Tire diagnostic result output system and tire diagnostic result output method for energy refueling stations

Abstract

The system uses image recognition to identify the vehicle numbers of vehicles that regularly visit energy refueling stations (such as gas stations) for energy replenishment (such as refueling), and uses information associated with those vehicle numbers to diagnose tire safety, including in cases where the vehicle user is unaware of it. The results of this diagnosis are then used to promote the sale of highly profitable tires. [Solution] A tire diagnostic result output system for an energy refueling station, comprising: a vehicle number photographing unit that photographs the vehicle number portion of a vehicle at the energy refueling station; a vehicle number recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number of the vehicle; a vehicle information storage unit that stores information about the vehicle; a tire condition inspection unit that inspects the condition of the vehicle's tires; a tire diagnostic result output unit that outputs a diagnostic result of the tire condition from the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit and the information obtained by the tire condition inspection unit; and a tire diagnostic system control unit that controls each unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a tire diagnosis result output system and a tire diagnosis result output method, and particularly relates to a tire diagnosis result output system for diagnosing tire safety and promoting tire sales at vehicle energy supply stations (such as gas stations, charging stations, hydrogen stations, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] Regarding vehicle tires, if there are problems such as a decrease in groove depth due to wear or cracks, there is a risk of slippage or burst, which may lead to serious accidents.

[0003] However, it is cumbersome for vehicle users to check the tire condition, and in fact, it is not checked unless there is an opportunity such as a vehicle inspection or regular inspection. There is also a situation where vehicles with safety problems are running.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it was thought that diagnosing tires at energy supply stations such as gas stations (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as SS) that vehicle users frequently visit daily is effective from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of the vehicle, vehicle users, and people and objects around them.

[0006] Furthermore, in recent years, vehicle energy refueling stations, particularly gas stations, have faced an urgent need to increase revenue from sources other than fuel (non-fuel revenue) due to declining demand for gasoline.

[0007] Among these, tire sales are a highly profitable and promising area, but the problem was the lack of effective sales promotion methods.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle maintenance timing management device used by vehicle maintenance businesses, which has the following functions: a function to calculate the average mileage from the vehicle's mileage; a function to calculate the lifespan (remaining distance) from the inspection and maintenance results (condition stage values) of each part of the vehicle; and a function to calculate and output the time when each part will require inspection and maintenance (next inspection time) based on the lifespan and average mileage of each part. In particular, with respect to tires, the groove depth is the relevant part, and the groove depth before use and the groove depth at the time of replacement are stored as the initial value and limit value, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle management system installed in a vehicle management company that is contracted to manage customers' vehicles, wherein each management data input / output terminal is equipped with means for inputting registration data for registering a vehicle, initial setting data, periodic inspection result data, and remaining tread limit value and transferring them to a database, and the host computer determines at least one of the estimated drivable distance until the tire wear limit is reached or an aggregated result representing the tire wear status based on the initial setting data and periodic inspection result data.

[0010] However, these prior art technologies are implemented by companies specializing in the regular maintenance, inspection, and management of vehicles, and are not implemented at energy stations (such as gas stations) where vehicles routinely visit for energy replenishment (such as refueling).

[0011] Furthermore, it appears that the vehicle is identified using the vehicle number (also called the license plate number) as a key. However, given the nature of the work, it is presumed that the vehicle numbers are entered manually by the contractors or received from the client in the form of a list, and there is no mention of image recognition being used for the vehicle numbers.

[0012] In other words, these prior art documents do not describe the challenges and solutions related to identifying vehicle numbers of vehicles that regularly visit energy stations (such as gas stations) for energy replenishment (such as refueling) using image recognition, performing tire safety diagnoses in association with those vehicle numbers, and conducting tire sales promotion activities as a result.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tire diagnostic result output system and a tire diagnostic result output method that can support energy supply stations (such as gas stations) in routinely diagnosing the safety of tires for energy supply (such as refueling), and / or using the results to conduct profitable tire sales promotion activities.

