System and Method

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a system for managing the progress of work to bring a used car into a condition suitable for sale. [Solution] A system for managing the progress of work to make a vehicle suitable for sale, comprising at least one computer device, an input receiving means for receiving input from a user terminal operated by a user regarding the transport, washing, repair, or removal of a sign of a vehicle, and an information storage means for storing information regarding the implementation corresponding to the received input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, used car dealerships purchase automobiles from individuals and corporations, and resell the purchased automobiles at dealerships or auction venues. At this time, the used cars purchased are repaired, washed, put in a state suitable for sale, and then transported to dealerships or auction venues.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a system for managing the progress of work when a vehicle is put in a state suitable for sale.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The problems of the present invention are [1] A system including at least one computer device for managing the progress of work to make a vehicle suitable for sale, the system comprising: input reception means for receiving an input regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of a sign of a vehicle from a user terminal operated by a user; and information storage means for storing information regarding the implementation corresponding to the received input; [2] The system according to [1], further comprising first display control means for controlling a user terminal to display a display screen for registering a plurality of images obtained by imaging a vehicle from a plurality of directions and / or a plurality of images obtained by imaging a plurality of locations of the vehicle; [3] The system according to [2], wherein the first display control means controls the display screen to display the plurality of registered images; [4] The system according to any one of [1] to [3] above, comprising a second display control means that controls the user terminal to display a display screen for registering an image of the vehicle taken before performing a predetermined operation and for registering an image of the vehicle taken after performing a predetermined operation; [5] The system according to [4], wherein the second display control means controls the display screen to display an image of the vehicle before performing a registered predetermined operation, and an image of the vehicle after performing a registered predetermined operation; [6] The system according to any one of [1] to [5] above, comprising an image transmission means for transmitting the image to a first user terminal operated by a first user who has registered an image of a vehicle, or to a second user terminal operated by a second user different from the first user; [7] A system according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the work to prepare a vehicle for sale involves sequentially performing multiple tasks, and the system includes a second display control means that controls the user terminal to display a display screen for inputting that the first task has been performed, and when the user terminal receives input that the first task has been performed, controls the user terminal to display a display screen for inputting that the second task, which is performed after the first task, has been performed, or a display screen for performing the second task; [8] The system according to any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein the information storage means stores information relating to the implementation received by the input receiving means in association with identification information that can identify the user operating the user terminal that performed the input; [9] Location registration means for registering the location of a vehicle, and a third display control means for controlling the user terminal to display information regarding the number of vehicles located at a predetermined location. A system comprising any of the above [1] to [8];

[10] A system according to any one of [1] to [9] above, comprising a location registration means for registering the location of a vehicle, and a fourth display control means for controlling a user terminal to display the elapsed time since the vehicle arrived at the location;

[11] The system described in any of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the input receiving means receives input from a user terminal operated by the user regarding the transportation of vehicles, washing, repair, and removal of signs;

[12] A system according to any one of [1] to

[11] , comprising: a fifth display control means for controlling a user terminal to display a plurality of vehicles registered as targets for work to prepare them for sale; a selection receiving means for accepting the selection of at least one vehicle from the plurality of displayed vehicles; and a sixth display control means for controlling a user terminal to display information stored in an information storage means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of signs for the selected vehicle;

[13] The system according to

[12] , wherein the sixth display control means displays a screen on the user terminal for receiving input from the input receiving means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of signs for the selected vehicle;

[14] A system according to any one of [1] to

[13] , comprising: a fifth display control means for controlling a user terminal to display a plurality of vehicles registered as targets for work to be prepared for sale; a selection receiving means for receiving the selection of at least one vehicle from the plurality of displayed vehicles; and a sixth display control means for controlling a user terminal to display a screen for receiving input from an input receiving means regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of signs for the selected vehicle;

