Determination device, provision device, determination method, and computer program

Abstract

This determination device is provided with: a guarantee component information acquisition unit that acquires guarantee component information related to determination of whether or not a vehicle component can be guaranteed; a mounted component information acquisition unit that acquires mounted component information related to a mounted component that is a vehicle component mounted on a vehicle; and a guarantee target determination unit that determines whether the mounted component is a guarantee target on the basis of the guarantee component information and the mounted component information.

Description

Determination device, provision device, determination method, and computer program

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-109766, filed on July 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle part management device has been proposed that records unique information of parts installed in a vehicle and detects parts that are not installed in the vehicle from the unique information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-283848

[0004] A determination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a warranty part information acquisition unit that acquires warranty part information related to determining whether a vehicle part is warranted or not, an installed part information acquisition unit that acquires installed part information related to installed parts that are vehicle parts mounted on a vehicle, and a warranty eligibility determination unit that determines whether the installed part is warranted or not based on the warranty part information and the installed part information.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a parts management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of warranty-eligible parts information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of defective parts information. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle-part association information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle model-vehicle association information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of parts shipping information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of mounted parts information. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a server. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for registering warranty-eligible parts information in a server. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for registering parts shipping information in a server. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for determining whether a mounted part of a vehicle is covered by a warranty. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for determining whether a mounted part of a vehicle is a defective part. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the first half of a process for determining whether a mounted part of a vehicle is a defective part. Fig. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a second half of a process for determining whether a vehicle-mounted component is a defective component. Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a vehicle-mounted component is a counterfeit component. Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a vehicle-mounted component is a counterfeit component. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering useful life information in a server. Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a vehicle-mounted component is covered by a warranty.

[0006] [Problem to be solved by the present disclosure] However, while conventional management devices can detect parts that are not installed on a vehicle, they cannot manage whether or not installed vehicle parts are warranted.

[0007] Vehicle parts are classified into, for example, genuine parts, quasi-genuine parts (parts equivalent to genuine parts), and aftermarket parts (parts other than genuine parts and quasi-genuine parts). Genuine and quasi-genuine parts are covered by a warranty from the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer in the event of a malfunction, but are more expensive than aftermarket parts. For this reason, some users may choose to use some of the cheaper vehicle parts that do not come with a warranty.

[0008] On the other hand, for certain vehicle parts such as oil filters, tires, engine oil, brake pads, glass, and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) fluid, it is desirable to use genuine parts that come with a manufacturer's warranty, but there is no efficient way to manage whether or not a vehicle part is covered by a warranty.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a determination device, a provision device, a determination method, and a computer program for efficiently managing whether vehicle parts installed in a vehicle are covered by a warranty.

[0010] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently manage whether or not a vehicle part mounted on a vehicle is covered by a warranty.

[0011] [Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] The following is a list and description of outlines of embodiments of the present disclosure. (1) A determination device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a warranty part information acquisition unit that acquires warranty part information related to determining whether a vehicle part is warrantable, an installed part information acquisition unit that acquires installed part information related to an installed part that is a vehicle part mounted on a vehicle, and a warranty eligibility determination unit that determines whether the installed part is warranted based on the warranty part information and the installed part information.

[0012] According to this configuration, for example, by comparing the warranty part information with the installed part information, it is possible to determine whether the installed part is covered by the warranty, thereby efficiently managing whether the vehicle parts installed in the vehicle are covered by the warranty.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the warranty part information may include warranty-covered part information, the warranty-covered part information may include identification information of the vehicle part that is covered by the warranty, and the mounted part information may include identification information of the mounted part, and the warranty coverage determination unit may determine whether the mounted part is covered by the warranty based on a comparison result between the identification information of the vehicle part that is covered by the warranty and the identification information of the mounted part.

[0014] With this configuration, for example, if the identification information of the mounted part matches the identification information of the vehicle part that is covered by the warranty, the mounted part is determined to be covered by the warranty, and if they do not match, the mounted part is determined to be not covered by the warranty. Therefore, whether or not the mounted part is covered by the warranty can be managed in a simple manner.

[0015] (3) In (2) above, the warranty-covered part information may be information about genuine vehicle parts, and the warranty-covered determination unit may determine whether the mounted part is genuine based on the warranty-covered part information and the mounted part information, thereby determining whether the mounted part is covered by the warranty.