[0014] In order to solve the above problem, the inventor first conceived of taking an image of the visiting vehicle, identifying the vehicle number from the captured image using image recognition technology, and then using the identified vehicle number as a key to retrieve related information from a database (DB) in which vehicle numbers and related information associated with the vehicle are stored in association, and then using this related information to diagnose the safety of the tires, including cases where the vehicle user is unaware of them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, a tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a vehicle number shooting unit that takes an image of the vehicle number portion of a vehicle at an energy supply station; a vehicle number recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number of the vehicle; a vehicle information storage unit that stores information about the vehicle; a tire condition inspection unit that inspects the condition of the tires of the vehicle; a tire diagnostic result output unit that outputs a diagnostic result of the tire condition from the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit and the information obtained by the tire condition inspection unit; and a tire diagnostic system control unit that controls each of the above units.

[0016] Here, the vehicle number photographing unit is preferably a camera installed at the entrance of an energy refueling station or near each refueling device in the case of a gas station, but any photographic device that can photograph license plates with vehicle numbers written on them is also acceptable.

[0017] The vehicle number recognition unit is preferably software built into the tire diagnostic system control unit installed at the energy refueling station, but it may also be an independent program (software) installed externally, or it may be installed in a higher-level management system connected via a communication interface. The vehicle number recognition technology can utilize publicly known technologies.

[0018] The vehicle information storage unit is a database of vehicles located within the tire diagnostic system control unit of an energy refueling station, or in a higher-level device connected via a communication interface. It stores information such as the vehicle number, the vehicle owner's name, telephone number, SNS (such as LINE) account information provided by the vehicle owner, the automobile registration number database held by the Japan Automobile Inspection and Registration Information Association, the light vehicle registration number database held by the Japan Light Vehicle Inspection Association, or a vehicle catalog database that aggregates vehicle catalogs from various manufacturers (particularly information on vehicle type and tires), all linked to the vehicle number.

[0019] The tire condition inspection unit estimates the condition of the tire and the replacement time by measuring the depth of the remaining groove of the tire, diagnosing the appearance of the tire (including observing), etc. When the inspection is carried out manually, it includes receiving the input of the inspection result.

[0020] In this case, when measuring the depth of the remaining groove of the tire manually, the system can perform the function of receiving and registering / storing the measurement result. For automatic measurement, measurement by a robot, or measurement by remote control, the system can also undertake such a measurement act itself or a part of it.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above case, when diagnosing the appearance of the tire manually, the system can perform the function of receiving and registering / storing the diagnosis (observation) result. When it is carried out mechanically, for example, the system equipped with a machine learning function can undertake the diagnosis function itself and then the system can perform the function of registering / storing the diagnosis result. Moreover, the system can also undertake to realize such a diagnosis function by a robot or remote control.

[0022] The tire diagnosis result output unit diagnoses the tire condition from the information of the vehicle stored in the vehicle information storage unit and the information obtained by the tire condition inspection unit, and outputs the result. The result is output by methods such as printing by a printer, sending to the customer's email address, sending to the customer's SNS account such as LINE, and sending to the tablet held by the SS employee.

[0023] Note that voice or video may be used as the output means of the diagnosis result. In some situations, it may be effective.

[0024] The tire diagnosis system control unit controls the functions of each part so far, and estimates the tire replacement time from the inspection result of the tire condition inspection unit and the data of the vehicle in the vehicle information storage unit.

[0025] By doing so, it is possible to show the vehicle user the condition of the tires at the SS visited daily, estimate the tire replacement timing for the vehicle user, arouse attention for ensuring safety, and contribute to promoting the tire sales activities at the SS by using the results.

[0026] Note that, until now, at the energy refueling station, energy refueling (such as refueling) has been the main business, and there has been no attention paid to tire diagnosis that requires facility investment including software, so such a system has not been introduced.

