Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processor that gives incentive according to a vehicle body color to a user who purchases a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processor, which receives a vehicle order, receives, from a user, order data, which specifies a first vehicle color and a first vehicle model as specifications of a vehicle to be ordered, and determines, on the basis of order records of the first vehicle model having the first vehicle body color in a past predetermined period, a content of an incentive to be given to the user.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 an incentive according to the vehicle body color to a user who purchases a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving order data specifying a first vehicle body color and a first vehicle model as specifications of a vehicle to be ordered from a user, and determining the content of an incentive to be provided to the user based on the order performance of the first vehicle model having the first vehicle body color in a past predetermined period. 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 offer incentives to users who purchase a vehicle, based on the vehicle's color. [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 order 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 where you can specify the body color of the vehicle. [Figure 7] A flowchart of the process to be executed in step S21. [Figure 8] An example of data used to calculate incentives. [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 allows, for example, when ordering a vehicle. This allows users to select a popular body color in the market and then apply a top coat in their preferred color. Unlike the base color set for each vehicle model, the paint applied as a top coat can have a wide variety of color options.

[0010] Incidentally, when ordering a vehicle, it is sometimes necessary to provide a sample image of a vehicle with the specified body color to give a concrete idea of ​​what it will look like. However, with the widespread use of easily removable paints, there are many color variations, which can lead to situations where there is no sample image corresponding to the body color desired by the user. For example, if a certain body color is specified for a particular vehicle model, and the number of possible color combinations is extremely small, it may be impossible to provide a corresponding sample image and thus the vehicle's appearance cannot be shown. One way to solve this problem is to have users who have actually purchased a vehicle provide exterior images of sample vehicles. The information processing device related to this disclosure determines the incentive for obtaining these images based on the vehicle's color.

[0011] An information processing device according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit that receives order data from a user specifying a first body color and a first vehicle model as the specifications of a vehicle to be ordered, and determines the content of an incentive to be provided to the user based on past order history of the first vehicle model having the first body color over a predetermined period.

[0012] Order data specifies the model and body color of the vehicle being ordered. If there is little past order history for the first vehicle model with the first body color, it is assumed that the volume of vehicles with that body color in circulation is small, and therefore, a sufficient number of sample images have not been accumulated. In this case, the control unit determines, for example, that the less the volume of orders for the first vehicle model with the first body color in a predetermined past period, the greater the incentive to be given to the user. This configuration allows for greater incentives to be offered to users who choose a less common body color. In other words, it provides an incentive for them to provide images of the vehicle's exterior.

[0013] The control unit may also decide to provide an incentive to the user on condition that the user has consented to the provision of an exterior image of a vehicle having the first vehicle body color.

[0014] In addition, the control unit may obtain the order history of the first vehicle model during a past predetermined period for each vehicle body color, and based on this, determine the order history of the vehicle having the first vehicle body color. The order history can be obtained, for example, from a server device or database that manages vehicle order information.

[0015] Note that the first vehicle body color may be a vehicle body color realized by overcoating the vehicle with a peelable paint. Further, the control unit may decide to provide an incentive to the user on condition that the designated first vehicle body color is a vehicle body color realized by overcoating the vehicle with a peelable paint.

[0016] The peelable paint is a paint that forms a peelable coating film as described above. The peelable paint may be such that the paint layer itself is peelable, or may be composed of a peelable layer and a paint layer formed on top of the layer. By painting the vehicle with a peelable paint and subsequently peeling off the paint, the vehicle body color of the vehicle can be changed. The color variations of the peelable paint may be more than the color variations set for the vehicle. In such a case, it may be difficult to collect sample images for all vehicle body colors. Therefore, the provision of an incentive may be determined on condition that the first vehicle body color is a color realized by a peelable paint.

[0017] 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.

[0018] (First Embodiment) An overview of the vehicle ordering system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The vehicle ordering system according to this embodiment consists of a contract server 100 and a user terminal 200.