[15] A method performed in a system comprising at least one computer device for managing the progress of work to prepare a vehicle for sale, the method comprising: an input reception step for receiving input from a user terminal operated by a user regarding the performance of transporting, washing, repairing, and / or removing signs from a vehicle; and an information storage step for storing information regarding the performance corresponding to the received input: This can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, a system can be provided for managing the progress of work in preparing a vehicle for sale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a flowchart of the vehicle registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a flowchart of the information update process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen that shows a list of information about multiple registered vehicles). [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen for displaying information about the selected vehicle and for inputting that work has been performed). [Figure 9] This figure shows at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen for registering and displaying images of a vehicle). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but unless otherwise stated in accordance with the spirit of the invention, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The vehicles to which the system of the present invention can be used are not particularly limited as long as they are mobile. Examples of vehicles include bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, and automobiles, as well as construction vehicles used for construction purposes, industrial vehicles used for cargo handling and transportation, and agricultural vehicles used for agricultural purposes. Among these, large vehicles such as trucks, dump trucks, buses, and tank trucks are particularly suitable for use with this system.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system comprises at least one computer device, for example, a server device. The system may include multiple computer devices, and these multiple computer devices may perform the functions of a server. The system consists of, for example, a user terminal 1, a server device 2, and a communication network 3. The user terminal 1 can communicate with the server device 2 via the communication network 3.

[0009] User terminal 1 is a terminal operated by a user of the system. The user of the system is not particularly limited, but may be a representative of a sales company that owns the vehicle being sold, a representative of a contracting company that is contracted by the sales company to repair, wash, remove signs and / or transport the vehicle, or a representative of a contracting company that is commissioned by the sales company to repair, wash, remove signs and / or transport the vehicle. The system may have one user terminal 1, or it may have multiple user terminals 1a to 1z.

[0010] For each operation of vehicle repair, car wash, sign removal, and transportation, different persons in the contractor company or the consigning company can be in charge respectively. Therefore, necessary information for one vehicle can be appropriately input at an appropriate time through a plurality of user terminals 1 operated by a plurality of users respectively. Specifically, for example, the person in charge of vehicle repair operates the user terminal 1 to input that the vehicle repair has been completed, and the person in charge of vehicle sign removal operates the user terminal 1 to input that the vehicle sign removal has been completed, and the person in charge of vehicle sign removal can operate the user terminal 1 to input that the vehicle sign removal has been completed.

[0011] The user terminal 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device having a display screen and an input unit. The user terminal 1 may be a stationary type or a portable type that can be carried when the user moves. Examples of the user terminal 1 include a conventional mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a desktop or notebook personal computer.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 1 includes a control unit 11, a main memory 12, a storage unit 13, an input device 14, a display device 15, and a communication interface 16, which are connected by a bus respectively.

[0013] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes a program stored in the storage unit 13 to control the user terminal 1. As the main memory 12, for example, RAM is used. The main memory 12 is a work area of the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a storage area for storing programs and data. The control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing based on a program read from the main memory 12, a program stored in an external storage medium, and data input by the input device 14.

[0014] The display device 15 has a display screen. The control unit 11 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen may be a touch panel provided with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input device 14.

[0015] The communication interface 16 can be connected to the communication network 3 wirelessly or by wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 2 via the communication network 3. The data received via the communication interface 16 is loaded into the main memory 12, and arithmetic processing is performed by the control unit 11.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a main memory 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, which are connected by a bus respectively.

[0017] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM, executes the program stored in the storage unit 23, and controls the server device 2. In addition, the control unit 21 includes an internal timer for measuring time. The main memory 22 is a work area of the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a storage area for storing programs and data. The control unit 21 performs program execution processing based on the program read from the main memory 22, or the program stored in an external storage medium, and the information received from the user terminal 1, etc.

[0018] This system can be used, for example, by a sales company that owns vehicles to be sold or its subcontractor when performing vehicle repair, car wash, sign removal, and / or transportation, etc. Also, a subcontracting company that undertakes vehicle repair, car wash, sign removal, and / or transportation, etc. from the sales company, or a commissioned company that has received a commission for vehicle repair, car wash, sign removal, and / or transportation, etc., from the sales company can also use it. Therefore, the person in charge of the sales company may be the user of this system, or the person in charge of the subcontracting company or the commissioned company may be the user of this system.

