Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To determine an appropriate period for a user to get a vehicle maintained.SOLUTION: A controller of an information processing device is configured to acquire a scheduled visit period in which a user is scheduled to visit a facility for maintenance of a vehicle. The controller of the information processing device is configured to determine whether a specific item is included in a plurality of maintenance items for the vehicle. The specific item is a maintenance item for which a recommended period for maintenance is included within a predetermined period that includes the scheduled visit period. The recommended period does not overlap the scheduled visit period. The controller is configured to acquire item information on details of maintenance of the specific item when the specific item is included, and determine, based on the item information, whether maintenance corresponding to the specific item is to be conducted in the scheduled visit period or in the recommended period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle management system. The vehicle management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates damage to parts of the vehicle based on measurement values obtained by sensors provided in the vehicle, and stores a history of the damage. Then, the vehicle management system predicts the mileage at which future damage will reach a predetermined threshold based on the mileage of the vehicle and the history of the damage.

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 determine a suitable period for a user to perform maintenance on a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure acquires an access scheduled period during which a user plans to visit a facility where vehicle maintenance is possible within a period; determines whether there is a specific item that is a recommended period for performing maintenance within a predetermined period including the access scheduled period among a plurality of maintenance items for the vehicle, and the recommended period does not overlap with the access scheduled period; when the specific item exists, acquires item information regarding the maintenance content of the specific item; Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. It includes a control unit that performs the following actions.

[0006] The information processing method relating to the second aspect of this disclosure is: A method of information processing performed by a computer, Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes.

[0007] The program relating to the third aspect of this disclosure is A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method, The aforementioned information processing method is Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure will enable users to determine the optimal time for performing vehicle maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the notification system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is the first figure showing the timeline between the recommended date and the planned visit date. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a second diagram showing the timeline between the recommended date and the planned visit date. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the management server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the table structure of vehicle information held in the vehicle information database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the table structure of user information held in the user information database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the table structure of item information held in the item information database. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the first process executed by the control unit of the management server. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the second process executed by the control unit of the management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Assume a case where a user plans to visit a facility where vehicle maintenance is possible (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "maintenance facility"). Here, during the period when the user plans to visit the maintenance facility within a certain period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "planned visit period"), the user does not necessarily perform vehicle maintenance. For example, when the maintenance facility also serves as another facility, the user may visit the maintenance facility for purposes other than vehicle maintenance. On the other hand, during a period that does not overlap with the planned visit period, vehicle maintenance may be recommended. In this case, although the user plans to visit a maintenance facility where vehicle maintenance is possible, the user may move the vehicle to perform vehicle maintenance during a period when vehicle maintenance is recommended and does not overlap with the planned visit period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "recommended period"). Then, a total of two movements occur, which may cause inconvenience to the user. The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0011] The control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure acquires the planned visit period. Also, The control unit of the information processing apparatus determines whether there is a maintenance item (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "specific item") for which the recommended period when maintenance is recommended arrives within a predetermined period including the planned visit period among a plurality of maintenance items for the vehicle. When there is a specific item, the control unit acquires item information regarding the maintenance content of the specific item. Then, based on the item information, the control unit determines whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specific item in accordance with the planned visit period or the recommended period.

[0012] As described above, the information processing apparatus determines whether to perform maintenance corresponding to a specific item in accordance with either the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. As a result, the maintenance corresponding to the specific item may be performed on a day included in the scheduled visit period instead of a day included in the recommended period. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the user from visiting a facility for maintenance during the recommended period that is not the scheduled visit period for the maintenance corresponding to the specific item. That is, it becomes possible to determine a period suitable for the user to perform vehicle maintenance.

[0013] 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.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The notification system 1 in the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the notification system 1. The notification system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 100, a user terminal 200, and a management server 300. In the notification system 1, the in-vehicle device 100, the user terminal 200, and the management server 300 are mutually connected by a network N1. For the network N1, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is a worldwide public communication network such as the Internet, or a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone may be adopted.

[0015] (In-vehicle device) The in-vehicle device 100 is an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a vehicle leased to the user by a leasing company. The in-vehicle device 100 acquires information about the driving situation of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "vehicle information") from an electronic control unit that controls the driving of the vehicle 10. The vehicle information includes, for example, the driving distance of the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle device 100 transmits the vehicle information to the management server 300 via the network N1.