[0019] The contract server 100 is a server device that concludes automobile sales contracts with users. The contract server 100 interacts with the user terminal 200 to determine the specifications of the vehicle to be sold to the user and to conclude a sales contract.

[0020] User terminal 200 is a computer used by a user purchasing a vehicle. The user can access the contract server 100 via user terminal 200 and apply for a vehicle sales contract. While this example assumes the sales contract is conducted online, the contract may also be conducted at a physical location (e.g., a car dealership). In this case, user terminal 200 may be a computer installed at the dealership.

[0021] Figure 2 is a diagram showing in more detail the components of the contract server 100 and the user terminal 200 included in the vehicle ordering system according to this embodiment. Here, we will first explain the user terminal 200. 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.

[0022] 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 has the function of accessing and interacting with the contract server 100. This function may be realized by the control unit 201 running a web browser or dedicated application software on the user terminal 200.

[0023] The storage unit 202 comprises 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. It may also store an operating system for running these applications. When a program stored in the auxiliary storage device is loaded into the main memory and executed by the control unit 201, the processes described below are performed.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 a mobile communication network such as a wireless LAN, 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, the input / output unit 204 consists of a single touch panel display. That is, the input / output unit 204 consists of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 server 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 to have two functional modules: a specification determination unit 1011 and an ordering unit 1012. Each functional module may be implemented by the CPU executing a stored program.

[0030] 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: (1) Model and grade (2) Body color (3) Other (options, etc.) In the following explanation, the combination of vehicle model and grade will simply be referred to as "vehicle model." Furthermore, "sale" includes sales based on residual value financing, lease sales, and other sales where the vehicle is to be returned or sold after a specified period.

[0031] 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. It can be a two-tone color or include accent colors. That's fine. 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.

[0032] Furthermore, the specification determination unit 1011 acquires the vehicle order history for a predetermined period in the past and determines the content of the incentives to be provided to users who order vehicles based on that order history. As mentioned above, in a sales model where customers can apply their preferred color over the ordered vehicle using easily removable paint, it is expected that many color variations will be available. In such cases, it is desirable to provide users with information on what color the vehicle will actually look like after the paint overcoat is applied. In typical sales models, sample images showing the appearance of the vehicle for each base color are often provided. However, when there are many color variations (for example, more than 100 colors), it may not be possible to provide a sample image of the vehicle color desired by the user.

[0033] Therefore, when the contract server 100 according to this embodiment receives an order for a vehicle, it determines how rare the vehicle color desired by the user is, and provides the user with a greater incentive if a rarer color is selected. By making this incentive payment for providing images of the vehicle's exterior (vehicle painted in the specified color), it is expected that more exterior images can be collected.

[0034] Incentives typically include discount coupons or points usable at online services or stores. They may also include electronic money or gift certificates. These may be applied towards the purchase price of optional accessories associated with the vehicle. Furthermore, if the vehicle is leased, incentives may include discounts on monthly fees. Incentives may also be offered on the condition that the user provides images of the vehicle's exterior. For example, when ordering a vehicle, the user may be asked whether they agree to provide images, and if they agree, the incentive may be offered.

[0035] 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."

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, the memory unit 102 stores order data 102A, base color data 102B, and topcoat color data 102C.

[0038] Order data 102A is data showing the details of the vehicle to be ordered, and is generated by the ordering unit 1012. Figure 3(A) shows an example of order data 102A. As shown, order data 102A has the following fields: order ID, order date, user ID, model ID, first body color, second body color, and options. The Order ID field stores a unique identifier for each vehicle order. The Order Date field stores the date the order was placed. 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. The first body color field stores the identifier of the vehicle's original body color (first body color). The second body color field stores the identifier of the body color (second 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).

