Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of contributing to the promotion of sales or lease of a used car.SOLUTION: An information processing device provides a first site carrying information about used cars. In the information processing device, a control part receives designation of a first vehicle body being a vehicle body of a used car desired by a user. The control part carries first information for proposing that an easily peelable coating film of a first vehicle body color is overcoated to a second vehicle being a stock vehicle on the first site in the case that there is no stock of a first vehicle being a used car that matches the first vehicle body color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] A technique of applying a peelable coating including a peelable layer to a vehicle is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0007] This disclosure can also be interpreted as an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described above, or as a non-temporary storage medium for storing said information processing program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides technology that can contribute to promoting the sale or lease of used cars. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a first example of the composition of a vehicle's paint film. [Figure 3] This figure shows a second example of the composition of the vehicle's paint film. [Figure 4] This diagram shows examples of the hardware configurations of the servers and user terminals included in the system. [Figure 5] This block shows an example of a server's functional configuration. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of how the first web page is displayed. [Figure 7] This figure shows the first display example of the second web page. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second example of how the second web page looks. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of how the third web page is displayed. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of information stored in the inventory management database. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by a server in an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in step S102 in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of display of a third Web page in a modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In the used car market, vehicles with a vehicle body color that was popular at the time of new car sales are likely to appear. However, the vehicle body color that is popular in the used car market may be different from the vehicle body color that was popular at the time of new car sales. There is also a need to ride in a used car with a rare vehicle body color. Due to these circumstances, among the inventory vehicles held by a business operator dealing with used cars, there may be no used car with the vehicle body color desired by the user. As a result, the user may give up purchasing or leasing a used car. Therefore, a measure for the user's need to ride in a used car with a desired vehicle body color is required.

[0011] Therefore, in the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit receives a designation of a first vehicle body color, which is the vehicle body color of a used car desired by the user. When there is no inventory of used cars (first vehicles) that match the first vehicle body color, the control unit posts first information for proposing to overcoat an inventory vehicle (second vehicle) with an easily peelable coating film of the first vehicle body color on the first site.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is, for example, a computer that functions as a Web server that provides a first site through a browser or the like of a terminal used by a user. Such an information processing apparatus is operated by a business operator who conducts used car sales or lease business. The first site is, for example, a Web site for a user to search for used cars, and is a Web site that publishes information on inventory vehicles held by the business operator.

[0013] The peelable coating film is a coating film that can be peeled off afterwards, which is applied in a form of overcoating on the original coating film applied to the vehicle body during vehicle manufacturing or the like. The original coating film is formed by forming an electrodeposition layer (primer) on the surface of a steel plate or the like constituting the vehicle body, and laminating an intermediate coating layer, a base layer, a clear layer (top coat), etc. on the electrodeposition layer. Since the original coating film needs to be peeled off using a dedicated solution such as a peeling agent, it is difficult to peel it off easily. On the other hand, the peelable coating film is, for example, a combination of a film-like peelable layer formed on the original coating film and a coating film (for example, a base layer and a clear layer) formed on the peelable layer, and can be easily peeled off without using a dedicated solvent. Note that the peelable coating film may be one that can be peeled off by itself (peelable paint). Such a peelable coating film can be applied at a lower cost than repainting the original coating film.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, when there is no inventory vehicle having the first vehicle body color desired by the user, it is possible to appeal to the user that the vehicle body color of the inventory vehicle can be overcoated at a low cost with the peelable coating film of the first vehicle body color. Thereby, the user's options can be expanded. As a result, it becomes possible for dealers handling used cars, etc. to meet the needs of users who want to ride in a used car having a desired vehicle body color. Therefore, it also becomes possible to promote the sale or lease of used cars.

[0015] Here, the first information in the present disclosure may include, for example, information regarding the state of the second vehicle, information regarding the cost (first cost) for applying the peelable coating film, etc., and an image of the second vehicle when overcoated with the peelable coating film of the first vehicle body color. Thereby, it is possible to make the user recognize that the overcoating of the peelable coating film can be applied at a relatively low cost. Also, it becomes easier for the user to imagine the appearance of the second vehicle assuming that the peelable coating film is overcoated.

[0016] Furthermore, if the second vehicle is a leased vehicle, the first information may include information regarding the monthly lease fee, including the first cost. This would allow the user to understand the monthly lease fee when the second vehicle is coated with an easily removable paint film.

[0017] Herein, the information processing device relating to this disclosure may further include a first database that stores, for each inventory vehicle, at least one of the vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, and the vehicle color. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure may accept the specification of a first condition, which includes at least one of the vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price range of the first vehicle, in addition to the specification of the first vehicle color. The control unit may determine whether the first vehicle is in stock based on the first vehicle color, the first condition, and the information in the first database. If it is determined that the first vehicle is not in stock, the control unit may determine a second vehicle based on the first condition and the information in the first database. As a result, if the first vehicle is not in stock, an inventory vehicle with a body color other than the first vehicle color that meets the first condition can be presented to the user as the second vehicle. Furthermore, a stock vehicle that meets the first condition is not limited to a stock vehicle that satisfies all of the conditions included in the first condition (e.g., vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price range), but may also be a stock vehicle that satisfies at least one of the conditions included in the first condition.

[0018] Furthermore, the first database may store information relating to each inventory vehicle, including at least one of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, as well as the body color and the color family to which the body color belongs. Accordingly, if the control unit determines that there are no inventory vehicles that match the first body color and the first condition, it may determine, based on the information in the first database, whether there are inventory vehicles that match the color family to which the first body color belongs and the first condition. If it determines that there are inventory vehicles that match the color family to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, the control unit may determine that the first vehicle is in stock. Also, if it determines that there are no inventory vehicles that match the color family to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, the control unit may determine that the first vehicle is not in stock. This allows the control unit to present the user with an inventory vehicle that has a body color of the same color family as the first body color when there are no inventory vehicles with the first body color.