[0016] (Management Server) The management server 300 is a server device that manages the maintenance schedule for vehicle 10. The management server 300 obtains the scheduled date (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "scheduled visit date") for the user of vehicle 10 to visit a facility where maintenance can be performed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "maintenance facility"). If vehicle 10 is a leased vehicle, the scheduled visit date may be, for example, the day on which the user performs procedures such as renewing the lease agreement for vehicle 10. In this case, the maintenance facility is the sales office of the leasing company that has a maintenance factory attached. Alternatively, the scheduled visit date may be, for example, a predetermined statutory inspection date for vehicle 10. In this case, the maintenance facility is the maintenance factory that performs the statutory inspection.

[0017] Furthermore, the management server 300 determines, based on the mileage of vehicle 10 as indicated by the vehicle information, which maintenance items (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "specific items") are recommended to be performed from among several maintenance items for vehicle 10. The management server 300 also determines, based on the mileage of vehicle 10 in the vehicle information, which corresponds to the specific items. A recommended date is determined for when maintenance is recommended to be performed. Here, the recommended date is not the date on which the deadline for maintenance corresponding to a specific item arrives. In other words, the user of vehicle 10 is not required to perform maintenance corresponding to a specific item on the recommended date. In this embodiment, the user of vehicle 10 will visit the same maintenance facility on the recommended date as on the scheduled visit date. Note that the facility the user visits on the scheduled visit date may be a different facility from the maintenance facility.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scheduled visit period and the recommended visit period are both one day. That is, the start times of the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date are, for example, the opening hours of the maintenance facility on the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date, respectively. The end times of the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date are, for example, the closing hours of the maintenance facility on the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date, respectively. In this embodiment, the statement that the scheduled visit period and the recommended visit period do not overlap means that the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date are different. Alternatively, the statement that the scheduled visit period and the recommended visit period do not overlap may mean that the scheduled visit date and the recommended visit date are the same day, but at different times.

[0019] Figure 2 is the first diagram showing the timeline between the recommended date and the scheduled visit date. In Figure 2, the timeline is illustrated when the recommended date arrives before the scheduled visit date. As shown in Figure 2, a predetermined period is set in the timeline, including the scheduled visit date. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is a predetermined period. The period from the start of the predetermined period to the start of the scheduled visit date is called the first period. The period from the end of the scheduled visit date to the end of the predetermined period is called the second period. In this embodiment, the first period and the second period are of the same length.

[0020] In Figure 2, it is recommended that maintenance corresponding to a specific item of vehicle 10 be performed on the recommended date, and we assume that the user of vehicle 10 performs the maintenance corresponding to the specific item on the recommended date. In this case, the scheduled visit date arrives after the user of vehicle 10 has performed the maintenance corresponding to the specific item on the recommended date. Therefore, the user of vehicle 10 will visit the maintenance facility on both the recommended date and the scheduled visit date. As a result, the user of vehicle 10 will have to visit the maintenance facility twice, which may be inconvenient for them.

[0021] Figure 3 is a second diagram showing the timeline between the recommended date and the scheduled visit date. Figure 3 illustrates the timeline when the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date. In this case as well, a predetermined period is set, similar to the timeline shown in Figure 2.

[0022] Here, in Figure 3, it is recommended that maintenance corresponding to a specific item of vehicle 10 be performed on the recommended date, and we assume that the user of vehicle 10 performs the maintenance corresponding to the specific item on the recommended date. In this case, the recommended date arrives after the user of vehicle 10 has visited the maintenance facility on the scheduled visit date. Even in this case, the user of vehicle 10 may find it inconvenient because they have to visit the maintenance facility in two separate visits.

[0023] Therefore, the management server 300 decides whether to perform maintenance on a specific item on the scheduled visit date or the recommended date, based on the cost of maintaining that specific item (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "maintenance cost for the specific item"). In other words, the management server 300 decides on either the scheduled visit date or the recommended date to perform the maintenance on the specific item. The management server 300 sends notification information to the user terminal 200 via network N1. Here, the notification information is information to notify the user of the scheduled maintenance date for the specific item determined by the management server 300. Note that in this embodiment, the scheduled visit date and the recommended date are different days. However, the scheduled visit date If the scheduled visit date (recommended date) and the recommended date are the same day, the management server 300 may send notification information to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled visit date (recommended date) is the scheduled date for the maintenance. Details of how the management server 300 decides whether to perform maintenance corresponding to a specific item on the scheduled visit date or the recommended date, based on the maintenance cost of that item, will be described later.

