Vehicle information server

Abstract

To prompt a user to consider selling a vehicle at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A vehicle information server sets a price reference value as a reference value for a sales price when a vehicle is sold on a used car market based on information about the vehicle and a market rate database as a database of the market rate of used car prices traded on the used car market, and transmits the set price reference value to the vehicle. When an amount of fluctuations in the calculated price reference value exceeds a predetermined amount of fluctuations, or when the amount of fluctuations in the calculated price reference value is expected to exceed the predetermined amount of fluctuations, the vehicle information server transmits information indicating that the price reference value is fluctuating and causes of the fluctuations in the price reference value to the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information server, and more particularly to a vehicle information server that transmits information used by a vehicle user to manage the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle information server of this type has been proposed that calculates the purchase price when selling a vehicle based on vehicle information including the vehicle's inspection history and the market price, registers the calculated price in a predetermined database, and outputs the purchase price when a vehicle user requests a sale (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this configuration, this server is said to output the purchase price at an appropriate time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned vehicle information server, if the vehicle user does not wish to sell the vehicle, the purchase price is not output, so the vehicle user cannot know the purchase price of the vehicle unless he or she wishes to sell it, and may miss the timing to sell the vehicle.

[0005] The vehicle information server of the present invention has a main purpose of suppressing prompting of a user to consider selling a vehicle at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle information server of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The vehicle information server of the present invention comprises: A vehicle information server that sets a reference price as a reference value for a selling price when selling the vehicle in the used car market based on information about the vehicle and a market price database as a database of fluctuations in the prices of used cars traded in the used car market, and transmits the set reference price to the vehicle, When the calculated fluctuation amount of the price reference value exceeds a predetermined fluctuation amount, or when the calculated fluctuation amount of the price reference value is expected to exceed the predetermined fluctuation amount, information that the price reference value is fluctuating and information on the cause of the fluctuation of the price reference value is transmitted to the vehicle. The gist of this is as follows.

[0008] When the calculated fluctuation amount of the reference price exceeds a predetermined fluctuation amount, or when the calculated fluctuation amount of the reference price is expected to exceed the predetermined fluctuation amount, the vehicle server of the present invention transmits information to the vehicle that the reference price has fluctuated and information on the factors behind the fluctuation of the reference price, thereby prompting the user to consider selling the vehicle at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a used car trading system 20 equipped with a vehicle server as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on a display 28. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data analysis server 30, the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, and the used car information server 32. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of a message 282. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, the used car information server 32, and the dealer server 34. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, the used car information server 32, and the dealer server 34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples. [Example]

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a used car trading system 20 equipped with a vehicle information server according to one embodiment of the present invention. The used car trading system 20 of the embodiment includes a vehicle 22, a data analysis server 30, a used car information server (vehicle information server) 32, a used car dealer server (hereinafter referred to as "dealer server") 34, and a mobile terminal 36. In the embodiment, the used car information server 32 corresponds to the "vehicle information server."

[0012] The vehicle 22 is configured as an automobile equipped with an engine as a power source for running, and includes an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 24 and a DCM (Data Communication Module) 26. Note that a motor or the like may also be used as the power source for running. The engine includes spark plugs, a GPF (gasoline particulate filter) attached to the exhaust system, a turbocharger attached to the intake system, a throttle motor that adjusts the opening of a throttle valve, and the like.

[0013] The ECU 24 is configured as a well-known microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, input / output ports, communication ports, etc. Signals from various sensors and a total mileage Dt from an odometer that measures the total mileage of the vehicle 22 are input to the ECU 24 via an input port. Various control signals for controlling the engine, a display 28 configured as a touch panel, etc. are output from the ECU 24 via an output port.

[0014] The ECU 24 stores in a ROM the model year and body color of the vehicle 22, and whether or not genuine manufacturer options such as a sunroof are installed, and also stores in a flash memory information on the condition of the interior and exterior and repair history.

[0015] The ECU 24 stores in flash memory the last time parts that are replaced periodically, such as during legal inspections. Parts that are inspected and replaced periodically include engine oil and oil filters, LLC that circulates through the engine's cooling system, and tires, for example.

[0016] The ECU 24 stores in flash memory the distribution of the frequency of use of each part that is replaced irregularly. Examples of parts that are replaced irregularly include the engine's spark plugs, GPF, throttle motor, and turbocharger. The distribution of the frequency of use is calculated by creating a histogram of parameters related to the deterioration of each part at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every few milliseconds) since the vehicle 22 was manufactured, and storing the histogram in flash memory. For example, in the case of the distribution of the frequency of use of spark plugs, a histogram of engine operating points (points determined by the engine speed and load factor (the ratio of the volume of air actually taken in one cycle to the stroke volume per cycle of the engine)) at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every few milliseconds) since the vehicle 22 was manufactured is created, and the histogram is stored in flash memory.