[0019] Furthermore, the first database may also store information regarding the proportion of each body color for inventory vehicles that have multiple body colors. Inventory vehicles with multiple body colors include, for example, inventory vehicles with two-tone body colors. Accordingly, if the control unit determines that there are no inventory vehicles that meet both the first body color and the first condition, it may determine, based on the information in the first database, whether there are inventory vehicles where the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold and that meet the first condition. The "predetermined threshold" here is, for example, about 50%-60% of the entire vehicle. If it is determined that there are inventory vehicles where the proportion of the first body color is greater than the predetermined threshold and that meet the first condition, the control unit may determine that there is inventory of the first vehicle. Conversely, if it is determined that there are no inventory vehicles where the proportion of the first body color is greater than the predetermined threshold and that meet the first condition, the control unit may determine that there is no inventory of the first vehicle. This allows the system to present to the user as the first vehicle if there are no vehicles in stock with only the first body color, provided that among the vehicles in stock with multiple body colors including the first body color, and which meet the first condition, the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0020] Furthermore, among the inventory vehicles that meet the first condition, there may be inventory vehicles in which the original paint film color matches the first body color, and the easily peelable paint film color is different from the first body color. Therefore, the first database may further store information regarding the original paint color and the easily peelable paint film color for inventory vehicles that have an easily peelable paint film applied. Accordingly, if the control unit determines that there are no inventory vehicles that meet both the first body color and the first condition, it may determine, based on the information in the first database, whether there are any inventory vehicles with an easily peelable paint film applied in which the original paint color matches the first body color and also meets the first condition. If it is determined that there are inventory vehicles in which the original paint color matches the first body color and also meets the first condition, the control unit may determine that there is inventory of the first vehicle. This allows us to present to the user as the first vehicle if there are no stock vehicles whose exterior body color matches the first body color, and if the original paint film color matches the first body color and the first conditions are met.

[0021] Furthermore, when presenting a stock vehicle as the first vehicle, provided that the original paint color matches the first body color and meets the first conditions, the control unit may post second information on the first site, including information suggesting the removal of the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle, and information regarding the cost of removing the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle. This allows the user to understand the cost of removing the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle and to understand that by paying this cost, they can drive a used car with the first body color. The second information may also include an image of what the first vehicle will look like after the easily peelable paint film has been removed. This allows the user to visualize the appearance of the first vehicle after the easily peelable paint film has been removed.

[0022] Here, the control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure may display an image of each inventory vehicle and a list of image images of each inventory vehicle with multiple colors of easily peelable paint applied as an overlay on the first web page of the first site. The first web page may be, for example, the top page of the first site. This allows users to grasp a list of inventory vehicles when they access the first site, as well as to grasp an image of each inventory vehicle with an easily peelable paint applied as an overlay. Since there are more color options for the easily peelable paint film than for the original paint film, image images may be displayed only for a predetermined set of colors. The predetermined set of colors may be, for example, colors that are popular in the used car market.

[0023] Furthermore, some users may not wish to purchase or rent a used car that has been repainted with an easily peelable paint film. Therefore, when accepting the specification of a first body color, the control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure may allow the user to choose whether or not they wish to see the first information (a proposal to repaint a second vehicle with an easily peelable paint film of the first body color). If the user chooses not to see the first information, the control unit may, if there is no stock of the first vehicle, refrain from posting the first information on the first site. This makes it possible to prevent the first information from being presented to users who do not wish to purchase or rent a used car that has been repainted with an easily peelable paint film. As a result, it is also possible to improve the convenience of users browsing the first site.

[0024] Here, the information processing device relating to this disclosure may be a server operated by a business operator that sells or leases used cars. The server interacts with the terminal used by the user. The system may also be a computer configured to run a web server. In this case, for example, a user can access the web server through a browser on their terminal and view a first site provided by the web server. The user can also specify a first vehicle color, specify first conditions, and / or choose whether or not to display first information through the browser on their terminal. Furthermore, the user can receive information about a first vehicle or information about a second vehicle, etc., through the browser on their terminal. The server may also achieve the same functionality as the web server described above by performing a service that interacts with a dedicated application program installed on the user terminal using a predetermined protocol.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure can also be identified as an information processing method in which a computer performs the processing of the information processing device described above. Such an information processing method can be used to obtain the same functions and effects as the information processing device described above. Another aspect of this disclosure can also be identified as a program for causing a computer to perform the processing of the information processing device described above, or a non-temporary storage medium for storing said program.

[0026] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configurations, module configurations, functional configurations, etc., described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations alone.

[0027] <Embodiment> A first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the information processing device according to this disclosure is applied to a system that provides used car sales services.

[0028] (System Overview) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the system in this embodiment. The system in this embodiment includes a server 100 and a user terminal 200. In the example shown in Figure 1, only one user terminal 200 is illustrated, but if there are multiple users who wish to purchase a used car, there may be multiple user terminals 200 corresponding to the number of users.

[0029] The user terminal 200 is a computer used by a user who wishes to purchase a used car. The user can access the server 100 through the user terminal 200 and search for used car inventory. In this embodiment, an example is described assuming that the used car inventory search is performed online, but the used car inventory search may also be performed at a store (for example, the store of a provider of used car sales services (used car dealer)). In that case, the user terminal 200 may be a computer installed at the store.

[0030] Server 100 is a computer operated by a used car dealer. By interacting with the user terminal 200, Server 100 searches for vehicles in the used car dealer's inventory and presents the search results to the user. In this embodiment, when searching for vehicles in inventory, Server 100 accepts the specification of a first body color and a first condition, and searches for a used car (first vehicle) that matches the first body color and the first condition from among the vehicles in inventory. If the first vehicle is in inventory, Server 100 presents information about the first vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "third information") to the user via the user terminal 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the first vehicle is not in inventory, Server 100 determines an inventory vehicle (second vehicle) based on the first condition. Server 100 presents information (first information) via the user terminal 200 to propose applying an easily peelable paint film of the first body color to the determined second vehicle.

