Information processing device

Abstract

To determine a work item for customization of a vehicle without actually checking the vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21 configured to: acquire an identifier of a vehicle 12 upon receiving a request for customization of the vehicle 12; identify one or more parts already equipped on the vehicle 12 by searching a vehicle database 24 that stores data on parts equipped on a plurality of vehicles, using the acquired identifier as a key; and determine a work item for the customization according to the one or more identified parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for a user to order products via a network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When receiving an order for parts for customizing a vehicle from a user, the work items for customization may vary depending on the parts already installed. In such a case, it is desired to determine the work items for customization without actually checking the vehicle.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to determine the work items for customizing a vehicle without actually checking the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to this disclosure when receiving a request for customizing a vehicle, acquires the identifier of the vehicle, and searches a vehicle database that stores data on parts installed in a plurality of vehicles using the acquired identifier as a key, to identify one or more parts already installed in the vehicle, and includes a control unit that determines the work items for the customization according to the identified one or more parts.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, the work items for customizing a vehicle can be determined without actually inspecting the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an order processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a headlamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This table shows an example of data stored in a vehicle database according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a table showing an example of data stored in the work item database according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a table showing an example of data stored in a location database according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.

[0010] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the order processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0012] The order processing system 10 comprises an information processing device 20 and a terminal device 30. The information processing device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 30 via a network 40.

[0013] The information processing device 20 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 20 is, for example, a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The information processing device 20 is operated by a business such as an automobile dealer that sells vehicle parts and provides vehicle maintenance or vehicle customization services.

[0014] Terminal device 30 is a mobile device owned by user 11, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. Alternatively, terminal device 30 may be a general-purpose device such as a PC installed at user 11's home or another location. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0015] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0016] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0017] The terminal device 30 requests the information processing device 20 to customize the vehicle 12 via the network 40 according to the operation by the user 11. When receiving the customization request, the information processing device 20 acquires the identifier of the vehicle 12. Using the acquired identifier as a key, the information processing device 20 searches the vehicle database 24 that stores data on parts installed in a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more parts already installed in the vehicle 12. The "parts installed in a plurality of vehicles" mentioned here is not limited to hardware such as exterior parts or interior parts of each vehicle, and may include software for implementing various functions such as the driving function and safety function of each vehicle. The information processing device 20 determines the customization work items according to the identified one or more parts. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the customization work items of the vehicle 12 without actually checking the vehicle 12. For example, when the information processing device 20 receives an order for a part for customizing the vehicle 12 from the user 11, even if the customization work items differ depending on the parts already installed, the information processing device 20 can automatically determine the customization work items without actually checking the vehicle 12.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 20 further determines the customization fee by searching the work item database 25 that stores data on the fees for a plurality of work items. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to determine the customization fee of the vehicle 12 without actually checking the vehicle 12. For example, when the information processing device 20 automatically determines the customization work items, it can also automatically calculate the customization fee without actually checking the vehicle 12.

[0019] In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 20 searches a location database 26 that stores data on work items that can be performed at a plurality of locations, and further determines a location where customization is to be performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine a location for customizing the vehicle 12 without checking each location. For example, when the information processing apparatus 20 automatically determines a work item for customization, even when the locations where customization can be performed are limited depending on the work item, it is possible to automatically select a location for performing customization without checking each location.

[0020] The vehicle 12 is, for example, an automobile of any type such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 12 may be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0021] As an example of a component already installed in the vehicle 12, a headlamp 13 is mentioned. As shown in FIG. 2, the headlamp 13 includes, for example, an outer lens 14 and a housing 15.

[0022] The outer lens 14 bulges toward the front side of the vehicle. The outer lens 14 is open at the rear side of the vehicle. The outer lens 14 has a plurality of claw portions 16. The plurality of claw portions 16 are formed along the opening edge of the outer lens 14.

[0023] The housing 15 bulges towards the rear of the vehicle. The housing 15 is open on the front side of the vehicle. The outer lens 14 is attached to the housing 15 by multiple claws 16 that hook onto corresponding locations on the opening edge of the housing 15. A gasket 17 is placed on the opening edge of the housing 15 as a sealing material. The gasket 17 seals the gap between the outer lens 14 and the housing 15.

[0024] An extension 18, serving as a decorative element, is attached to the inner surface of the outer lens 14. The extension 18 is configured to be visible from the outside of the headlamp 13. The design of the headlamp 54 can be changed by adding an extension 18 or by changing the extension 18 to a different shape or color.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] The information processing device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0027] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the information processing device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0028] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The memory unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0029] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet® or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 30. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0030] The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the information processing device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by performing the operations of the information processing device 20 according to the program.