[0017] The ECU 24 controls the display 28 so that a predetermined display is displayed on the display 28. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on the display 28. A tab 280 is displayed on the display 28, and the words "Value Display" are written on the tab 280. When the tab 280 is pressed, a tab press signal Spush is output from the display 28 to the ECU 24.

[0018] The DCM 26 transmits information about the vehicle 22 to the data analysis server 30, the used car information server 32, and the dealer server 34, and receives various information from the data analysis server 30, the used car information server 32, and the dealer server 34.

[0019] The data analysis server 30 is configured as a well-known computer installed in a data management center, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, a storage device (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), input / output ports, communication ports, etc. The data analysis server 30 exchanges information with the vehicles 22 and the used car information server 32 via wired or wireless communication.

[0020] The used car information server 32 is configured as a well-known computer installed in a company that operates a used car trading system, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, a storage device (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), input / output ports, communication ports, etc. The used car information server 32 exchanges information with the vehicles 22, the data analysis server 30, and the dealer server 34 via wired or wireless communication.

[0021] The dealership server 33 is configured as a well-known computer installed in a used car dealership, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, a storage device (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), input / output ports, and communication ports. The dealership server 33 exchanges information with the vehicle 22, the used car information server 32, and the mobile terminal 36 via wired or wireless communication. Various programs, such as a used car sales program, are installed on the dealership server 33. The used car sales program is a program that displays information about used cars for sale on an information terminal (not shown) in the dealership, and updates a web page containing information about used cars for sale.

[0022] The mobile terminal 36 is configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The mobile terminal 36 is carried by a user different from the user of the vehicle 22, and exchanges information with the dealership server 34 via wireless communication. Various applications, such as an application for purchasing used cars, are installed on the mobile terminal 40. The application for purchasing used cars is an application for accessing a web page updated by the dealership server 33 and displaying information about used cars for sale on the mobile terminal 36.

[0023] Next, the operation of the used car trading system 20 configured as described above will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data analysis server 30, the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, and the used car information server 32. These processing steps are executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0024] First, the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22 transmits the vehicle data Datav stored in the ROM to the data analysis server 30 (step S100). The vehicle data Datav is a set of multiple pieces of data that affect the used car price of the vehicle 22. Examples of data that affect the used car price of the vehicle 22 include the year and body color of the vehicle 22, whether genuine manufacturer options such as a sunroof are installed, information on the condition of the interior and exterior and repair history, the total mileage Dt of the vehicle 22, the last time parts that are replaced regularly for legal inspections or the like were replaced, and the distribution (histogram) of the frequency of use of parts that are replaced irregularly.

[0025] Upon receiving the vehicle data Datav, the data analysis server 30 creates vehicle value information Imfv using the received vehicle data Datav, transmits the created vehicle value information Imfv to the used car information server 32 (step S110), and terminates the process. The vehicle value information Imfv includes vehicle information and health status information of the vehicle 22. The vehicle information includes the year and body color of the vehicle 22, whether or not genuine manufacturer options such as a sunroof are installed, the condition of the interior and exterior, repair history information, and the total mileage Dt of the vehicle 22. The health status information of the vehicle 22 includes the last replacement date of parts that are replaced periodically, such as during mandatory inspections, and the remaining life of parts that are replaced irregularly. The remaining life of irregularly replaced parts is estimated as the remaining mileage, which is the mileage required for the part to reach a recommended replacement state, based on the distribution of the part's usage frequency and a prediction model of the distribution of the part's usage frequency if the current user of the vehicle 22 uses the vehicle 22 in the future. The estimated remaining mileage is used as the remaining life.

[0026] The used car information server 32, which has received the vehicle value information Imfv, inputs the market price database DB (step S120). The market price database DB is a database of factors that affect the selling price when the vehicle 22 is sold in the current used car trading market (for example, whether it is a limited edition car, whether it is a limited edition grade, whether it is a popular model, etc.) and the market price of the fluctuation amount, which fluctuates depending on the trading performance and distribution conditions in the current used car market. For example, if the vehicle 22 is a limited edition car, the used car price may be higher than if it is not a limited edition car.