[0024] The management server 300 comprises a computer having a processor 310, a main memory unit 320, an auxiliary memory unit 330, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 340. The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The main memory unit 320 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 330 is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). Alternatively, the auxiliary memory unit 330 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a disk recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD disc, or Blu-ray disc. The auxiliary memory unit 330 may also be removable media (portable storage medium). Here, examples of removable media include, for example, a USB memory stick or an SD card. The communication I / F 340 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0025] In the management server 300, the auxiliary storage unit 330 stores the operating system (OS), various programs, and various information tables. Furthermore, in the management server 300, the processor 310 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 330 into the main memory unit 320 and executes them, thereby realizing various functions as described later. However, some or all of the functions of the management server 300 may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Note that the management server 300 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single physical configuration, but may be composed of multiple computers cooperating with each other. Similarly, the in-vehicle device 100 is also configured to include a computer, similar to the management server 300.

[0026] (User terminal) User terminal 200 is a terminal used by the user of vehicle 10. Examples of user terminal 200 include a computer or mobile information terminal used by the user of vehicle 10. User terminal 200 receives notification information from management server 300 via network N1. User terminal 200 displays the notification information to the user of vehicle 10. This allows the user of vehicle 10 to understand the scheduled date for maintenance corresponding to a specific item. Note that user terminal 200, like management server 300, is configured to include a computer.

[0027] <Functional Configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the management server 300, which constitutes the notification system 1, will be explained based on Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the management server 300.

[0028] The management server 300 consists of a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a vehicle information database 303 (vehicle information DB303), a user information database 304 (user information DB304), and an item information database (item information DB305). The control unit 301 has the function of performing calculation processing for controlling the management server 300. The control unit 301 can be implemented by the processor 310 in the management server 300. The communication unit 302 has the function of connecting the management server 300 to the network N1. The communication unit 302 can be implemented by the communication I / F 340 in the management server 300.

[0029] The control unit 301 receives vehicle information of vehicle 10 from the in-vehicle device 100 via the communication unit 302. The control unit 301 stores the received vehicle information in the vehicle information database 303. The vehicle information database 303 has the function of holding vehicle information. The vehicle information database 303 can be implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 330 in the management server 300.

[0030] Figure 5 shows an example of the table structure of vehicle information held in the vehicle information DB303. As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle information has a vehicle ID field, a date field, and a mileage field. The vehicle ID field stores an identifier (vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle. The vehicle ID field stores the vehicle ID of vehicle 10. The date field stores information (date) indicating the day the vehicle traveled. The mileage field stores information (mileage) indicating the distance the vehicle traveled on the date in the date field. In this embodiment, the vehicle information received by the control unit 301 from the in-vehicle device 100 includes information indicating the distance traveled by vehicle 10 in a day. Based on the information indicating the distance traveled by vehicle 10 in a day, the control unit 301 stores information indicating the mileage in the mileage field. Alternatively, the control unit 301 may determine the mileage based on the location information of vehicle 10 received in real time from the in-vehicle device 100.

[0031] The user information database 304 has the function of storing user information. User information includes information such as the scheduled date of the user's visit to a designated maintenance facility and the vehicle's maintenance history. The user information database 304 can be implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 330 in the management server 300.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an example of the table structure of user information held in the user information DB304. As shown in Figure 6, the user information has a user ID field, a vehicle ID field, a scheduled visit date field, a date field, and a maintenance item field. The user ID field stores an identifier (user ID) to identify the user. The user ID field stores the user ID of the user of vehicle 10. The vehicle ID field stores an identifier (vehicle ID) to identify the vehicle. The vehicle ID field stores the vehicle ID of vehicle 10.

[0033] The Visit Scheduled Date field stores information indicating the scheduled visit date for the user with the user ID stored in the User ID field. The Date field stores information (date) indicating the date on which the user with the user ID stored in the User ID field previously performed vehicle maintenance. The Maintenance Item field stores information indicating the maintenance items performed on the vehicle on the date specified in the Date field. For example, the Maintenance Item field may store information indicating that the vehicle's tires were replaced. It may also store information indicating that the engine oil was changed. It may also store information indicating that the battery was replaced.