[0031] (Easily peelable coating) Here, we will explain the paint applied to the vehicle. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the paint film applied to the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the surface of the steel plate 11 that makes up the vehicle body is coated with an original paint film (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first paint film"), and an easily peelable paint film (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second paint film") is formed to be applied over the first paint film. The first paint film 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 (topcoat) 40 formed on the base layer 30. The steel plate 11 is primed with an electrodeposition layer. Furthermore, if the components that make up the body of the first vehicle are made of resin, a primer layer may be formed instead of the intermediate coat layer 20 of the first paint film. The first paint film formed in this way is difficult to remove easily because it needs to be removed using a special solution such as a paint remover.

[0032] The second coating film includes a release layer 50 formed on the surface of the first coating film (clear layer 40). The release layer 50 is a layer of easily peelable paint that has the property of being easily peeled off by applying force or the like. The release layer 50 is formed, for example, by applying the easily peelable paint on the original coating film using a spray method. The easily peelable paint is a paint containing, for example, xylene, ethylbenzene, antioxidants, methyl ethyl ketone, silica reactants, titanium dioxide (nanoparticles), and organic solvents. The second coating film may also be formed including the release layer 50 and a clear layer formed on the surface of the release layer 50.

[0033] The second coating film illustrated in Figure 2 has peelable properties inherent in the paint itself, but the composition of the second coating film is not limited to the example in Figure 2; any coating film that is easily peelable is acceptable. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a release layer 60 may be formed on the surface of the clear layer 40 of the first coating film, and a base layer 70 and a clear layer 80 may be formed on the surface of the release layer 60. The release layer 60 shown in Figure 3 is formed without color using the same material as the release layer 50 in Figure 2. In that case, the coating film including the release layer 60, base layer 70 and clear layer 80 corresponds to the "easily peelable coating film" according to this disclosure. The second coating film shown in Figure 3 can be easily peeled off from the first coating film by applying force to the release layer 60.

[0034] By utilizing the second paint film described above, it becomes easy to change the vehicle's body color to a color different from that of the first paint film. Furthermore, applying the second paint film is less expensive than repainting the first paint film. Therefore, if a used car dealer does not have any vehicles in their inventory with the first body color and the first paint film, they can inexpensively change the body color of their inventory vehicles to the first body color using the second paint film.

[0035] Therefore, in this embodiment, if there are no vehicles in stock with the first body color, the server 100 is proposed to change the body color of a vehicle in stock with a body color other than the first body color to the first body color using a second paint film. This makes it possible to meet the needs of users who want to drive a used car with their desired body color, even when there are no vehicles in stock with the first body color. As a result, it also becomes possible to promote the sale of vehicles in stock.

[0036] (System Configuration) Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server 100 and user terminal 200 included in the lease system according to this embodiment. Here, we will begin by describing the user terminal 200 of the server 100 and user terminal 200.

[0037] The user terminal 200 is a computer used by an individual, such as a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet computer, or personal information terminal. The user terminal 200 is composed of a processor 201, main memory unit 202, auxiliary memory unit 203, input / output unit 204, and communication unit 205, etc. Processor 201 and main memory unit 202 The auxiliary storage unit 203, the input / output unit 204, and the communication unit 205 are connected to each other by a system bus.

[0038] Note that in Figure 4, only the hardware components of the user terminal 200 that perform processing related to the use of the used car sales service are extracted and shown. Therefore, the user terminal 200 may include hardware components other than those shown in Figure 4 (for example, hardware components for obtaining the current location of the user terminal 200, and hardware components for outputting sound, etc.).

[0039] The processor 201 is a arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 201 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. The program is loaded into the main memory 202 and executed, and the user terminal 200 is controlled through its execution.

[0040] The main memory unit 202 is configured to include semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The main memory unit 202 provides a storage area and a working area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 203. The main memory unit 202 is also used as a buffer for arithmetic processing by the processor 201.

[0041] The auxiliary storage unit 203 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or H It is a DD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 203 is removable media, i.e., removable It may include a storage medium. Removable media are disk storage media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD (Compact Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores various programs and data used by the processor 201 when executing each program.

[0042] The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 include the OS (Operating System), as well as browser application programs, or dedicated application programs for causing the processor 201 to execute processes related to the use of the used car sales service.

[0043] The input / output unit 204 is a unit that receives input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 204 consists of a single touch panel display. That is, the input / output unit 204 is composed of a touch panel and its control circuit, etc.

[0044] The communication unit 205 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 200 to the network N1. The network N1 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is a global public communication network such as the Internet, or other communication network. The communication unit 205 is, for example , LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, 5G (5th Generation) ), and connect to network N1 using a mobile communication system such as 6G (6th Generation), a wireless communication system such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a LAN (Local Area Network). In this embodiment, the communication unit 205 communicates with the server 100 through network N1.

[0045] Next, server 100 is a computer operated by a used car dealer or the like. Server 100 consists of a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, and a communication unit 104, etc. 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 system bus.

[0046] Note that in Figure 4, only the hardware components of server 100 that perform processing related to the used car sales service are extracted and shown. Therefore, server 100 may include hardware components other than those shown in Figure 4 (for example, hardware components for performing processing related to services other than the used car sales service, hardware components for receiving operator input, or hardware components for presenting information to the operator).