[0031] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0032] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0033] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as a control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be implemented by hardware.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vehicle database 24, the work item database 25, and the location database 26 are built on the storage unit 22, but they may also be built on external storage that the communication unit 23 can connect to. Examples of data stored in the vehicle database 24, the work item database 25, and the location database 26 are shown in Figures 3 to 5, respectively.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 3, the vehicle database 24 stores records containing data about parts equipped on multiple vehicles, each having at least a vehicle ID field, a part ID field, an equipment start date field, and an equipment end date field. ID is an abbreviation for identifier. The vehicle ID field of each record records the identifier of the corresponding vehicle. The part ID field of each record records the identifier of the part equipped on the vehicle identified by the corresponding vehicle ID field. The equipment start date field of each record records the date on which the part identified by the corresponding part ID field was installed on the vehicle identified by the corresponding vehicle ID field. The equipment end date field of each record records the date on which the part identified by the corresponding part ID field was removed from the vehicle identified by the corresponding vehicle ID field.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 4, the work item database 25 stores records containing data about the fees for multiple work items, each having at least a work item ID field and a fee field. The work item ID field in each record records the identifier of the corresponding work item. The fee field in each record records the fee set for the work item identified by the corresponding work item ID field.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 5, the location database 26 stores records containing data for work items that can be performed at multiple locations, each having at least a location ID field, a work item ID field, and an address field. The location ID field of each record records the identifier of the corresponding location. The work item ID field of each record records the identifier of the work item that can be performed at the location identified by the corresponding location ID field. The address field of each record records the address where the location identified by the corresponding location ID field is located.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, the operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0039] In step S1, when the control unit 21 receives a request to customize the vehicle 12, in step S2, it obtains the identifier of the vehicle 12. Specifically, when user 11 logs in to the site of the operator of the information processing device 20 and requests customization of the vehicle 12, such as ordering parts for customization of the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 receives the customization request from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 then obtains the vehicle ID, which corresponds to the user ID used by user 11 when logging in, as the identifier of the vehicle 12. The vehicle ID is stored in the storage unit 22 or an external storage that the communication unit 23 can connect to, linked to the user ID in advance. Alternatively, the vehicle ID may be entered by user 11 into the site, and the control unit 21 may obtain the entered vehicle ID from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23 as the identifier of the vehicle 12.

[0040] In step S3, the control unit 21 searches the vehicle database 24 using the identifier obtained in step S2 as a key to identify one or more parts already installed on the vehicle 12. In step S4, the control unit 21 determines the customization work items according to the one or more parts identified in step S3. The control unit 21 notifies the terminal device 30 of the determined work items via the communication unit 23. The terminal device 30, for example, displays the work items to the user 11.

[0041] For example, when the control unit 21 receives a request to change the body color of the vehicle 12, it searches the vehicle database 24 to check whether the vehicle 12 has peelable paint as disclosed in Patent Document 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle database 24 is searched using the vehicle ID as the key, a list of part IDs corresponding to the vehicle ID is returned as a search result. The control unit 21 automatically determines whether the vehicle 12 has peelable paint by checking whether the part ID of peelable paint is included in this list. If the vehicle 12 does not have peelable paint, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item is simply to apply new paint, that is, to apply new paint over the current paint. On the other hand, if the vehicle 12 already has peelable paint, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item is to strip the paint and then apply new paint.

[0042] As another example, when the control unit 21 receives a request to add driver assistance functions such as BSM, LDWS, or PCS to the vehicle 12, it searches the vehicle database 24 to check whether electrical components such as wire harnesses are installed in the vehicle 12. "BSM" is an abbreviation for blind spot monitor. "LDWS" is an abbreviation for lane departure warning system. "PCS" is an abbreviation for pre-crash safety system or pre-collision system. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle database 24 is searched using the vehicle ID as the key, a list of part IDs corresponding to the vehicle ID is returned as a search result. The control unit 21 automatically determines whether electrical components are installed in the vehicle 12 by checking whether the part IDs of the electrical components are included in this list. The control unit 21 may also automatically determine what type of electrical component is installed in the vehicle 12 by referring to the part IDs of the electrical components included in the list. If electrical components are not installed in the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item involves installing new electrical components and then attaching electronic devices such as sensors necessary for the additional driver assistance function. If electrical components for the additional driver assistance function are already installed in the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item involves simply attaching electronic devices such as sensors. On the other hand, if electrical components for another function are already installed in the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item involves temporarily removing the electrical components, reinstalling them together with the additional electrical components, and then attaching electronic devices such as sensors.

[0043] In this embodiment, in step S4, when the control unit 21 recognizes that one or more parts identified in step S3 include the same type of parts as those to be installed on the vehicle 12 for customization, it determines the customization work items according to the years of use or replacement history of the one or more parts identified.

