 1012 updates the equipment data 102C.

[0053] In this example, the base data 102A is updated based on the report from the maintenance base, but the system administrator may set whether or not the equipment can be handled. For example, the equipment related to safety, such as an advanced safety system, may be permitted to be handled only at maintenance bases related to the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance bases certified by the vehicle manufacturer. In this case, the transmission of the first information from the base server 200 may be restricted.

[0054] Next, the processing performed in the second phase will be described. 6 is a flow diagram showing the processing executed in the second phase. The processing shown in FIG.

[0055] First, in step S21, the control unit 301 acquires information (hereinafter, vehicle information) for identifying the vehicle model of the vehicle on which work is to be performed (hereinafter, target vehicle) and information for specifying the content of the work (hereinafter, work information). The vehicle information is information for identifying the model, year, grade, etc. of the vehicle, and may be, for example, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), chassis number, frame number, etc. It is possible. The work information is information that specifies the type of work and the target equipment. Examples of work types include the following: · Hardware installation (purchase) · Hardware installation (brought in) Hardware replacement (purchase) · Hardware replacement (brought in) Hardware Removal Software installation Uninstalling the software Software upgrades FIG. 7(A) is an example of a user interface screen for acquiring vehicle information and work information.

[0056] Next, in step S22, the desired area for work and the desired date and time for warehousing are acquired. FIG. 7(B) is an example of a user interface screen for designating the area and date and time. Here, the area is designated as one of a plurality of areas that have been divided in advance. The time may be designated by a time period.

[0057] Once acquisition of this information has been completed, the control unit 301 generates a warehousing request and transmits it to the reservation server 100. Fig. 8 shows an example of a warehousing request. As shown in the figure, the warehousing request includes vehicle information, work information, desired warehousing date and time, information related to the desired area, etc. The warehousing request is received by the reservation unit 1011.

[0058] Next, in step S23, the reservation unit 1011 determines the maintenance base where the work will be performed and the entry date and time based on the acquired entry request. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating in detail the process executed by the reservation server 100 (reservation unit 1011) in step S23.

[0059] First, in step S231, the base station data 102A is referenced to obtain a list of a plurality of maintenance bases included in the desired area. Next, in step S232, the maintenance vehicle that can carry out the specified work is selected from the acquired list. It is determined whether there is a base. Specifically, the vehicle model is identified from the vehicle information included in the warehousing request, and the type of work and accessories are identified from the work information included in the warehousing request. Then, a search is made from the list for a maintenance base that can perform the work for the combination of vehicle model and accessories. If there is a maintenance base where the work can be performed, the process proceeds to step S233. If there is no maintenance base where the work can be performed, the process proceeds to step S235.

[0060] If the vehicle information does not include information that directly identifies the vehicle model, the vehicle model may be identified by using other data sources. For example, if the vehicle information is a VIN, an external database that links the VIN with the vehicle model may be accessed to identify the vehicle model.

[0061] In step S233, the availability data 102B is referenced to check the availability of reservations at the identified maintenance base. If there is a time frame that satisfies the desired entry date and time included in the entry request, the process proceeds to step S234. If there is no time frame that satisfies the desired entry date and time, the process proceeds to step S235.

[0062] In step S234, a list of maintenance bases where the vehicle can be stored is transmitted to the user terminal 300, and one of the maintenance bases is selected. The list may include the name, location, and date and time when the vehicle can be stored at the maintenance base. Fig. 10 is an example of the list presented on the user terminal 300. Furthermore, if the time when the work will be completed is known, the date and time when the vehicle can be released may be presented at the same time. If the labor cost or the selling price of the equipment varies depending on the maintenance base, information on the price or labor cost may be extracted from the equipment data 102C and presented in this step. In this case, the total price may be presented for each maintenance base. Furthermore, conditions related to amounts (sales price of equipment, labor costs, total amount, etc.) may be obtained in advance from the user terminal 300, and only maintenance bases that meet the conditions may be listed.

