Information processing device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle having a body color desired by a user.SOLUTION: Provided is an information processing apparatus for determining specifications of a vehicle ordered by a user. When the information processing apparatus receives designation of a body color of the vehicle from the user, and a second body color that is not included in a plurality of first body colors set as base colors of the vehicle is designated by the user, the information processing apparatus proposes, to the user, overcoating the vehicle with an easy-to-peel paint of the second vehicle body color after ordering a vehicle having any one of the plurality of first vehicle body colors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A technique for changing the color of a vehicle body by overcoating a peelable paint film on the vehicle body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle having a vehicle body color desired by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for determining the specifications of a vehicle ordered by a user, which receives a designation of a vehicle body color of the vehicle from the user, and when a second vehicle body color not included in a plurality of first vehicle body colors set as the base color of the vehicle is designated by the user, places an order for the vehicle having any of the plurality of first vehicle body colors, and proposes to the user to overcoat the second vehicle body color on the vehicle with an easily peelable paint. The information processing apparatus has a control unit that executes the above.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method executed by the above information processing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle with the body color desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the vehicle ordering system. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the configuration of the contract server and user terminals. [Figure 3] An example of specification data, base color data, and topcoat color data. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of painting with easily peelable paint. [Figure 5] A flowchart of the processes performed by the contracted server. [Figure 6] An example of a screen for specifying the vehicle's body color. [Figure 7] A flowchart of the process to be performed in step S16. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A technique for painting automobiles using paint that can be peeled off after application is known. Peelable paint is a type of paint that forms a paint film that can be easily peeled off the vehicle body by applying external force. For example, by applying a peelable paint over a vehicle with a predetermined body color, any vehicle can be changed to the user's preferred color. This makes it possible, for instance, to select a popular body color in the market when ordering a vehicle, and then have the user's preferred color applied over it. Vehicles painted with peelable paint can be stripped of their paint film, Because the body color can be restored to its original state, using a popular color as the base color can help maintain a high resale value for used cars.

[0010] In such cases, it is necessary to decide whether or not to use peelable paint when ordering the vehicle. The information processing device relating to this disclosure determines whether or not to suggest using peelable paint based on the vehicle body color desired by the user.

[0011] The information processing device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device for determining the specifications of a vehicle ordered by a user. Specifically, the control unit has the following functions: receiving a specification of the vehicle's body color from the user; and, if the user specifies a second body color that is not included in a plurality of first body colors set as the base color of the vehicle, ordering the vehicle having one of the plurality of first body colors, and then proposing to the user that the second body color be applied to the vehicle using easily peelable paint.

[0012] An easily peelable paint is a paint that forms a peelable coating. The easily peelable paint may consist of a peelable layer itself, or it may consist of a peelable layer and a layer of paint formed on top of that layer. By painting a vehicle with an easily peelable paint and then subsequently peeling off the paint, the vehicle's body color can be changed.

[0013] When a user orders a vehicle, they can choose to order a vehicle with a specified body color, or they can choose to have a vehicle with any body color applied with an easily removable paint overlay. This makes it possible to provide users with vehicles in body colors that are not set as base colors. Furthermore, by setting a body color with high resale value as the primary body color, the resale value of the used car can be improved.

[0014] The information processing device relating to this disclosure proposes to the user whether or not to apply an overcoat using easily removable paint, based on the specified vehicle body color. For example, if the vehicle body color desired by the user exists in the color lineup of the corresponding vehicle, there is no need to overcoat with an easily peelable paint. On the other hand, if the vehicle body color desired by the user does not exist in the color lineup of the corresponding vehicle, it can be proposed to overcoat with an easily peelable paint. By using an easily peelable paint, a vehicle body color that is not in the conventional color lineup can be realized.

[0015] The control unit may present a list of a plurality of first vehicle body colors (i.e., base colors) and a plurality of second vehicle body colors that can be overcoated with an easily peelable paint. The control unit can determine which method to propose based on the color selected from the list. For example, if the selected color is included in the first vehicle body colors, the control unit proposes ordering a vehicle with the specified vehicle body color. Also, if the selected color is not included in the first vehicle body colors and is included in the second vehicle body colors, the control unit proposes overcoating a vehicle with any vehicle body color with an easily peelable paint.

