Information processing device

Abstract

To appropriately set a fee for adding a retrofit item to a vehicle.SOLUTION: A control unit of an information processing device executes the processes of: acquiring a request to add an item to a vehicle; acquiring first information that is information according to whether the vehicle has a structure for adding an item; determining a fee for adding the item to the vehicle based on the first information and information on the item; and outputting information on the fee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Disclosed is that by integrating a device for detecting a following vehicle with a GPS unit, complicated wiring work is made unnecessary, and it can be attached to the indoor side rear glass of a vehicle, and the user can very easily attach and use it just by inserting a car plug into a power socket (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 this disclosure is to provide a technique capable of appropriately setting a fee when attaching a retrofitted item to a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to obtain a request to add an item to a vehicle, to obtain first information that is information according to whether the vehicle has a structure for adding the item, to determine a fee for adding the item to the vehicle based on the first information and information regarding the item, to output information regarding the fee, and an information processing apparatus including a control unit that executes the above.

[0006] Other aspects of this disclosure include an information processing method in which a computer performs the processing of the information processing device, a program for causing a computer to perform the processing of the information processing device, and a storage medium that stores this program non-temporarily. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides a technology that allows for the appropriate setting of fees when installing aftermarket items. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the central server that constitute the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a central server. [Figure 4] This figure shows examples of information stored in the vehicle information database, item information database, and fare information database. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the processing in the central server according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] There is a technology for retrospectively adding functions or parts (hereinafter also referred to as items) to a vehicle. For example, one might consider retrofitting a blind spot monitor (BMS) to detect vehicles approaching from the rear. In such cases, it is necessary to add sensors to the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, a wire harness with connectors to connect to the sensors is required to send the sensor output to the control unit (ECU). If the existing wire harness does not have connectors, the wire harness will need to be replaced. Replacing the wire harness requires temporarily removing interior parts, which increases the working time. Also, when adding sensors, it may be necessary to drill holes in the vehicle to mount the sensors themselves, or to install brackets to secure the connectors that connect to the sensors. Performing such work also takes time.

[0010] Here, it is conceivable to design and manufacture the vehicle in advance with a structure that anticipates the addition of items later (for example, a wire harness with holes for attaching items, brackets for attaching items, or connectors for connecting items). In this case, for example, aftermarket items can be added to the vehicle in a relatively short amount of time without requiring highly skilled work.

[0011] On the other hand, for vehicles that are not designed to accommodate the addition of items after the fact, adding aftermarket items may require additional work such as drilling holes in the body, welding brackets to the body, or sheet metal work on the body. This could make the process of adding aftermarket items more complex and time-consuming.

[0012] Therefore, the level of work and time required to add aftermarket items may differ depending on whether or not the vehicle has a structure designed to accommodate the addition of items after the fact. As a result, it becomes necessary to differentiate the fees for adding aftermarket items depending on whether or not the vehicle has a structure designed to accommodate the addition of items after the fact. Thus, measures are needed to appropriately determine the fees for adding items depending on whether or not the vehicle has a structure designed to accommodate the addition of items after the fact.

[0013] In contrast, an information processing device, which is one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a control unit that performs the following actions: obtaining a request to add an item to a vehicle; obtaining first information which is information depending on whether the vehicle has a structure for adding the item; determining the fee for adding the item to the vehicle based on the first information and information about the item; and outputting information about the fee.

[0014] An item is a device, part, or system that can be retrofitted to a vehicle. A request to add an item to a vehicle is sent, for example, from a user's terminal to an information processing device. The user's terminal may be the vehicle owner's terminal, or it may be a terminal of a car dealership, etc. The information included in the first information, which depends on whether the vehicle has a structure for adding an item, is information about whether the vehicle has a structure that anticipates the retrofitting of an item. Such a structure includes, for example, information about whether a wire harness with a connector that can be connected to the item is installed in the vehicle. In that case, if a wire harness with a connector that can be connected to the item is pre-installed in the vehicle, it can be said that the vehicle has a structure for adding an item. Furthermore, the information depending on whether the vehicle has a structure for adding an item may also include, for example, information about whether holes or brackets for attaching the item are pre-installed in the vehicle. The information depending on whether the vehicle has a structure for adding an item can be changed as appropriate depending on the retrofitted item. Such information may also be information linked to, for example, the vehicle identification number, vehicle type, vehicle grade, vehicle model, etc.

