Information processing device and information processing method

By setting up a control unit in the information processing equipment and performing the process of providing an incentive mechanism, the work history management problem caused by the easy scraping of the automobile coating layer is solved, and the effective management of the work history of the automobile coating layer is realized, and the vehicle market value and historical accuracy are improved.

JP7658201B2Active Publication Date: 2025-04-08TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021118851
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-07-19
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art is difficult to effectively manage the work history of automotive coating, especially when the coating layer is easily scraped off, making it difficult to accurately grasp the vehicle history and current status.

Method used

By setting up control units in the information processing equipment, the process of providing an incentive mechanism is performed, users are encouraged to remove the coating layer on a specific infrastructure and record the working history of the process. This incentive mechanism provides economic or other forms of incentive based on the user's behavior of completing the removal of paint layers and uploading work history on a specific infrastructure.

Benefits of technology

Effectively manage work history in automotive coating, reduces the cost and hassle of selling or renting a vehicle to the next user, and ensures the accuracy of the vehicle's history and status information, thereby increasing the market value of the vehicle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a technique effective in managing a work history regarding vehicle coating.SOLUTION: An information processing device of the present disclosure is operated by a business operator that provides used car purchase and sales services, or a business operator that provides vehicle leasing services, and the like. When a business operator purchases or is subjected to returning a first vehicle, on which a first coating film including an easy-to-peel layer is applied, from a first user, if the first coating film is peeled off at a predetermined base, a control unit of the information processing device executes processing for providing an incentive to the first user. The incentive provided to the first user is calculated according to a lapse time length or the like after the first coating film is peeled off at the predetermined base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known technology that provides a reward (money, goods, points, etc.) to a vehicle user when the user performs a specified task that can be performed by someone other than a vehicle mechanic (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-064552 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that is effective in managing the work history related to vehicle painting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is, for example, execute a process of providing an incentive to a first user who sells or returns a first vehicle from which the first paint film including the easily peelable layer has been peeled off at a predetermined base; The information processing device includes a control unit.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is, for example, The computer execute a process of providing an incentive to a first user who sells or returns a first vehicle from which the first paint film including the easily peelable layer has been peeled off at a predetermined base; It is an information processing method.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is, for example, execute a process of providing an incentive to a first user who sells or returns a first vehicle, the history of which is recorded in a server device that manages work histories related to the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles, for removing the first paint film including the easily peelable layer; A control unit is provided. It is an information processing device.

[0008] The present disclosure can also be understood as an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a non-transitory storage medium for storing the information processing program. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique that is effective in managing the work history related to vehicle painting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a used car sales system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a paint film applied to a first vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of a paint film applied to a first vehicle. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a first server device and a second server device included in the used car sales system in the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first server device in an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a coefficient Cf1 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a second server device in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a history information table stored in a history management database in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by a first server device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the first server device in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a first correction coefficient Cfa1 in the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a second correction coefficient Cfa2 in the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a third correction coefficient Cfa3 in the third modification of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a used car sales system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A technology has been developed to apply a peelable coating to a vehicle body using a coating film (first coating film) including an easily peelable layer. The first coating film is a peelable coating film that is applied as a top coat to the original coating applied to the body during vehicle manufacture. The original coating is formed by forming an electrodeposition layer (undercoat) on the surface of a steel plate or the like that constitutes the vehicle body, and laminating an intermediate coating layer, a base layer, and a clear layer (top coat), etc., on the electrodeposition layer. The original coating is difficult to peel off easily because it needs to be peeled off using a dedicated solution such as a stripping agent. In contrast, the first coating film is, for example, a combination of a film-like easily peelable layer formed on the original coating and a coating film (for example, a base layer and a clear layer) formed on the easily peelable layer, and can be easily peeled off by applying force without using a dedicated solvent. The first coating film may be a coating film that is itself peelable (easily peelable paint).

[0012] As described above, since the first paint film can be easily peeled off, the body color can be changed at any time. For example, when purchasing or leasing a vehicle, it is possible to select an original paint color that is popular in the used car market, etc., and then use the vehicle by applying a first paint film of a color different from the original paint. Then, when selling or returning the vehicle, it is possible to return the body color to the original paint color by peeling off the first paint film. This makes it possible to meet the needs of the user while ensuring resale value, for example, when a color that is popular in the used car market, etc., differs from the user's preferred color.

[0013] In a vehicle with the above-mentioned first paint film applied, the original paint film is protected, so the resale value can be increased compared to a vehicle without the first paint film applied. This makes it easier to find a next buyer or renter for the vehicle, and makes it possible to sell or rent the vehicle at a higher price.

[0014] However, if the first paint film is not removed when the vehicle is sold to the next buyer or rented to the next lessee, it will cost and take time to remove the first paint film. In contrast, if it is possible to motivate the user to remove the first paint film before selling or returning the vehicle, it will be possible to sell the vehicle purchased from the user or return it to the next lessee. This can reduce the cost and effort required to sell the vehicle to a new buyer or rent it to the next lessee. However, if the work history regarding the first paint film is unknown, it is expected that it will be difficult to grasp the history and current state of the vehicle. For example, immediately after removing the first paint film, the vehicle's appearance looks like a new car, so the condition of the appearance may not match the condition of the vehicle other than the appearance. This may cause businesses that provide used car purchase and sales services or businesses that provide vehicle leasing services to be unable to accurately determine the value of the vehicle, or may cause the next buyer or lessee to avoid purchasing or renting the vehicle. Therefore, when selling or returning the vehicle, it is desirable to stimulate the user's desire to remove the first paint film in a way that can leave a work history regarding the first paint film.

[0015] Therefore, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit executes a process of providing an incentive to a user (first user) who sells or returns a first vehicle from which the first paint film (paint film including an easily peelable layer) has been peeled off at a predetermined base. The "predetermined base" here is a base that can have a means for recording a work history related to the first paint film of the first vehicle. Such a predetermined base may be, for example, a repair shop or a car dealership, which has a terminal for uploading work data related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to a server device that manages the work history related to the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles including the first vehicle. This allows the first user to receive an incentive in return for selling or returning the first vehicle after peeling off the first paint film at the predetermined base. As a result, it is possible to stimulate the first user's motivation to sell or return the first vehicle after peeling off the first paint film at the predetermined base. This reduces the cost and effort required to sell or rent the first vehicle to the next buyer or lessee, and also allows the work history related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to be recorded. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the work history related to the first paint film of the vehicle.