[0027] However, in recent years, in consideration of the increasing awareness of vehicle driving safety and securing income other than energy refueling (such as refueling) at the energy refueling station, such a system has been devised.

[0028] Next, as a second aspect of the present invention, in the tire diagnosis result output system for energy refueling of the first aspect, it may be characterized in that a vehicle to be inspected by the tire condition inspection unit is selected based on the information stored in the vehicle information storage unit.

[0029] That is, it does not exclude inspecting all the vehicles visiting the energy refueling station with the tire condition inspection unit, but based on the vehicle information (date of first registration, date of last vehicle inspection, mileage at the last vehicle inspection, and if any, inspection results at the previous tire condition inspection unit, etc.) stored in the vehicle information storage unit, for example, selecting vehicles with suspected safety and inspecting the tire condition is efficient.

[0030] By doing so, it is possible to show the diagnosis results regarding the safety of the tires, including cases where the vehicle user is unaware. It is expected that the vehicle user will have a sense of gratitude for receiving the diagnosis results regarding safety and having a danger prediction, trust the energy refueling station, and place an order for replacement when the tires need to be replaced.

[0031] Next, in a third aspect of the present invention, the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect may be characterized in that the tire condition inspection unit measures the depth of the tire groove.

[0032] For typical passenger cars, the tread depth of new tires is about 8mm, but by law (safety standards), a depth of 1.6mm or more is required for driving on public roads. Furthermore, it is recommended to replace tires when the tread depth reaches about 4mm for safer and more comfortable driving.

[0033] For measuring the depth of this groove, practical methods include using a depth gauge similar to a caliper, or an optical method using laser light. Furthermore, the measurement results are sometimes manually entered into the tire condition inspection unit, or they may be automatically transmitted to the unit.

[0034] Next, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect may be characterized in that the tire condition inspection unit observes an image of the tire's appearance.

[0035] As tires deteriorate, cracks and other damage can occur, potentially leading to a blowout. Alternatively, a wear indicator appears on the tread surface when the groove depth reaches 1.6 mm. These conditions are assessed through image analysis, which can be done in conjunction with measuring the groove depth.

[0036] In this case as well, if images are collected manually, the tire condition inspection unit will be configured to accept the input of the collected information.

[0037] Next, as a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect, the tire diagnostic system control unit comprehensively determines the inspection result of the tire condition inspection unit and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit, and the tire diagnostic result output unit outputs a diagnostic result.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable to print out the diagnostic results under a title such as "Vehicle Tire Condition Diagnosis Report" and hand them over. Vehicle users or owners will appreciate receiving detailed feedback on tire safety in paper form and will be able to carefully consider the results for a longer period of time. On the other hand, the service station can conduct various promotional activities, including tire sales, when handing out the reports, contributing to increased sales at the energy refueling station.

[0039] In addition to printing, various methods are possible, such as displaying the information on the notification screen of the energy refueling station or its parent organization's account if the customer has added the account as a friend on social media such as LINE, sending it to the customer's email address, sending it to the energy refueling station employee's mobile device (tablet, etc.) for display, or displaying it on a display device (display) installed within the energy refueling station. The most advantageous method may be used depending on the situation.

[0040] Furthermore, the vehicle information storage unit stores information such as the vehicle's age and mileage since its initial inspection, the vehicle type, and the standard tire size for that type, by acquiring external information linked to the recognized vehicle number.

[0041] Therefore, since the length of time since the start of use and the mileage driven are also closely related to the lifespan of a tire, the replacement time should be estimated and recommended by taking into account the length of time since the start of use and the mileage driven, along with the depth and appearance of the tire grooves.

[0042] The simplest approach is to use a guideline such as 30,000 km driven from the time of new vehicle registration, or 5 years of use, as a recommended replacement standard.