[0015] Here, even with the same item, there are cases where the vehicle has a structure that allows it to add items and cases where it does not. It is assumed that the work level and time will differ depending on whether or not the item is added. Furthermore, it is assumed that the work level and time will differ even for the same vehicle depending on the item added. Therefore, the control unit relating to this disclosure determines the fee for adding an item to the vehicle based on the first information and the item information. The control unit then outputs information regarding the determined fee. Outputting information regarding the determined fee includes, for example, sending a command to the vehicle user's terminal to display the information on a display.

[0016] According to the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately determine the fee for adding an item for each of the cases where the vehicle has a structure for adding an item and the case where it does not have such a structure. Further, it is also possible to notify the user of the vehicle of the determined fee.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Further, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0018] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a user terminal 20 and a center server 30. The user terminal 20 is a terminal used by the user of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 100. The vehicle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 can add an item retrospectively. For example, when adding a blind spot monitor (BSM) to the vehicle 10, sensors 101 etc. are retrofitted to the vehicle 10. Note that the BSM is a system that detects the approach of other vehicles from behind and supports the user's judgment when changing lanes. The sensor 101 in this case is, for example, a radar sensor. The retrofitted sensor 101 is connected to the in-vehicle device 100 via a wire harness 102. The in-vehicle device 100 controls the vehicle 10 and the BSM etc. by executing the installed software. Note that the software for controlling the BSM may be installed in the in-vehicle device 100 in advance, or may be installed when the sensor 101 is retrofitted.

[0019] The center server 30 receives the addition of an item from the user terminal 20 to the vehicle 10. Then, the center server 30 determines the fee for adding the item to the vehicle 10 based on the structure of the vehicle 10 and the item. The center server 30 outputs (transmits) a command to display the determined fee to the user terminal 20.

[0020] The following describes the work involved in adding items to the present disclosure. Vehicle 10 can be retrofitted or replaced with, for example, a blind spot monitor (BSM), safety features, parking support brake (PKSB), panoramic view monitor (PVM), steering wheel heater, seat upholstery, etc. BSM is a system that, as described above, detects the approach of other vehicles from behind and assists the user's decision when changing lanes. In order to add the BSM function to vehicle 10, a sensor 101 and a wire harness 102 having a connector that can be connected to the sensor 101 are required. In addition, the side mirrors and bumper, etc., need to be replaced with ones that are compatible with BSM. A bracket may be required for mounting the sensor 101 or the connector that connects to the sensor 101.

[0021] The safety features package includes, for example, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Emergency Steering Assist. FCTA is a function that detects vehicles approaching from the left or right when entering an intersection. LCA is a function that assists with steering during lane changes and monitoring vehicles in the lane ahead. Adding safety features requires the addition of sensors, replacement of the steering wheel, and a corresponding wire harness 102.

[0022] PKSB is a system that provides warnings and applies collision mitigation braking control when it detects an object to be activated while driving at low speeds, such as when parked. To add PKSB functionality, a rear camera and a corresponding wire harness 102 are required.

[0023] PVM is a function that combines images from cameras mounted on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle 10 to generate an image of the area around the vehicle 10 and displays it on a screen. Adding PVM functionality requires the addition of cameras and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), as well as the replacement of the front grille and side mirrors. A wire harness 102 corresponding to these parts is also required.

[0024] A steering wheel heater is a function that warms the steering wheel. Adding the steering wheel heater function requires replacing the steering wheel and adding a switch. In addition, a wire harness 102 that corresponds to these parts is required.

[0025] Regarding the seat upholstery, it may be possible to replace it with a higher-grade fabric or add a seat heater. Replacing it with a higher-grade fabric means changing the seat upholstery to a more luxurious material. A seat heater is a function that warms the seat upholstery. This will require replacing the seat and the air conditioner control unit. In addition, a wire harness 102 corresponding to these parts will be required.