[0016] According to this configuration, for example, by comparing the warranty part information and the installed part information, it can be determined whether the installed part is genuine.

[0017] (4) In the above (1), the guaranteed part information may include service life information of the vehicle part, and the mounted part information may include usage period information of the mounted part, and the warranty eligibility determination unit may determine whether the mounted part is covered by the warranty based on the service life information and the usage period information.

[0018] According to this configuration, even for consumable parts, such as engine oil, to which it is difficult to attach identification information, it is possible to determine whether the part is covered by the warranty by comparing the period of use with the period of service life.

[0019] (5) In the above (1), the guaranteed part information may include defective part information regarding a vehicle part that has been found to be defective, and the warranty eligibility determination unit may determine whether the mounted part is not covered by the warranty by determining whether a defect has been found in the mounted part based on the defective part information and the mounted part information.

[0020] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to determine whether a vehicle part that is subject to recall is installed in the vehicle.

[0021] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the determination device may further include a notification unit that notifies at least one of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle when it is determined that the installed component is not covered by the warranty.

[0022] This configuration allows the vehicle or driver to be notified that a vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty is installed, and the vehicle or driver who learns of this can take measures such as stopping the vehicle, thereby supporting safe driving.

[0023] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the determination device may further include a parts shipping information acquisition unit that acquires parts shipping information indicating the shipping status of vehicle parts, and a fraud determination unit that determines whether the mounted parts are fraudulent parts based on the parts shipping information and the mounted part information.

[0024] According to this configuration, for example, an installed component that has not yet been shipped to the market can be determined to be an unauthorized component.

[0025] (8) In any of (1) to (6) above, the mounted component information may include identification information of the mounted component, the mounted component information acquisition unit may acquire the mounted component information from each of a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle, and the determination device may further include a fraud determination unit that determines whether the mounted component of the first vehicle is a fraudulent component based on a comparison result between the identification information of the mounted component of the first vehicle and the identification information of the mounted component of the second vehicle.

[0026] The identification information is unique to each vehicle part. Therefore, with this configuration, when a vehicle part having the same identification information as the identification information of the vehicle part mounted on the first vehicle is mounted on the second vehicle, it can be determined that the vehicle on which the vehicle part is mounted on the first vehicle has an unauthorized part.

[0027] (9) A providing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a collection unit that collects information about the mounted components, and a providing unit that provides the information collected by the collection unit to a determination device described in any one of (1) to (8).

[0028] According to this configuration, information about the mounted parts is collected and provided to the determination device in order to determine whether the mounted parts are covered by the warranty, thereby providing information for efficiently managing whether vehicle parts mounted on a vehicle are covered by the warranty.

[0029] (10) In the above (9), the providing device may further include an acquisition unit that acquires, from the determination device, a determination result as to whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty.

[0030] According to this configuration, for example, if the installed part is not covered by the warranty, it is possible to notify the vehicle or the driver that the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty.

[0031] (11) In the above (9) or (10), the collection unit may wirelessly receive identification information of the mounted component from the mounted component as information related to the mounted component.

[0032] This configuration allows the identification information of multiple mounted components to be received simultaneously, thereby enabling the mounted component information to be collected instantaneously.

[0033] (12) A determination method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step in which a determination device acquires warranty part information related to determining whether a vehicle part is warranted or not; a step in which the determination device acquires mounted part information related to mounted parts, which are vehicle parts mounted on a vehicle; and a step in which the determination device determines whether the mounted part is covered by warranty based on the warranty part information and the mounted part information.

[0034] This configuration includes the characteristic processing steps of the above-described determination device, and therefore provides the same functions and effects as the above-described determination device.

[0035] (13) A computer program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a warranty part information acquisition unit that acquires warranty part information related to determining whether a vehicle part is warranted, an installed part information acquisition unit that acquires installed part information related to installed parts that are vehicle parts mounted on a vehicle, and a warranty eligibility determination unit that determines whether the installed part is covered by warranty based on the warranty part information and the installed part information.

[0036] According to this configuration, the computer can function as the above-described determination device, thereby achieving the same effects and advantages as the above-described determination device.