[0016] Note that "selling the first vehicle" refers to the first user selling the first vehicle to a business that provides used car buying and selling services, or trading in the first vehicle to a business that provides new car sales services, etc. "Returning the first vehicle" refers to the first user returning the first vehicle to a business that provides first vehicle leasing services.

[0017] Here, the work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle may include the work history of applying the first paint film on the original paint of the first vehicle, and the work history of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle. This makes it possible to manage the work history of applying the first paint film on the original paint of the first vehicle and the work history of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle.

[0018] In addition, when the work history regarding the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles including the first vehicle is managed by a server device, the control unit of the information processing device may execute the following: transmitting a request for first information including the work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle to the server device; receiving the first information from the server device; and determining whether to provide an incentive to the first user based on the first information. This allows the control unit to determine whether the work of removing the first paint film of the first vehicle was performed at a predetermined base based on the first information. For example, if the first information includes a history of the work of removing the first paint film of the first vehicle being performed at a predetermined base, the control unit can determine that the work of removing the first paint film of the first vehicle was performed at the predetermined base. In that case, the control unit can also determine that an incentive is provided to the first user. Also, if the first information does not include a history of the work of removing the first paint film of the first vehicle being performed at a predetermined base, the control unit can determine that the work of removing the first paint film of the first vehicle was not performed at a predetermined base. In that case, the control unit provides an incentive to the first user. It may also be decided not to provide.

[0019] The first information may further include information on the first date and time when the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed at a predetermined base. In this way, when it is determined that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, the control unit can calculate the incentive to be provided to the first user based on the first date and time. For example, the control unit may calculate a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the elapsed time from the first date and time is shorter. This is because the longer the elapsed time from the removal of the first paint film, the more likely it is that the appearance of the original paint in the portion from which the first paint film is removed will deteriorate. If the incentive is determined in this way, it is possible to stimulate the first user to sell or return the first vehicle before the elapsed time from the removal of the first paint film at the predetermined base becomes too long. In other words, it is possible to stimulate the first user to be motivated to remove the first paint film at the predetermined base immediately before selling or returning the first vehicle.

[0020] The first information may further include information regarding the skill level of a predetermined base where the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed. In this case, the control unit may calculate a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the skill level of the predetermined base is higher. This is because the higher the skill level of the predetermined base, the lower the possibility of damaging the original paint or leaving a removal mark when removing the first paint film. If the incentive is determined in this manner, it is possible to motivate the first user to sell or return the first vehicle after removing the first paint film at a predetermined base with a higher skill level.

[0021] The first information may further include information about the first base where the first paint film was applied to the first vehicle. In this case, the control unit may calculate a larger incentive to be provided to the first user when the predetermined base is the same as the first base, compared to when the predetermined base is different. This is because it is considered that if the predetermined base is the same as the first base, the first paint film can be peeled off using a method suited to the properties of the first paint film applied to the first vehicle. If the incentive is determined in this manner, it is possible to motivate the first user to sell or return the first vehicle after peeling off the first paint film at the predetermined base where the first paint film was applied.

[0022] The first information may include second information on the appearance of the first vehicle before the first paint film is peeled off, and third information on the appearance of the first vehicle after the first paint film is peeled off. In this case, the control unit may calculate the ratio of the area where the first paint film is peeled off based on the second information and the third information, and calculate a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the ratio increases. The ratio of the area where the first paint film is peeled off is the ratio of the area of ​​the first paint film applied to the first vehicle to the area of ​​the part where the first paint film is peeled off at a specified base. If the incentive is determined in this manner, it is possible to motivate the first user to sell or return the first vehicle after peeling off the first paint film at a specified base so that the area of ​​the part where the first paint film is peeled off is larger. This makes it possible to reduce the cost and effort required to sell or rent the first vehicle to the next buyer or next lessee.

[0023] From the viewpoint of keeping a work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle, the work of uploading the work history of removing the first paint film to the server device may be performed by the first user. For example, the first user may upload the work history of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle to the server device from a terminal used by the first user. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device may be configured to execute a process of providing an incentive to the first user on the condition that the work history of removing the first paint film is recorded in the server device. This makes it possible to leave a work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle even if the work of removing the first paint film is not performed at a specified base.

[0024] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations described in the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0025] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information processing device according to the present disclosure is applied to a system that provides a buying and selling service for used cars (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "used car sales system"). Note that the information processing device according to the present disclosure can also be applied to a system that provides a vehicle rental service (leasing service).

[0026] (System Overview) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a used car sales system to which an information processing device according to the present disclosure is applied. The used car sales system in this embodiment includes a first server device 100 that manages the buying and selling of used cars, a store terminal 200 used in a store that buys and sells used cars, a second server device 300 that centrally manages the work history related to the topcoat painting of multiple vehicles, and a base terminal 400 used at a predetermined base where the work related to the topcoat painting of vehicles is performed. In the example shown in Fig. 1, only one each of the first server device 100, the store terminal 200, and the base terminal 400 is shown, but there may be multiple of them.

[0027] The first server device 100 is a server device that manages the buying and selling of used cars performed at a store, and is an example of the "information processing device" according to the present disclosure. The first server device 100 is operated by a business that provides buying and selling services of used cars.

[0028] The first server device 100 of this embodiment performs various processes related to providing incentives to a first user who is the seller of the first vehicle 10, when a purchase transaction for a vehicle (first vehicle 10) from which the topcoat has been peeled off is carried out at a store. The topcoat is a peelable paint film that is applied as a topcoat on the original paint applied to the body during the manufacture of the first vehicle 10, and corresponds to the "first paint film" according to the present disclosure. Details of the topcoat will be described later.

[0029] When a purchase operation of the first vehicle 10 from which the topcoat has been peeled off is performed at a store, the first server device 100 determines an incentive to be provided to the first user in response to a first request from a store terminal 200 described later, and provides information on the determined incentive (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "incentive information") to the store terminal 200. The first request is a request for an appraisal of the incentive to be provided to the first user, and includes a vehicle ID (e.g., a vehicle body number or a vehicle registration number) for identifying the first vehicle 10. When the first server device 100 receives the first request, it transmits a second request to a second server device 300 described later. The second request is a signal requesting a work history regarding the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10, and includes the vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10. When the first server device 100 receives a response (first information) to the second request from the second server device 300, it determines whether to provide an incentive to the first user based on the first information. When it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the first server device 100 calculates an incentive to be provided to the first user based on the first information. The determination result and the calculation result by the first server device 100 are provided to the store terminal 200 as the above-mentioned incentive information from the first server device 100. Note that when it is determined that an incentive should not be provided to the first user, only the determination result by the first server device 100 is provided to the store terminal 200 as the above-mentioned incentive information from the first server device 100. The server device 100 provides the information to the store terminal 200 .