[0026] Here, it is conceivable to design and manufacture vehicles in advance to have a structure that allows for the addition of the above-mentioned items (i.e., a structure that anticipates the retrospective addition of the above-mentioned items; hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "ready structure"). A ready structure includes, for example, a structure in which a wire harness corresponding to the item is pre-installed on the vehicle body, a structure in which holes for item installation are pre-drilled on the vehicle body, or a structure in which brackets for item installation are pre-installed on the vehicle body. For vehicles with a ready structure, it becomes possible to add items in a relatively short working time without requiring highly advanced work. On the other hand, vehicles without a ready structure may also exist. For vehicles without a ready structure, ancillary work such as drilling holes in the vehicle body, welding brackets to the vehicle body, or sheet metal work on the vehicle body is required, which may result in a higher level of work and longer working time. Therefore, the level of work and the time required for adding items may differ between vehicles with a ready structure and vehicles without a ready structure. Accordingly, it may become necessary to differentiate the fees for adding items between vehicles with a ready structure and vehicles without a ready structure. Therefore, the central server 30 of this embodiment determines the fee for adding items according to the structure and items of the vehicle 10.

[0027] The user terminal 20 and the center server 30 are interconnected via network N1. Network N1 may be a global public communication network such as the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or other communication networks. N1 may include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone network, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Figure 1 illustrates one vehicle 10 and one user terminal 20 as an example, but there may be multiple vehicles 10 and user terminals 20.

[0028] (Hardware configuration) Here, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 and the central server 30 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 and the central server 30 that constitute the system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0029] The center server 30 has a computer configuration. The center server 30 is a processor It has a 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, and a communication unit 34. These are interconnected by a bus. The processor 31 is an example of a control unit.

[0030] The processor 31 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 31 controls the center server 30 and performs various information processing. The calculation is performed. The main memory unit 32 consists of RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The auxiliary memory unit 33 consists of EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), Hard disk drive (HDD), and / or removable media These are examples. The auxiliary storage unit 33 stores the OS (Operating System), various programs, and various tables. The processor 31 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 into the work area of ​​the main storage unit 32 and executes them, and each component is controlled through the execution of these programs. In this way, the center server 30 realizes functions that match the predetermined purpose. The main storage unit 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33 are recording media that can be read by a computer.

[0031] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface for connecting the center server 30 to the network N1. In one example, the communication unit 34 is configured to include, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. In this embodiment, the communication unit 34 communicates with the user terminal 20 through the network N1.

[0032] Next, the user terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), or a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The user terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory unit 22, It has an auxiliary storage unit 23, an input unit 24, a display 25, and a communication unit 26. These are interconnected by a bus. The processor 21, main memory unit 22, and auxiliary storage unit 23 are the same as the processor 31, main memory unit 32, and auxiliary storage unit 33 of the center server 30, so their description is omitted.

[0033] The input unit 24 is a device that receives input operations performed by the user. For example, the input unit 24 may be a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, or push button. The display 25 is a device that presents information to the user. For example, the display 25 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The input unit 24 and the display 25 may be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0034] The communication unit 26 is a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1. The communication unit 26 supports mobile communication services (e.g., telephone communication networks such as 6G (6th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), or LTE (Long Term Evolution)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Blue The user terminal 20 is connected to network N1 using a wireless communication network such as tooth(registered trademark). In this embodiment, the communication unit 26 communicates with the center server 30 via network N1.

[0035] (Functional configuration of the central server) Next, the functions of the center server 30 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the center server 30. The center server 30 has a control unit 300 and a storage unit 310 as functional components. The control unit 300 is achieved by the processor 31 of the center server 30 executing a computer program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. At least a part of the control unit 300 may be achieved by hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The storage unit 310 stores vehicle information DB 311, item information DB 312, and charges. It consists of databases such as the information DB313.