[0044] For example, when the control unit 21 receives a request to change the color or decoration of the headlamp 13 of the vehicle 12, it searches the vehicle database 24 to check whether an extension 18, as shown in Figure 2, is installed on the vehicle 12. That is, the control unit 21 checks whether the extension 18 is included in one or more of the same type of part as the part to be equipped on the vehicle 12 for customization, as identified in step S3. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle database 24 is searched using the vehicle ID as the key, a list of part IDs corresponding to the vehicle ID is returned as a search result. The control unit 21 automatically determines whether the extension 18 is installed on the vehicle 12 by checking whether the part ID of the extension 18 is included in this list. If the extension is not installed on the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the customization work item is simply to install a new extension. On the other hand, if the extension 18 is already installed on the vehicle 12, the control unit 21 checks the years of use or replacement history of the headlamp 13 by searching the vehicle database 24. The control unit 21 then determines the customization work item by selecting one of the following options, depending on the years of use or replacement history of the headlamp 13: replace only the extension 18, replace the extension 18 together with the outer lens 14, or replace the headlamp 13 itself. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle database 24 is searched using the combination of vehicle ID and part ID as the key, the equipment start date and equipment end date corresponding to the combination of vehicle ID and part ID are returned as search results. The control unit 21 automatically determines the years of use of the headlamp 13 by calculating the number of years that have passed since the equipment start date of the headlamp 13. The control unit 21 automatically determines whether the headlamp 13 has been replaced by checking whether there was another headlamp that was installed before the equipment start date of the headlamp 13. The control unit 21 automatically determines whether the outer lens 14 has been replaced by checking whether there was another outer lens that was installed before the equipment start date of the outer lens 14.The control unit 21 automatically determines whether the extension 18 has been replaced by checking whether there was another extension installed before the date the extension 18 was installed. For example, if the vehicle 12 is new, or if the extension 18 has been replaced along with the outer lens 14, or if the headlamp 13 itself has been replaced, the control unit 21 automatically determines that only the extension 18 should be replaced as a customization work item. On the other hand, if the vehicle 12 has been in service for several years or more, or if the vehicle 12 is a used vehicle, or if only the extension 18 has been added or replaced, the control unit 21 automatically determines that the extension 18 should be replaced along with the outer lens 14, or if the headlamp 13 itself should be replaced as a customization work item. In addition to the years of use or replacement history, the control unit 21 may also determine the customization work items based on the degree of deterioration, cumulative lighting time, or presence or absence of damage.

[0045] In step S5, the control unit 21 searches the work item database 25 to further determine the customization fee. The control unit 21 notifies the terminal device 30 of the determined fee via the communication unit 23. The terminal device 30, for example, displays the fee to the user 11.

[0046] For example, if the control unit 21 decides to replace only the extension 18, it searches the work item database 25 and automatically calculates the customization fee to include the fee for replacing only the extension 18. In the example shown in Figure 4, when the work item database 25 is searched using the work item ID as the key, the search results return the fee corresponding to the work item ID. The control unit 21 applies this fee to the customization fee.

[0047] In step S6, the control unit 21 searches the location database 26 to further determine the location where customization will be performed. The control unit 21 notifies the terminal device 30 of the determined location via the communication unit 23. The terminal device 30, for example, displays the location to the user 11.

[0048] For example, when the control unit 21 decides to replace only the extension 18, it searches the location database 26 and automatically selects the most suitable location from among the locations where the work of replacing only the extension 18 can be performed. In the example shown in Figure 5, when the work item database 25 is searched using the work item ID as the key, a list of location IDs and addresses corresponding to the work item ID is returned as a search result. From this list, the control unit 21 selects, for example, the location closest to the user 11's home address as the most suitable location. Replacing only the extension 18 is a specialized task compared to replacing the extension 18 together with the outer lens 14 or replacing the headlamp 13 itself. Therefore, the work may not be able to be performed at an automobile dealer's base and may have to be performed at a specialized base. This embodiment can also address such cases.

[0049] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10. Order Processing System 11 users 12 vehicles 13 Headlights 14 Outer Lens 15 Housing 16. Nail part 17 Gasket 18 Extensions 20 Information Processing Devices 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Vehicle Database 25. Work Item Database 26 Location Database 30 Terminal devices 40 Networks

Claims

1. Upon receiving a request for vehicle customization, the system includes a control unit that obtains the vehicle's identifier, uses the obtained identifier as a key to search a vehicle database that stores data on parts equipped on multiple vehicles, identifies one or more parts already installed on the vehicle, and determines the customization work items according to the identified one or more parts. The control unit, upon recognizing that one or more components include the same type of components as those to be installed on the vehicle for the customization, determines the customization work items according to the years of use or replacement history of the one or more components.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit searches a work item database that stores data on the fees for a plurality of work items to further determine the fee for the customization.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit searches a location database that stores data on work items that can be performed at multiple locations to further determine the location where the customization will be performed.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives a request to change the color or decoration of the vehicle's headlamp as a customization request, and recognizes that one or more of the components include an extension as a component of the same type as the components to be equipped on the vehicle for the customization, and determines the customization work item by selecting either to replace only the extension, or to replace the extension together with the outer lens, or to replace the headlamp itself, depending on the years of use or replacement history of the headlamp.

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