[0016] Further, the control unit may selectively present a list of a plurality of first vehicle body colors and a list of a plurality of second vehicle body colors that can be overcoated with an easily peelable paint. For example, when the user desires a vehicle body color that is not set as a base color, after presenting a list of vehicle body colors (second vehicle body colors) that can be overcoated, selection may be accepted.

[0017] Note that when presenting a plurality of second vehicle body colors, the control unit may omit presenting a vehicle body color whose similarity to any of the plurality of first vehicle body colors is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Also, when a vehicle body color that is included in the plurality of second vehicle body colors and whose similarity to any of the plurality of first vehicle body colors is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is specified, the control unit may propose to the user not to use an easily peelable paint.

[0018] The second vehicle body color has more color variations compared to the first vehicle body color and may include colors similar to the first vehicle body color. Therefore, for vehicle body colors with a similarity degree to the first vehicle body color of a predetermined value or more, they can be omitted from the list of the second vehicle body colors. Alternatively, when such a vehicle body color is selected, it may be notified that a similar vehicle body color exists in the base color.

[0019] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to those, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] (First Embodiment) The outline of the vehicle ordering system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle ordering system according to the present embodiment includes a contract server 100 and a user terminal 200.

[0021] The contract server 100 is a server device that concludes a sales contract for automobiles with users. The contract server 100 determines the specifications of the vehicle to be sold to the user and concludes a sales contract by interacting with the user terminal 200.

[0022] The user terminal 200 is a computer used by a user who purchases a vehicle. The user can access the contract server 100 via the user terminal 200 and apply for a sales contract for a vehicle. Here, it is assumed that the sales contract is made online, but the sales contract may be made at a store (for example, a car dealer). In this case, the user terminal 200 may be a computer installed at the store.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing more details of the components of the contract server 100 and the user terminal 200 included in the vehicle ordering system according to the present embodiment. Here, first, the user terminal 200 will be described. 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 control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0024] The control unit 201 is a computing device that manages the control performed by the user terminal 200. The control unit 201 can be implemented by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). ru. The control unit 201 performs the function of accessing and interacting with the contract server 100. This function may be implemented by a web browser running on the user terminal 200 or by dedicated application software.

[0025] The storage unit 202 is composed of a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory is the memory where programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by said control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device is the device where programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by said control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store programs executed by the control unit 201 packaged as applications. Furthermore, an operating system for executing these applications may be stored. The program may be stored in the auxiliary storage device. The program stored in the auxiliary storage device is loaded into the main memory and executed by the control unit 201, which then performs the processes described below.

[0026] Main memory may include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Auxiliary storage may include EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and hardware. This may include disk drives (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). Furthermore, auxiliary storage devices may also be included. This may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media.

[0027] The communication unit 203 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the user terminal 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 is configured to communicate with the contract server 100 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a mobile communication service such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. 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, it consists of a single touch panel display. That is, it is composed of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means.

[0028] Next, we will explain contract server 100. The contract server 100 is a server device that concludes a vehicle sales contract based on the results of the interaction with the user terminal 200.

[0029] In this embodiment, the contract server 100 may be configured to run a web server for interacting with the user terminal 200. In this case, for example, the user terminal 200 can perform the contract conclusion procedure by accessing the web service using a browser. The contract server 100 may also provide services by means other than a web server. For example, the contract server 100 may run a service that interacts with dedicated application software installed on the user terminal 200 using a predetermined protocol.

[0030] The contract server 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, main memory such as RAM or ROM, and auxiliary storage such as EPROM, hard disk drive, and removable media. The auxiliary storage contains the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and the programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of ​​the main memory and executed. Through the execution of the programs, each component is controlled, thereby realizing various functions that match the predetermined purpose, as described later. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0031] The contract server 100 is configured to include a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103. The control unit 101 is a computing device that manages the control performed by the contract server 100. The control unit 101 can be implemented by a computing device such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured with two functional modules: a specification determination unit 1011 and an ordering unit 1012. Each functional module may be implemented by executing a stored program using a CPU.