[0036] The control unit 300 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to specify items to be added to the vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 300 receives the above request by interacting with the user terminal 20 through the execution of processing on the web server. In this case, the user accesses the web server through the browser on the user terminal 20 and sends the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 (or the user's user ID) to the center server 30 through the user terminal 20. Upon receiving the vehicle ID (or user ID), the center server 30 has the control unit 300 generate a list of items suitable for the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle ID (or user ID), and displays a user interface screen containing the generated list in the browser on the user terminal 20. The user inputs an operation to the user terminal 20 to select the items they wish to add to the vehicle 10 from the displayed list. Upon receiving this input, the user terminal 20 sends a request to the center server 30 specifying the items selected by the user. The request includes information identifying the item selected by the user (e.g., the name of the item), as well as the vehicle ID of vehicle 10 or the user's user ID. Upon receiving the request, the control unit 300 of the center server 30 determines the fee for adding the specified item to vehicle 10 based on the vehicle ID (or user ID) and the specified item. Details of the process for determining the fee for adding the specified item to vehicle 10 will be described later. The control unit 300 displays a user interface screen, including the determined fee, in the browser of the user terminal 20.

[0037] Furthermore, the interaction between the central server 30 and the user terminal 20 described above may be realized by a dedicated application program and a predetermined protocol installed on the user terminal 20.

[0038] Here, we will describe the vehicle information DB311, item information DB312, and fare information DB313. The vehicle information DB311, item information DB312, and fare information DB313 are databases built in the auxiliary storage unit 33 of the center server 30 by the processor 31 of the center server 30 executing a DBMS (Database Management System) program. These databases may be built as relational databases.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of the information stored in the Vehicle Information DB311, Item Information DB312, and Fare Information DB313, respectively. First, let's explain the Vehicle Information DB311. The Vehicle Information DB311 has records for each vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Vehicle Information Records"). As shown in Figure 4, each Vehicle Information Record has the following fields: Vehicle ID, User ID, Vehicle Identification Number, and Vehicle Type ID.

[0040] The Vehicle ID field registers information that identifies vehicle 10 (Vehicle ID). The User ID field registers information that identifies the user associated with vehicle 10 (User ID). The User ID may also be information that identifies the user terminal 20. The VIN field registers the VIN of vehicle 10. Since the VIN is a unique number for each vehicle 10, the VIN may be used as the Vehicle ID. The Vehicle Type ID field registers information that identifies the vehicle type of vehicle 10 (Vehicle Type ID). Note that even for the same vehicle type, different Vehicle Type IDs may be set depending on the grade and / or year of manufacture.

[0041] Next, we will explain the item information DB312. The item information DB312 has records for each vehicle identification number (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "item information records"). As shown in Figure 4, each item information record contains the vehicle identification number, BSM, safety function, PKSB, and P It has fields such as VM, heater, and sheet.

[0042] The vehicle identification number (VIN) field registers information corresponding to the VIN field in the vehicle information DB311. The BSM, safety function, PKSB, PVM, heater, and seat fields register information depending on whether the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to each item. In the example shown in Figure 4, for items in which the vehicle 10 with the target VIN has a ready structure, a string starting with "P" is registered in the field corresponding to that item. For example, if a wire harness 102 corresponding to an item is pre-installed on the vehicle 10, a string starting with "P" is registered in the field corresponding to that item. This indicates that, in the process of adding that item, it is not necessary to add a wire harness 102 corresponding to that item or to replace an existing wire harness with a wire harness 102 corresponding to that item.

[0043] Furthermore, for items that do not have a ready design for the vehicle 10 with the target chassis number, but can be retrofitted by performing ancillary work, a string starting with "S" will be registered in the field corresponding to the item. For example, for items where the corresponding wire harness 102 is not pre-installed on the vehicle 10, but can be added or replaced with the wire harness 102 by performing ancillary work, a string starting with "S" will be registered in the field corresponding to the item. This indicates that the addition of the item requires the addition of the wire harness 102 or the replacement of the existing wire harness with the wire harness 102.

[0044] Furthermore, for items that do not have a ready design for the vehicle 10 with the target chassis number, and that cannot be retrofitted even with ancillary work, the field corresponding to that item will be left blank. For example, for items where the corresponding wire harness 102 is not pre-installed on the vehicle 10, and where adding the wire harness 102 or replacing the existing wire harness with the wire harness 102 does not allow the item to function properly, the field corresponding to that item will be left blank. This indicates that the item is not compatible with (cannot be installed on) the vehicle 10 with the target chassis number. Therefore, items with blank fields are excluded from the aforementioned list (list of items compatible with vehicle 10).