[0027] Next, a price reference value Pss is calculated as a reference value for the price when the vehicle 22 is sold as a used car (step S130). The price reference value Pss is calculated by adding a fluctuation value Pv1 due to trading results and distribution conditions in the used car market to the base price Pvb based on the vehicle information, and also adding a fluctuation value Pv2 based on the health condition of the vehicle 22.

[0028] The base price Pvb is a basic price element that does not change regardless of the individual vehicle 22 as long as the type of vehicle 22 is the same. It is set as a price (=Pr1+Pr2+Pr3) obtained by adding a first price Pr1, which is determined based on the model year and total mileage Dt of the vehicle 22, to a second price Pr2, which is based on whether or not genuine manufacturer options are installed, and a third price Pr3, which is based on the condition of the interior and exterior and the extent of repairs. The first price Pr1 is set to be cheaper when the model year of the vehicle 22 is older than when it is new, and cheaper when the total mileage Dt is long than when it is short. The second price Pr2 is set to be cheaper when genuine manufacturer options are not installed than when they are installed. The third price Pr3 is set to be cheaper when the condition of the interior and exterior is poor than when it is good, and cheaper when the vehicle 22 has undergone extensive repairs than when it has undergone minor repairs. The second and third prices Pr2 and Pr3 are set to negative values ​​when a reduction is required.

[0029] The fluctuation value Pv1 is a price element that fluctuates depending on the market price in the used car trading market depending on the individual vehicle 22, and is set based on the equipment of the vehicle 22 and the market price database DB, and is set to a negative value when the price is reduced. The market price database DB fluctuates from moment to moment because it is a price element whose selling price fluctuates in the current used car trading market (for example, limited edition cars, limited grades, popular models).

[0030] The variable value Pv2 is a price element that varies depending on the health condition of the vehicle 22, and is set to be higher when the health condition of the vehicle 22 is good than when it is bad, and is set to a negative value when the price is reduced. The variable value Pv2 fluctuates from moment to moment depending on the health condition of the vehicle 22.

[0031] After calculating the price reference value Pss, the used car information server 32 determines whether the price reference value Pss has fluctuated (increased or decreased) by a predetermined amount dPss or more from the price reference value Pss (previous Pss) set the previous time step S130 was executed within a predetermined time (e.g., within a few minutes) (step S140). The predetermined amount dPss is a threshold for determining whether the price reference value Pss has changed significantly. If the price reference value Pss has not fluctuated by the predetermined amount dPss or more, the process ends.

[0032] When the price reference value Pss fluctuates by more than the predetermined fluctuation amount dPss in step S140, the used car information server 32 transmits the fluctuating price elements among the base price Pv, fluctuation values ​​Pv1, and Pv2 as information on fluctuation factors Rv to the vehicle 22 (step S150), and terminates the processing.

[0033] The ECU 24 of the vehicle 22 determines whether or not the fluctuation factor Rv has been received (step S160). If the fluctuation factor Rv has not been received, the process ends. If the fluctuation factor Rv has been received, a message 282 indicating that the value of the vehicle 22 in the used car trading market is fluctuating and the fluctuation factor Rv is displayed on the display 28 (step S170), and the process ends. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the message 282. In step S170, when the fluctuation factor Rv is the base price Pvb, the message 282 displays the text "The residual value of your car has changed due to a change in the base price" on the display 28. When the fluctuation factor Rv is the fluctuation value Pv1, the message 282 displays the text "The residual value of your car has changed due to changes in the trading market." When the fluctuation factor Rv is the fluctuation value Pv2, the message 282 displays the text "The residual value of your car has changed due to a change in the health condition of your car." This allows the user to recognize when the reference price has changed and the reason for it, and encourages the user to consider selling the vehicle 22 at a more appropriate time.

[0034] Furthermore, when the tab 280 on the display 28 is pressed, the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22 receives the price reference value Pss calculated in step S130 from the used car information server 32 and displays it on the display 28. This allows the user to recognize the value of the vehicle 22, that is, the price reference value Pss.

[0035] Next, a description will be given of the operation when an instruction to consider selling the vehicle 22 is given. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, the used car information server 32, and the dealership server 34. These processing are executed when, after the processing of step S170 is executed, a consider selling tab is displayed on the display 28 configured as a touch panel, the display 28 detects that the user has pressed the consider selling tab, and a detection signal is input from the display 28 to the ECU 24.