[0034] The item information DB305 has the function of storing item information. The item information includes information such as the mileage at which maintenance corresponding to each maintenance item is recommended. The item information also includes information such as the correspondence between maintenance items and the cost and importance of each maintenance item. The item information DB305 can be implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 330 in the management server 300.

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of the table structure of item information held in item information DB305. As shown in Figure 7, item information has an item ID field, a mileage field, a cost field, a cost level field, and a severity field. The field stores an identifier (item ID) to identify the maintenance item. The mileage field stores information indicating the vehicle's mileage from the time the maintenance item corresponding to the item ID was last performed until the next maintenance item corresponding to that item is recommended. The cost field stores information indicating the cost (maintenance cost) of performing the maintenance item corresponding to the item ID stored in the item ID field. The cost level field stores information indicating the level of the maintenance cost in the cost field. The level of the maintenance cost is set so that the higher the maintenance cost, the higher the level. The importance field stores information indicating the importance of the maintenance item corresponding to the item ID stored in the item ID field. Here, the importance of a maintenance item is set so that the more likely it is that not performing the maintenance will negatively affect the vehicle's operation, the higher the importance.

[0036] The control unit 301 determines a recommended date based on the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 303, the user information stored in the user information DB 304, and the item information stored in the item information DB 305. Specifically, the control unit 301 obtains the mileage of vehicle 10 for each date from the vehicle information. The control unit 301 calculates the trend of vehicle 10's mileage in the past from the mileage of vehicle 10 for each date. The control unit 301 also calculates a predicted value of the future mileage of vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "predicted mileage") based on the trend of vehicle 10's mileage in the past. The predicted mileage is calculated as the mileage that vehicle 10 is expected to travel in a day. The predicted mileage is predicted, for example, by calculating the average daily mileage of vehicle 10 in the past based on the mileage of vehicle 10 for each date. Note that a known method can be used to calculate the predicted mileage of vehicle 10 in the future.

[0037] The control unit 301 calculates the mileage of vehicle 10 from the date the maintenance corresponding to the maintenance item was performed to the present. The control unit 301 also adds the mileage of vehicle 10 from the date the maintenance corresponding to the maintenance item was performed to the present, and the predicted mileage, to calculate the predicted mileage of vehicle 10 starting from the date the maintenance was performed. The control unit 301 also obtains the mileage in the mileage field in the item information. The control unit 301 then determines the day on which the predicted mileage of vehicle 10 starting from the date the maintenance corresponding to the maintenance item was performed is equal to or greater than the mileage in the mileage field in the item information as the recommended day. At this time, the control unit 301 also determines the maintenance item for which the recommended day has been determined as a specific item.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control unit 301 determines the recommended date based on the mileage of the vehicle 10. However, the control unit 301 may determine the recommended date based on factors other than the mileage of the vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 301 may determine the recommended date based on information indicating the deterioration status of each component of the vehicle 10 received from the in-vehicle device 100. The information indicating the deterioration status of the vehicle 10 is generated, for example, based on the measured values ​​of a sensor mounted on the vehicle 10 that senses the deterioration status of the vehicle 10. The sensor that senses the deterioration status of the vehicle 10 is, for example, a sensor that senses dirt such as engine oil. Alternatively, the sensor that senses the deterioration status of the vehicle 10 is, for example, a sensor that senses the remaining amount of washer fluid in the vehicle 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit may determine a recommended maintenance date based on user information, which is a certain number of days after the last maintenance. In this case, different recommended maintenance dates may be determined for each maintenance item, based on the number of days that have elapsed since the last maintenance.

[0040] The control unit 301 obtains the scheduled visit date of the user of vehicle 10 from the user information. The control unit 301 also determines whether the recommended date for a specific item falls within a predetermined period. If the recommended date for a specific item falls within the predetermined period, the control unit 301 determines whether the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date.

[0041] The control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation date based on whether the recommended date arrives before the scheduled visit date and the maintenance cost of the specific item. Here, we assume the case where the recommended date arrives before the scheduled visit date. That is, we assume the case where the recommended date and the scheduled visit date arrive as shown in the timeline in Figure 2. In this case, we assume that the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold is the value (amount) at which the maintenance cost is judged to be high. If the maintenance cost of the specific item is above the predetermined threshold, performing the maintenance corresponding to the specific item early will result in the next maintenance occurring earlier compared to performing the maintenance corresponding to the specific item later. Therefore, if the recommended date arrives before the scheduled visit date AND the maintenance cost of the specific item is above the predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the scheduled visit date. This makes it possible to suppress the maintenance cost of the vehicle 10. On the other hand, if the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date and the maintenance cost for a specific item is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 determines the scheduled date to be the recommended date.