[0043] Furthermore, although it depends on how the car is used and the road surface conditions, it is generally said that the groove depth decreases by about 1 mm for every 5,000 km driven. Therefore, if the current groove depth is 6 mm and the estimated annual driving distance is 5,000 km based on the mileage driven so far, it can be estimated that it will take about two more years for the groove depth to reach the standard of 4 mm, which is considered comfortable for driving.

[0044] Furthermore, even if the groove depth is deeper than the recommended replacement standard, if a long period has passed since the tires were installed (on a new car or after tire replacement), tire deterioration may be expected, and therefore replacement should be recommended.

[0045] Similarly, if the groove depth is deeper than the recommended replacement standard, but cracks or tears are observed on the exterior, there is a risk of tire bursting, so replacement should be recommended.

[0046] Furthermore, since tires are made of rubber, they can deteriorate due to ultraviolet rays, and in such cases, they may need to be replaced at a shorter interval than the recommended replacement period.

[0047] These replacement recommendation criteria are prepared as logical standards in the tire diagnostic system control unit, and more refined criteria may be generated using AI-based machine learning.

[0048] Furthermore, if the vehicle information storage unit is configured to periodically (for example, once a month) receive information linked to the vehicle number, it will be possible to respond quickly to returning customers, but it will be difficult to respond to first-time customers.

[0049] In that case, it may be possible to use the vehicle number as a key to access external information in real time. In this case, the external information provider shall also be considered as part of the vehicle information storage unit.

[0050] Next, as a sixth aspect of the present invention, the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect may be characterized in that the diagnostic result output from the tire diagnostic result output unit includes a recommended tire replacement time.

[0051] For users of energy refueling stations, receiving tire diagnostic results is extremely beneficial in terms of ensuring safe driving. Furthermore, if the diagnostic results include a recommended tire replacement period, such as six months or one year from now, it can be expected that when they receive a tire replacement notice closer to that time, they will be more likely to agree to the replacement due to the effect of prior notification.

[0052] For example, if a vehicle user or owner has a policy of replacing their vehicle every six years, and it has been three years since purchase, and the tire inspection results indicate that the tires have two years left to live, then as driving comfort and safety will be somewhat compromised as the tires approach the end of their lifespan, it might be possible to set a replacement timing such that replacing the tires now would allow for a longer period of comfortable driving, rather than replacing them after driving with compromised comfort.

[0053] Next, as a seventh aspect of the present invention, the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect may be characterized in that the tire condition inspection unit is an automatic inspection device that performs inspections automatically.

[0054] In other words, it involves driving a vehicle at a low speed or stopping it at a predetermined location, and optically measuring or observing the tire tread depth, tire appearance, etc. This technology is already in practical use, and although it is currently an expensive device, it can reduce the need for manual labor.

[0055] By installing such a device, for example, at the entrance of an energy refueling station or in front of an adjacent car wash, it becomes possible to inspect the tire condition of many customers.

[0056] Next, as an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect, the tire condition inspection unit may inspect the tire condition of a vehicle for which it is determined that the recommended time for tire replacement is approaching or has passed, based on the information stored in the vehicle information storage unit relating to the vehicle number recognized by the vehicle number recognition unit.

[0057] In other words, if a vehicle visits a customer who has been previously notified of a recommended tire replacement time, and that time is approaching or has passed, it is desirable to re-inspect the tires with the customer's consent. If the inspection reveals that replacement is necessary, a strong recommendation for replacement should be made.

[0058] While "approaching" ideally refers to about a month ago, it can be adjusted to suit the situation, such as two months ago or two weeks ago.

[0059] This approach would contribute to safer driving (accident prevention) for customers and also help increase sales at energy refueling stations.

[0060] Next, as a ninth aspect of the present invention, the tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to the first aspect may be characterized in that the priority for the tire condition inspection unit to perform inspections is set to when operations other than refueling are being carried out.