[0036] First, the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22 transmits a sale consideration signal to the used car information server 32 (step S200), and then ends the process. The used car information server 32, which has received the sale consideration signal, transmits the vehicle value information Imfv and the price reference value Pss transmitted from the data analysis server 30 in step S110 to the dealership server 34 (step S210), and then ends the process. The dealership server 34, which has received the vehicle value information Imfv and the price reference value Pss, starts a used car sales program, displays the vehicle value information Imfv and the price reference value Pss as information about the used car being sold on an information terminal (not shown) in the dealership, or updates a web page containing information about the used car (step S220), and then ends the process. This process allows the vehicle value information Imfv and the price reference value Pss of the vehicle 22 to be recognized by customers of the used car dealership. This process is executed when the user of the vehicle 22 presses the sales consideration tab displayed on the display 28, so that the vehicle value information Imfv and price reference value Pss of the vehicle 22 can be displayed at the dealership with a simple operation.

[0037] Next, an operation when an instruction to purchase the vehicle 22 is given will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, the used car information server 32, and the dealership server 34. These processing are executed when a purchase instruction signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 36 as an instruction to purchase the vehicle 22 by a user different from the user of the vehicle 22 using a used car purchasing application installed on the mobile terminal 36, and the dealership server 33 receives this purchase instruction signal.

[0038] Upon receiving the purchase instruction signal, the dealership server 34 sets the purchase price Pb based on the price reference value Pss and transmits it to the used car information server 32 (step S300), thereby terminating the process. The purchase price Pb may be set to the price reference value Pss as is, or may be set to a price higher or lower than the price reference value Pss. The used car information server 32, upon receiving the purchase price Pb, transmits the received purchase price Pb to the vehicle 22 (step S310), thereby terminating the process. The ECU 24 of the vehicle 22, upon receiving the purchase price Pb, displays on the display 28 a notice of a purchase request and the purchase price Pb (step S320), thereby terminating the process. The user of the vehicle 22, upon viewing this display, can consider the purchase price Pb and then complete the selling procedure for the vehicle 22 to a dealership that has installed the used car information server 32 and hand over the vehicle 22. In this manner, in the used car trading system 20 of the embodiment, the vehicle 22 remains owned by the user until the user of the vehicle 22 completes the selling procedure. This prevents the vehicle 22 from being parked at the dealership for a long period of time, and reduces the dealership's inventory, enabling efficient transactions of used cars.

[0039] According to the used car trading system 20 of the embodiment described above, when the fluctuation amount of the calculated price reference value Pss exceeds the predetermined fluctuation amount dPss, information that the price reference value Pss has fluctuated and information about the fluctuation factor Rv of the price reference value Pss is sent to the vehicle 22, thereby encouraging the user to consider selling the vehicle 22 at an appropriate time.

[0040] In the used car trading system 20 of the embodiment, it is determined in step S140 whether the fluctuation in the price reference value Pss is actually large. However, it may also be determined in step S140 whether the fluctuation in the price reference value Pss is expected to exceed a predetermined fluctuation amount dPss, and if this is expected, the process proceeds to step S150. An example of a time when the fluctuation in the price reference value Pss is expected to exceed the predetermined fluctuation amount dPss is when the fluctuation in the price reference value Pss is gradually increasing.

[0041] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section will be explained below. In the embodiment, the used car information server 32 corresponds to the "vehicle information server."

[0042] The correspondence between the main elements of the Examples and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section does not limit the elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section, since the Examples are examples for specifically explaining the mode for implementing the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section should be based on the description in that section, and the Examples are merely specific examples of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section.

[0043] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] The present invention can be used in the manufacture of vehicle information servers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 20 Used car trading system, 22 Vehicle, 24 Electronic control unit (ECU), 26 DCM, 28 Display, 30 Data analysis server, 32 Used car information server, 34 Dealer server, 36 Mobile terminal.

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle information server that sets a reference price as a reference value for a selling price when selling the vehicle in the used car market based on information about the vehicle and a market price database as a database of fluctuations in the prices of used cars traded in the used car market, and transmits the set reference price to the vehicle, When the calculated fluctuation amount of the price reference value exceeds a predetermined fluctuation amount, or when the calculated fluctuation amount of the price reference value is expected to exceed the predetermined fluctuation amount, transmitting information to the vehicle that the price reference value is fluctuating and information on the cause of the fluctuation of the price reference value; When a sales consideration instruction is given, vehicle value information including information about the vehicle and health condition information of the vehicle and the price reference value are transmitted to a dealer server; When a purchase price based on the reference price is received from the dealer server to which the purchase instruction for the vehicle is given, the purchase price is transmitted to the vehicle. Vehicle information server.

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