[0042] Furthermore, we consider the case where the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date. In other words, we consider the case where the recommended date and the scheduled visit date fall as shown in the timeline in Figure 3. In this case, we consider the case where the maintenance cost of a specific item is above a predetermined threshold. As mentioned above, if the maintenance cost of a specific item is above a predetermined threshold, performing the maintenance corresponding to that item early will result in the next maintenance occurring earlier compared to performing the maintenance corresponding to that item later. Therefore, if the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date and the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the recommended date. This makes it possible to suppress the maintenance costs of the vehicle 10. On the other hand, if the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date and the maintenance cost of the specific item is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the scheduled visit date.

[0043] In this embodiment, the same threshold value is used as the predetermined threshold regardless of whether the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date. However, two different threshold values ​​may be used for the case where the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date and for the case where the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date.

[0044] Once the control unit 301 determines the scheduled date for implementation, it sends notification information to the user terminal 200 via the communication unit 302. This allows the user of the vehicle 10 to be aware of the scheduled date for implementation.

[0045] (flowchart) Next, the first process performed by the control unit 301 in the management server 300 in the notification system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the first process performed by the control unit 301. The first process is to decide whether to set the scheduled maintenance date as the scheduled visit date or the recommended date. The process shown in Figure 8 is performed at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing is, for example, when a predetermined number of days have elapsed since the execution of the previous process.

[0046] In the first process shown in Figure 8, first, in S101, vehicle information is obtained from the vehicle information DB303. Also, in S102, user information is obtained from the user information DB304. The information is then retrieved. In S103, item information is retrieved from item information DB305. Next, in S104, specific items and recommended dates are determined based on vehicle information, user information, and item information.

[0047] Next, in S105, it is determined whether the recommended date for a specific item falls within a predetermined period. If a negative result is obtained in S105, the first process is terminated because there are no specific items whose recommended date falls within the predetermined period. If a positive result is obtained in S105, in S106, it is determined whether the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date.

[0048] If the result in S106 is positive, in S107 it is determined whether the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. If the result in S107 is positive, in S109 the scheduled date is set as the scheduled visit date. Next, in S113, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled visit date is the scheduled date. Then the first process is completed. If the result in S107 is negative, in S110 the scheduled date is set as the recommended date. Next, in S113, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the recommended date is the scheduled date. Then the first process is completed.

[0049] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in S106, S108 determines whether the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. If a positive determination is made in S108, the scheduled implementation date is set to the recommended date in S111. Next, in S113, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the recommended date is the scheduled implementation date. Then, the first process is terminated. Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in S108, the scheduled implementation date is set to the scheduled visit date in S112. Next, in S113, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled visit date is the scheduled implementation date. Then, the first process is terminated.

[0050] As described above, the notification system 1 according to this embodiment determines whether to set the scheduled date for maintenance corresponding to a specific item as the scheduled visit date or as the recommended date.

[0051] This means that, for example, the date for maintenance related to a specific item may be pushed back (or brought forward) from the recommended date to the scheduled visit date. In this case, it is possible to prevent users from having to visit the maintenance facility on a day other than their scheduled visit date solely for maintenance related to a specific item.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the maintenance cost exceeds a predetermined threshold, the scheduled date for maintenance corresponding to a specific item is determined to be the later of the scheduled visit date and the recommended date. This reduces the user's burden of maintenance costs. In this way, it becomes possible for the user to determine a suitable day to perform maintenance on the vehicle 10.

[0053] (Variation 1) In this modified example, the predetermined period is determined such that the higher the maintenance cost of a particular item, the longer the length of the first period within the predetermined period. Below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0054] After determining the recommended date, the control unit 301 determines whether the recommended date falls within a predetermined period. At this time, the control unit 301 sets the first period based on the cost level of a specific item in the item information held in the item information DB 305. Here, the length of the first period is linked to each cost level, and the control unit 301 sets the first period based on this linkage. A period is set. In this case, the second period may be a fixed period. Then, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the recommended day is included in the predetermined period determined by the first period and the second period.