[0037] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims are components that can be added arbitrarily. Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0038] The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their functions and names are also the same, so their explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0039] First Embodiment Overall Configuration of Component Management System FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a component management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The parts management system 1 includes a server 2, a manufacturer terminal device 3, an in-vehicle system 5 mounted in a vehicle 4, and a driver terminal device 6, each of which is connected to a network 7.

[0041] The server 2 determines whether or not the mounted parts, which are vehicle parts (automobile parts) mounted on the vehicle 4, are covered by the warranty.

[0042] The mounted parts include, for example, an oil filter, a tire, an engine oil, a brake pad, a glass, and a CVT fluid, but these are just examples, and the mounted parts may also include other vehicle parts.

[0043] The manufacturer terminal device 3 is a terminal device such as a computer used by the vehicle manufacturer that manufactured the vehicle 4 or the parts manufacturer that manufactured the parts installed in the vehicle 4. A person in charge at the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer registers various types of information related to the vehicle parts in the server 2 by using the manufacturer terminal device 3 to send the various types of information to the server 2 via the network 7. The various types of information registered in the server 2 will be described later.

[0044] The vehicle 4 is an automobile, a motorcycle, or the like. The vehicle 4 is connected to a network 7. In FIG. 1 , one vehicle 4 is connected to the network 7, but the number of vehicles 4 connected to the network 7 is multiple.

[0045] The in-vehicle system 5 collects information about the mounted parts of the vehicle 4 and transmits the collected information about the mounted parts to the server 2 via the network 7 .

[0046] The driver terminal device 6 is a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the driver of the vehicle 4. The driver terminal device 6 receives information related to the determination result as to whether or not the mounted component of the vehicle 4 is covered by the warranty from the server 2 via the network 7. For example, if the mounted component is not covered by the warranty, the driver terminal device 6 receives warning information including a warning message.

[0047] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23. The communication unit 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23 are connected to each other via a bus 24.

[0048] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface that connects the server 2 to the network 7 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The communication unit 21 receives and transmits various data from and to external devices.

[0049] The memory 22 is composed of a volatile memory element such as an SRAM (Static RAM) or a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk.

[0050] The processor 23 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and reads and executes a computer program 221 stored in the memory 22. When executing the computer program 221, the processor 23 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices via the communication unit 21.

[0051] Next, we will explain each piece of information stored in the memory 22. The memory 22 stores a computer program 221, guaranteed part information 222, vehicle-part association information 223, vehicle model-vehicle association information 224, part shipping information 225, and mounted part information 226.

[0052] The computer program 221 is a determination program for determining whether a vehicle part is covered by a warranty. The processor 23 executes the computer program 221.

[0053] The guaranteed part information 222 is information relating to whether or not a vehicle part is warranted. The guaranteed part information 222 includes guaranteed part information 222A and defective part information 222B.

[0054] The warranty part information 222A includes identification information of warranty-covered vehicle parts for each vehicle 4 or each model of vehicle 4. Specifically, the warranty part information 222A includes identification information of genuine vehicle parts for each vehicle 4 or each model of vehicle 4.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of warranty-covered parts information 222A. FIG. 3 shows, for example, warranty-covered parts information 222A named "Warranty-covered Parts List 1." The warranty-covered parts information 222A indicates that oil filters ("Oil Filter" in FIG. 3) manufactured by company A ("company A" in FIG. 3) with identification information "1111" and "2222" are covered by the warranty, i.e., are genuine. Furthermore, the warranty-covered parts information 222A indicates that tires ("Tire" in FIG. 3) manufactured by company B ("company B" in FIG. 3) with identification information "3450" and "5607," tires manufactured by company C ("company C" in FIG. 3) with identification information "1044" and "3405," and tires manufactured by company D ("company D" in FIG. 3) with identification information "3345" are covered by the warranty, i.e., are genuine. Note that warranty-covered parts information 222A with other names also includes identification information for genuine vehicle parts.

[0056] The defective part information 222B includes information about a vehicle part that is found to be defective and is not covered by the warranty (hereinafter referred to as a "defective part"). For example, the defective part information 222B includes identification information of the defective part.