[0030] The store terminal 200 is a computer used by an employee of a store who purchases used cars from users and sells used cars to users. The store terminal 200 may be a stationary computer installed in the store, or a tablet computer that can be carried by an employee. In this embodiment, when a purchase operation of a first vehicle 10 is performed, the store terminal 200 has a function of transmitting a first request to the first server device 100. The first request is transmitted when an input operation of a vehicle ID by an employee is accepted.

[0031] The store terminal 200 also has a function of presenting incentive information provided by the first server device 100 to an employee. The employee who receives such a presentation takes a procedure according to the incentive information. For example, if the determination result by the first server device 100 indicates that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the employee provides the first user with an incentive according to the calculation result by the first server device 100. On the other hand, if the determination result by the first server device 100 indicates that an incentive should not be provided to the first user, the employee does not provide an incentive to the first user.

[0032] In this embodiment, the incentive may be an increase in the purchase price of the first vehicle 10, the provision of points that can be used at the store, a discount when purchasing a used car at the store, or a monetary payment, but is not limited to these and may be anything that is beneficial to the first user.

[0033] The function of accepting the entry of the vehicle ID by the employee, the function of transmitting the first request to the first server device 100, and the function of presenting the incentive information provided by the first server device 100 to the employee may be realized by a browser running on the store terminal 200 or an application program installed in the store terminal 200. Also, some or all of the above-mentioned functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0034] The second server device 300 centrally manages the work history regarding the topcoat painting of a plurality of vehicles including the first vehicle 10. For example, the second server device 300 may be provided with a database that stores the vehicle ID of each vehicle and the work history regarding the topcoat painting of each vehicle in association with each other. The work history regarding the topcoat painting includes, for example, information regarding the work of applying the topcoat painting on the original paint of each vehicle (the date and time of application, the place where it was applied, the application method, etc.), and information regarding the work of removing the topcoat painting from each vehicle (the date and time of removal, the place where it was removed, the method of removal, etc.). The work history managed by the second server device 300 is generated and updated based on work data provided from the base terminal 400 described later.

[0035] The second server device 300 has a function of accepting a second request from the first server device 100 and providing first information to the first server device 100. For example, the second server device 300 extracts a work history associated with the vehicle ID included in the second request. The second server device 300 provides the extracted work history to the first server device 100 as the above-mentioned first information. This allows the first server device 100 to determine whether to provide an incentive to the first user.

[0036] The work history managed by the second server device 300 is updated based on work data provided from the base terminal 400, which will be described later.

[0037] The base terminal 400 is a computer used by an employee at a specific base. The base terminal 400 may be a stationary computer installed at the specific base, or may be a tablet computer that an employee can carry with them. The "specific base" in this embodiment is a base where work such as applying topcoat paint and / or removing the topcoat paint is carried out as a business, and is a base where work data related to topcoat paint can be uploaded to the second server device 300 via the base terminal 400. Such a base is, for example, a car dealer or a repair shop that is affiliated with the manufacturer that produces the first vehicle 10.

[0038] The work data uploaded from the base terminal 400 to the second server device 300 includes a base ID for identifying a specific base, a vehicle ID of the vehicle to be worked on, the date and time when the work related to the topcoat painting was performed, the work content related to the topcoat painting, etc. The work content related to the topcoat painting is, for example, information indicating whether the topcoat painting was applied or removed, and information indicating the method of applying the topcoat painting or the method of removing it, etc.

[0039] The base terminal 400 receives input of work details related to topcoating by an employee, and generates work data by adding a base ID and a vehicle ID to the received information. The base terminal 400 uploads the generated work data to the second server device 300. The work data may be uploaded from the base terminal 400 to the second server device 300 every time an employee inputs work details related to topcoating, or may be uploaded at a predetermined interval (for example, every few hours, every few days, or every few weeks).

[0040] The function of accepting input of work details related to topcoating by employees, the function of generating work data, and the function of uploading the work data to the second server device 300 may be realized by a browser running on the base terminal 400 or an application program installed on the base terminal 400. Also, some or all of the above-mentioned functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0041] (Topcoat painting) Here, the painting applied to the first vehicle 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the paint film applied to the first vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 2, an original paint is applied to the surface of the steel plate 11 constituting the body of the first vehicle 10, and a top coat paint is applied on the original paint. The original paint includes an intermediate coat layer 20 formed on the surface of the steel plate 11, a base layer 30 formed on the intermediate coat layer 20, and a clear layer (top coat) 40 formed on the base layer 30. The steel plate 11 is undercoated with an electrodeposition layer. In addition, when the members constituting the body of the first vehicle 10 are made of resin, a primer layer may be formed instead of the intermediate coat layer 20 of the original paint. The original paint formed in this way needs to be peeled off using a dedicated solution such as a stripping agent, and is therefore difficult to peel off easily.

[0042] Next, the topcoat includes a peelable layer 50 formed on the original paint (on the clear layer 40). The peelable layer 50 is a layer of easily peelable paint and has the property of being easily peelable by applying force. The peelable layer 50 illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds to the "coating film including an easily peelable layer (first coating film)" according to the present disclosure. Such a peelable layer 50 is formed by applying an easily peelable paint on the original paint, for example, by using a spraying method or the like. The easily peelable paint is a paint containing, for example, xylene, ethylbenzene, an antioxidant, methyl ethyl ketone, a silica reactant, titanium oxide (nanoparticles), and an organic solvent. A clear layer may be formed on the peelable layer 50.

[0043] In addition, the topcoat shown in FIG. 2 is a paint itself with peelability, but the configuration of the topcoat is not limited to the example in FIG. 2, and any paint film having easy peelability may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a peelable layer 60 may be formed on the clear layer 40 of the original paint, and a base layer 70 and a clear layer 80 may be formed on the peelable layer 60. The peelable layer 60 shown in FIG. 3 is formed without coloring using the same material as the peelable layer 50 in FIG. 2. In this case, the peelable layer 60 corresponds to the "easy peelable layer" according to the present disclosure, and the topcoat including the peelable layer 60, the base layer 70, and the clear layer 80 corresponds to the "coating film including the easy peelable layer (first coating film)" according to the present disclosure. The topcoat shown in FIG. 3 can be easily peeled off from the original paint by applying force to the peelable layer 60.