[0045] The information registered in the item information DB312 in this embodiment is an example of the first information related to this disclosure.

[0046] Next, we will explain the fare information DB313. The fare information DB313 has records for each vehicle type ID (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "fare information records"). Each fare information record has the following fields: vehicle type ID, item, fare A, and fare B. The vehicle type ID field contains information corresponding to the vehicle type field in the vehicle information DB311. The item field contains a list of items. The fare A field contains the item-specific fares (fares for adding each item) when the target vehicle type has a ready structure. The fare B field contains the item-specific fares (fares for adding each item) when the target vehicle type does not have a ready structure.

[0047] Here, we will explain the details of the process for determining the charge for adding a specified item to vehicle 10. First, the control unit 300 determines whether vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item, based on the vehicle ID (or user ID) and the specified item. Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the vehicle information DB 311 to identify the vehicle information record corresponding to the vehicle ID (or user ID). The control unit 300 then identifies The control unit 300 retrieves the information registered in the vehicle identification number field of the retrieved vehicle information record. The control unit 300 accesses the item information DB 312 to identify the item information record corresponding to the retrieved vehicle identification number. The control unit 300 then refers to the information registered in the field corresponding to the specified item in the identified record. If a string starting with "P" is registered in the referenced field, the control unit 300 determines that vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item. On the other hand, if a string starting with "S" is registered in the referenced field, the control unit 300 determines that vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to the specified item.

[0048] Next, the control unit 300 retrieves the information registered in the vehicle type ID field of the vehicle information record identified above. The control unit 300 accesses the fare information DB 313 to identify the fare information record corresponding to the retrieved vehicle type ID. Based on the information registered in the identified fare information record, the above determination result, and the specified item, the control unit 300 determines the fare for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10. For example, if it is determined that the specified item is BSM and that the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to BSM, the control unit 300 determines the fare corresponding to BSM from the fare A field to be the fare for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10. If it is determined that the specified item is BSM and that the vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to BSM, the control unit 300 determines the fare corresponding to BSM from the fare B field to be the fare for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10.

[0049] (Process flow) Next, the processing in the center server 30 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed in the center server 30 according to the embodiment. The processing flow illustrated in Figure 5 is executed when a request specifying items to be added to the vehicle 10 is received from the user terminal 20. Although the processor 31 of the center server 30 is the main execution entity for this processing flow, the ECU 100 will be used here to describe the functional components of the center server 30 as the main execution entities.

[0050] When the central server 30 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to add an item to vehicle 10, the control unit 300 obtains the vehicle identification number of vehicle 10 (step S101). Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the vehicle information DB 311 and identifies the vehicle 10 table in which information matching the vehicle ID included in the above request is registered in the vehicle ID field. The control unit 300 obtains the information (vehicle identification number) registered in the vehicle identification number field of the identified vehicle information record.

[0051] Furthermore, if the above request includes a user ID, the control unit 300 may access the vehicle information DB 311 to identify a vehicle information record in which information matching the user ID is registered in the user ID field. The control unit 300 may then retrieve the information (vehicle identification number) registered in the vehicle identification number field of the identified vehicle information record.

[0052] After the control unit 300 has finished executing the process in step S101, it executes the process in step S102.

[0053] In step S102, the control unit 300 determines whether the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item. Specifically, the control unit 300 accesses the item information DB 312 and identifies an item information record in the vehicle identification number field in which information matching the vehicle identification number obtained in step S101 is registered. The control unit 300 then refers to the information registered in the field corresponding to the specified item among the identified item information records. If a string starting with "P" is registered in the referenced field, the control unit 300 determines that the vehicle 10 has a ready structure corresponding to the specified item (affirmative determination in step S102). On the other hand, if a string starting with "S" is registered in the referenced field, the control unit 300 determines that the vehicle 10 does not have a ready structure corresponding to the specified item (negative determination in step S102).