[0057] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the defective part information 222B. For example, the defective part information 222B indicates that an oil filter ("Oil Filter" in FIG. 4) with identification information "3333" manufactured by Company E ("Company E" in FIG. 4) is a defective part. The defective part information 222B also indicates that a tire ("Tire" in FIG. 4) with identification information "5497" manufactured by Company F ("Company F" in FIG. 4) and a tire ("Tire" in FIG. 4) with identification information "9999" manufactured by Company G ("Company G" in FIG. 4) are defective parts.

[0058] The vehicle-parts association information 223 is information for associating the vehicle type or vehicle 4 with the warranty part information 222A.

[0059] 5 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle-part association information 223. According to the vehicle-part association information 223, the vehicle parts covered by the warranty for vehicle 4 whose model is "Model A" are listed in warranty part information 222A with the name "Warranty Parts List 1." Furthermore, the vehicle parts covered by the warranty for vehicle 4 whose model is "Model B" are listed in warranty part information 222A with the name "Warranty Parts List 2." Furthermore, the vehicle parts covered by the warranty for vehicle 4 whose vehicle ID (identification information for vehicle 4) is "123456" are listed in warranty part information 222A with the name "Warranty Parts List 3."

[0060] The vehicle type-vehicle association information 224 is information for associating vehicle types with vehicle IDs. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle type-vehicle association information 224. The vehicle type-vehicle association information 224 indicates that the vehicle ID of a vehicle 4 whose vehicle type is "vehicle type A" is any one of "200000" to "210000", and the vehicle ID of a vehicle 4 whose vehicle type is "vehicle type B" is any one of "300000" to "309000".

[0061] The parts shipping information 225 is information that indicates the shipping status of vehicle parts. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the parts shipping information 225. The parts shipping information 225 indicates that the vehicle part with the part ID (vehicle part identification information) "000001" and the vehicle part with the part ID "000002" have been shipped. The parts shipping information 225 also indicates that the vehicle part with the part ID "000003" has not yet been shipped.

[0062] The mounted part information 226 is information relating to mounted parts of the vehicle 4. For example, the mounted part information 226 includes a part ID, which is identification information of the mounted part for each vehicle.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of mounted part information 226. The mounted part information 226 includes part IDs of mounted parts of vehicle 4 having a vehicle ID ("Vehicle ID" in FIG. 8) of "123456." The mounted part information 226 indicates that an oil filter ("Oil Filter" in FIG. 8) manufactured by company A ("Company A" in FIG. 8) with part ID "1111" is mounted on the vehicle. The mounted part information 226 also indicates that tires ("Tire" in FIG. 8) manufactured by company B ("Company B" in FIG. 8) with part ID "3450" are mounted on the front right ("front right" in FIG. 8) and front left ("front left" in FIG. 8). Furthermore, the mounted part information 226 indicates that tires ("Tire" in FIG. 8) manufactured by Company E ("Company E" in FIG. 8) with part ID "0044" are mounted on the rear right ("rear right" in FIG. 8) and rear left ("rear left" in FIG. 8).

[0064] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 2. The processor 23 executes the computer program 221 to provide the server 2 with the following functional components: a warranty component information acquisition unit 231, an installed component information acquisition unit 232, a warranty eligibility determination unit 233, a component shipping information acquisition unit 234, a fraud determination unit 235, and a notification unit 236.

[0065] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 acquires the warranty part information 222 by receiving the warranty part information 222 from the manufacturer terminal device 3. The warranty part information 222 includes the warranty part information 222A and the defective part information 222B as described above.

[0066] When acquiring warranty part information 222A from the manufacturer terminal device 3, the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 acquires, from the manufacturer terminal device 3, information on the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 to which the warranty part information 222A applies, along with the warranty part information 222A. The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 may also acquire information on the vehicle model to which the warranty part information 222A applies, along with the warranty part information 222A. The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 assigns a name to the acquired warranty part information 222A and stores it in memory 22, and adds information correlating the acquired vehicle ID or vehicle model with the name of the warranty part information 222A to the vehicle-part association information 223 in memory 22.

[0067] Furthermore, the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 reads out warranty part information 222A from the memory 22 and outputs it to the warranty target determination unit 233. For example, the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 refers to the vehicle-part association information 223, and based on the vehicle ID of vehicle 4 acquired from the mounted part information acquisition unit 232 (described later), reads out warranty part information 222A associated with the vehicle ID from the memory 22.