[0019] The following explanation describes the case where the user of this system is a representative of the contracting company. However, to the extent that it does not cause inconsistencies, the following explanation also applies when the user is a representative of the sales company or outsourcing company.

[0020] The following describes a system that allows for the management of the progress of a process from the transportation of vehicles owned or managed by a sales company to a workshop where a contractor, commissioned by the sales company, performs tasks such as washing, repairing, and removing signs, to the transportation of the vehicles to a location designated by the sales company (hereinafter referred to as the delivery location). The delivery location may be, for example, a dealership or auction house where vehicles are sold.

[0021] When a contracting company receives a request from a sales company via fax, telephone, or email to prepare a vehicle for sale, a user affiliated with the contracting company performs the vehicle registration process. A vehicle being in a state suitable for sale is not particularly limited, but could include, for example, having repaired any malfunctions or defects, having washed the vehicle, removing any vehicle markings, moving the vehicle to a sales location or a location designated by the sales company, or a combination of any or more of these states.

[0022] In this system, vehicle repair may include not only repairing vehicle malfunctions or defects, but also vehicle maintenance. Similarly, vehicle washing may include not only washing the exterior of the vehicle, but also cleaning the interior. Vehicle sign removal refers to removing signs such as letters or logos painted on the cargo bed of large vehicles such as trucks.

[0023] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the vehicle registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram showing at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The user accesses the server device 2 via a browser by operating the user terminal 1. The server device 2 is, for example, a web server, and can control the content of the display screen on the user terminal 1 according to the information sent from the server device 2 to the user terminal 1 via the browser. The user in the vehicle registration process is not particularly limited, but could be, for example, a sales representative of a contracting company.

[0025] Server device 2 has registered identification information (user ID) and a password for each user, and users log in to the system by entering their user ID and password into user terminal 1 (step S1).

[0026] In step S1, after logging into the system, the user operates user terminal 1 to enter the information necessary for vehicle registration (step S2). The information required for vehicle registration includes, for example, the date of receipt of the request form from the sales company, the ordering company (sales company), the vehicle identification number, vehicle name, vehicle type, sales representative of the contracting company, the current location of the vehicle (location to pick up the vehicle), the planned date of removal of the vehicle from the current location (planned pickup date), the delivery location (a location specified by the ordering company, such as an auction house or a store where the vehicle is to be sold), and the planned delivery date of the vehicle. This information can be entered as text information.

[0027] The information entered in step S2 is sent to server device 2 and stored in server device 2 (step S3). The date of receipt of the request form from the sales company 32, the ordering company 33, the vehicle's chassis number 34, the vehicle name 35, the vehicle type 36, the sales representative of the contracting company 37, the vehicle pickup location 38, the scheduled pickup date 39, the delivery location 40, the scheduled delivery date 41, and the current location of the vehicle 42, entered in step S2, are stored in management table 30 in association with management number 31.

[0028] Furthermore, the information entered in step S2 may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information, not just the management number 31. This makes it possible to identify which of the multiple users entered this information. For example, by searching based on the user's identification information, it is possible to extract only the information entered by the user corresponding to the identification number being searched.

[0029] Steps S1 to S3 complete the vehicle registration process. The vehicle registration process can register multiple vehicles for which work has been contracted. Information for multiple vehicles can be registered in the management table 30.

[0030] In step S2, it is also possible to input the tasks requested by the sales company. The user can input vehicle repair, vehicle washing, and / or vehicle sign removal as required tasks according to the sales company's requests. For example, in step S2, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, and vehicle sign removal can be selected from a pull-down menu or using checkboxes. One or more tasks may be selected. The selected tasks are then stored in the management table 30 of the server device 2 in step S3, associated with management number 31.

[0031] If the driver who will transport the vehicle from the pickup location is already determined when the request is received from the sales company, then in step S2, information about the driver, such as the driver's name, can be entered, and in step S3, this information can be stored in server device 2 in association with management number 31.

[0032] The information stored in the management table 30 can be viewed not only by the user who entered the information in step S1, but also by other users. In this case, the user who entered the information in step S1, or another user, operates user terminal 1 to access server device 2 via a browser. Then, by operating user terminal 1 and entering their user ID and password, they log in to the system.