[0044] By using the above-mentioned topcoat paint, it becomes easy to change the body color of the first vehicle 10 to a color different from the color of the original paint. In addition, by peeling off the topcoat paint, it becomes easy to return the body color of the first vehicle 10 to the color of the original paint. Therefore, when purchasing the first vehicle 10, it becomes possible to select an original paint of a color that is popular in the used car market, etc., and then apply a topcoat paint of a color different from the original paint to use the first vehicle 10. Then, when selling the first vehicle 10 in the used car market, etc., it is possible to return the original paint to a color that is popular in the used car market, etc. by peeling off the topcoat paint, so that it becomes easier to find a buyer for the first vehicle 10 and it becomes possible to sell the first vehicle 10 at a high price. In addition, for businesses that provide used car buying and selling services, by purchasing a vehicle with the topcoat paint peeled off from a user, it is possible to reduce the cost and effort required to peel off the topcoat paint. However, if the work history of removing the topcoat paint remains in the second server device 300 and the topcoat paint is not removed, it may become difficult to accurately understand the history and / or current state of the first vehicle 10.

[0045] (System Configuration) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first server device 100 and the second server device 300 included in the used car sales system according to this embodiment.

[0046] The first server device 100 is a computer installed in an office or the like that supervises a store. As shown in FIG. 4, the first server device 100 has a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, and a communication unit 104. The processor 101, the main memory unit 102, the auxiliary memory unit 103, and the communication unit 104 are connected to each other by a bus. The hardware configuration of the first server device 100 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0047] The processor 101 controls the first server device 100 by performing various information processing operations. Such a processor 101 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or is composed of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) etc.

[0048] The main memory unit 102 is a storage device that is used as a recording area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 103, or as a buffer for temporarily storing the results of calculations by the processor 101. Such a main memory unit 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0049] The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores, for example, a program to be executed by the processor 101, and data used when the processor 101 executes the program. Such an auxiliary storage unit 103 includes, for example, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The auxiliary storage unit 103 may include a removable medium. The removable medium is, for example, a compact disc (CD) or a DVD. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may be a disk recording medium such as a Digital Versatile Disc (Digital Versatile Disc) or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 include an operating system (OS) and application programs related to the assessment of incentives. Some or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 may be stored in the main storage unit 102.

[0050] The communication unit 104 is a communication interface for connecting the first server device 100 to the network N1. The communication unit 104 connects to the network N1 using a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 104 may connect to the network N1 using a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 104 communicates with other devices (for example, the store terminal 200 or the second server device 300) through the network N1.

[0051] The network N1 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) that is a global public communication network such as the Internet, or other communication networks. This may include a telephone communication network such as a telephone, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0052] Next, the second server device 300 is operated by a manufacturer that manufactures multiple vehicles including the first vehicle 10, or by a business operator commissioned by the manufacturer. Such a second server device 300 is a computer installed at the business premises of the manufacturer or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the second server device 300 has a processor 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The processor 301, the main memory unit 302, the auxiliary memory unit 303, and the communication unit 304 are connected to each other by a bus. The hardware configuration of the second server device 300 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0053] The processor 301, main memory unit 302, auxiliary memory unit 303, and communication unit 304 of the second server device 300 are similar to the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, and communication unit 104 of the first server device 100, respectively, and therefore their descriptions are omitted.

[0054] (Functional configuration of the first server device) Here, the functional configuration of the first server device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The first server device 100 in this embodiment may be configured to realize a web server for performing an interaction with the store terminal 200. In this case, the store terminal 200 can perform a purchase contract for the first vehicle 10 from the first user, a first request to the first server device 100, and receipt of incentive information from the first server device 100 by accessing the web server through a browser. Note that the first server device 100 may provide the same service as above by means other than the web server. For example, the first server device 100 may execute a process for realizing an interaction with the store terminal 200 by an application program installed in the store terminal 200 and a predetermined protocol.

[0055] The first server device 100 that realizes the above-mentioned functions has a reception unit F110, an acquisition unit F120, a determination unit F130, a calculation unit F140, and a provision unit F150 as its functional components, as shown in Fig. 5. The reception unit F110, the acquisition unit F120, the determination unit F130, the calculation unit F140, and the provision unit F150 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 that realizes the above-mentioned functional components corresponds to the "control unit" according to the present disclosure. Note that all or part of the reception unit F110, the calculation unit F140, and the provision unit F150 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0056] The reception unit F110 is one of the functional components for realizing the above-mentioned web server, and interacts with the store terminal 200. For example, when the store terminal 200 accesses a predetermined web page (for example, a web page for inputting information required for a purchase contract for the first vehicle 10, or a web page for inputting information indicating that the purchase contract for the first vehicle 10 has been completed) through a browser, the reception unit F110 displays a screen for transmitting a first request to the first server device 100 on the browser of the store terminal 200. Such a screen includes, for example, an input field for inputting the vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10, and a transmission button for the first request. When the vehicle ID is input and the transmission button is operated on the above-mentioned screen, the first request including the vehicle ID is transmitted from the store terminal 200 to the first server device 100 and is received by the reception unit F110. The first request received by the reception unit F110 is passed from the reception unit F110 to the acquisition unit F120.

[0057] The acquisition unit F120 acquires the work history related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10 based on the first request from the reception unit F110. Specifically, the acquisition unit F120 transmits the second request to the second server device 300 through the communication unit 104. As described above, the second request is a signal requesting the work history related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10, and includes the vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10. The acquisition unit F120 acquires the first information transmitted from the second server device 300 in response to the second request through the communication unit 104. As described above, the first information is information indicating the work history related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10. The first information acquired by the acquisition unit F120 is passed from the acquisition unit F120 to the determination unit F130.

[0058] The determination unit F130 determines whether to provide an incentive to the first user who is the seller of the first vehicle 10, based on the first information acquired by the acquisition unit F120. Specifically, the determination unit F130 determines whether the work history of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 at a predetermined base is included in the first information (whether the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 was removed at a predetermined base). If the work history of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 at a predetermined base is included in the first information, the determination unit F130 determines to provide an incentive to the first user. In this case, the determination result by the determination unit F130 and the first information are transferred from the determination unit F130 to the calculation unit F140. On the other hand, if the work history of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 at a predetermined base is not included in the first information, the determination unit F130 determines not to provide an incentive to the first user. In this case, only the determination result by the determination unit F130 is directly passed from the determination unit F130 to the provision unit F150.

[0059] When the determination unit F130 determines that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user based on the first information. In this embodiment, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user using the date and time when the topcoat was removed at a predetermined location, which is included in the first information.

[0060] Here, the longer the length of time that has elapsed since the topcoat was removed at a designated location (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "elapsed time length"), the more likely it is that the appearance of the original paint in the area from which the topcoat was removed will deteriorate (e.g., become damaged or faded, etc.).