[0032] The specification determination unit 1011 determines the specifications of the vehicle to be bought and sold by interacting with the user terminal 200. The specification determination unit 1011 determines the following items as the vehicle specifications. In the following explanation, the vehicle to be sold to the user will simply be referred to as "vehicle". Furthermore, sales include sales under residual value setting credit and lease sales, etc., where it is assumed that the vehicle will be returned or sold after a predetermined period has elapsed. (1) Model and grade (2) Body color (3) Other (options, etc.)

[0033] Here, "body color" refers to the color of the vehicle body desired by the user. The body color does not necessarily have to be a single color. The body color can be two-tone or include accent colors. In the following explanation, the vehicle's original body color will be referred to as the first body color. The body color desired by the user will be referred to as the desired body color, and the body color applied as an overlay with easily removable paint will be referred to as the second body color.

[0034] If the vehicle color desired by the user is one of the base colors set for the target vehicle, the user can simply order a vehicle with the desired primary body color (Option 1). On the other hand, if the vehicle color desired by the user is not one of the base colors set for the target vehicle, the user can order a vehicle with any primary body color and then have the desired body color painted over it with easily removable paint before delivery (Option 2). In this case, by choosing a body color with high resale value as the primary body color, a financial benefit can be provided to the user.

[0035] In this embodiment, the contract server 100 determines which method, Option 1 or Option 2, to use based on the base color set for the target vehicle and the body color desired by the user, and proposes it to the user. If Option 2 is adopted, it becomes possible to provide users with vehicles in body colors that are not currently available for the target vehicle.

[0036] The ordering unit 1012 generates data (order instruction data) instructing the ordering of a vehicle based on the specifications determined by the specification determination unit 1011, and transmits it to the appropriate vehicle base. If the vehicle is in stock, the vehicle base can be the carpool to which the vehicle belongs. If the vehicle is made to order, the vehicle base can be the vehicle's manufacturing plant. Furthermore, if the specification determination unit 1011 decides to use easily removable paint, the ordering unit 1012 includes an instruction to paint the vehicle with easily removable paint in the order instruction data. For example, if a desired body color (e.g., red) different from the first body color (e.g., white) is specified, the ordering unit 1012 includes an instruction in the order instruction data stating, "Repaint vehicles with a white body color in red and ship them."

[0037] The storage unit 102 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory is the memory where programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by said control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device is the device where programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by said control programs are stored.

[0038] Furthermore, the memory unit 102 stores specification data 102A, basic color data 102B, and topcoat color data 102C.

[0039] Specification data 102A is data that records the specifications of the ordered vehicle and is generated by the ordering unit 1012. Figure 3(A) shows an example of specification data 102A. As shown, specification data 102A has the following fields: Order ID, User ID, Model ID, Grade, First Body Color, Second Body Color, and Options. The Order ID field stores a unique identifier for each vehicle order. The User ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the user ordering the vehicle. The Model ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle model. Grade field This section stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle's grade. The first body color field stores the identifier of the vehicle's original body color. The second body color field stores the identifier of the body color to be applied as an overlay with easily removable paint. If easily removable paint is not used, the second body color field will not contain a value. The options field stores information related to other specifications (e.g., options).

[0040] Basic color data 102B is data that defines the base color (first body color) set for each vehicle model. Figure 3(B) shows an example of the basic color data 102B. As shown, the basic color data 102B has fields for model ID, grade, and first body color. The Model ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle model. The Grade field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle's grade. The first body color field stores the identifier of the first body color set as the base color for the target vehicle model. For example, in the illustrated example, the model with the identifier V001 and the grade with the identifier G001 has three base colors set: C001, C002, and C003. Furthermore, the basic color data 102B may include color sample data for each body color, as well as image data corresponding to the exterior appearance.

[0041] Furthermore, the memory unit 202 stores the topcoat color data 102C. The topcoat color data 102C is data relating to body colors that can be overcoated with easily peelable paint. An example of the topcoat color data 102C is shown in Figure 3(C). As shown, the topcoat color data 102C includes identifiers for body colors (second body colors) that can be overcoated. The topcoat color data 102C may also include color sample data.

[0042] Each of the aforementioned data sets may be constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by a processor, which manages the data stored in memory. In this case, each data set can be, for example, a relational database.