[0033] When a user logs into the system using user terminal 1, a list of multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the screen of user terminal 1. By operating user terminal 1, the user can select one of the vehicles displayed in the list, and then view information about the selected vehicle, including the date the request was received, the ordering company, the vehicle identification number, the vehicle name, the vehicle type, the sales representative of the contracting company, the pick-up location, the scheduled pick-up date, the delivery location, and the scheduled delivery date.

[0034] Next, the information update process will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the information update process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen that displays a list of information on multiple registered vehicles). Figure 8 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen that displays information on a selected vehicle and inputs that the work has been performed).

[0035] Users can update or add information stored in the management table 30 by operating user terminal 1. Users can access server device 2 via a browser by operating user terminal 1. Users log in to the system by entering their user ID and password into user terminal 1 (step S11).

[0036] In step S1, when user terminal 1 logs into the system, a list of information about multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the display screen 60 of user terminal 1, as shown in Figure 7. The display screen 60 shows, for each vehicle, a confirmation button 61, management number 62, order date 63, sales representative 64, ordering party 65, driver 66, delivery date / delivery location 67, delivery date / delivery location 68, and work 69. This information is displayed based on the information stored in the management table 30. By checking the information displayed on the display screen 60, the user can identify the vehicle they intend to input information for.

[0037] The user operates the user terminal 1 to select the vehicle from among several vehicles for which they wish to update or add information (step S12). More specifically, the user can select a vehicle by pressing the confirmation button 61 displayed on the display screen 60.

[0038] When the user operates the user terminal 1 and selects a vehicle, a display screen 70 for updating or adding information about the selected vehicle is displayed (step S13). As shown in Figure 8, the display screen 70 displays information about the vehicle selected in step S12. Based on the information entered in step S2 and stored in the management table 30 in step S3, information regarding the progress of work on the selected vehicle (for example, the status of the vehicle's work progress, the scheduled date and time of removal, the removal location, the date and time of delivery, the delivery location, the work location, the work content such as repair, sign removal, and car washing) is displayed on the display screen 70. The user can check this information on the display screen 70 of the user terminal 1 and update or add information about the selected vehicle. In other words, the user terminal 1 can check the work progress of the selected vehicle on the display screen 70 and input information about the next work.

[0039] This section describes how to update or add information regarding vehicle transportation. Figure 9 shows at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Users who update or add information regarding vehicle transportation are not limited to, for example, dispatchers responsible for arranging vehicles such as transporters at a contracting company, or transportation personnel (drivers) who transport the vehicles.

[0041] When a contracting company receives a request from a sales company to prepare a used or nearly new vehicle for sale, it must pick up the vehicle from the sales company and transport it from the vehicle pickup location designated by the sales company to a temporary storage facility, a workshop for performing the work, or the delivery location in order to carry out repairs, washing, removal of signs, etc. Furthermore, if the vehicle is already at the temporary storage facility or the workshop for performing the work and the repairs, washing, removal of signs, etc., have already been completed, the contracting company must transport the vehicle from these locations to the delivery location.

[0042] Vehicle transport can be carried out by a driver, or by using specialized vehicles such as transport trucks. The term "transport" encompasses not only land transport but also sea transport using ferries, etc.

[0043] The user operates user terminal 1 to input the planned date for the vehicle's removal from its current location, the destination location of the vehicle, and the driver who will transport the vehicle, for the selected vehicle (step S14). The information entered in step S14 is transmitted to server device 2 and stored in management table 30 of server device 2 (step S15).

[0044] In step S15, as shown in Figure 9, the scheduled departure date 45 for the vehicle's removal from its current location, the destination 46 for the vehicle's transport, and the driver 47 who will transport the vehicle, which were entered in step S14, are stored in the management table 30 in association with the management number 31. In addition, this information may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information, not just the management number 31. This makes it possible to identify which of the multiple users entered this information.