[0068] When the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 acquires the defective part information 222B from the manufacturer terminal device 3, it stores the defective part information 222B in the memory 22 and outputs it to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233. Note that the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 may read the defective part information 222B from the memory 22 and output the read defective part information 222B to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233.

[0069] The mounted component information acquisition unit 232 receives information about the mounted components of the vehicle 4 and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 from the in-vehicle system 5, and generates mounted component information 226 including the information and the vehicle ID to acquire the mounted component information 226. The mounted component information acquisition unit 232 stores the acquired mounted component information 226 in the memory 22. The mounted component information acquisition unit 232 also outputs the acquired mounted component information 226 to the warranty target determination unit 233 and the fraud determination unit 235. The mounted component information acquisition unit 232 also outputs the received vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 to the warranty component information acquisition unit 231.

[0070] The warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines whether the mounted parts of the vehicle 4 indicated in the mounted part information 226 are covered by the warranty, based on the warranty part information 222 (warranty-covered part information 222A or defective part information 222B) acquired by the warranty part information acquisition unit 231 and the mounted part information 226 acquired by the mounted part information acquisition unit 232. For example, if the mounted part information 226 contains a part ID that is not included in the warranty-covered part information 222A, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the mounted part with the part ID is not covered by the warranty. Furthermore, if the mounted part information 226 contains a part ID that is included in the defective part information 222B, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the mounted part with the part ID is not covered by the warranty. Details of the warranty eligibility determination by the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 will be described later. The warranty eligibility determination unit 233 outputs the warranty eligibility determination result to the notification unit 236.

[0071] The parts shipping information acquisition unit 234 acquires the parts shipping information 225 from the manufacturer terminal device 3 and stores it in the memory 22. The parts shipping information acquisition unit 234 reads the parts shipping information 225 from the memory 22 and outputs the read parts shipping information 225 to the fraud determination unit 235.

[0072] The fraud determination unit 235 determines whether or not a mounted part of the vehicle 4 is a fraudulent part, based on the mounted part information 226 acquired from the mounted part information acquisition unit 232 and the part shipping information 225 acquired from the part shipping information acquisition unit 234. For example, if the mounted part information 226 contains a pre-shipment part ID indicated in the part shipping information 225, the fraud determination unit 235 determines that the mounted part with that part ID is a fraudulent part.

[0073] Furthermore, the fraud determination unit 235 determines whether the mounted parts of each vehicle 4 are fraudulent parts based on the mounted part information 226 of the multiple vehicles 4 acquired by the mounted part information acquisition unit 232. For example, even though a part ID is inherently unique, if the same part ID is included in multiple pieces of mounted part information 226, the mounted part with that part ID is determined to be a fraudulent part. The fraud determination unit 235 outputs the fraudulent part determination result to the notification unit 236.

[0074] The notification unit 236 transmits warning information including a warning message to the in-vehicle system 5 or the driver terminal device 6 based on the judgment result received from the warranty target judgment unit 233 or the judgment result received from the fraud judgment unit 235.

[0075] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the in-vehicle system 5 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The in-vehicle system 5 includes an exterior communication unit 51, a relay device 52, and a plurality of in-vehicle control devices 53 (e.g., ECUs (Electronic Control Units)). The exterior communication unit 51, the relay device 52, and the in-vehicle control devices 53 are connected via an in-vehicle network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0076] The exterior communication unit 51 is wirelessly connected to the network 7. The exterior communication unit 51 receives data from a device outside the vehicle 4 and transmits the data to the relay device 52. The exterior communication unit 51 also transmits the data received from the relay device 52 to a device outside the vehicle 4.

[0077] The relay device 52 transmits the data received by the external communication unit 51 to one of the multiple on-board control devices 53. In addition, the relay device 52 transmits the data received from one or more on-board control devices 53 to a device external to the vehicle 4 via the external communication unit 51.

[0078] The on-board control device 53 is an example of an on-board device. For example, the on-board control device 53 controls or monitors each piece of hardware of the vehicle 4.