[0063] In step S234, when a maintenance base where the work is to be performed is selected, the process proceeds to step S24, and the reservation server 100 generates reservation data. Fig. 11 shows an example of the reservation data to be generated. The reservation data includes the vehicle identifier, vehicle model, user identifier, maintenance base, entry date and time, type of work, information on accessories, etc. The generated reservation data is transmitted to the base server 200 and processed by the reservation reception unit 2011. At the same time, the reservation data is transmitted to the user terminal 300. This makes it possible to notify the user that the reservation has been completed.

[0064] If the process proceeds to step S235, the user terminal 300 is notified that there is no maintenance base that satisfies the request, and is prompted to input again. In this case, the process proceeds to step S21, and the user performs input again.

[0065] As described above, in the reservation system according to the first embodiment, the reservation server 100 stores a database that manages information on equipment that can be installed at a plurality of maintenance bases, and accepts work reservations based on the database. This allows a user to search for bases where work can be performed and make work reservations simply by accessing the reservation server 100.

[0066] Second Embodiment Some equipment installed in a vehicle may conflict with existing equipment. For example, if the vehicle is equipped with an electronic control unit provided by a third party other than the vehicle manufacturer, the newly added equipment may conflict with the existing equipment and cause the equipment to not function properly. In order to deal with this problem, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the possibility of carrying out the work is determined based on existing accessories of the target vehicle.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the reservation server 100 acquires information about the equipment currently owned by the target vehicle, and determines whether or not the work can be performed based on the information. Examples of information about the equipment currently owned by the target vehicle include the following: (1) Information about optional equipment installed when purchasing a new vehicle (2) Information regarding equipment previously installed at the maintenance center In the second embodiment, the reservation server 100 holds data on these accessories for each vehicle, and when a work request is received, determines whether or not the work can be performed.

[0068] 12 is a schematic diagram of the reservation server 100 in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, the reservation server 100 further stores vehicle data 102D. The vehicle data 102D is data that represents a history of adding or removing accessories to or from a vehicle. 13 is an example of the vehicle data 102D. As shown in the figure, the vehicle data 102D includes a vehicle identifier, a vehicle model, the date and time when the work was performed, the maintenance base where the work was performed, the type of work, information on accessories, etc. By referring to the vehicle data 102D, the reservation server 100 can determine the accessories currently owned by the target vehicle.

[0069] The vehicle data 102D may be updated by the data update unit 1012 based on information transmitted from the base server 200. For example, when a requested work is completed for a specific vehicle, the base server 200 may transmit information on the work content and accessories (hereinafter, work execution information) to the reservation server 100, and the reservation server 100 (data update unit 1012) may update the vehicle data 102D based on the work execution information. The work execution information does not necessarily have to be transmitted from the base server 200. For example, when an accessory is installed as an option when purchasing a new car, the vehicle manufacturing factory may generate the work execution information and transmit it to the reservation server 100. Also, when the owner of the vehicle adds an accessory by himself, the user terminal 300 may generate the work execution information and transmit it to the reservation server 100.

[0070] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the reservation server 100 holds information regarding conflicts between pieces of equipment. Fig. 14 shows an example of equipment data 102C in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the equipment data 102C in the second embodiment has a field (reference numeral 1401) in which information regarding conflicting pieces of equipment is stored. In the illustrated example, when an accessory "E101" is currently installed on a vehicle model "M001", it is displayed that the accessory conflicts with the new accessory "E001".

[0071] Conflicts include cases where the equipment cannot be physically added, where normal operation cannot be expected, where safety cannot be guaranteed, etc. When a conflict occurs, the reservation unit 1011 determines that work cannot be performed on the target vehicle.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the process executed by the reservation server 100 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in step S230, the reservation unit 1011 determines whether there is a conflicting piece of equipment. Specifically, first, based on the work information included in the work request and the equipment data 102C, it is determined whether there is a conflicting piece of equipment. Then, with reference to the vehicle data 102D, it is determined whether the conflicting piece of equipment is equipped on the target vehicle. Here, if the conflicting piece of equipment is equipped on the target vehicle, the process transitions to step S230A. If the conflicting piece of equipment is not equipped on the target vehicle, the process transitions to step S231.

[0073] In step S230A, the reservation unit 1011 notifies the user terminal 300 that the work cannot be performed.