[0061] Therefore, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive in such a way that the shorter the elapsed time, the larger the incentive provided to the first user. For example, the calculation unit F140 determines the coefficient Cf1 based on the correspondence relationship shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the coefficient Cf1 is a positive number equal to or less than 1.0, and is set to a larger value as the elapsed time is shorter. For example, when the elapsed time length is 5 months or more, the coefficient Cf1 is set to "0.1". When the elapsed time length is less than 5 months, the coefficient Cf1 increases as the elapsed time length becomes shorter, and is set to the maximum value of "1.0" when the elapsed time length is less than 1 month. The correspondence relationship as shown in FIG. 6 may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 in the form of a map, or may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 in the form of a calculation model. The numerical values ​​of the elapsed time length and the values ​​of the coefficient Cf1 shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and are not limited to the example of FIG. 6.

[0062] When the coefficient Cf1 is determined by the method described above, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user by multiplying the incentive reference value Icdef by the coefficient Cf1. The reference value Icdef is the upper limit of the incentive, and corresponds to the value (amount of money, points, etc.) of the incentive to be provided to the first user when the elapsed time length is less than one month. The incentive calculated in this manner has a larger value as the elapsed time length is shorter. The incentive calculated by the calculation unit F140 is passed from the calculation unit F140 to the provision unit F150 together with the determination result by the determination unit F130.

[0063] The method of calculating the incentive is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and any calculation method may be used as long as the shorter the elapsed time, the greater the incentive.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 5, the providing unit F150 is one of the functional components for realizing the above-mentioned web server, similar to the acquiring unit F120, and interacts with the store terminal 200. For example, the providing unit F150 displays incentive information on the browser of the store terminal 200. Here, if the determining unit F130 determines that an incentive should not be provided to the first user, the providing unit F150 displays incentive information indicating only the determination result on the browser of the store terminal 200. Also, if the determining unit F130 determines that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the providing unit F150 displays incentive information indicating the determination result and the incentive calculated by the calculating unit F140 on the browser of the store terminal 200. This allows the store employee to recognize whether or not an incentive needs to be provided to the first user, and also allows the store employee to recognize the size of the incentive when an incentive is provided to the first user.

[0065] The functional configuration of the first server device 100 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5, and functional components can be omitted, changed, or added as appropriate.

[0066] (Functional configuration of the second server device) Next, the functional configuration of the second server device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The second server device 300 in this embodiment may be configured to realize a web server for performing interaction with the first server device 100 and the base terminal 400. In this case, the first server device 100 and the base terminal 400 can input and output information by accessing the web server through a browser. The second server device 300 may provide the same service as above by means other than the web server. For example, the second server device 300 may execute a process for realizing interaction with dedicated application software installed in the first server device 100 and the base terminal 400 through a predetermined protocol.

[0067] The second server device 300 that realizes the above-mentioned functions has, as its functional components, a history management unit F310, a request processing unit F320, and a history management database D310, as shown in FIG. The history management database D310 is realized by the processor 301 executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303. The history management database D310 is realized by the processor 301 executing a program for a DBMS (Database Management System). In this case, the history management database D310 may be realized as a relational database. Note that all or part of the history management unit F310 and the request processing unit F320 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0068] The history management database D310 stores work history related to topcoat painting for each vehicle. An example of information stored in the history management database D310 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the table configuration of information stored in the history management database D310. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a table for one vehicle is shown, but tables for the number of vehicles under the management of the second server device 300 are stored in the history management database D310. Note that the configuration of the table (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "history information table") stored in the history management database D310 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8, and fields can be added, changed, or deleted as appropriate.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the history information table in this embodiment has fields for vehicle ID, date and time, base ID, skill level, type, method, pre-work status, post-work status, and the like.

[0070] In the vehicle ID field, a vehicle ID (such as a vehicle number or a vehicle registration number) for identifying each vehicle is registered. In the date and time field, a date and time when the work related to the topcoat painting was performed is registered. In the base ID field, a base ID for identifying the base where the work related to the topcoat painting was performed is registered. In the skill level field, a skill level of the base where the work related to the topcoat painting was performed is registered. In the type field, a type of work related to the topcoat painting (e.g., application of the topcoat painting or removal of the topcoat painting) is registered. In the method field, a method of the work related to the topcoat painting (e.g., a method of applying the topcoat painting or a method of removing the topcoat painting) is registered. In the pre-work status field, information on the appearance of the vehicle before the work related to the topcoat painting is performed (corresponding to the "second information" according to the present disclosure) is registered. The information registered in the pre-work status field is information indicating the parts where the topcoat painting was performed or the parts where the topcoat painting was not performed before the work related to the topcoat painting was performed, and may be, for example, an image of the exterior of the vehicle before the work related to the topcoat painting was performed. The post-work status field is registered with information on the exterior of the vehicle after the work related to the topcoat painting has been performed (corresponding to the "third information" according to the present disclosure). The information registered in the post-work status field is information indicating the areas to which the topcoat painting has been applied or the areas to which the topcoat painting has not been applied at the time when the work related to the topcoat painting has been completed, and may be, for example, an image of the exterior of the vehicle at the time when the work related to the topcoat painting has been completed.

[0071] 7, the history management unit F310 updates the work history stored in the history management database D310 based on the work data provided from the base terminal 400. For example, when the first top coat painting is applied to the first vehicle 10 at a specified base, a new history information table corresponding to the first vehicle 10 is generated, and the generated history information table is registered in the history management database D310. In addition, each time work data is provided from the base terminal 400, the history management unit F310 adds the work history to the history information table of the corresponding vehicle.

[0072] The request processing unit F320 performs processing to respond to the second request from the first server device 100. For example, the request processing unit F320 accesses the history management database D310 using the vehicle ID (vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10) included in the second request as an argument, and identifies a history information table corresponding to the first vehicle 10. The request processing unit F320 retrieves the work history (vehicle ID, date and time, base ID, skill level, etc.) from the identified history information table. The request processing unit F320 extracts the work history from the first information including the work history (information registered in each field such as level, type, method, pre-work state, and post-work state). The request processing unit F320 provides the first information including the extracted work history to the first server device 100. In this way, the first server device 100 can determine whether the work of removing the top coat of the first vehicle 10 was performed at the specified base by determining whether the first information includes a work history indicating that the top coat of the first vehicle 10 was removed at the specified base. In addition, when it is determined that the work of removing the top coat of the first vehicle 10 was performed at the specified base, the first server device 100 can also calculate an incentive to be provided to the first user based on the date and time included in the first information (the date and time when the work of removing the top coat of the first vehicle 10 was performed at the specified base).