[0079] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the relay device 52 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The relay device 52 includes a relay unit 521, a processor 522, and a memory 523. The relay unit 521 confirms the destination indicated in the data received by the exterior communication unit 51 and transmits the data to the destination in-vehicle control device 53. The relay unit 521 also receives data transmitted from the in-vehicle control device 53 and confirms the destination indicated in the data. If the destination is the in-vehicle control device 53, the relay unit 521 transmits the data to the destination in-vehicle control device 53. If the destination is another device, the relay unit 521 transmits the data to the destination other device via the exterior communication unit 51.

[0080] The memory 523 is configured by a volatile memory element such as an SRAM (Static RAM) or a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, etc. The memory 523 stores the computer programs executed by the processor 522 and various data used when the programs are executed.

[0081] The processor 522 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and functions by reading and executing computer programs stored in the memory 523. The processor 522 includes a collection unit 522A, a provision unit 522B, and an acquisition unit 522C as functional processing units realized by executing the computer programs.

[0082] The collection unit 522A collects information related to the mounted parts of the vehicle 4. For example, the collection unit 522A collects information such as the names of the mounted parts, the names of the manufacturers of the mounted parts, and the part IDs of the mounted parts via the relay unit 521 from the on-board control device 53 that manages the mounted parts.

[0083] In addition, a wireless tag capable of wireless communication, such as an RF (Radio Frequency) tag, may be attached to the mounted component. The wireless tag stores information such as the name of the mounted component to which the wireless tag is attached, the name of the manufacturer, and the component ID. If the relay unit 521 has a function of communicating with the wireless tag, the collection unit 522A causes the relay unit 521 to communicate with the wireless tag and receive information such as the component ID of the mounted component from the wireless tag as information related to the mounted component. Note that, if an on-board control device 53 having a function of communicating with the wireless tag is present, the collection unit 522A may cause the on-board control device 53 to communicate with the wireless tag and collect information related to the mounted component.

[0084] The providing unit 522B attaches the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 to the information collected by the collecting unit 522A and provides the information to the server 2. In other words, the providing unit 522B transmits the information collected by the collecting unit 522A and the vehicle ID to the server 2 via the relay unit 521 and the exterior communication unit 51.

[0085] The acquisition unit 522C acquires the determination result as to whether the mounted component of the vehicle 4 is covered by the warranty from the server 2. Specifically, when the mounted component of the vehicle 4 is not covered by the warranty, the acquisition unit 522C receives warning information including a warning message from the server 2.

[0086] 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering the warranty part information 222A in the server 2. This process is executed as needed by a person in charge at the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer.

[0087] The manufacturer terminal device 3 transmits to the server 2 warranty part information 222A, which includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 and information about the warranty part, which is a vehicle part guaranteed for installation in the vehicle 4 (e.g., the name of the warranty part, the name of the manufacturer, and the part ID). The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 of the server 2 receives the warranty part information 222A transmitted from the manufacturer terminal device 3 (step S11).

[0088] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 writes the received warranty part information 222A into the memory 22 (step S12). Through the above process, the warranty part information 222A as shown in FIG.

[0089] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering the parts shipping information 225 in the server 2. This process is executed as needed by a person in charge at the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer.

[0090] The manufacturer terminal device 3 transmits the part shipping information 225, which includes the part ID of the vehicle part and information indicating whether the vehicle part has been shipped or not, to the server 2. The part shipping information acquisition unit 234 of the server 2 receives the part shipping information 225 transmitted from the manufacturer terminal device 3 (step S21).

[0091] The parts shipping information acquisition unit 234 writes the received parts shipping information into the memory 22 (step S22). Through the above processing, the parts shipping information 225 as shown in FIG.

[0092] 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a component mounted on the vehicle 4 is covered by the warranty. This process is executed at a predetermined timing, for example, when the vehicle 4 is started.

[0093] The in-vehicle system 5 collects information about the components mounted on the vehicle 4, including the component IDs of the components mounted on the vehicle 4 (step S31).

[0094] The in-vehicle system 5 transmits the collected information together with the vehicle ID to the server 2, and the on-board component information acquisition unit 232 of the server 2 receives the information and the vehicle ID (step S32).

[0095] The mounted part information acquisition unit 232 writes the received mounted part information 226 (see FIG. 8) including the information on the mounted parts of the vehicle 4 and the vehicle ID into the memory 22 (step S33).