[0047] The processor 101, main memory 102, auxiliary memory 103, and communication unit 104 of server 100 are the same as the processor 201, main memory 202, auxiliary memory 203, and communication unit 205 of user terminal 200, respectively, so their explanation is omitted. However, the program stored in the auxiliary memory 103 of server 100 includes not only the OS but also a program for implementing a web server that interacts with user terminal 200. In addition, the data stored in the auxiliary memory 103 includes data on inventory vehicles held by a used car dealer.

[0048] (Server Functional Configuration) In this embodiment, the server 100 is configured to implement a web server for interacting with the user terminal 200. That is, in this embodiment, the user can search for vehicles in stock held by a used car dealer by accessing a site (first site) provided by the web server through the browser on the user terminal 200. The server 100 may also provide the above-described service by means other than a web server. For example, the server 100 may execute a service that interacts with dedicated application software installed on the user terminal 200 using a predetermined protocol.

[0049] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the server 100 in this embodiment has a control unit 110 and an inventory management DB 120 as its functional components. Note that the functional components of the server 100 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 5, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0050] The control unit 110 is realized when the processor 101 of the server 100 loads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it. Note that part or all of the control unit 110 is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or This is realized by hardware circuits such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). That's good too.

[0051] The control unit 110 interacts with the user terminal 200 through the execution of the Web server. In this embodiment, when a user accesses the Web server (first site) through the browser of the user terminal 200, the control unit 110 displays the first Web page (top page of the first site) on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 through the browser of the user terminal 200. Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the first Web page.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first web page includes GUI components for the user to input the desired conditions for a used car (G1-G7 in Figure 6), a GUI component for the search execution button (G8 in Figure 6), and a display area for the list of available vehicles. The GUI components for the user to input the desired conditions for a used car include the following GUI components G1-G7. (GUI component G1) Pull-down menu for selecting the body color (GUI component G2) Pull-down menu for selecting vehicle type (GUI component G3) Pull-down menu for selecting vehicle class (GUI component G4) Pull-down menu for selecting body type (GUI component G5) Pull-down menu for selecting the type of prime mover (GUI component G6) Pull-down menu for selecting price range (lower and upper limits) (GUI component G7) Checkbox to select whether you want a second coating film proposal (presentation of the first information).

[0053] Here, "vehicle class" refers to the size of the vehicle, such as small, medium, or large. "Body type" refers to, for example, sedan, hatchback, wagon, minivan, or SUV. "Type of engine" refers to, for example, gasoline engine, diesel engine, HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).

[0054] In the first web page illustrated in Figure 6, conditions other than body color (vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price range) correspond to the first conditions of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the user does not need to select (specify) all of the first conditions: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price range; they only need to select (specify) at least one. Accordingly, the first web page may be configured such that the search execution button (G8) becomes active when the body color (G1) and at least one of the first conditions (G2-G6) are selected. For example, the search execution button (G8) may be grayed out unless the body color (G1) and at least one of the first conditions (G2-G6) are selected. Note that the first conditions are not limited to the example shown in Figure 6 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first condition may include a maximum mileage limit and / or the presence or absence of optional equipment (e.g., an Advanced Driving Assistant System (ADAS)). It may be included.

[0055] Furthermore, the display section for the inventory list includes not only actual images and descriptions of each inventory vehicle (e.g., make, model, grade, mileage, and selling price), but also an image representing what the vehicle would look like with a second coat of paint applied. Since there are a relatively large number of color options for the second coat, it would be difficult to display image examples for all colors on the first webpage. Therefore, only image examples for a pre-selected number of second coat colors may be displayed on the first webpage. In this case, the selection of second coat colors may be determined based on their popularity (demand) in the used car market. Alternatively, the selection may be based on the track record of second coat colors previously applied to vehicles of the same make and model as each inventory vehicle (e.g., colors with a high application history).

[0056] When the search execution button (G8) is operated on the first web page with the body color (G1) and at least one of the first conditions (G2-G6) already selected, the control unit 110 determines whether there is inventory of a used car (first vehicle) that matches the first body color and the first condition, based on the selected body color (first body color), the selected first condition, and the information from the inventory management DB 120 described later.

[0057] Here, we will explain in detail an example of a method for determining whether the first vehicle is in stock. In this embodiment, the control unit 110 first determines whether there is a vehicle in stock that has a body color matching the first body color and satisfies the first condition. If it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock that has a body color matching the first body color and satisfies the first condition, the control unit 110 determines that the first vehicle is in stock.

[0058] If it is determined that there are no stock vehicles with a body color matching the first body color and that meet the first condition, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any stock vehicles with a body color of a similar color to the first body color and that meet the first condition. If it is determined that there are stock vehicles with a body color of a similar color to the first body color and that meet the first condition, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any stock vehicles with a body color of a similar color to the first body color and that meet the first condition. It is determined that there is a storage space.

[0059] If it is determined that there are no stock vehicles with a body color of the same color as the first body color and that satisfy the first condition, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any stock vehicles with multiple body colors in which the proportion of body colors matching the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold and that satisfy the first condition. Here, "stock vehicles with multiple body colors" refers to, for example, stock vehicles with two-tone body colors, and stock vehicles with stripes of different colors on part of the body. The "predetermined threshold" is, for example, about 50%-60% of the total area of ​​the vehicle body. If it is determined that there are stock vehicles in which the proportion of body colors matching the first body color is greater than the predetermined threshold and that satisfy the first condition, the control unit 110 determines that the first vehicle is in stock.

[0060] If the proportion of body colors matching the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold and it is determined that there are no stock vehicles that meet the first condition, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any stock vehicles with the second paint film applied whose first paint film (original paint film) color matches the first body color and meets the first condition. If it is determined that there are stock vehicles whose first paint film color matches the first body color and meets the first condition, the control unit 110 determines that there are stock vehicles of the first type. If it is determined that there are no stock vehicles whose first paint film color matches the first body color and meets the first condition, the control unit 110 determines that there are no stock vehicles of the first type.