[0073] The functional configuration of the second server device 300 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7, and functional components can be omitted, changed, or added as appropriate.

[0074] (Processing flow) Here, the flow of processing executed by the first server device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed when the shop terminal 200 accesses the above-mentioned predetermined web page through a browser. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in step S107 in Fig. 9. Note that the subject executing the processing shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is the processor 101 of the first server device 100, but here the description will be centered on the functional components of the first server device 100.

[0075] When the store terminal 200 accesses the above-mentioned predetermined web page through the browser, the reception unit F110 displays a screen for transmitting a first request to the first server device 100 on the browser of the store terminal 200 (step S101), as shown in Fig. 9. As described above, the screen for transmitting the first request to the first server device 100 includes an input field for inputting the vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10, a send button for the first request, and the like. After completing the process of step S101, the reception unit F110 executes the process of step S102.

[0076] In step S102, the reception unit F110 determines whether a vehicle ID has been input and the transmission button has been operated (transmission operation) on the screen displayed in step S101. If the transmission operation has not been performed (negative determination in step S102), the reception unit F110 waits until the transmission operation is performed. On the other hand, if the transmission operation has been performed (positive determination in step S102), the reception unit F110 executes the process of step S103.

[0077] In step S103, the reception unit F110 receives a first request including the vehicle ID input on the above screen. The first request received by the reception unit F110 is passed from the reception unit F110 to the acquisition unit F120. The acquisition unit F120 executes the process of step S104 when it receives the first request.

[0078] In step S104, the acquisition unit F120 transmits a second request to the second server device 300. As described above, the second request is a request for a work history related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10, and includes the vehicle ID of the first vehicle 10. The second request may be transmitted through a browser. After completing the processing of step S104, the acquisition unit F120 executes the processing of step S105.

[0079] In step S105, the acquisition unit F120 judges whether the first information has been received from the second server device 300. If the first information has not been received from the second server device 300 (negative judgment in step S105), the acquisition unit F120 The acquisition unit F120 waits until the first information is received. When the first information is received from the second server device 300 (positive determination in step S105), the acquisition unit F120 passes the first information received from the first server device 100 to the determination unit F130. The determination unit F130 executes the process of step S106, triggered by the reception of the first information.

[0080] In step S106, the determination unit F130 determines whether the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 has been peeled off at a predetermined base. Specifically, the determination unit F130 determines whether the first information includes a work history indicating that the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 has been peeled off at a predetermined base. If the first information includes a work history indicating that the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 has been peeled off at a predetermined base (positive determination in step S106), the determination unit F130 passes the determination result and the first information to the calculation unit F140. The calculation unit F140 executes the process of step S107 when it receives the determination result by the determination unit F130 and the first information.

[0081] In step S107, the calculation unit F140 calculates an incentive to be provided to the first user based on the first information. At that time, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user according to the subroutine of FIG.

[0082] In Fig. 10, the calculation unit F140 determines a coefficient Cf1 based on the first information received from the determination unit F130 (step S1701). For example, the calculation unit F140 calculates an elapsed time length using the date and time, included in the first information, when the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 was peeled off at a predetermined location. The calculation unit F140 determines the coefficient Cf1 based on the elapsed time length and the correspondence relationship shown in Fig. 6 above. After completing the process of step S1701, the calculation unit F140 executes the process of step S1702.

[0083] In step S1702, the calculation unit F140 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user by multiplying the incentive reference value Icdef by the coefficient Cf1 determined in step S1701. When the calculation unit F140 finishes executing the process of step S1702, the execution of the subroutine in FIG. 10 is terminated.

[0084] 9, the calculation unit F140 passes the incentive calculated in step S107 (steps S1701-S1702) to the provision unit F150 together with the determination result by the determination unit F130. The provision unit F150 executes the process of step S108 when it receives the incentive and the determination result.

[0085] In step S108, the providing unit F150 presents the incentive information to the store employee. Specifically, the request unit F130 causes the determination result by the determining unit F130 and the incentive calculated by the calculation unit F140 to be displayed on the browser of the store terminal 200. This allows the employee, who sees the information displayed on the store terminal 200, to provide the incentive calculated by the first server device 100 to the first user.

[0086] If a negative determination is made in step S106 (if it is determined that the first information does not include a work history indicating that the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 was peeled off at a predetermined location), the determination unit F130 passes the determination result to the provision unit F150. In this case, the provision unit F150 causes the browser of the shop terminal 200 to display incentive information including only the determination result by the determination unit F130 in step S108.

[0087] When the providing unit F150 finishes executing the process of step S108, the execution of the processing routine in FIG. 9 ends.

[0088] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, an incentive is provided to the first user who sells the first vehicle 10 after removing the top coat at a specified base. That is, the first user can receive an incentive in return for removing the top coat of the first vehicle 10 at a specified base. This can stimulate the first user's motivation to sell the first vehicle 10 after removing the top coat at a specified base. This can reduce the cost and effort required to sell the first vehicle 10 to the next buyer, and can record the work history related to the top coat of the first vehicle 10 in the second server device 300. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the work history related to the top coat of the first vehicle 10.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shorter the elapsed time, the greater the incentive provided to the first user. This can also stimulate the first user to want to sell the first vehicle 10 before the elapsed time from when the topcoat was removed at a specified location becomes too long (to want to remove the topcoat at a specified location immediately before selling the first vehicle 10). As a result, a business providing a used car buying and selling service can purchase the first vehicle 10 from the first user at a higher resale value.

[0090] (First Modification of the Embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the incentive is calculated using only the elapsed time length when it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user. In contrast, in this modified example, an example is described in which the incentive is calculated using the skill level of the base where the work of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 was performed in addition to the elapsed time length. In this modified example, the skill level used to calculate the incentive is the skill level included in the first information.

[0091] Here, it is expected that the higher the level of the specified base where the work of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 is performed, the lower the possibility of damaging the original paint or leaving traces of removal when removing the topcoat. Therefore, if the first user can be motivated to remove the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 at a specified base with a high skill level, a business providing a used car buying and selling service can purchase the first vehicle 10 with the topcoat completely removed.

[0092] Therefore, in this modified example, when it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the incentive is calculated in such a way that the shorter the elapsed time and the higher the skill level at a specified base, the greater the incentive provided to the first user.

[0093] The calculation unit F140 of this modification determines the coefficient Cf1 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and also determines the first correction coefficient Cfa1 based on the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the first correction coefficient Cfa1 is set to be a positive number equal to or less than 1.0, and the higher the skill level of a predetermined base, the larger the value becomes. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the skill levels are classified into three stages, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the skill levels may be classified into two stages or four or more stages. In addition, the value of the first correction coefficient Cfa1 shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11.