[0039] Basic color data 102B is data related to the base color set for each vehicle model. Figure 3(B) shows an example of the base color data 102B. As shown, the base color data 102B has fields for Model ID and First Body Color. The Model ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle model. 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 vehicle model with the identifier V001 has three base colors set: C001, C002, and C003. The basic color data 102B may also include color sample data for each body color, as well as sample exterior image data.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The base layer 30 is the base layer for painting. The base layer 30 consists of a pearl layer and a mica layer. Alternatively, it may be a layer of glass flakes. 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 into 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.

[0053] The processes in steps S11 to S15 are executed by the specification determination unit 1011. Step S11 determines the vehicle model. In this step, the user selects their desired vehicle model from a set of pre-configured vehicle models. In step S12, a list of body colors corresponding to the target vehicle is generated and presented to the user. The list of body colors corresponding to the target vehicle may be a list of base colors set for the target vehicle, or a list of easily peelable paint colors that can be applied as an overcoat to the target vehicle. The former can be generated based on the base color data 102B, and the latter can be generated based on the overcoat color data 102C. Color samples may also be presented at this time. Figure 6(A) is an example of a body color selection screen presented to the user via the user terminal 200.

[0054] In this embodiment, the specification determination unit 1011 first presents a list of base colors (first body colors) set for the target vehicle. If the user indicates that the desired body color is not in the list of first body colors (for example, if the link 601 shown by the dotted line in the figure is clicked), the specification determination unit 1011 generates and outputs a list of colors (second body colors) that can be overcoated with easily peelable paint. 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 (reference numeral 602), or a color picker.

[0055] In this example, the list of the first body color and the list of the second body color are provided in order, but the first and second body colors may be provided simultaneously. For example, in step S12, a graphical user interface may be generated that includes a color chart (color picker) containing all first body colors and all second body colors, and the user may select a color.

[0056] Furthermore, since easily removable paints have a limited service life, it is advisable to provide users with information regarding the paint's lifespan when applying easily removable paint to a vehicle. For example, information regarding the paint's lifespan could be displayed after the vehicle color selection. Additionally, if the vehicle is expected to be used beyond its service life, users may be informed that the topcoat paint will need to be removed at some point. Moreover, if the vehicle is expected to be used beyond its service life, users may be advised not to use easily removable paint.

[0057] In step S13, it is determined whether the body color specified by the user is a paint that is easily peelable. For example, if the body color specified by the user is selected from the list of first body colors, this step is a negative result, and the process proceeds to step S14. If the body color specified by the user is selected from the list of second body colors, this step is a positive result, and the process proceeds to step S21.

[0058] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process performed in step S21. First, in step S211, the order history (order record) for vehicles with the vehicle model and body color combination specified by the user is retrieved for a predetermined period in the past. The order history for vehicles for a predetermined period in the past can be retrieved by searching the order data 102A using the order date (e.g., within the past year), vehicle model, and body color as keys. As a result, if, for example, 100 records are extracted, it can be seen that 100 of the corresponding vehicles were ordered during the predetermined period in the past.

[0059] Next, in step S212, the content of the incentive to be provided to the user is determined based on the vehicle order record during a predetermined period. In this embodiment, the less frequently a vehicle model and body color combination has been ordered during the predetermined period, the greater the incentive set. The content of the incentive may be determined based on data such as that exemplified in Figure 8. Note that while the number of units ordered was used here, other indicators (e.g., monetary value) may also be used.

[0060] Next, in step S213, the user is asked whether they consent to the provision of images. In this step, we will inquire whether it is possible to provide sample images of the exterior of the purchased vehicle. We may also present the details of the incentives that will be offered at this step. If the result in this step is positive, that is, if user consent is obtained, the process proceeds to step S214. If consent is not obtained, the process in step S21 ends.

[0061] In step S214, incentive data is generated that shows the incentive determined in step S212. The incentive data is data used to instruct an external device to provide the incentive, and includes the user identifier and the content of the incentive. The generated incentive data is transmitted to an external device that manages points, electronic money, etc., when the vehicle order is completed, and the incentive is then granted to the user.

