Method and application program

Abstract

To improve a technique to guide about switching of vehicles.SOLUTION: A method executed by a terminal device includes: when a period difference ΔT reaches a prescribed value, which is obtained by subtracting a period T2 required from the placement of order of a vehicle of a desired type for switching set in advance by the user to the delivery of the vehicle, from a remaining period T1 to a contract expiration date of a vehicle used by the user, notifying guidance related to switching to the next vehicle; displaying information on a period of delivery of the vehicle of a type for switching desired by the user; and displaying information on a payment condition based on the type for switching desired by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an application program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for guiding vehicle transfers have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that displays an estimate of a vehicle to be purchased when a user considers a vehicle transfer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in technologies for guiding vehicle transfers.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve technologies for guiding vehicle transfers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method executed by a terminal device, when a period difference ΔT obtained by subtracting a period T2 required from the order to the delivery of a vehicle type desired for transfer preset by the user from a remaining period T1 until the contract expiration date of the vehicle being used by the user reaches a specified value, notifying guidance regarding transfer to the next vehicle, displaying information regarding the delivery time of the vehicle type desired for transfer by the user, and displaying information regarding payment conditions based on the vehicle type desired for transfer by the user is included.

[0007] An application program according to one embodiment of this disclosure is: On the terminal device, When the time difference ΔT, obtained by subtracting the time T2 required from ordering the desired replacement vehicle (as predetermined by the user) from the remaining period T1 until the contract expiration date of the vehicle currently in use by the user, reaches a specified value, To notify passengers of information regarding transfers to the next vehicle. To display information regarding the delivery time of the vehicle the user wishes to replace, and Displaying information regarding payment terms based on the user's desired vehicle for replacement. Make it run. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the technology for guiding users on vehicle transfers is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the server. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device. [Figure 5] This figure shows the first example of a screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 6] This figure shows a second example of a screen displayed on a terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0011] (Summary of the embodiment) Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 can communicate with each other via a communication line 30 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 10 is used by a user.

[0013] The server 20 belongs to, for example, a cloud computing system or other computing systems and implements various functions. The server 20 can communicate with the terminal device 10 via the communication line 30.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the user uses a vehicle under a residual value type installment contract or leases a vehicle under a lease contract. A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated application") is installed in the user's terminal device 10. The dedicated application has a function of displaying guidance to the user regarding the vehicle replacement associated with the expiration of these contract periods.

[0015] The "residual value type installment contract" refers to a contract in which, among the purchase price of vehicle A of the vehicle type selected by the user, a preset trade-in guaranteed price is set as the residual value and the remaining amount is paid in installments over a certain contract period. During the contract period, the ownership of vehicle A does not belong to the user, but the user can use vehicle A. When the contract period expires, the user selects whether to pay the residual value. If the residual value is paid, the ownership of vehicle A transfers to the user. In this case, the user can freely dispose of it as the owner of vehicle A. On the other hand, if the residual value is not paid, vehicle A is returned from the user to the owner. When returning vehicle A, the user can also switch from vehicle A to vehicle B, for example, by newly concluding a residual value type installment contract for vehicle B different from vehicle A.

[0016] A "lease contract" refers to a contract in which a vehicle A of a vehicle model selected by a user is leased by paying a certain amount of money for a certain contract period. During the contract period, the ownership of the vehicle does not belong to the user, but the user can use vehicle A. And at the expiration of the contract period, vehicle A is returned from the user to the owner. When returning vehicle A, the user can also switch from vehicle A to vehicle B by, for example, newly concluding a lease contract for a vehicle B different from vehicle A.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the dedicated application displays contract information (hereinafter also referred to as "contract information") of a vehicle to a user whose residual value fixed installment contract or lease contract (hereinafter also referred to as "contract") period of a currently used or leased (hereinafter also referred to as "in use") vehicle expires, and also displays information regarding switching to the next vehicle.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the "contract information" is information regarding the type of contract, the start date and expiration date of the contract period, the vehicle model and price of the vehicle, and the vehicle model desired for switching, but may also include arbitrary information other than these. For example, it may include contract information, personal information of the user, the model year of the vehicle, the license plate number, or the monthly payment amount of the contract. The terminal device 10 can arbitrarily display one or more of these on the dedicated application.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the "vehicle model desired for switching" refers to the vehicle model that the user desires to switch to after the expiration of the contract period of the vehicle in use. The vehicle model desired for switching is assumed to be preset by the user. The vehicle model desired for switching may be freely changed by the user during the contract period.