[0061] If the search using the method described above determines that the first vehicle is in stock, the control unit 110 displays a second web page containing the third information on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 via the browser of the user terminal 200. Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the second web page. In the example shown in Figure 7, the second web page includes a display area for the actual image of the first vehicle, a display area for the third information, and a GUI component (G9 in Figure 7) indicating a purchase procedure button. The third information includes, for example, detailed information about the first vehicle (e.g., vehicle type, grade, body color, mileage, equipment, presence or absence of scratches, and sales price). Furthermore, if the first vehicle is a stock vehicle (a stock vehicle with the second paint film already applied) in which the color of the first paint film matches the color of the first body and satisfies the first condition, then, as shown in Figure 8, the third information may include an image of what the first vehicle would look like if the second paint film were removed, as well as second information including the cost of removing the second paint film (for example, the cost of removing the second paint film and the payment amount if the second paint film is removed). The payment amount if the second paint film is removed is the sales price of the first vehicle plus the cost of removing the second paint film.

[0062] Furthermore, if the search using the method described above determines that there are no vehicles in stock for the first vehicle, the control unit 110 determines whether the checkbox for "I do not wish to receive a proposal for the second paint film" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first checkbox") on the first web page is checked. If the first checkbox is not checked, the control unit 110 determines the second vehicle based on the first conditions selected (specified) on the first web page and the information from the inventory management DB 120 described later. In this embodiment, the "second vehicle" is an in-stock vehicle that has a different body color from the first vehicle and satisfies at least one of the first conditions specified by the user. If there are multiple in-stock vehicles that satisfy the first conditions, the control unit 110 may determine the second vehicle to be the in-stock vehicle that has the most conditions (vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, price range) included in the first conditions. Alternatively, a priority order may be determined in advance among the multiple conditions included in the first condition, and the inventory vehicle with the highest priority among the conditions it satisfies may be designated as the second vehicle. For example, the priority order could be, with vehicle type being the highest, followed by price range, body type, engine type, and vehicle class in decreasing order. Note: Method for determining priority. This is not limited to the examples mentioned above, and may be determined as appropriate depending on the conditions that users have valued in past sales performance, and / or the condition of the vehicles in stock.

[0063] Once the second vehicle is determined by the method described above, the control unit 110 displays a third web page containing the first information on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 via the browser of the user terminal 200. Figure 9 shows an example of the display of the third web page. In the example shown in Figure 9, the third web page includes a display field for the actual image of the first vehicle, a display field for the third information, a GUI component indicating a purchase procedure button (G9 in Figure 9), and a display field for the first information. The first information includes, for example, an image representing what the second vehicle would look like if a second paint film of the first body color were applied to it, the cost of applying the second paint film to the second vehicle (first cost), and the payment amount when the second paint film is applied to the second vehicle (the sales price of the second vehicle plus the first cost). Furthermore, the term "first cost" as used herein includes all costs related to the materials for the second paint film, as well as labor costs for applying the second paint film to the second vehicle.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is determined that the first vehicle is out of stock, and the first checkbox is checked on the first web page, the control unit 110 will cause the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 to display a fourth web page containing a message indicating that the first vehicle is out of stock, via the browser of the user terminal 200.

[0065] Now, returning to the explanation of Figure 5, let's describe the inventory management DB 120 of server 100. The inventory management DB 120 is a database that stores information about the inventory vehicles held by a used car dealer. The inventory management DB 120 is a database that is built in the auxiliary storage unit 103 of server 100 by the processor 101 of server 100 executing a DBMS (Database Management System) program. In this case, the inventory management DB 120 may be built as a relational database.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an example of the information stored in the inventory management DB 120 in this embodiment. The inventory management DB 120 in this embodiment has records for each inventory vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "inventory vehicle records"), as illustrated in Figure 10. Each inventory vehicle record has fields such as vehicle ID, first condition, body color, and color scheme, as shown in Figure 10. The configuration of the inventory vehicle records is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10, and fields can be added, changed, or deleted as appropriate. For example, each inventory vehicle record may have fields for registering information about the status of each inventory vehicle (e.g., grade, mileage, equipment, and presence or absence of scratches, etc.) in addition to the fields described above.

[0067] The Vehicle ID field registers information (Vehicle ID) to identify each individual vehicle in stock. The first condition field is divided into the Vehicle Type field, Vehicle Class field, Body Type field, Engine field, and Price field. The Vehicle Type field registers information indicating the vehicle type of each vehicle in stock. The Vehicle Class field registers information indicating the vehicle class of each vehicle in stock. The Body Type field registers information indicating the body type of each vehicle in stock. The Engine field registers information indicating the type of engine installed in each vehicle in stock. The Price field registers information indicating the selling price of each vehicle in stock.

[0068] The body color field registers information indicating the body color of each inventory vehicle. Here, for inventory vehicles with a single body color (for example, the inventory vehicle with vehicle ID "V0001" in Figure 10), information indicating that single body color is registered in the body color field. For inventory vehicles with multiple body colors (for example, the inventory vehicle with vehicle ID "V0002" in Figure 10), information indicating multiple body colors and information indicating the proportion of each of the multiple body colors are registered. This information is registered in the body color field. Additionally, for stock vehicles that have already had a second paint layer applied, information indicating the color of the first paint layer (original paint layer) and information indicating the color of the second paint layer (easily peelable paint layer) are registered in the body color field.

[0069] The color family field registers information indicating the color family to which the body color of each inventory vehicle belongs. Note that for inventory vehicles with multiple body colors, the color family field is invalid (N / A). Furthermore, for inventory vehicles that have already been coated with the second paint layer, the color system to which the second paint layer belongs will be registered.

[0070] In this embodiment, the inventory management DB120 corresponds to the "first database" in this disclosure.