[0074] According to the second embodiment, it becomes possible to determine whether or not a new piece of equipment can be added based on the equipment currently possessed by the target vehicle.

[0075] In the example of Fig. 14, the conflicting accessories are specified for each identifier, but the conflicting accessories may be specified by manufacturer, etc. For example, it may be determined that a conflict occurs when an accessory made by a manufacturer (third party) different from the genuine product adopted by the vehicle manufacturer or an accessory not certified by the vehicle manufacturer is installed. For this reason, the vehicle data 102D may include data on the manufacturer of the accessory and whether it is certified.

[0076] In this embodiment, the vehicle data 102D is stored in the reservation server 100, but data on the accessories of the vehicle may be provided by an external device. For example, the reservation server 100 may obtain a maintenance record of the target vehicle from an external device, and determine the accessories currently owned by the target vehicle based on the maintenance record. Additionally, data regarding equipment on the target vehicle may be included in the work request. In addition, in this embodiment, if a conflict occurs, a determination is made that the work cannot be performed, but it is also possible to accept reservations for the work under certain conditions (for example, when the user agrees that the work will not be covered by the warranty).

[0077] Third embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the user needs to bring the vehicle to the maintenance base determined by the reservation server 100. On the other hand, some maintenance bases do not expect direct visitors. To deal with this, in the third embodiment, the vehicle is kept at a base that can handle customers, such as an automobile dealership, and the kept vehicle is forwarded.

[0078] In the third embodiment, the reservation server 100 determines the maintenance base and also determines a base that will be a window for storing the target vehicle (hereinafter, a window base). The window base may be, for example, a store that sells vehicles, such as an automobile dealership, or a maintenance shop that does not perform work on the vehicle. In the third embodiment, a business that performs work on a vehicle receives the vehicle at a service center and delivers the vehicle to a maintenance center where the work is performed. This allows end users to receive services without having to travel to and from a distant maintenance center.

[0079] FIG. 16 is an example of base data 102A in the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the third embodiment, a type is associated with a plurality of bases. In the example shown in the figure, a maintenance base is a base where work is performed on vehicles. Also, a sales base is a base where vehicles are sold. Note that other bases may be defined as long as they are bases where vehicles can be delivered. For example, a parking lot where unmanned delivery of vehicles is performed may be used as a base.

[0080] 17 is a flowchart of the process executed by the reservation server 100 in the third embodiment. Processes similar to those in the first embodiment are indicated by dotted lines, and detailed explanations will be omitted. First, in step S230B, the reservation unit 1011 acquires all bases (maintenance bases, sales bases, or other bases) within the area specified by the work request. Next, in step S230C, the reservation unit 1011 determines a pair of a service base and a maintenance base that allows a round trip within a predetermined cost.

[0081] In this embodiment, data (cost data) related to the travel cost between bases is stored in the storage unit 102. Fig. 18 is an example of the cost data. The cost data is data that records the cost incurred when traveling between a service base and a maintenance base. Examples of the cost include the required time, distance, and monetary cost. In this step, one or more pairs of bases that can be traveled by vehicle to and from within a predetermined cost (for example, within one hour) are generated.

[0082] Furthermore, the reservation unit 1011 executes the processes of steps S232 and S233 for each pair to generate pairs of available service bases and maintenance bases. In step S234A, a list including pairs of service bases and maintenance bases is transmitted to the user terminal 300, and one of the pairs is selected. Fig. 19 is an example of the list. When providing the list to a staff member of a service provider rather than an end user, information on costs may be output at the same time, making it possible to select a pair of locations with lower costs.

[0083] As described above, in the third embodiment, the service base where the vehicle is kept is determined separately from the maintenance base. This can improve the convenience of the user. Furthermore, pairs of service bases and maintenance bases are generated so as to satisfy a predetermined cost condition. This can achieve both cost and convenience.

[0084] In the third embodiment, a pair of a counter base and a maintenance base is determined, but an additional counter base may be determined only when the determined maintenance base does not directly handle customer service. In addition, in the third embodiment, the pairing of the counter base and the maintenance base was determined based on the vehicle travel cost, but it is also possible to take other costs into account and determine the pairing of the counter base and the maintenance base based on the total cost.