[0020] In the present embodiment, these contract information are stored in the server 20, but a part or all of these may be stored in the terminal device 10.

[0021] This section outlines the basics of this embodiment, with further details to be described later. The terminal device 10 notifies the user of information regarding switching to the next vehicle when the time difference ΔT, which is calculated by subtracting the time T2 required from ordering to delivery of the user's desired replacement vehicle (as predetermined by the user) from the remaining period T1 until the contract expiration date of the vehicle the user is currently using, reaches a predetermined value. The terminal device 10 displays information regarding the delivery date of the user's desired replacement vehicle. The terminal device 10 then displays information regarding payment terms based on the user's desired replacement vehicle.

[0022] According to this embodiment, users can place an order early so that their next vehicle is delivered before the contract expiration date of their current vehicle. In this way, the technology for guiding users through vehicle changes is improved, as it allows users to smoothly switch to a new vehicle after the contract expires.

[0023] Next, we will describe in detail each component of System 1.

[0024] (Terminal device configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0025] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to this. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited to this. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 10.

[0026] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. The memories are, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used for the operation of the terminal device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store system programs, application programs, and map information. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores the dedicated application described above. The dedicated application may be stored when the terminal device 10 is manufactured, or it may be downloaded from a predetermined application distribution server via the communication unit 13 and the communication line 30.

[0027] The communication unit 13 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the communication line 30. These communication interfaces support, for example, mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may support any communication standard.

[0028] The input unit 14 includes one or more input devices for detecting user input operations. These input devices are, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a mouse, a touch panel, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the output unit 15, or a microphone. Alternatively, the input unit 14 may include an interface for connecting external input devices.

[0029] The output unit 15 includes one or more output devices that output information. These output devices are, for example, a display that outputs information as video, or a speaker that outputs information as sound, but are not limited to these. Alternatively, the output unit 15 may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0030] (Server configuration) As shown in Figure 3, the server 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the entire server 20.

[0032] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used for the operation of the server 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, map information, embedded software, and databases.

[0033] The communication unit 23 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the communication line 30. These communication interfaces may support, for example, mobile communication standards, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may support any communication standard.

[0034] (Operation of the terminal device) Referring to Figure 4, the operation performed by the terminal device 10 according to the dedicated application will be described. The operation in Figure 4 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. The operation in Figure 4 is performed repeatedly. The conditions and / or timing for the termination of this operation can be arbitrarily determined, such as once a day or once a week.

[0035] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, an example of how the control unit 11 displays information in this embodiment will be described. Figures 5 and 6 are, for example, guidance screens displayed when a dedicated application is running on a smartphone used by a user. The control unit 11 displays information in areas 41 to 47 of Figures 5 and 6, respectively. The location and size of each area, as well as the information displayed in each area in this embodiment, are merely examples and can be changed as desired.

[0036] S100: The control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 calculates the remaining period T1 until the contract expiration date.

[0037] For example, the control unit 11 obtains the user's contract expiration date from the server 20 via the communication line 30. The control unit 11 then refers to the contract expiration date and calculates the remaining period T1 from the execution date of S100 to the contract expiration date. For example, if the contract expiration date is September 31st and the execution date of S100 is April 1st of the same year, T1 will be 6 months.

[0038] S101: The control unit 11 obtains the period T2 required from ordering the desired replacement vehicle to delivery.

[0039] For example, the control unit 11 obtains the user's desired replacement vehicle from the server 20 via the communication line 30. The control unit 11 then obtains the period T2 required from ordering the desired replacement vehicle to delivery. For example, if it takes 5 months from ordering to delivery as of the execution date of S101 (let's say April 1st), then T2 will be 5 months.

[0040] The period T2 required from order placement to vehicle delivery may be obtained from the internet or other sources, or from the server 20 via the communication line 30. It may also be obtained by any other method.

[0041] S102: The control unit 11 determines whether the time difference ΔT, obtained by subtracting T2 from T1, is less than a specified value. If it is less than the specified value (S102-Yes), the process proceeds to S103. If it is greater than or equal to the specified value (S102-No), the process terminates.