[0061] In other words, for customers who only come in for refueling (or gas station refueling), taking up their time with a tire condition check is often inconvenient. Therefore, it should be given a low priority, and it is preferable to perform the tire condition check in conjunction with other services such as car washing, tire pressure measurement, or tire replacement when requested.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a tenth aspect of the present invention is a tire diagnostic result output method, comprising: a vehicle number shooting unit that takes an image of the vehicle number portion of a vehicle at an energy refueling station; a vehicle number recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number of the vehicle; a vehicle information storage unit that stores information about the vehicle; a tire condition inspection unit that inspects the condition of the tires of the vehicle; a tire diagnostic result output unit that outputs a tire condition diagnostic result from the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit and the information obtained by the tire condition inspection unit; and a tire diagnostic system control unit that controls each of the above units, wherein the vehicle number shooting unit The system is characterized by comprising the steps of: taking a photograph of the vehicle number portion of a vehicle arriving at an energy refueling station; the vehicle number recognition unit recognizing the vehicle number from the photographed image; the tire diagnostic system control unit querying the vehicle information storage unit with the recognized vehicle number and determining whether a tire inspection is necessary based on the result; issuing a recommendation if necessary; the tire condition inspection unit inspecting the groove depth of the tire and / or the appearance of the tire; and the tire diagnostic system control unit analyzing the inspection results and instructing the tire diagnostic result output unit to output the diagnostic results based on the result.

[0063] In other words, this is an embodiment of the method for outputting tire diagnostic results, designed so that even if there are differences in the details of the constituent elements, the scope of the rights will still apply. [Effects of the Invention]

[0064] According to an aspect of the present invention, the vehicle identification numbers of vehicles that visit energy refueling stations irregularly for energy replenishment (such as refueling) can be identified by image recognition, and tire condition diagnostic reports can be issued, thereby enabling profitable tire sales promotion activities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0065] [Figure 1] This is a functional configuration diagram of a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is the hardware configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the installation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is another perspective view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of a system relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an example of a tire diagnostic report for a system relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0066] The following describes a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. In the following, the scope necessary for explaining the objectives of the present invention will be schematically shown, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant parts of the present invention will be mainly explained, with parts that are omitted from the explanation being based on prior art.

[0067] <Structure> Figure 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example is shown in which the tire diagnostic result output system 100 is installed at a gas station (SS) serving as an energy refueling station.

[0068] The tire diagnostic result output system 100 includes a tire diagnostic system control unit 10 that controls the system, a vehicle number shooting unit 20 that takes pictures of the vehicle number portion of vehicles visiting the service station, a vehicle number recognition unit 30 that recognizes the vehicle number from the captured image, a vehicle information storage unit 40 that stores information about vehicles visiting the service station, a tire condition inspection unit 50 that inspects the condition of the tires of vehicles visiting the service station, a tire diagnostic report printing unit 60 that prints out the tire inspection results as a tire diagnostic report, an information input unit 70 for writing necessary information on the diagnostic report, and a communication interface unit 80 that sends and receives communications with the outside.

[0069] This tire diagnostic result output system 100 is connected to a customer information management server 200 that manages customer information via a communication interface unit 80. Preferably, the customer information management server 200 has a database 210 containing vehicle numbers and customer information collected at each service station.

[0070] Furthermore, the customer information management server 200 is connected to external databases such as the automobile registration information database 301, the light vehicle registration information database 302, and the vehicle catalog information database 303. From these databases, the registration date corresponding to the vehicle number, the total mileage at the time of the previous vehicle inspection, the date of the next vehicle inspection, the vehicle type, and the standard tire dimensions of the vehicle type can be obtained and stored in the vehicle number / customer database 210. In addition, the necessary data can be transferred to the vehicle information storage unit 40 of each service station.