[0085] (Modification) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0086] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0087] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100...Reservation server 101, 201, 301...Control unit 102,202,302...Storage section 103, 203, 303... Communications Department 200...Base server 300 User terminal 204,304...Input / output section

Claims

1. An information processing device including a storage unit and a control unit connected to the storage unit, the storage unit stores first data that associates each of a plurality of bases with an equipment that is equipped on a first vehicle having a predetermined attribute, and whether or not work can be performed on the equipment at each of the plurality of bases, and stores second data that associates the equipment with an equipment that competes with the equipment; The control unit is Acquiring vehicle data in which first identification information, which is identification information of the first vehicle, a predetermined attribute of the first vehicle, and a first accessory currently equipped on the first vehicle are associated with each other; acquiring, from a user terminal associated with a user, a work request including vehicle information including the first identification information and work information specifying the content of the work to be performed on the first vehicle and including a second accessory to be newly installed on the first vehicle by the work to be performed; determining whether or not the second equipment included in the work information included in the request conflicts with an equipment item included in the first vehicle identified by the first identification information included in the vehicle information included in the request, based on the acquired request and the stored second data; When it is determined that there is an equipment that conflicts with the second equipment, further referring to the acquired vehicle data, it is determined whether or not the equipment that conflicts with the second equipment is equipped on the first vehicle identified by the first identification information; When it is determined that an equipment conflicting with the second equipment is equipped on the first vehicle identified by the first identification information, notifying the user terminal that the work specified for the first vehicle cannot be performed; extracting, based on the stored first data, a first base where a work operation specified in the work information can be performed for a combination of the predetermined attribute and the second equipment when it is determined that the first vehicle identified by the first identification information is not equipped with an equipment item competing with the second equipment item; Execute Information processing device.

2. the vehicle information further includes data regarding the model and year of the first vehicle; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The work content indicated by the work information includes adding or replacing a vehicle component.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second data stored in the storage unit stores the equipment and the competing equipment, further associated with the selling price of the equipment and the labor cost of the equipment, When a plurality of the first base stations where the work to be performed on the first vehicle can be performed are extracted, the control unit calculates a cost for a target task for each of the plurality of extracted first bases by adding up the sales price and the labor cost for the second accessory stored in association with the second data for each of the plurality of extracted first bases; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the control unit generates reservation data for reserving the extracted first location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The reservation data includes information about the first base station, information about the target vehicle, and the content of the work. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The computer a step of storing first data that associates and stores each of a plurality of bases, an equipment that is equipped on a first vehicle having a predetermined attribute, and whether or not work can be performed on the equipment at each of the plurality of bases, and second data that associates and stores the equipment with an equipment that competes with the equipment; A step of acquiring vehicle data in which first identification information, which is identification information of the first vehicle, a predetermined attribute of the first vehicle, and a first accessory currently equipped on the first vehicle are associated with each other; acquiring, from a user terminal associated with a user, a work request including vehicle information including the first identification information and work information specifying the content of the work to be performed on the first vehicle and including a second accessory to be newly installed on the first vehicle by the work to be performed; determining whether or not the second equipment included in the work information included in the request conflicts with an equipment item included in the first vehicle identified by the first identification information included in the vehicle information included in the request, based on the acquired request and the stored second data; When it is determined that there is an equipment that conflicts with the second equipment, the method further includes referring to the acquired vehicle data and determining whether or not the equipment that conflicts with the second equipment is equipped on the first vehicle identified by the first identification information; When it is determined that an equipment conflicting with the second equipment is equipped on the first vehicle identified by the first identification information, notifying the user terminal that the work specified for the first vehicle cannot be performed; extracting a first base where a task specified in the task information can be performed for a combination of the predetermined attribute and the second accessory based on the stored first data when it is determined that the first vehicle identified by the first identification information is not equipped with an accessory that conflicts with the second accessory; An information processing method comprising:

8. the vehicle information further includes data regarding the model and year of the first vehicle; The information processing method according to claim 7.

9. 9. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 7.

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