[0042] The specified value in this embodiment is 1 month + 1 day, but any other value can be used. For example, in this embodiment, T1 is 6 months, T2 is 5 months, and the period difference ΔT is 1 month, so the process proceeds to S103.

[0043] S103: The control unit 11 notifies the passenger of information regarding the transfer to the next vehicle.

[0044] For example, the control unit 11 displays a pop-up message prompting the user to proceed with the next transfer on the lock screen (the screen displayed when the power key is pressed while the screen is off) or home screen (the screen displayed when the lock screen is unlocked) of the user's terminal device 10. When the user clicks the pop-up, the process proceeds to S104.

[0045] S104: The control unit 11 displays information about the desired vehicle type for the transfer.

[0046] Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a guidance screen for a dedicated application. The control unit 11 then displays, for example, the vehicle type, vehicle price, and contract expiration date of the vehicle currently in use, from the contract information obtained from the server 20, in area 41. The control unit 11 also displays, for example, information about the user's pre-set desired replacement vehicle in area 42. The control unit 11 then displays, for example, information about payment conditions based on the desired replacement vehicle (for example, a payment simulation) in area 44, in case the user enters into a new contract for the desired replacement vehicle. In addition, the control unit 11 may display any guidance message or image. The information in area 41 or the payment conditions in area 44 may be changed by the user.

[0047] S105: The control unit 11 displays a message corresponding to the delivery date of the desired replacement vehicle.

[0048] For example, if a user orders the desired replacement vehicle at this time and it can be delivered before the contract expires, the control unit 11 displays a message in area 43 indicating the delivery date of the desired replacement vehicle and that ordering the desired replacement vehicle will allow the replacement to be completed in time. A user who has just pressed the pop-up notification in S103 will see the message indicating that the delivery will be completed in time. Conversely, if the user changes the desired replacement vehicle as described below and selects a vehicle whose delivery period from order to delivery is longer than the period until the contract expires, the control unit 11 displays a message indicating that the replacement will take place after the contract expires.

[0049] S106: The control unit 11 displays a link to confirm the user's intention to select a vehicle other than the desired vehicle for replacement.

[0050] For example, the control unit 11 displays a link in area 45 to confirm whether the user wants to change the desired vehicle type displayed in area 42. This link may be displayed in any area, such as below the desired vehicle type in area 42. This link may also be in the form of an image button or voice recognition.

[0051] S107: The control unit 11 determines whether the link in S106 was pressed by the user. If it was pressed (S107-Yes), the process proceeds to S108. If it was not pressed (S107-No), the process repeats S107 until the link is pressed.

[0052] S108: The control unit 11 displays a list of vehicle types other than the vehicle type the user wishes to switch to.

[0053] When a user clicks a link in steps S106-S107, the control unit 11 displays, for example, in area 47 of Figure 6, a list of vehicle models other than the desired replacement vehicle, along with the delivery time if ordered at that time. At this time, among the vehicle models other than the desired replacement vehicle, those with a delivery date before the contract expiration date may be designated as the first vehicle model, and those with a delivery date after the contract expiration date may be designated as the second vehicle model. The control unit 11 may also display the information regarding the delivery date of the first vehicle model and the information regarding the delivery date of the second vehicle model in a distinguishable manner. The current desired replacement vehicle may also be displayed in the list.

[0054] S109: The control unit 11 determines in S109 whether the user has selected a vehicle other than the vehicle they wish to switch to. If the user has selected a vehicle other than the vehicle they wish to switch to (S109-Yes), the process proceeds to S110. If the user has not selected a vehicle (S109-No), for example, if the user selects the same vehicle as the current vehicle they wish to switch to, or if they press the "Back" link on the screen, the process returns to S104. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the guidance screen shown in Figure 5 again.

[0055] S110: The control unit 11 sets the vehicle model selected in S109 to the desired replacement vehicle model. The process then returns to S104.

[0056] After the new vehicle to be replaced is set, the control unit 11 displays the screen shown in Figure 5. Then, in S104, information regarding the new vehicle to be replaced is displayed in area 42, and information regarding payment terms based on the new vehicle to be replaced is displayed in area 44. In addition, in S105, a message corresponding to the delivery date of the new vehicle to be replaced is displayed in area 43. The process then repeats this operation.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal device 10 notifies the user of information regarding switching to the next vehicle when the time difference ΔT, which is obtained by subtracting the time T2 required from ordering to delivery of the user's desired replacement vehicle (as predetermined by the user) from the remaining period T1 until the contract expiration date of the vehicle the user is currently using, reaches a predetermined value. The terminal device 10 displays information regarding the delivery date of the user's desired replacement vehicle. The terminal device 10 then displays information regarding payment terms based on the user's desired replacement vehicle.