[0045] When vehicle transport is complete, after selecting the vehicle in step S12, the user operates the user terminal 1 to register that vehicle transport is complete (step S16). The method for registering that vehicle transport is complete is not limited to the user terminal 1, but may include entering the delivery date or pressing a button indicating that vehicle transport is complete. The registration of vehicle transport completion can also be stored in association with the user's identification information.

[0046] In step S16, when it is registered that the vehicle's transportation has been completed, the vehicle's location 42 in the management table 30 is updated (step S17). When the vehicle's location 42 is updated and the location matches the delivery location requested by the sales company, the work is completed.

[0047] The processes in steps S14 to S17 can be applied when picking up a vehicle from a sales company and transporting it to a temporary storage facility, a workshop for performing work, or the delivery location, or when the vehicle is already in a temporary storage facility or workshop for performing work and the vehicle is being transported from these locations to the delivery location.

[0048] In step S16, if it is registered that the vehicle has been transported to a location where the contractor can perform the prescribed work (e.g., repair, car wash, sign removal, etc.), or if, in conjunction with step S16, the vehicle's location 42 is changed in step S17 to a location where the prescribed work can be performed, the display content on the user terminal 1's display screen is changed or added to allow input of information regarding the prescribed work (step S18). In this way, by enabling input of information regarding the next work in response to the completion of the previous work, input errors and errors in the order of the work can be prevented.

[0049] In step S18, the display content may be changed or added to allow input of information regarding all operations other than transportation, such as repairs, car washing, and sign removal. Alternatively, in step S18, the display content may be changed or added to allow input of information regarding some operations, such as repairs and / or sign removal. In this case, when it is registered that the repairs and / or sign removal have been completed, the display content on the display screen of user terminal 1 will be changed or added to allow input of information regarding car washing. Normally, car washing is performed after repairs and sign removal, so this prevents the car from being washed before repairs and sign removal are carried out.

[0050] Next, we will explain how to update or add information regarding repairs, car washes, and sign removal. Figure 10 shows at least a portion of the management table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The user inputs information regarding repairs, car washing, and sign removal in response to operations on user terminal 1 (step S19). Step S19 can be performed immediately following step S18, but the user may also log out after step S18 is performed, and then perform step S19 after going through steps S11 to S13.

[0052] In step S19, for each task—repair, car washing, and sign removal—the person responsible for performing the task and the scheduled date for the task are entered. The entered information is stored in the management table 30 of the server device 2 (step S20). As shown in Figure 10, the repair person 50, scheduled repair date 51, sign removal person 52, scheduled sign removal date 53, car washing person 54, and scheduled car washing date 55, entered in step S19, are stored in the management table 30 in association with management number 31. This information may also be stored in the management table 30 in association with user identification information, not just management number 31.

[0053] When all or any of the following tasks—repair, car wash, and sign removal—are completed, the user selects the vehicle in step S12 and then operates the user terminal 1 to input that the repair, car wash, and / or sign removal work has been completed (step S21). The method for inputting that the work has been completed is not limited to this, but may include operating the user terminal 1 to input the completion date or pressing a button to indicate that the work has been completed.

[0054] In step S21, when it is entered that the work has been completed, the completion of the work is registered in the management table 30 (step S22). More specifically, the management table 30 is updated by setting a flag indicating that the work has been completed, or by registering the work completion date. In addition, the registration that the work has been completed in step S22 may be stored in the management table 30 in association with the user's identification information.

[0055] Furthermore, provided that all necessary work such as repairs, car washing, or sign removal has been registered as completed, in step S14, it may be possible to input the vehicle's destination as the delivery location for the selected vehicle. In this case, even if the display screen of user terminal 1 shown in step S13 shows other destinations as options, the delivery location may not be displayed as an option for the vehicle's destination. Alternatively, the delivery location may not be accepted as an option for the vehicle's destination.

[0056] Next, we will explain how to register vehicle images. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention (a display screen for registering vehicle images and displaying the registered images).

[0057] Users can take images of a vehicle from multiple different angles before and after performing a specified operation, and register these multiple images in the system. Users can also take images of multiple parts of a single vehicle before and after performing a specified operation, and register these multiple images in the system.