[0071] (Process flow) The processing flow executed by the server 100 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the processing routine executed by the server 100 when the "Search Execution Button" is operated on the first web page. Figure 12 shows the execution in step S102 in Figure 11. This is a flowchart of the subroutine. Although the execution entity for the routines in Figures 11 and 12 is the processor 101 of the server 100, here we will explain it using the functional components of the server 100 as the execution entity.

[0072] When the first web page is displayed on the input / output unit 204 via the browser of the user terminal 200, and the search execution button (G8) is operated with at least one of the body color (G1) and the first conditions (G2-G6) already selected, the control unit 110 of the server 100 acquires the body color (first body color) and the first conditions selected by the user (step S101). The first body color and the first conditions are acquired by the control unit 110 when the user selects them in the pull-down menu (G1) for selecting the body color and the pull-down menu (G2-G6) for selecting the first conditions on the first web page, and the selected body color and first conditions are sent from the user terminal 200 to the server 100. After the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S101, it executes the process in step S102.

[0073] In step S102, the control unit 110 searches for available vehicles based on the first body color and first conditions obtained in step S101. The process performed in step S102 will now be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0074] In Figure 12, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle that satisfies the first condition (step S1201). Specifically, the control unit 110 accesses the inventory management DB 120 using the first condition as an argument. The control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which information satisfying the first condition is registered in the first condition field. If the first condition includes a condition specifying a vehicle type, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which information matching the specified vehicle type is registered in the vehicle type field. If the first condition includes a condition specifying a vehicle class, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which information matching the specified vehicle class is registered in the vehicle class field. If the first condition includes a condition specifying a body type, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which information matching the specified body type is registered in the body type field. If the first condition includes a condition specifying a type of engine, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which information matching the specified type of engine is registered in the engine field. If the first condition includes a condition specifying a price range, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record in which a sales price within the specified price range is registered in the price field. Furthermore, it may refer to multiple of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price range. If the specified conditions are included in the first condition, the control unit 110 identifies the inventory vehicle record in which information satisfying those multiple conditions is registered in the first condition field. After the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S1201, it executes the process in step S1202.

[0075] In step S1202, the control unit 110 determines whether there is an inventory vehicle record among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which only body colors matching the first body color are registered in the body color field (an inventory vehicle record in which a single body color is registered in the body color field and the body color matches the first body color). If there is no inventory vehicle record among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which only body colors matching the first body color are registered in the body color field (negative determination in step S1202), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S1203.

[0076] In step S1203, the control unit 110 determines whether there is an inventory vehicle record identified in step S1201 in which the same color system as the first body color is registered in the color system field. If there is no inventory vehicle record identified in step S1201 in which the same color system as the first body color is registered in the color system field (negative determination in step S1203), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S1204.

[0077] In step S1204, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which the proportion of body colors that match the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the control unit 110 identifies inventory vehicle records from among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which multiple body colors are registered in the body color field (for example, the inventory vehicle record with vehicle type ID V0002 in Figure 10). Based on the proportion of each of the multiple body colors registered in the body color field of the identified inventory vehicle record, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any inventory vehicle records in which the proportion of body colors that match the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold. If there are no inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which the proportion of body colors that match the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold (negative determination in step S1204), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S1205.

[0078] In step S1205, the control unit 110 determines whether there is an inventory vehicle record among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which the color of the first paint film (original paint film) registered in the body color field matches the first body color. More specifically, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record from among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 in which the color of the first paint film and the color of the second paint film are registered in the body color field (for example, the inventory vehicle record with vehicle ID V0003 in Figure 10). In other words, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record from among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 that corresponds to an inventory vehicle in which the second paint film has been applied. The control unit 110 determines whether there is an inventory vehicle record in the identified inventory vehicle record in which the color of the first paint film registered in the body color field matches the first body color. If, among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201, there is no inventory vehicle record in which the color of the first paint film matches the first body color (a negative determination in step S1205), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S1206.

[0079] In step S1206, the control unit 110 determines that there is no stock of the first vehicle. If a positive determination is made in step S1202, step S1203, step S1204, or step S1205, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S1207 and determines that there is stock of the first vehicle.

[0080] When the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S1206 or step S1207 of the processing routine in Figure 12, it executes the process in step S103 of the processing routine in Figure 11.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11, in step S103, the control unit 110 determines whether there is stock of the first vehicle. If the processing routine in Figure 12 determines that there is stock of the first vehicle (affirmative determination in step S103), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S104.

[0082] In step S104, the control unit 110 displays a second web page on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 via the browser of the user terminal 200. The second web page is a web page containing the third information, as described in the explanations of Figures 7 and 8 above. The third information includes detailed information about the first vehicle (for example, vehicle type, grade, body color, mileage, equipment, presence or absence of scratches, and sales price, etc.). If the first vehicle is an inventory vehicle with the second paint film already applied (an inventory vehicle in which the color of the first paint film matches the first body color and satisfies the first condition), the third information includes an image of what the first vehicle would look like if the second paint film had been removed, and the second information (see Figure 8). The first vehicle to which the third information applies is an inventory vehicle that falls under any of the inventory vehicle records in (1)-(4) below. (1) Among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 of Figure 12, inventory vehicle records in which only the body color matching the first body color is registered in the body color field. (2) Among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 of Figure 12, inventory vehicle records in which the same color system as the color system to which the first body color belongs is registered in the color system field. (3) Among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 of Figure 12, inventory vehicle records in which multiple body colors are registered in the body color field, and in which the proportion of body colors that match the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold. (4) Among the inventory vehicle records identified in step S1201 of Figure 12, inventory vehicle records in which the first paint film color and the second paint film color are registered in the body color field, and in which the first paint film color matches the first body color.

[0083] Once the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S104, it terminates the execution of the processing routine shown in Figure 11.