[0071] Furthermore, this tire diagnostic result output system 100 is connected via a communication interface unit 80 to a mobile terminal 401 such as a smartphone held by a customer, a mobile terminal 402 such as a tablet held by a service station employee, and a web server 403 that manages social networking services such as LINE, which are located in the cloud.

[0072] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This system is preferably a PC installed in a service station and has hardware elements such as a CPU 1 that controls the system, an information input unit 2 such as a keyboard or touch panel for inputting information, an information output unit 3 such as a printer for outputting information, an information display unit 4 such as a display for showing information, an information storage unit 5 for storing data, programs, etc., and a communication interface unit 6 which is an interface for communication with the outside. Note that the hardware components are not limited to these, and it is not necessary to have all of them. The functional configuration described above is realized using these hardware components.

[0073] Figure 3 is a plan view of the installation of a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle CA arriving at the service station proceeds in the direction of the arrow and stops at a predetermined position near the fuel dispenser RD.

[0074] A camera 21, designated as a vehicle number photographing unit 20, is provided in a location that makes it easy to photograph the vehicle number, corresponding to each fuel dispenser RD.

[0075] The outlet side of the fuel dispenser RD is provided with a tire condition inspection unit 50 which includes an automatic tire groove measurement unit 51 and a tire appearance imaging unit 52.

[0076] The vehicle number scanning unit 20 may be installed in locations other than the fuel pump RD, for example, near the entrance of the gas station, in front of the adjacent car wash, or near the maintenance area. Doing so would also make it possible to recognize the vehicle numbers of customers who do not refuel.

[0077] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tire condition inspection unit 50 of the tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The automatic tire groove measurement unit 51 consists of a vehicle running platform 511 on which the vehicle can travel in a straight line, and a pair of laser sensors 512 embedded in the tire running position on the vehicle running platform 511, which can measure the depth of the tire grooves. This part may protrude from the ground surface or be embedded in the ground surface.

[0079] Furthermore, a pair of tire exterior imaging units 52, each containing a camera 522 held in a vertically upright housing 521, are provided on the outer sides of both sides of the vehicle running floor 511.

[0080] These measurement results and camera images are processed by a control unit (not shown) within the tire condition inspection unit 50, and the results are transmitted to the tire diagnostic system control unit 10. Alternatively, raw data and images may be transmitted to the tire diagnostic system control unit 10 for processing.

[0081] The tire condition inspection unit 50 does not necessarily have to be automated; for example, it may be measured manually. Figure 5 is a perspective view of another tire condition inspection unit 50 of a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Here, a tire depth gauge 55 is used as a tool for the tire condition inspection unit 50. The tire depth gauge 55 consists of a tire pressing part 551, a measuring probe 552 that is held by a spring so as to be extendable and retractable to reach the bottom of the tire groove, and a digital display unit 553 which includes an LCD for displaying the measurement result. When the operator places the measuring probe 552 in contact with the bottom of the groove and presses the tire pressing part 551 against the tire surface, the groove depth is displayed on the digital display unit 553. The operator can then read the displayed value and input it into the tire condition inspection unit 50 using the information input unit 70.

[0083] Although the measurement is performed by a person performing the measurement, the measurement results may be configured to be automatically transmitted to the tire condition inspection unit 50 or the tire diagnostic system control unit 10.

[0084] Alternatively, as part of the tire condition inspection unit 50, the operator may visually observe the surface condition of the tire and, if any abnormalities are found, input the details into the tire condition inspection unit 50 using the information input unit 70.

[0085] <Operation> Next, we will explain the operation of the tire diagnostic result output system. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] When a customer's vehicle arrives at a gas station (SS), which is an example of an energy refueling station, and proceeds to the fuel pump RD, a camera 21, which is an example of a vehicle identification number photographing device 20, photographs the vehicle identification number. (Step S11)

[0087] Next, the vehicle number recognition unit 30 recognizes the vehicle number from the captured image. (S12)

[0088] Next, the tire diagnostic system control unit 10 queries the vehicle information storage unit 40 using the recognized vehicle number. If the system finds information for the vehicle and determines that a tire diagnostic has already been performed on the vehicle, and that another tire diagnostic is necessary based on the elapsed time, estimated mileage, etc., it instructs an employee or other person to proceed to the tire condition inspection unit 50.