[0043] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the contract server 100 to the network. The communication unit 103 is comprised of, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0044] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be performed using specially designed circuits. Furthermore, program storage and execution may be performed using combinations of main memory and auxiliary memory other than those shown.

[0045] Here, we will explain easily peelable paints. Figure 4(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a body component (e.g., steel plate) of a vehicle body and a paint film formed on the body component. As shown, the body component has a steel plate 10 that has been metal-processed and has an electrodeposited layer formed on it, and an intermediate coating layer 20, a base layer 30, and a clear coat layer 40 that are formed sequentially on the electrodeposited layer.

[0046] The base layer 30 is the base layer for painting. The base layer 30 may be a pearl layer, a mica layer, or a glass flake layer. In this example, the base layer 30 is shown as a single layer, but the base layer 30 may have two or more coating layers. If the base layer 30 has two layers, the total number of coating layers will be four, including the intermediate coating layer 20 and the clear coating layer 40. Alternatively, a base layer 30 and another clear layer 40 may be provided on top of the clear layer 40.

[0047] A coating 50 is formed on the outer surface of the body member. The coating 50 is a layer of paint formed by applying an easily peelable coating, and has the property of being easily peeled off by applying force compared to a normal coating. The coating 50 is formed, for example, by applying an easily peelable coating to the body member by spraying. Examples of easily peelable coatings include coatings made of xylene, ethylbenzene, antioxidants, methyl ethyl ketone, silica reaction products, titanium dioxide (nanoparticles), and organic solvents.

[0048] Furthermore, if you want the vehicle's paint to have weather resistance, scratch resistance, and chipping resistance, you can apply a coating 50 that has each of these functions.

[0049] The topcoat painting of vehicles with easily peelable paint can be performed at a designated location before the vehicle is shipped. This makes it easy to change the vehicle's body color (i.e., from the first body color to the second body color). The same applies to the removal of the paint film 50. By removing the paint film 50 at a designated location, the vehicle's body color can be restored to its original color (i.e., from the second body color back to the first body color). Since the original paint is protected by the paint film 50, it is possible to obtain a used car with a body paint that has not deteriorated.

[0050] It should be noted that painting with the coating 50 is not required for all body components. For example, the coating 50 does not need to be applied to parts that are not exposed to the outside while driving, such as the inside of openings including doors.

[0051] In this example, a steel plate is used as the body component, but the body component may also be made of resin. In this case, the intermediate coating layer 20 becomes a primer layer. Furthermore, a clear coat may be applied on top of the coating film 50. In the example shown in Figure 4(A), the paint itself is given easy peelability, but a normal coating may be applied on top of the easily peelable layer. For example, as shown in Figure 4(B), an uncolored release layer 60 may be formed using the same material as the paint film 50, and a base layer 30A and a clear layer 40A may be formed on top of the release layer 60. The base layer 30A is a layer of paint with a different color from the base layer 30. In this configuration as well, the paint layer can be removed by peeling off the release layer 60.

[0052] In this example, only one color is shown as the first and second body colors, but the first and second body colors may consist of multiple colors. For example, a combination of multiple colors arranged in a predetermined pattern may be used as the first or second body color. Furthermore, the topcoat painting with the second body color may be applied to at least a portion of the paintwork with the first body color. In other words, the topcoat painting with the second body color does not have to cover all of the paintwork with the first body color. For example, if the first body color is black, a vehicle with a black and blue two-tone color scheme can be obtained by applying a blue topcoat to a portion of it.

[0053] Return to the explanation of contracted server 100. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the contract server 100. The processes shown in Figure 5 begin, for example, when a user logs in to the contract server 100. At the time the processes shown in the diagram begin, it is assumed that the contract server 100 has completed user identification.

[0054] The processes in steps S11 to S15 are executed by the specification determination unit 1011. Step S11 determines the vehicle model and trim level. In this step, the user selects their desired model from several pre-set combinations of models and trim levels. The customer is asked to select a model and grade. In the following explanation, the selected model and grade combination will be referred to as the "target vehicle." In step S12, a list of primary body colors set for the target vehicle is generated and presented to the user. The list of primary body colors set for the target vehicle can be generated based on the basic color data 102B. Color samples may also be presented at this time. Figure 6(A) is an example of a screen presented to the user via the user terminal 200.