[0058] By taking images of vehicles before performing prescribed work (e.g., repairs, car washing, sign removal) and registering them, it is possible to record evidence of any scratches or dents present when the vehicle is received from the dealership. Furthermore, if an unforeseen event such as theft occurs while the contracting company is in possession of the vehicle, if the vehicle's characteristics are clearly visible, they can be compared with footage from security cameras, etc. Since the vehicles do not have license plates attached before sale, it is difficult to track a stolen vehicle based solely on textual information on paper, but images of the vehicle are helpful in tracking a stolen vehicle.

[0059] By taking images of vehicles after performing prescribed tasks (e.g., repairs, car washing, sign removal) and registering them, it becomes possible to check the progress of the work. Furthermore, the photos of vehicles after the prescribed tasks have been performed can be used by the sales company when selling the vehicles. Images of vehicles after these prescribed tasks have been performed can be disclosed to buyers at sales outlets and auction venues, leading to vehicle purchases. In this case, a sales company representative can operate user terminal 1 to access the system and download images of vehicles after the prescribed tasks have been performed from server device 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the images registered in the system may be both still images and moving images.

[0061] The user may use user terminal 1 to take images of the vehicle, or they may take images of the vehicle with another terminal and then transmit the captured image data to user terminal 1.

[0062] The user takes an image of the vehicle before performing the prescribed task and registers the image in the system by operating user terminal 1. After performing the prescribed task, the user takes another image of the vehicle and registers the image in the system by operating user terminal 1. The prescribed task is not particularly limited. The prescribed task may be vehicle repair, vehicle washing, or vehicle sign removal. Alternatively, the prescribed task may be any task that affects the appearance of the vehicle, such as vehicle repair, washing, or sign removal. In this case, the vehicle is photographed after being transported to the contractor's work site and before any work such as vehicle repair, washing, or sign removal is performed. The vehicle is also photographed after any work such as vehicle repair, washing, or sign removal has been performed.

[0063] The multiple directions from which images of a vehicle can be captured are not particularly limited, but images can be captured and registered from the front, rear, left side, right side, and above. One method for capturing images from above the vehicle is to position a drone equipped with an imaging device above the vehicle and capture the images from there.

[0064] While not limited to any specific area, the multiple locations where a vehicle is imaged include the entire vehicle, license plate, frame, rear differential area, cargo area, and driver's seat.

[0065] For example, before or after work such as vehicle repair, washing, or sign removal is performed, the user selects a vehicle in step S12 and operates the user terminal 1 to upload the captured image of the vehicle (step S23). The uploaded image is stored in the server device 2, associated with a management number (step S24). As described above, multiple images of the same vehicle can be uploaded and stored in the server device 2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, registration buttons 81a to 81g are displayed on the display screen 80. By operating the user terminal 1 and selecting one of these registration buttons 81, it becomes possible to upload images of the vehicle. For example, registration button 81a is labeled "Front," registration button 81b is labeled "Rear," registration button 81c is labeled "Left," registration button 81d is labeled "Right," registration button 81e is labeled "Above," registration button 81f is labeled "Driver's Seat," and registration button 81e is labeled "Inside the Cargo Area." Users can register images of the vehicle to the server device 2 while checking these labels. By displaying on or near the registration buttons which button is for registering images from which direction or which part of the vehicle is for registering, it is possible to prevent images from being missed during registration.

[0067] When one of the registration buttons 81a to 81f is selected and an image is registered, the registered image is displayed below and near the selected registration button 81 in a manner that makes it clear that it is an image corresponding to the content displayed on the selected registration button 81. In Figure 11, image 82e is displayed below and near the registration button 81e, and it can be understood that it is an image corresponding to "above" displayed on the registration button 81e, that is, an image taken from above the vehicle.