[0089] In the case of a first-time customer for whom no information on the relevant vehicle is available, or in the case where information on the relevant vehicle is available but a tire condition inspection is not required, the customer will not be directed to the tire condition inspection unit 50.

[0090] However, even in such cases, if a customer requests work other than refueling, such as tire replacement, car washing, air pressure measurement, or oil change, the customer may be guided to have the tire condition inspected at the tire condition inspection unit 50 with the customer's consent (or without the customer's consent, as it relates to the safety of vehicle operation).

[0091] Furthermore, even if a customer is a first-time customer and there is no information stored in the SS's vehicle information storage unit 40, if it is determined in real time via the customer information management server 200 to query an external database and based on the registration date, mileage, etc., that a tire inspection is desirable, the SS may proactively recommend a tire inspection.

[0092] Taking these various circumstances into consideration, the tire diagnostic system control unit 10 determines whether or not a tire inspection is necessary. (S13)

[0093] As a result, if no further action is required, the process ends there. However, if action is required, a recommendation instruction is sent to the employee's mobile terminal 401, etc. (S14)

[0094] After obtaining the customer's consent, the tire condition inspection unit 50 inspects the tire's groove depth and / or its appearance. (S15)

[0095] Next, the tire diagnostic system control unit 10 analyzes the inspection results and, based on those results, instructs the tire diagnostic report printing unit 60 to print the tire condition diagnostic report 61. (S16)

[0096] Next, the tire diagnostic report printing unit 60 prints out the tire condition diagnostic report 61. (S17)

[0097] Figure 7 shows an example of a tire diagnostic report 61 from a tire diagnostic result output system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Based on information from the tire diagnostic system control unit 10, the tire diagnostic report printing unit 60 prints out such a tire condition diagnostic report 61.

[0098] In Figure 7(a), the tire condition diagnosis report 61 shows no particular abnormalities in the tire, and the recommended tire replacement time is set to one year later. On the other hand, in Figure 7(b), the tire condition diagnosis report 61 shows that the remaining tread depth is less than 4 mm, and furthermore, cracks and uneven wear were observed in the appearance, so it recommends replacing the tire sooner.

[0099] In all cases, the mileage since the registration date or the last vehicle inspection date can also be recorded as reference data for tire replacement.

[0100] By using this tire condition diagnosis report 61, employees can effectively conduct sales promotion activities related to tire replacement or tire rotation.

[0101] In addition to printing out such tire diagnostic reports, various methods are possible, such as displaying them on the notification screen of the customer's mobile device 401 via the web server 403 that manages the social networking service (SNS) if the customer has added the SS or its parent organization's account as a friend on SNS such as LINE, sending them to the email address of the customer's mobile device 401, sending them to the mobile device 402 (tablet, etc.) of an SS employee for display, or displaying them on a display device (display) installed within the SS. The most advantageous method may be used depending on the situation. [Industrial applicability]

[0102] This invention is a system for diagnosing vehicle tires, which contributes to safe vehicle operation and supports the stable management of energy refueling stations, and therefore has great potential for industrial use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 100 Tire Diagnostic Result Output System 10. Tire diagnostic system control unit 20 Vehicle Number Photography Section 30 Vehicle number recognition unit 40 Vehicle Information Storage Unit 50 Tire Condition Inspection Department 60 Medical Certificate Printing Department 70 Information Input Section 80 Communication Interface Section 200 Customer Information Management Server 210 Vehicle Number / Customer Database 301 Vehicle Registration Information Database 302 Light Vehicle Registration Information Database 303 Vehicle Catalog Information Database 303 401 Customer's mobile device 402 Employee's mobile devices 403 Web Server 1 CPU 2. Information Input Section 3. Information Output Unit 4 Information display section 5 Information storage section 6. Communication Interface Section