[0055] In step S13, it is determined whether the vehicle color desired by the user is included in the list of first vehicle colors. For example, if a specific vehicle color is selected from the list of first vehicle colors, this step is considered positive, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the selected body color is determined as the primary body color.

[0056] On the other hand, if the user indicates that their desired body color is not available in the first body color list (for example, if link 601, shown by the dotted line in the diagram, is clicked), the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, a list of colors (second body colors) that can be overcoated with easily peelable paint is generated and output. The user is also allowed to select a second body color from the list. Figure 6(B) is an example of a screen including the list of second body colors. The list of second body colors may be presented using a list box (symbol 602), or a color picker.

[0057] Once the second body color is selected, step S18 then determines the first body color, that is, the body color before the topcoat is applied. The first body color may be determined by the contract server 100 based on predetermined criteria. For example, the following criteria may be adopted: (1) Among multiple body colors, the body color that is expected to have the highest valuation at a predetermined point in the future will be determined as the first body color. (2) The first body color is determined to be one of the body colors whose appraised value is expected to be higher than a predetermined value at a predetermined point in the future. Therefore, the contract server 100 may store a database or the like for obtaining the appraised value by vehicle color at a predetermined point in the future. The predetermined point in the future may be determined by the contract server 100 as appropriate.

[0058] The specified value may be based on the new car price of the relevant vehicle model. For example, the primary body color may be a color whose appraised value after three years is higher than 65% of the new car price. Generally, the car's value is determined by its popularity in the used car market. For example, car colors that include a pearl or pearl mica layer tend to be more popular and command higher values ​​than other colors. The first car color can be chosen in any way as long as it commands a higher value than the second car color.

[0059] In the example described above, the contract server 100 determined the first body color, but the first body color may be selected by the user. Figure 6(C) shows an example of a screen for selecting the first body color. In this case, the contract server 100 may also provide, as reference information, the estimated value of the vehicle after a predetermined period has elapsed for each body color.

[0060] The contract server 100 may output a message recommending the use of easily peelable paint during the processing of step S17 or S18. It may also output a message explaining the advantages and disadvantages of applying a topcoat.

[0061] The process up to this point determines the body color and the painting method. Step S15 involves selecting options and other features associated with the vehicle. This step accepts selections such as manufacturer options like safety equipment and dealer options like in-car terminals. Once the vehicle specifications are determined, specification data is generated and stored according to those specifications.

[0062] In step S16, the ordering unit 1012 generates order instruction data based on the generated specification data and sends it to the vehicle base that is the destination for ordering the vehicles. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process executed by the ordering unit 1012 in step S16.

[0063] First, in step S21, the ordering unit 1012 determines the vehicle depot from which to order the vehicles. In this step, for example, the unit checks the inventory of vehicles with the specifications indicated in the specification data, decides whether to deliver a vehicle from inventory or to produce a new one, and then determines the vehicle depot from which to order the vehicles. Next, in step S22, the ordering unit 1012 determines whether or not topcoat painting is required. Topcoat painting is required, for example, when both the first body color and the second body color are specified in the specification data.

[0064] If only the first body color is specified for the vehicle in question, the ordering unit 1012 generates order instruction data and transmits the order instruction data to the vehicle base that will provide the vehicle (step S24). If both the first and second body colors are specified for the vehicle in question, the ordering unit 1012 generates order instruction data including painting instructions and transmits the order instruction data to the vehicle base that provides the vehicle and the painting base that will paint the top coat on the vehicle (step S23). The order instruction data includes vehicle specifications (including the first and second body colors), as well as the designation of the painting facility where the topcoat painting will be performed.

[0065] The painting facility where the topcoat is applied may be, for example, a dealership, inspection center, or repair shop. The vehicle facility and the painting facility may be the same.

[0066] In step S16, the delivery date of the vehicle may be determined after applying the determined first body color over a vehicle having the determined second body color. For example, the ordering unit 1012 may determine the delivery date of the requested vehicle and present it to the user. The contract server 100 may also notify the user that the vehicle order has been completed when the transmission of the order instruction data is completed.