[0084] Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step S103 (i.e., if it is determined in the processing routine in Figure 12 that there is no stock of the first vehicle), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S105. In step S105, the control unit 110 determines whether the first checkbox is checked on the first web page. If the first checkbox is not checked (i.e., a positive result is obtained in step S105), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S106.

[0085] In step S106, the control unit 110 determines a second vehicle from the inventory vehicles held by the used car dealer. The second vehicle is an inventory vehicle held by the used car dealer that satisfies at least one of the conditions included in the first condition. This determination of the second vehicle is made based on information in the inventory management DB 120. That is, the control unit 110 identifies an inventory vehicle record from the inventory vehicle records registered in the inventory management DB 120 in which information that satisfies at least one of the conditions included in the first condition is registered in the first condition field. The control unit 110 determines the inventory vehicle corresponding to the identified inventory vehicle record as the second vehicle. If there are multiple inventory vehicles that satisfy at least one of the conditions included in the first condition, the control unit 110 will... The second vehicle may be the inventory vehicle that most frequently satisfies the included conditions (vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, price range). Alternatively, the control unit 110 may pre-determine the priority among the multiple conditions included in the first condition and select the inventory vehicle with the highest priority among the conditions it satisfies as the second vehicle. After completing the process in step S106, the control unit 110 executes the process in step S107.

[0086] In step S107, the control unit 110 displays a third web page on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 via the browser of the user terminal 200. The third web page, as described in the explanation of Figure 9 above, is a web page that contains the first information in addition to the actual image of the second vehicle and the third information. The first information includes an image of what the second vehicle would look like if the second paint film of the first body color were applied as a topcoat, the cost of applying the second paint film to the second vehicle (first cost), and the payment amount when the second paint film is applied to the second vehicle (the sales price of the second vehicle plus the first cost).

[0087] Once the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S107, it terminates the execution of the processing routine shown in Figure 11.

[0088] Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step S105 (i.e., the first checkbox is checked), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S108. In step S108, the control unit 110 displays a fourth web page on the input / output unit 204 of the user terminal 200 via the browser of the user terminal 200. The fourth web page is a web page that contains a message indicating that the first vehicle is out of stock. After the control unit 110 has finished executing the process in step S108, it terminates the execution of the processing routine shown in Figure 11.

[0089] (Effects and Effects of the Embodiment) According to the embodiments described above, if a used car dealer does not have a used car (vehicle 1) with the desired first body color among their inventory vehicles, they can appeal to the user by showing that they can inexpensively repaint the inventory vehicle (vehicle 2) with the desired first body color using an easily peelable paint film (second paint film). This expands the user's options when purchasing a used car. As a result, it is possible to meet the needs of users who want to drive a used car with the first body color. Therefore, it is possible to promote the sale of used cars.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is no stock of the first vehicle with the first body color, the second vehicle is determined to be a stock vehicle that meets the user's desired conditions other than body color (first condition). This makes it possible to meet the user's needs other than body color.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when proposing the application of a second paint film as a topcoat, the user can be presented with an image of the second vehicle assuming that the second paint film has been applied as a topcoat. This makes it easier for the user to visualize the appearance of the second vehicle when the second paint film is applied as a topcoat.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there are no stock vehicles with a body color that matches the first body color desired by the user, the system can propose to the user as the first vehicle a stock vehicle with a body color of a similar color to the first body color, a stock vehicle with multiple body colors in which the proportion of body colors matching the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold, or a stock vehicle with a second paint film already applied in which the color of the original paint film (first paint film) matches the first body color. This allows the user to more reliably expand their options when purchasing a used car.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for users who do not want a used car with a second paint film applied as an overlay, Therefore, by checking the first checkbox on the first webpage, the suggestion to apply the second paint layer to the second vehicle will no longer be displayed. This ensures the convenience of users who do not want a used car with the second paint layer applied.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top page (first web page) of the first site provided by the server 100 displays not only actual images of the vehicles in stock, but also image renderings of what the vehicles would look like if they were coated with a second paint film of multiple colors. This makes it possible to stimulate users who view the first web page to search for used cars on the first site.

[0095] <Variation> The information processing device relating to this disclosure can also be applied to a system that provides used car leasing services. In a system that provides used car leasing services, if the used car leasing company does not have the first vehicle in its inventory, the server 100 may post the fifth web page on the first site instead of the second web page mentioned above.

[0096] Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the fifth web page. In the example shown in Figure 13, the fifth web page includes a display field for the actual image of the first vehicle, a display field for the third information, a GUI component (G10 in Figure 13) indicating an application button for applying for a lease agreement, and a display field for the first information. In this modified example, the third information includes information indicating the monthly lease fee instead of the sales price in the previously described embodiment. In this modified example, the first information includes information indicating the monthly lease fee when the second paint film is applied, instead of the payment amount when the second paint film is applied in the previously described embodiment.

[0097] According to this modified version, if the second vehicle is leased, the user can be presented with the monthly lease fee if the second paint film is not applied to the second vehicle, the cost of applying the second paint film to the second vehicle, and the monthly lease fee if the second paint film is applied to the second vehicle. This allows the user to understand the difference in monthly lease fees between when the second paint film is not applied to the second vehicle and when it is applied to the second vehicle. As a result, the user can be made aware that applying an easily peelable paint film as a topcoat is relatively inexpensive.