[0094] When the coefficient Cf1 and the first correction coefficient Cfa1 are determined by the above-mentioned method, the calculation unit F120 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user by multiplying the incentive reference value Icdef by the coefficient Cf1 and the first correction coefficient Cfa1. The incentive calculated in this manner becomes larger as the elapsed time length is shorter and the skill level of the predetermined base where the work of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 is performed is higher.

[0095] According to this modification, the first user is motivated to sell the first vehicle 10 after removing the topcoat at a specified location, and to sell the first vehicle 10 before too much time has passed since the topcoat was removed at the specified location, and is also motivated to remove the topcoat at a specified location with a higher skill level. As a result, a business providing a used car buying and selling service can purchase the first vehicle 10 from the first user with a higher resale value.

[0096] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the incentive is calculated using only the elapsed time when it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user. In contrast, in this modified example, an example is described in which the incentive is calculated using not only the elapsed time but also the identity between a predetermined location where the work of removing the topcoat of the first vehicle 10 is performed and a location (first location) where the work of applying the topcoat to the first vehicle 10 is performed.

[0097] Here, the base (first base) where the work of applying the top coat to the first vehicle 10 is performed knows the properties of the top coat applied to the first vehicle 10. Therefore, if the work of removing the top coat from the first vehicle 10 is performed at the first base, it becomes possible to remove the top coat using a method suited to the properties of the top coat. As a result, when the work of removing the top coat from the first vehicle 10 is performed at the first base, there is a high possibility that the top coat will be removed more cleanly than when the work is performed at a specified base other than the first base.

[0098] Therefore, in this modified example, when it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the incentive is calculated in such a way that the shorter the elapsed time, the greater the incentive provided to the first user, and when the specified location is the same location as the first location, the greater the incentive provided to the first user compared to when the specified location is a different location.

[0099] The calculation unit F140 of this modification determines the coefficient Cf1 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and also determines a second correction coefficient Cfa2 based on the correspondence relationship shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, the second correction coefficient Cfa2 is set to a positive number equal to or less than 1.0, and is set to a larger value when the predetermined location and the first location are the same location (matching) than when they are different locations (mismatching). Note that the value of the second correction coefficient Cfa2 shown in Fig. 12 is merely an example, and is not limited to the example in Fig. 12.

[0100] The calculation unit F140 determines whether the specified location and the first location are the same location based on the first information. That is, the calculation unit F140 determines whether the specified location and the first location are the same location by comparing the location ID included in the work history related to the application of the topcoat paint and the location ID included in the work history related to the peeling of the topcoat paint, among the work histories included in the first information. In this case, if both location IDs match, it is determined that the specified location and the first location are the same location. Also, if both location IDs do not match, it is determined that the specified location and the first location are different locations.

[0101] When the coefficient Cf1 and the second correction coefficient Cfa2 are determined by the above-mentioned method, the calculation unit F120 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user by multiplying the incentive reference value Icdef by the coefficient Cf1 and the second correction coefficient Cfa2. The incentive calculated in this way has a larger value as the elapsed time length is shorter, and when the predetermined location is the same location as the first location, the value is larger than when the location is different.

[0102] According to this modification, the first vehicle 10 is sold after the top coat is removed at a specified location. This can stimulate the first user's motivation to sell the first vehicle 10 before too much time has passed since the topcoat was removed at the specified location, as well as the motivation to remove the topcoat at the first location. As a result, a business providing a used car buying and selling service can purchase the first vehicle 10 from the first user at a higher resale value.

[0103] (Modification 3 of the embodiment) In the above embodiment, when it is determined that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, the incentive is calculated using only the elapsed time. In contrast, in this modified example, the incentive is calculated using the ratio of the area of ​​the part where the topcoat has been peeled off at a specific base to the area where the topcoat has been applied (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first ratio") in addition to the elapsed time.

[0104] Here, when the first ratio is large, compared to when it is small, the business providing used car buying and selling services can reduce the cost and effort required to remove the topcoat paint from the first vehicle 10. Therefore, if the first user can be motivated to remove the topcoat paint from the first vehicle 10 at a specified base so that the first ratio becomes larger, the cost and effort borne by the business providing used car buying and selling services can be reduced.

[0105] Therefore, in this modified example, when it is determined that an incentive should be provided to the first user, the incentive is calculated in such a way that the shorter the elapsed time length and the larger the first ratio, the larger the incentive provided to the first user.

[0106] The calculation unit F140 of this modified example determines the coefficient Cf1 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and also determines the third correction coefficient Cfa3 based on the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the third correction coefficient Cfa3 is set to a positive number equal to or less than 1.0, and is set to a value that increases as the first ratio increases. In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the first ratio is less than 60%, the third correction coefficient Cfa3 is set to "0.1". When the first ratio is 60% or more, the third correction coefficient Cfa3 increases as the first ratio increases, and is set to a maximum of "1.0" when the first ratio is 100% (when there is no part where the topcoat paint is not peeled off). The numerical values ​​of the first ratio and the values ​​of the third correction coefficient Cfa3 shown in FIG. 13 are merely examples, and are not limited to the example of FIG. 13.

[0107] The calculation of the first ratio is performed by the calculation unit F140 based on the first information. For example, the calculation unit F140 calculates the first ratio by comparing a pre-work state (information on the appearance of the first vehicle 10 before the work of removing the topcoat is performed) and a post-work state (information on the appearance of the first vehicle 10 after the work of removing the topcoat is performed) of the work history related to the peeling of the topcoat among the work histories included in the first information. In this case, if the pre-work state and the post-work state are images of the appearance of the first vehicle 10, the calculation unit F140 may analyze and compare both images to calculate the first ratio.

[0108] When the coefficient Cf1 and the third correction coefficient Cfa3 are determined by the above-mentioned method, the calculation unit F120 calculates the incentive to be provided to the first user by multiplying the incentive reference value Icdef by the coefficient Cf1 and the third correction coefficient Cfa3. The incentive calculated in this way becomes larger as the elapsed time length is shorter and the first ratio is larger.

[0109] According to this modification, the first vehicle 10 is sold after the top coat is removed at a specified location. This can stimulate the first user's motivation to sell the first vehicle 10 before the time elapsed since the topcoat was peeled off at the specified location becomes too long, as well as the motivation to peel off the topcoat at the specified location so that the first ratio becomes larger. As a result, a business providing a used car buying and selling service can purchase the first vehicle 10 from the first user with a higher resale value, and can further reduce the cost and effort required to peel off the topcoat from the first vehicle 10.