[0055] In this modified example, the predetermined period is determined such that the higher the maintenance cost of a particular item, the longer the length of the first period within that period becomes. This makes it more likely that specific items with high maintenance costs and whose recommended maintenance date falls before the scheduled visit date will be included in the predetermined period. Consequently, the scheduled maintenance date for specific items with high maintenance costs and whose recommended maintenance date falls before the scheduled visit date is more likely to be set on the scheduled visit date. As a result, the user's burden of maintenance costs can be further reduced.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the scheduled date for maintenance was determined based on the maintenance cost of a specific item. In contrast, in this embodiment, the scheduled date for maintenance is determined based on the importance of the maintenance of a specific item. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0057] The control unit 301 obtains the importance level of a specific item from the item information stored in the item information DB 305. The control unit 301 determines whether the importance level of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold is set to an importance level at which it is assumed that the failure to perform maintenance corresponding to the specific item will have a certain level of adverse effect on the operation of the vehicle.

[0058] In this case, if the importance of maintenance corresponding to a specific item is above a predetermined threshold, it is assumed that delaying the maintenance corresponding to that item will compromise the safety of the vehicle 10 compared to performing the maintenance earlier. Therefore, if the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date and the importance of maintenance corresponding to the specific item is above a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the recommended date. This ensures that maintenance corresponding to the specific item is performed earlier than the scheduled visit date, thus guaranteeing the safety of the vehicle. On the other hand, if the recommended date falls before the scheduled visit date and the importance of maintenance corresponding to the specific item is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the scheduled visit date.

[0059] Furthermore, if the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date, and the importance of the maintenance corresponding to the specific item is above a predetermined threshold, the scheduled implementation date is set to the scheduled visit date. This ensures that the maintenance corresponding to the specific item is performed earlier than the recommended date, thereby ensuring vehicle safety. On the other hand, if the recommended date falls after the scheduled visit date, and the importance of the maintenance corresponding to the specific item is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation date to the recommended date.

[0060] (flowchart) Next, the second process executed by the control unit 301 in the management server 300 in the notification system 1 will be explained based on Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the second process executed by the control unit 301. The second process is to determine whether the scheduled date is the scheduled visit date or the recommended date. The process shown in Figure 9 is executed at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing is, for example, the timing after a predetermined number of days have elapsed since the execution of the previous process. Here, the processes from S101 to S106 shown in Figure 9 are the same as the processes from S101 to S106 shown in Figure 8, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0061] In the second process shown in Figure 9, if a positive determination is made in S106, then in S207... In this process, it is determined whether the importance of the maintenance corresponding to a specific item is above a predetermined threshold. If the determination in S207 is positive, the scheduled implementation date is set to the recommended date in S209. Next, in S213, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the recommended date is the scheduled implementation date. Then, the second process is terminated. If the determination in S207 is negative, the scheduled implementation date is set to the scheduled visit date in S210. Next, in S213, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled visit date is the scheduled implementation date. Then, the second process is terminated.

[0062] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in S106, S208 determines whether the importance of the maintenance corresponding to the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. If a positive determination is made in S208, the scheduled date is set as the scheduled visit date in S211. Next, in S213, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled visit date is the scheduled date. Then, the second process is terminated. Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in S208, the scheduled date is set as the recommended date in S212. Next, in S113, notification information is sent to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the recommended date is the scheduled date. Then, the second process is terminated.

[0063] As described above, the notification system 1 according to this embodiment determines whether to set the scheduled date for maintenance corresponding to a specific item as a scheduled visit date or a recommended date. This reduces the number of times the user has to visit the maintenance facility, similar to the first embodiment.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the importance of maintenance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the scheduled date for maintenance corresponding to a specific item is determined to be the earlier of the scheduled visit date and the recommended date. This further enhances the safety of the vehicle 10. In this way, it becomes possible for the user to determine a suitable day to perform maintenance on the vehicle 10.

[0065] (Modification 2) In this modified example, the predetermined period is determined such that the length of the second period within the predetermined period increases as the importance of maintenance corresponding to a specific item increases. Below, only the differences from the second embodiment will be explained.