[0058] With this configuration, users can place an order early so that their next vehicle is delivered before the contract for their current vehicle expires. In this way, the technology for guiding users through vehicle changes is improved, as it allows them to smoothly switch to a new vehicle after the contract expires.

[0059] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each component or step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided.

[0060] For example, in one modified embodiment described above, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may display a link in area 46 of Figures 5 and 6 that guides the user to a chat to consult with a car dealer or other vehicle sales outlet (hereinafter also referred to as "sales outlet"). This allows the user to easily consult with the sales outlet via chat. The sales outlet can then proceed to a contract or order.

[0061] For example, if the delivery date of the replacement vehicle selected by the user in S109 is later than the contract expiration date, the control unit 11 may, when displaying a message corresponding to the delivery date of the replacement vehicle in S105, display a link to confirm the user's intention to continue using the current vehicle until the next vehicle is delivered. If the user's current contract is a lease agreement, the user must return the vehicle after the contract expires. However, if the delivery date of the replacement vehicle selected by the user is later than the contract expiration date, the user will be without a vehicle until the next vehicle is delivered. In S105, when the user clicks the link, the control unit 11 performs a predetermined action, such as displaying a chat to consult with the dealer. This prompts the user to take action such as extending the current contract or re-entering into a lease agreement, preventing the user from unintentionally experiencing a period without a vehicle.

[0062] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, it is also possible for the server 20 to perform some of the processing that the terminal device 10 performs.

[0063] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the terminal device 10 according to the above embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the terminal device 10 according to the above embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the processor reads and executes the program. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program that can be executed by a processor, or as a non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores said program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 System 10 Terminal devices 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Output section 20 servers 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Communication lines 40~47 area

Claims

1. A method performed by a terminal device, Obtain information regarding the contract expiration date of the vehicle currently in use by the user, and calculate the remaining period T1 until that contract expiration date. Obtain information regarding the user's preferred replacement vehicle, and determine the period T2 required from ordering to delivery of the said preferred replacement vehicle. To determine whether the period difference ΔT obtained by subtracting the period T2 from the aforementioned period T1 is less than a specified value. If the aforementioned time difference ΔT is less than the aforementioned specified value, a message prompting the user to switch to the next vehicle will be displayed, and In response to the user's actions, information regarding the delivery date of the desired replacement vehicle and information regarding payment terms based on the desired replacement vehicle are displayed. Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, A method further comprising: when the user selects any vehicle other than the aforementioned vehicle to be replaced, as displayed in a list format, as the new vehicle to be replaced, displaying a message indicating whether the replacement can be completed by the contract expiration date if the new vehicle to be replaced is ordered, depending on the time required from ordering to delivery of the new vehicle to be replaced.

3. The method according to claim 2, Other vehicle types besides the aforementioned desired replacement vehicle include a first vehicle type whose delivery date is before the aforementioned contract expiration date and a second vehicle type whose delivery date is after the aforementioned contract expiration date. The terminal device displays a list of vehicle types other than the vehicle type the user wishes to switch to, and provides a method for displaying the first vehicle type and the second vehicle type in a way that allows them to be distinguished.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A method further comprising displaying a link that directs the user to a chat to contact the retailer.

5. On the terminal device, Obtain information regarding the contract expiration date of the vehicle currently in use by the user, and calculate the remaining period T1 until that contract expiration date. Obtain information regarding the user's preferred replacement vehicle, and determine the period T2 required from ordering to delivery of the said preferred replacement vehicle. To determine whether the period difference ΔT obtained by subtracting the period T2 from the aforementioned period T1 is less than a specified value. If the aforementioned time difference ΔT is less than the aforementioned specified value, a message prompting the user to switch to the next vehicle will be displayed, and In response to the user's actions, information regarding the delivery date of the desired replacement vehicle and information regarding payment terms based on the desired replacement vehicle are displayed. An application program that executes [something].

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