[0110] <Other Examples> Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Here, configurations different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0111] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overview of the used car sales system in this embodiment. The used car sales system in this embodiment is configured to include a user terminal 500 instead of the base terminal 400. The user terminal 500 is a terminal used by a first user, and is used to upload work data related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10 to the second server device 300. That is, in this embodiment, the work data related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10 is uploaded to the second server device 300 by the user terminal 500, not by the base terminal 400. This makes it possible for the second server device 300 to manage the work history related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10, regardless of whether the work related to the topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10 was performed at a specified base or not.

[0112] In the used car sales system described above, the first server device 100 may determine whether to provide an incentive to the first user by determining whether a history of the work of stripping the top coat of the first vehicle 10 is recorded in the second server device 300 (i.e., whether the history of the work is included in the first information), instead of determining whether the work of stripping the top coat of the first vehicle 10 has been performed at a predetermined base. For example, if the history of the work of stripping the top coat of the first vehicle 10 is recorded in the second server device 300, the first server device 100 may determine to provide an incentive to the first user. Also, if the history of the work of stripping the top coat of the first vehicle 10 is not recorded in the second server device 300, the first server device 100 may determine not to provide an incentive to the first user.

[0113] The uploading of the work data by the user terminal 500 to the second server device 300 may be performed only when the work related to the topcoat painting is performed at a location other than the specified base. When the work related to the topcoat painting is performed at the specified base, the work data may be uploaded to the second server device 300 by the base terminal 400, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0114] According to this embodiment, even if work related to topcoat painting of the first vehicle 10 is performed outside a designated base (for example, if it is performed manually by the first user), the history of the work can be centrally managed by the second server device 300.

[0115] <Other> The above-described embodiment, the first to third modified examples, and other embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, a part or all of the processing performed by the first server device 100 may be performed by another device (for example, the store terminal 200).

[0116] In addition, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs. For example, the embodiment, the modified examples 1 to 3 of the embodiment, and other embodiments can be combined and implemented as far as possible. The processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration for implementing each function can be flexibly changed.

[0117] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program (information processing program) that implements 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 that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that can store information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from a computer or the like. Examples of such a recording medium include any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or HDD), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, or a Blu-ray disk). The recording medium may also be a medium such as a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 Vehicles 11 Steel plate 20 Undercoat layer 30 Base Layer 40 Clear Layer 50 Peeling layer 60 Peeling layer 70 Base Layer 80 Clear Layer 100 Second server device 101 Processor 102 Main memory 103 Auxiliary storage 104 Communications Department F110 Reception F120 Acquisition Department F130 Judgment section F140 Arithmetic unit F150 supply department 200 store terminals 300 Second server device 301 Processor 302 Main memory 303 Auxiliary storage unit 304 Communications Department D310 History Management Database F301 History Management Department F302 Request Processing Unit 400 base terminals 500 user terminals

Claims

1. Transmitting a request for first information including a work history related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to a server device that manages work histories related to the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles including a first vehicle from which a first paint film including an easily peelable layer has been peeled off at a predetermined base; receiving the first information from the server device; determining whether to provide an incentive to a first user who sells or returns the first vehicle based on the received first information; when it is determined that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, a process of providing an incentive to the first user is executed; A control unit is provided, the predetermined base is a base equipped with a terminal for uploading work data related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to the server device, The work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle includes a history of work to apply the first paint film on the original paint of the first vehicle, and a history of work to remove the first paint film from the first vehicle. Information processing device.

2. the control unit determines to provide an incentive to the first user when the first information includes a history of an operation of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle at the predetermined base. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first information further includes information regarding a first date and time when the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed at the predetermined base, the control unit calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the length of time elapsed from the first date and time is shorter; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The first information further includes information regarding a skill level of the predetermined base where the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed, The control unit is configured to: Calculate the value of the function.

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

5. The first information further includes information regarding a first base where the first paint film was applied to the first vehicle, The control unit calculates an incentive to be provided to the first user in a case where the predetermined location is the same as the first location, compared to a case where the predetermined location is different from the first location. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. the first information includes second information on an appearance of the first vehicle before the first paint film is peeled off, and third information on an appearance of the first vehicle after the first paint film is peeled off; the control unit calculates a ratio of an area where the first paint film has been peeled off based on the second information and the third information, and calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the ratio increases. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. The computer Transmitting a request for first information including a work history related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to a server device that manages work histories related to the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles including a first vehicle from which a first paint film including an easily peelable layer has been peeled off at a predetermined base; receiving the first information from the server device; determining whether to provide an incentive to a first user who sells or returns the first vehicle based on the received first information; When it is determined that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, a process of providing an incentive to the first user is executed; the predetermined base is a base equipped with a terminal for uploading work data related to the first paint film of the first vehicle to the server device, The work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle includes a history of work to apply the first paint film on the original paint of the first vehicle, and a history of work to remove the first paint film from the first vehicle. Information processing methods.

8. when the first information includes a history of the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle at the specified base, the computer determines to provide an incentive to the first user; The information processing method according to claim 7.

9. The first information further includes information regarding a first date and time when the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed at the predetermined base, the computer calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the length of time that has elapsed since the first date and time is shorter; The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. The first information further includes information regarding a skill level of the predetermined base where the work of removing the first paint film from the first vehicle was performed, The computer calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the skill level is higher.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The first information further includes information regarding a first base where the first paint film was applied to the first vehicle, the computer calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user when the predetermined location is the same as the first location compared to when the predetermined location is different; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. the first information includes second information on an appearance of the first vehicle before the first paint film is peeled off, and third information on an appearance of the first vehicle after the first paint film is peeled off; the computer calculates a ratio of an area where the first paint film has been peeled off based on the second information and the third information, and calculates a larger incentive to be provided to the first user as the ratio increases; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. Transmitting a request for first information including a work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle recorded in a server device that manages work histories regarding the first paint film of a plurality of vehicles including a first vehicle from which a first paint film including an easily peelable layer has been peeled off; receiving the first information from the server device; determining whether to provide an incentive to a first user who sells or returns the first vehicle based on the received first information; when it is determined that an incentive is to be provided to the first user, a process of providing an incentive to the first user is executed; A control unit is provided, a work history of the work of removing the first paint film is uploaded to the server device from a terminal used by the first user; The work history regarding the first paint film of the first vehicle includes a history of work to apply the first paint film on the original paint of the first vehicle, and a history of work to remove the first paint film from the first vehicle. Information processing device.

Citation Information

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