[0098] <Other> The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, processes described as being performed by one device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0099] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program (information processing program) implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means and can be read from a computer or the like. Examples of such recording media include any type of disk, such as magnetic disks (floppy disks or HDDs, etc.) and optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, etc.). The recording medium may also be ROM, RAM, EPROM, EE The media may include PROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, or SSDs (Solid State Drives). [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 servers 101 Processors 102 Main memory 103 Auxiliary storage 104 Communications Department 110 Control Unit 120 Inventory Management Database 200 user terminals

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages a first site for users to search for used cars, The information processing device includes a control unit and a first database that stores, in association with each vehicle in stock, at least one of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, and the vehicle color. The control unit, The service accepts the user's specification of a first body color, which is the body color of a used car they desire, and the specification of a first condition, which includes at least one of the following: the make, model, class, body type, engine type, and price range of a first vehicle that is a used car that matches the first body color. Based on the first body color, the first conditions, and the information in the first database, it is determined whether the first vehicle is in stock. If it is determined that there is no inventory of the first vehicle, a second vehicle, which is an inventory vehicle, is determined based on the first condition and the information in the first database. Posting first information at the first site to propose applying an easily peelable paint film of the first body color to the second vehicle that has been determined, Execute Information processing device.

2. The first database stores, associated with each vehicle in stock, at least one of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, as well as the body color, and information regarding the color family to which the body color belongs. If the control unit determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there is an inventory vehicle that matches the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, If it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock that matches the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, then it is determined that the first vehicle is in stock. If it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock that match the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, then it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock of the first vehicle. Execute The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first database further stores information regarding the proportion of each body color for inventory vehicles that have multiple body colors. If the control unit determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there are any vehicles in stock that meet the first conditions, where the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold, and it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock that meets the first condition, then it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock. If the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold, and it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock that meet the first condition, then it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock of the first color. Execute The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned first database further stores information regarding the original paint color and the color of the easily peelable paint film for inventory vehicles that have been treated with an easily peelable paint film. If the control unit determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there are any stock vehicles with an easily peelable paint coating whose original paint color matches the first body color and which also meet the first conditions. If it is determined that the original paint color matches the first body color and that there is a vehicle in stock that meets the first condition, then it is determined that the first vehicle is in stock. If the original paint color matches the first body color and it is determined that there are no stock vehicles that meet the first conditions, then it is determined that there are no stock vehicles of the first type. Execute The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. When the control unit determines that the first vehicle is in stock, it posts second information on the first site, including information suggesting the removal of the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle, and information regarding the cost of removing the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first information includes information regarding the condition of the second vehicle and an image representing what the second vehicle would look like if an easily peelable paint film were applied as an overlay. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first information further includes information relating to the first cost of applying an easily peelable paint film to the second vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The second vehicle mentioned above is a vehicle subject to lease, The first information includes information regarding the monthly lease fee, including the first cost, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit displays an image of each inventory vehicle and a list of image samples showing each inventory vehicle with multiple colors of easily peelable paint applied as topcoats on the first web page of the first site. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The control unit accepts, in addition to the specification of the first vehicle color, the selection of whether or not to display the first information, and if the selection of not to display the first information is accepted, and if there is no stock of the first vehicle, the first information will not be displayed on the first site. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. An information processing method performed by a computer that manages a first site for users to search for used cars, The computer includes a first database that stores, for each inventory vehicle, at least one of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, and the vehicle color, in association with each vehicle. The aforementioned computer, The service accepts the user's specification of a first body color, which is the body color of a used car they desire, and the specification of a first condition, which includes at least one of the following: the make, model, class, body type, engine type, and price range of a first vehicle that is a used car that matches the first body color. Based on the first body color, the first conditions, and the information in the first database, it is determined whether the first vehicle is in stock. If it is determined that there is no inventory of the first vehicle, a second vehicle, which is an inventory vehicle, is determined based on the first condition and the information in the first database. Posting first information at the first site to propose applying an easily peelable paint film of the first body color to the second vehicle that has been determined, Execute Information processing methods.

12. The first database stores, associated with each vehicle in stock, at least one of the following: vehicle type, vehicle class, body type, engine type, and price, as well as the body color, and information regarding the color family to which the body color belongs. If the computer determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there is an inventory vehicle that matches the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, If it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock that matches the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, then it is determined that the first vehicle is in stock. If it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock that match the color system to which the first body color belongs and the first condition, then it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock of the first vehicle. Execute The information processing method according to claim 11.

13. The first database further stores information regarding the proportion of each body color for inventory vehicles that have multiple body colors. If the computer determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there are any vehicles in stock that meet the first conditions, where the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold, and it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock that meets the first condition, then it is determined that there is a vehicle in stock. If the proportion of the first body color is greater than a predetermined threshold, and it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock that meet the first condition, then it is determined that there are no vehicles in stock of the first color. Execute The information processing method according to claim 11.

14. The aforementioned first database further stores information regarding the original paint color and the color of the easily peelable paint film for inventory vehicles that have been treated with an easily peelable paint film. If the computer determines that there are no vehicles in stock that match the first body color and the first condition, Based on the information in the first database, it is determined whether there are any stock vehicles with an easily peelable paint coating whose original paint color matches the first body color and which also meet the first conditions. If it is determined that the original paint color matches the first body color and that there is a vehicle in stock that meets the first condition, then it is determined that the first vehicle is in stock. If the original paint color matches the first body color and it is determined that there are no stock vehicles that meet the first conditions, then it is determined that there are no stock vehicles of the first type. Execute The information processing method according to claim 11.

15. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein, when the computer determines that the first vehicle is in stock, it posts on the first site second information including information suggesting the removal of the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle, and information regarding the cost of removing the easily peelable paint film from the first vehicle.

16. The first information includes information regarding the condition of the second vehicle and an image representing what the second vehicle would look like if an easily peelable paint film were applied as an overlay. The information processing method according to claim 11.

17. The first information further includes information relating to the first cost of applying an easily peelable paint film to the second vehicle. The information processing method according to claim 16.

18. The second vehicle mentioned above is a vehicle subject to lease, The first information includes information regarding the monthly lease fee, including the first cost, The information processing method according to claim 17.

Images