[0054] If the determination in step S102 is positive, the control unit 300 proceeds to the process in step S103 and determines that the charge for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10 is charge A. Specifically, the control unit 300 obtains the information (vehicle type ID) registered in the vehicle type ID field of the vehicle information record identified in step S101. The control unit 300 accesses the charge information DB 313 and identifies the charge information record in which information matching the obtained vehicle type ID is registered in the vehicle type ID field. The control unit 300 determines that the charge corresponding to the specified item among the charges registered in the charge A field of the identified charge information record is the charge for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10.

[0055] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step S102, the control unit 300 proceeds to step S104 and determines that the charge for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10 is charge B. Specifically, the control unit 300 obtains the information (vehicle type ID) registered in the vehicle type ID field of the vehicle information record identified in step S101. The control unit 300 accesses the charge information DB 313 and identifies the charge information record in which information matching the obtained vehicle type ID is registered in the vehicle type ID field. The control unit 300 determines that the charge corresponding to the specified item among the charges registered in the charge B field of the identified charge information record is the charge for adding the specified item to the vehicle 10.

[0056] After completing the processing in step S103 or step S104, the control unit 300 executes the processing in step S105. In step S105, the control unit 300 outputs the fee determined in step S103 or step S104. In one example, the control unit 300 displays a user interface screen including the determined fee in the browser of the user terminal 20.

[0057] When the control unit 300 finishes executing the process in step S105, the processing flow shown in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the fee for adding a specified item to a vehicle is determined based on whether or not the vehicle has the specified item and the corresponding ready structure. This allows for different fees to be charged for vehicles with and without the corresponding ready structure, even if the specified item is the same. Furthermore, even for the same vehicle, the fee can be varied depending on the specified item. This allows for the appropriate determination of the fee for adding an aftermarket item to a vehicle.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determined fee can be displayed on the user terminal. This allows the user to be informed of the fee for adding an aftermarket item to the vehicle.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination of whether or not a vehicle has a ready structure is performed by the central server, so the user does not need to separately check whether or not a vehicle has a ready structure.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The present 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. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, 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]

[0064] 1 System 10 vehicles 20 User Terminals 30 Center Server 31 processors 32 Main memory 33 Auxiliary storage section 34 Communications Department 102 Wire Harness

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a storage unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is A vehicle information database that stores vehicle identification information that identifies a vehicle, the vehicle's chassis number, and vehicle type identification information that identifies the vehicle's type, in association with each other. An item information database that stores, in association with each of the multiple items that can be added to the vehicle, the vehicle identification number and first information indicating whether or not the vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to each of the multiple items, and A fee information database that stores, for each of the vehicle identification information, in association with each of the items included in the plurality of items, a first fee which is the fee for adding each of the items to the vehicle if the vehicle has the ready structure, and a second fee which is the fee for adding each of the items to the vehicle if the vehicle does not have the ready structure. Remember this, The control unit, The process involves obtaining a request to add an item to a target vehicle, which includes the vehicle identification information of the target vehicle and the first item identification information that identifies the first item to be added to the target vehicle. The process involves referring to the aforementioned vehicle information database and obtaining the vehicle identification number corresponding to the vehicle identification information of the target vehicle included in the acquired request, Accessing the item information database and referring to the first information corresponding to the first item identified by the vehicle identification number obtained and the first item identification information included in the obtained request, In accordance with the first information referenced, it is determined whether the target vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to the first item, If the target vehicle has a ready structure corresponding to the first item, the vehicle information database is referenced and vehicle type identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the acquired request is obtained. Referencing the aforementioned fare information database, the first fare corresponding to the first item and the acquired vehicle identification information is determined as the fare for adding the first item to the vehicle. If the vehicle in question does not have a ready structure corresponding to the first item, Referencing both information databases, obtain vehicle type identification information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the obtained request, Referencing the aforementioned fare information database, the second fare corresponding to the first item and the acquired vehicle identification information is determined as the fare for adding the first item to the target vehicle. Outputting information regarding the first or second fee that has been determined, Execute Information processing device.

2. Outputting the aforementioned charges includes transmitting a command to display the aforementioned charges information on the display of the vehicle user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Information depending on whether the vehicle has a structure for adding the item includes information on whether a wire harness connectable to the item is attached to the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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