[0066] After determining the recommended date, the control unit 301 determines whether the recommended date falls within a predetermined period. At this time, the control unit 301 sets a second period based on the importance of maintenance for a specific item in the item information held in the item information DB 305. Here, the length of the second period is linked to each maintenance importance, and the control unit 301 sets the second period based on this linkage. At this time, the first period may be a fixed period. Then, the control unit 301 determines whether the recommended date falls within the predetermined period determined by the first period and the second period.

[0067] In this modified example, the predetermined period is determined such that the longer the second period within the predetermined period, the higher the importance of maintenance during a particular period. This makes it more likely that specific items with a recommended maintenance date that falls after the scheduled visit date and are of high maintenance importance will be included within the predetermined period. Consequently, the scheduled maintenance date for specific items with a recommended maintenance date that falls after the scheduled visit date and are of high maintenance importance will be more likely to be determined on the scheduled visit date. As a result, the safety of vehicle 10 can be further enhanced.

[0068] <Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, the management server 300 will notify the user when they visit the maintenance facility within the specified period. The scheduled visit period is obtained. In this embodiment, the management server 300 also determines a recommended period, which is the period during which it is recommended to perform maintenance corresponding to a specific item. Then, if the recommended period for a specific item is included within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, the management server 300 decides whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specific item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. The following describes only the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0069] The user information stored in the user information DB304 has a "scheduled visit period" field instead of a "scheduled visit date" field. The "scheduled visit period" field stores information indicating the scheduled visit period. The scheduled visit period can be, for example, the period during which the user plans to perform procedures such as renewing the lease agreement for vehicle 10. Alternatively, the scheduled visit period may be, for example, the period during which the vehicle 10 is scheduled to undergo a statutory inspection.

[0070] The control unit 301 determines the recommended period based on the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 303, the user information stored in the user information DB 304, and the item information stored in the item information DB 305. Specifically, the control unit 301 determines the recommended date in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Then, the control unit 301 determines the recommended period to include the recommended date. Here, for example, the control unit 301 determines a certain number of days before the recommended date as the start date of the recommended period. Also, for example, the control unit 301 determines a certain number of days before the recommended date as the end date of the recommended period.

[0071] The control unit 301 determines whether the recommended period for a specific item is included within a predetermined period. Here, the control unit 301 may make a positive determination if only a part of the recommended period is included within the predetermined period. Alternatively, the control unit 301 may make a positive determination only if the entire recommended period is included within the predetermined period. If the recommended period is included within the predetermined period, the control unit 301 determines whether the recommended period will occur before the scheduled visit period.

[0072] In this case, the predetermined period may be determined such that the longer the period before the start of the scheduled visit period, the higher the maintenance cost of a particular item. This can further reduce the user's burden of maintenance costs. Alternatively, the longer the period after the end of the scheduled visit period, the higher the importance of the maintenance of a particular item. This can further enhance the safety of the vehicle 10.

[0073] The control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation period based on whether the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the maintenance cost of the specific item. In this case, the control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation period to be the scheduled visit period if the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. The control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation period to be the recommended period if the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the maintenance cost of the specific item is below a predetermined threshold. The control unit 301 also determines the scheduled implementation period to be the recommended period if the recommended period arrives after the scheduled visit period and the maintenance cost of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. The control unit 301 also determines the scheduled implementation period to be the scheduled visit period if the recommended period arrives after the scheduled visit period and the maintenance cost of the specific item is below a predetermined threshold.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may determine the scheduled implementation period based on whether the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the importance of the maintenance of the specific item. In this case, the control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation period to be the recommended period if the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the importance of the maintenance of the specific item is above a predetermined threshold. The control unit 301 determines the scheduled implementation period to be the scheduled visit period if the recommended period arrives before the scheduled visit period and the importance of the maintenance of the specific item is below a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 30 If the recommended period falls after the scheduled visit period and the importance of maintenance for a specific item is above a predetermined threshold, then the scheduled implementation period is set to the scheduled visit period. In addition, if the recommended period falls after the scheduled visit period and the importance of maintenance for a specific item is below a predetermined threshold, then the control unit 301 sets the scheduled implementation period to the recommended period.

[0075] In this embodiment, the scheduled visit period and the recommended period do not overlap. However, if the scheduled visit period and the recommended period overlap, the management server 300 may determine that the overlapping period is the scheduled implementation period. In this case, the management server 300 sends notification information to the user terminal 200 informing the user that the scheduled implementation period is the overlapping period between the scheduled visit period and the recommended period.