[0068] Furthermore, the display screen 80 may also be provided with registration buttons 81 for registering images of the vehicle before performing a predetermined operation, and registration buttons 81 for registering images of the vehicle after performing a predetermined operation. In this case as well, for the vehicle before performing a predetermined operation, there will be registration buttons 81 for registering multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple directions or multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple locations, and for the vehicle after performing a predetermined operation, there will be registration buttons 81 for registering multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple directions or multiple images of the vehicle taken from multiple locations. In this case as well, the registration buttons will be displayed on or near the registration buttons to indicate which direction of images of the vehicle they are for, or which part of the vehicle they are for. When one of the multiple registration buttons 81 is selected to register an image, the registered image 82 will be displayed below and near the selected registration button 81 in a manner that makes it clear that it is the image corresponding to the selected registration button 81.

[0069] In this way, for example, on the display screen 80, images of the vehicle taken from the same direction, or images of the same part of the vehicle, can be compared before and after the performance of a predetermined operation. In this case, by displaying a registration button 81 for registering an image of the vehicle taken before the predetermined operation and the registered image 82 on the left side, and a registration button 81 for registering an image of the vehicle taken after the predetermined operation and the registered image 82 on the right side, images 82 taken from the same direction before and after the predetermined operation can be displayed side by side, or images 82 taken of the same part of the vehicle before and after the predetermined operation can be displayed side by side. For example, an image 82 of the "front" of the vehicle before the predetermined operation and an image 82 of the "front" of the vehicle after the predetermined operation can be displayed side by side (or front and back), and an image 82 of the "rear" of the vehicle before the predetermined operation and an image 82 of the "rear" of the vehicle after the predetermined operation can be displayed side by side (or front and back). Similarly, images 82 of the vehicle before and after a predetermined operation can be displayed side-by-side for the "left side," "right side," "top," "driver's seat," and "inside the cargo bed."

[0070] Furthermore, the system can be configured so that, in step S16, it is registered that the vehicle has been transported to a location where the contractor can perform the prescribed work (e.g., repair, car washing, sign removal, etc.), or in step S17, the vehicle's location 42 is changed to a location where the prescribed work can be performed, in conjunction with step S16, and then the vehicle's image can be registered. For example, a button for registering the vehicle's image can be displayed on the screen only when the vehicle has been transported to a location where the prescribed work can be performed, or the vehicle can be registered by pressing this button.

[0071] Furthermore, registration of a vehicle after it has undergone a prescribed procedure can be enabled on the condition that the vehicle has been registered before the prescribed procedure is performed. This prevents vehicles from being overlooked before the prescribed procedure is performed. Alternatively, registration of a vehicle after it has undergone a prescribed procedure can be enabled on the condition that the completion of the prescribed procedure has been registered. This prevents vehicles from being photographed and mistakenly registered as if they had undergone the prescribed procedure when they had not.

[0072] The information stored in the management table 30 can be viewed not only by the user who entered the information through steps S11 to S24, but also by other users. In this case, the user who entered the information in steps S11 to S24, or other users, operate the user terminal 1 to access the server device 2 via a browser. Then, they log in to the system by operating the user terminal 1 and entering their user ID and password.

[0073] When a user logs into the system using user terminal 1, a list of multiple registered vehicles is displayed on the screen of user terminal 1. By operating user terminal 1, the user can select one of the vehicles displayed in the list, and then view information about the selected vehicle, including the date the request was received, the ordering company, the vehicle identification number, the vehicle name, the vehicle type, the sales representative of the contracting company, the pickup location, the scheduled pickup date, the delivery location, the scheduled delivery date, the vehicle's current location, the work performed, and the scheduled date for the work to be performed.

[0074] Furthermore, if the contracting company has multiple workshops for performing car washing, repairs, and sign removal, it is necessary to consider which workshop is most suitable for carrying out the work, taking into account the capacity of each workshop, and then move the vehicles from the pickup location. Therefore, the server device 2 can identify the number of vehicles present at each workshop based on the vehicle locations 42 in the management table 30, and transmit information regarding the identified number of vehicles to the user terminal 1. The user can then check this information on the user terminal 1 and decide which workshop to transport each vehicle to.