Claims

1. A vehicle number photographing unit that takes images of the vehicle number portion of a vehicle at an energy refueling station, A vehicle number recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number of the vehicle, A vehicle information storage unit that stores information about the vehicle, A tire condition inspection unit that inspects the condition of the vehicle's tires, A tire diagnostic result output unit outputs information that estimates the timing of tire replacement and / or recommends tire replacement as a result of diagnosing the condition of the tire, based on information about the vehicle type and / or tires associated with the vehicle number of the vehicle stored in the vehicle information storage unit and information obtained from the tire condition inspection unit's image of the remaining tread depth and / or the tire's appearance. A tire diagnostic system control unit that controls each of the above parts A tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station, having the above, and characterized in that, based on vehicle information linked to the vehicle number, which includes one or more of the following stored in the vehicle information storage unit: the initial registration date, the date of the previous vehicle inspection, the mileage at the time of the previous vehicle inspection, the inspection result at the previous tire condition inspection unit, the time elapsed since the previous inspection, and the estimated mileage since the previous inspection, the system selects vehicles suspected of being unsafe to be inspected by the tire condition inspection unit.

2. The tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to claim 1, characterized in that the means by which the tire diagnostic result output unit outputs the diagnostic result is one or more of the following means: printing out, displaying on an SNS notification screen, sending to a customer's email address, sending to a portable terminal of an energy supply station employee, or displaying on a display device installed within the energy supply station.

3. The tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to claim 1, characterized in that the tire condition inspection unit is an automatic inspection device that performs inspections automatically.

4. The tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to claim 1, characterized in that the tire condition inspection unit inspects the tire condition of a vehicle for which it is determined that the recommended time for tire replacement is approaching or has passed, based on the information stored in the vehicle information storage unit relating to the vehicle number recognized by the vehicle number recognition unit.

5. The tire diagnostic result output system for an energy supply station according to claim 1, characterized in that, even if a vehicle is not selected as a vehicle to be inspected by the tire condition inspection unit, if a request is made for any one of the following services: tire replacement, car wash, air pressure measurement, or oil change, the system guides the vehicle to undergo a tire condition inspection at the tire condition inspection unit with the customer's consent, or without the customer's consent because it relates to the safety of vehicle operation.

6. A tire diagnostic result output system for an energy refueling station having a vehicle number imaging unit that takes an image of the vehicle number portion of a vehicle at the energy refueling station, a vehicle number recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number of the vehicle, a vehicle information storage unit that stores information about the vehicle, a tire condition inspection unit that inspects the condition of the vehicle's tires, a tire diagnostic result output unit that outputs information to estimate the timing of tire replacement and / or recommend tire replacement as a diagnosis result of the tire condition based on information about the vehicle type and / or tires associated with the vehicle number of the vehicle stored in the vehicle information storage unit and information obtained from images of the remaining tread depth and / or appearance of the tire obtained by the tire condition inspection unit, and a tire diagnostic system control unit that controls each of the above units, The aforementioned vehicle number photographing unit photographs the vehicle number portion of a vehicle that has arrived at the energy supply station, The vehicle number recognition unit recognizes the vehicle number from the captured image, The tire diagnostic system control unit queries the vehicle information storage unit using the recognized vehicle number, and based on the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit that is linked to the vehicle number, the tire diagnostic system control unit determines that a tire inspection is required if the vehicle is suspected of being unsafe. Steps to issue recommendations when necessary, The tire condition inspection unit performs the steps of inspecting the depth of the tire grooves and / or the appearance of the tire, The tire diagnostic system control unit analyzes the inspection results and, based on the results, instructs the tire diagnostic result output unit to output the diagnostic results. A method for outputting tire diagnostic results.

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