[0067] Upon receiving an order data indicating that a top coat will be applied, the vehicle depot will prepare (or produce) a vehicle with the first body color, and, if necessary, paint it with the second body color before delivering it to the user. Painting with the second body color can be done at a designated painting depot. If the vehicle depot that prepares (or produces) the vehicle is different from the painting depot, the vehicle may be transferred between depots. Upon receiving an order instruction that no topcoat will be applied, the vehicle depot will prepare (or produce) a vehicle with the first body color and deliver it to the user.

[0068] As described above, in the vehicle ordering system according to the first embodiment, the system proposes to the user whether or not to use easily removable paint based on whether or not the body color desired by the user is the body color set as the base color of the target vehicle. With this configuration, it becomes possible to provide the user with a vehicle with the body color they desire.

[0069] Furthermore, since easily peelable paints have a limited service life, if a vehicle is painted with an easily peelable paint... In such cases, it is preferable to provide users with information regarding the service life of the paint. For example, the contract server 100 may send information regarding the service life of the paint to the user terminal 200. Furthermore, if the vehicle is to be used beyond its service life, it may be necessary to inform the user that the topcoat paint will need to be removed at some point. Additionally, if the vehicle is to be used beyond its service life, it may be suggested to the user that they do not use easily peelable paint.

[0070] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, a list of base colors (first body colors) set for the target vehicle is provided, and if the desired body color does not exist among the base colors, a list of second body colors is provided. However, the first and second body colors may be provided simultaneously.

[0071] In this modified example, for instance, in step S12, a graphical user interface including a color chart (color picker) containing all first body colors and all second body colors may be generated to accept a color selection. In step S13, it may be determined whether the selected color is included in the first body color or the second body color, and the process may be branched based on the determination result. For example, if the selected color is included in the first body color, the process may proceed to step S14. Alternatively, if the selected color is included in the second body color, the process may proceed to step S17. In this case, in step S18, the first body color may be selected using a similar tool.

[0072] Generally, the color variations for the second body color are greater than those for the first body color. Therefore, a color similar to one already present in the base color may be selected as the second body color. In such cases, the user may be notified that a similar color exists in the base color palette (in other words, that easily peelable paint does not need to be used). Specifically, if the color selected as the second body color has a similarity of a certain value or higher to a color included in the first body color palette, a message may be output notifying the user that a similar color exists in the base color palette. The similarity of colors may be determined by the closeness of the numerical values ​​in a predetermined system.

[0073] (modified version) The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0074] Furthermore, while the description of the embodiment exemplified a form of selling vehicles to users, the information processing device related to this disclosure can also be applied to forms other than sales, such as leasing.

[0075] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0076] This disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above 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. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy disk (registered) This includes any type of disk (such as a trade name), disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-rays, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100... Contract Servers 101,201...Control Unit 102,202...Storage section 103,203... Communications Department 200...User terminals 204...Input / output section

Claims

1. An information processing device for determining the specifications of a vehicle ordered by a user, The system accepts the user's specification of the vehicle's body color, If the user specifies a second body color that is not included in the plurality of first body colors set as the base color of the vehicle, the service provider may propose to the user that the vehicle be ordered to have one of the plurality of first body colors, and then that the second body color be applied to the vehicle using easily removable paint. It has a control unit that performs the following: The control unit presents a list of the plurality of first body colors and a list of the plurality of second body colors that can be overcoated with the easily peelable paint. Information processing device.

2. An information processing device for determining the specifications of a vehicle ordered by a user, The system accepts the user's specification of the vehicle's body color, If the user specifies a second body color that is not included in the plurality of first body colors set as the base color of the vehicle, the service provider may propose to the user that the vehicle be ordered to have one of the plurality of first body colors, and then that the second body color be applied to the vehicle using easily removable paint. It has a control unit that performs the following: The control unit selectively presents a list of the plurality of first body colors and a list of the plurality of second body colors that can be overcoated with the easily peelable paint. Information processing device.

3. The control unit, when a body color is selected from the plurality of second body colors and whose similarity to any of the plurality of first body colors is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, suggests to the user that the easily peelable paint not be used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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