[0075] The management table 30 of server device 2 may contain the date or time when the vehicle was moved from the pickup location to the work site (the current location of the vehicle). Therefore, by subtracting the registered date or time when the vehicle was moved from the current date and time in server device 2, the number of days or hours that have elapsed since the vehicle arrived at the work site can be determined, and the number of days or hours that have elapsed can be determined and displayed on user terminal 1.

[0076] This embodiment primarily describes the case where a vehicle is transported from the pickup location to the workshop, repaired, washed, and has its markings removed, and then transported to the delivery location. However, this system can also be used when a vehicle is transported from the pickup location to a storage location, temporarily stored, and then transported to the delivery location (for example, a place to sell the vehicle). In this case, no repairs, washing, or marking removal are performed on the vehicle. With this system, the server device 2 can register the vehicle's chassis number, name, vehicle type, pickup location, pickup date, delivery location, delivery date, and vehicle location, enabling the management of vehicle inventory. Even in this case, the system can manage the transportation of the vehicle from the pickup location to the storage location, and from the storage location to the pickup location.

[0077] According to the present invention, inputs relating to the transportation, washing, repair, and / or removal of signs of vehicles can be received from a user terminal operated by the user, and information relating to the actions taken in accordance with the received inputs can be stored.

[0078] According to the present invention, a user terminal can display a display screen for registering multiple images of a vehicle taken from multiple directions, and / or a display screen for registering multiple images of multiple parts of a vehicle. Furthermore, the registered multiple images can be displayed on the display screen.

[0079] According to the present invention, a user terminal can display a display screen for registering images of a vehicle taken before performing a predetermined task, and for registering images of a vehicle taken after performing a predetermined task. Furthermore, the display screen can display the registered images of the vehicle taken before performing the predetermined task, and the registered images of the vehicle taken after performing the predetermined task.

[0080] According to the present invention, the image of the vehicle can be transmitted to a first user terminal operated by a first user who has registered the image, or to a second user terminal operated by a second user who is different from the first user.

[0081] According to the present invention, the user terminal can display a display screen for inputting that the first task, which is performed earlier, has been completed, and when the user terminal receives input that the first task has been completed, the user terminal can display a display screen for inputting that the second task, which is performed after the first task, has been completed, or a display screen for performing the second task.

[0082] According to the present invention, information regarding the implementation of an input can be stored in association with identification information that can identify the user operating the user terminal that performed the input.

[0083] According to the present invention, the user terminal can display information regarding the number of vehicles present at a predetermined location. Furthermore, the user terminal can display the elapsed time since a vehicle arrived at the location. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. User terminal 2 Server devices 3. Communication Network 11 Control unit, 12 Main Memory 13 Storage Section 14 Input devices 15 display device; 16 Communication Interfaces 21 Control Unit 22 RAM 23 Storage Section 24 Communication Interfaces 30 Management Tables 60 display screen 70 display screen 80 display screen

Claims

1. A system comprising at least one computer device for managing the progress of work related to washing, repairing, or removing signs to prepare a vehicle for sale, An input receiving means that receives input from a user terminal operated by the user regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of signs for vehicles, Information storage means for storing information related to the implementation corresponding to the received input, Equipped with, The input receiving means accepts input indicating that the vehicle has been transported to a workshop for washing, repairing, or removing signs, or that the vehicle has been transported to a place for sale after the work has been completed. Location update means update the vehicle's location in response to receiving input from the input receiving means indicating that the vehicle's transportation has been completed. A system equipped with these features.

2. Display control means for controlling the user terminal to display the elapsed time since the vehicle arrived at the updated location. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. A method performed in a system comprising at least one computer device for managing the progress of work related to washing, repairing, or removing signs to prepare a vehicle for sale, An input reception step that receives input from a user terminal operated by the user regarding the transportation, washing, repair, or removal of signs for vehicles, An information storage step that stores information about the implementation corresponding to the received input, and It has, The input acceptance step accepts input indicating that the vehicle has been transported to a workshop for washing, repairing, or removing signs, or that the vehicle has been transported to a place for sale after the work has been completed. In response to receiving input indicating that vehicle transportation has been completed in the input acceptance step, the location update step updates the vehicle's location. A method having

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