[0062] Returning to Figure 5, we continue the explanation. If the use of easily peelable paint is not specified, the specification determination unit 1011 decides in step S14 to order a vehicle having the specified body color as the base color. If the use of easily peelable paint is specified, the specification determination unit 1011 decides in step S14 to order a vehicle having any first body color as the base color and to apply the specified body color as a topcoat.

[0063] When applying an easily peelable paint as a topcoat, the first body color may be determined by the contract server 100 based on predetermined criteria. Examples of predetermined criteria include the following: (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.

[0064] Generally, the value of a car's body color is determined by its popularity in the used car market. For example, body colors that include a pearl or pearl mica layer tend to be more popular and have a higher value than other body colors. The predetermined value can be based on the new car price of the relevant vehicle model. For example, a color whose value after three years is higher than 65% of the new car price can be designated as the first body color. It is preferable that the first body color has a higher value than the second body color. The contract server 100 may store a database or similar for obtaining estimated valuation amounts for each 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.

[0065] 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 in which the user is allowed to select 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.

[0066] 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 includes options such as manufacturer-installed safety equipment and dealer-installed terminals. Once the vehicle specifications are determined, order data is generated and stored according to those specifications.

[0067] In step S16, the ordering unit 1012 determines the vehicle depot from which to order the vehicle. In this step, for example, the unit checks the inventory of vehicles with the specifications indicated in the order 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 vehicle. Next, in step S17, 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 order data.

[0068] 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 S18). 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 S19). 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The ordering unit 1012 may also determine the delivery date of a vehicle when the vehicle having the determined second body color is overpainted with the determined first 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] As explained above, in the vehicle ordering system according to the first embodiment, the content of the incentive to be given to the user is determined based on whether or not the vehicle color selected by the user is rare. This makes it possible to give a larger incentive to the user when a rarer vehicle color is selected. By making this incentive payment for providing images of the vehicle's exterior, it is expected that more exterior images will be collected.

[0073] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the content of the incentive to be offered to the user was determined after the body color was determined, but the content of the incentive may also be presented to the user in the step of selecting the body color. For example, in step S12, when generating a list of body colors, the presence or absence of an incentive and its content may be obtained for each body color. You may also want to output information that explains what kind of incentives you can receive if you do so.

[0074] (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.

[0075] Furthermore, while the description of the embodiment illustrates a form of selling vehicles to users, the information processing device relating to this disclosure can also be applied to forms other than sales, such as leasing.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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]

[0078] 100... Contract Servers 101,201...Control Unit 102,202...Storage section 103,203... Communications Department 200...User terminals 204...Input / output section

Claims

1. The system accepts order data from the user specifying the first body color and first vehicle model as the specifications for the vehicle to be ordered. The content of the incentive to be provided to the user is determined based on the past order history of the first vehicle model having the first body color over a predetermined period. It has a control unit that performs the following: The control unit increases the amount of the incentive as the number of orders for the first vehicle model having the first body color during the predetermined past period is small. The decision is made to provide the incentive to the user on the condition that the user agrees to provide an image of the exterior of the vehicle having the first body color. Information processing device.

2. The control unit acquires the order quantity of the first vehicle model for the past predetermined period, categorized by body color. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system accepts order data from the user specifying the first body color and first vehicle model as the specifications for the vehicle to be ordered. The content of the incentive to be provided to the user is determined based on the past order history of the first vehicle model having the first body color over a predetermined period. It has a control unit that performs the following: The control unit increases the amount of the incentive as the number of orders for the first vehicle model having the first body color during the predetermined past period is small. Provided that the first specified body color is a body color achieved by applying an easily peelable paint over the vehicle, It is decided to provide the aforementioned incentive to the aforementioned user. Information processing device.

4. The control unit decides to provide the incentive to the user on the condition that the user agrees to provide an image of the vehicle having the first body color. do, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

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