[0076] As explained above, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the scheduled visit period and the recommended period were each one day, the scheduled visit period and the recommended period include multiple days. Even in such a case, it is possible for the user to determine a suitable period for performing maintenance on the vehicle 10.

[0077] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes any type of disk, such as magnetic disks (floppy disks or hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards, and any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Notification system 10. Vehicles 100...In-vehicle equipment 200 User Terminals 300 ·· Management Server 301 Control Unit 302 Communications Department 303 Vehicle Information Database 304. User Information Database 305...Item information DB

Claims

1. Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. It includes a control unit that performs the following: The aforementioned item information includes information about maintenance costs, which are the costs associated with the maintenance corresponding to the specified item. The control unit, If the maintenance cost for the specified item, which occurs before the recommended period, is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned maintenance cost is less than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. Information processing device.

2. The higher the maintenance cost, the longer the period prior to the start of the scheduled visit period is set to be. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. To obtain the scheduled visit period during which the user plans to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance within a given period, The system determines whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. That thing, If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. It includes a control unit that performs the following: The aforementioned item information includes information about maintenance costs, which are the costs associated with the maintenance corresponding to the specified item. The control unit, If the maintenance cost for the specified item, which falls after the recommended period, is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. If the aforementioned maintenance cost is less than the second threshold, it is decided to perform maintenance on the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. Information processing device.

4. To obtain the scheduled visit period during which the user plans to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance within a given period, To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. It includes a control unit that performs the following: The aforementioned item information includes information about the importance of maintenance corresponding to the aforementioned specific item. The control unit, If the importance of the specified item for which the recommended period falls before the scheduled visit period is equal to or greater than the third threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. If the importance of the specified item is less than the third threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. Information processing device.

5. The aforementioned vehicle is a vehicle leased from a leasing company to the user of the aforementioned vehicle. The aforementioned scheduled visit period is the period during which the user is scheduled to visit facilities related to the leasing company. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. A method of information processing performed by a computer, The aforementioned computer, Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes, The aforementioned item information includes information about maintenance costs, which are the costs associated with the maintenance corresponding to the specified item. The aforementioned computer, If the maintenance cost for the specified item, which occurs before the recommended period, is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned maintenance cost is less than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. Information processing methods.

7. The higher the maintenance cost, the longer the period prior to the start of the scheduled visit period is set to be. The information processing method according to claim 6.

8. A computer-based information processing method, The aforementioned computer, Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes, The aforementioned item information includes information about maintenance costs, which are the costs associated with the maintenance corresponding to the specified item. The aforementioned computer, If the maintenance cost for the specified item, which falls after the recommended period, is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. If the aforementioned maintenance cost is less than the second threshold, it is decided to perform maintenance on the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. Information processing methods.

9. A computer-based information processing method, The aforementioned computer, Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes, The aforementioned item information includes information about the importance of maintenance corresponding to the aforementioned specific item. The aforementioned computer, If the importance of the specified item for which the recommended period falls before the scheduled visit period is equal to or greater than the third threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. If the importance of the specified item is less than the third threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. Information processing methods.

10. The aforementioned vehicle is a vehicle leased from a leasing company to the user of the aforementioned vehicle. The aforementioned scheduled visit period is the period during which the user is scheduled to visit facilities related to the leasing company. The information processing method according to claim 6.

11. A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method, The aforementioned information processing method is Obtain the planned visit period for the user, during which they are scheduled to visit a facility capable of vehicle maintenance. To determine whether there is a specific maintenance item among the multiple maintenance items for the aforementioned vehicle whose recommended maintenance period falls within a predetermined period including the scheduled visit period, and whose recommended maintenance period does not overlap with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned specific item exists, the item information relating to the maintenance details of the aforementioned specific item is obtained, Based on the aforementioned item information, it is determined whether to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period or the recommended period. Includes, The aforementioned item information includes information about maintenance costs, which are the costs associated with the maintenance corresponding to the specified item. In the above information processing method, If the maintenance cost for the specified item, which occurs before the recommended period, is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the scheduled visit period. If the aforementioned maintenance cost is less than the first threshold, it is decided to perform the maintenance corresponding to the specified item in accordance with the recommended period. program.

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