[0096] The component information acquisition unit 232 outputs the component information 226 to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233, and the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 acquires the component information 226 (step S34).

[0097] The mounted part information acquisition unit 232 outputs the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 to the guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231, and the guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231 acquires the vehicle ID (step S35).

[0098] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 refers to the vehicle-part correspondence information 223 or the vehicle model-vehicle correspondence information 224 to search the memory 22 for warranty part information 222A corresponding to the acquired vehicle ID (step S36), and reads out the warranty part information 222A from the memory 22 (step S37).

[0099] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 outputs the read warranty part information 222A to the warranty part determination unit 233, and the warranty part determination unit 233 acquires the warranty part information 222A (step S38).

[0100] The warranty eligibility determination unit 233 compares the acquired mounted component information 226 with the warranty-covered component information 222A (step S39). That is, if a component ID included in the mounted component information 226 is included in the warranty-covered component information 222A, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the vehicle component corresponding to the component ID is covered by the warranty, that is, is genuine. On the other hand, if a component ID included in the mounted component information 226 is not included in the warranty-covered component information 222A, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the vehicle component corresponding to the component ID is not covered by the warranty, that is, is not genuine.

[0101] If the warranty coverage determination unit 233 determines that there is an installed part that is not covered by the warranty, it outputs the part information (part ID, part name, vehicle ID, etc.) of the installed part that is not covered by the warranty to the notification unit 236, and the notification unit 236 acquires the part information (step S40).

[0102] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4, indicating that an in-vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty is installed, and the driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S41). For example, information correlating the vehicle ID with the driver terminal device 6 may be stored in advance in the memory 22, and the notification unit 236 may identify the driver terminal device 6 to which the warning information is to be transmitted from the vehicle ID by referring to the information. For example, the driver terminal device 6 that has received the warning information notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting the warning information from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6.

[0103] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4 indicating that an in-vehicle part not covered by the warranty is installed, and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the warning information (step S42). For example, information correlating the vehicle ID with the in-vehicle system 5 may be stored in advance in the memory 22, and the notification unit 236 may identify the in-vehicle system 5 to which the warning information is to be transmitted from the vehicle ID by referring to the information. For example, the in-vehicle system 5 that receives the warning information transmits the warning information to the in-vehicle control device 53 that controls a monitor in the vehicle 4, and notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on the monitor.

[0104] 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a component mounted on the vehicle 4 is defective. This process is executed after the warranty eligibility determination process for the component mounted on the vehicle 4 shown in FIG.

[0105] The guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231 searches the memory 22 for the defective part information 222B (step S51), and reads out the defective part information 222B from the memory 22 (step S52).

[0106] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 outputs the read defective part information 222B to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233, and the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 acquires the defective part information 222B (step S53).

[0107] 14 with the defective part information 222B acquired in step S53 (step S54). That is, if a part ID included in the mounted part information 226 is included in the defective part information 222B, the warranty object determination unit 233 determines that the vehicle part corresponding to the part ID is a defective part.

[0108] The warranty eligibility determination unit 233 outputs the part information (part ID, part name, vehicle ID, etc.) of the mounted part determined to be a defective part to the notification unit 236, and the notification unit 236 acquires the part information (step S55).

[0109] The notification unit 236 determines the severity of the defect indicated by the defective part based on the acquired part information, and if it determines that the severity of the defect is low, it transmits warning information indicating that the defective part is installed in the vehicle 4 to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4. The driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S56).

[0110] For example, the notification unit 236 determines that the severity of the malfunction is high if the defective part is a vehicle part, such as a tire or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light, that affects the running of the vehicle 4 and requires the driving of the vehicle 4 to be stopped from a safety standpoint. Furthermore, the notification unit 236 determines that the severity of the malfunction is low if the defective part is a vehicle part, such as an oil filter or a monitor, that does not require the driving of the vehicle 4 to be stopped immediately from a safety standpoint.

[0111] The defective part information 222B may indicate the defect severity for each part ID. In this case, in the process of step S55, the warranty target determination unit 233 outputs the defect severity of the defective part indicated in the defective part information 222B together with the part information of the defective part to the notification unit 236. The driver terminal device 6 to which the warning information is to be sent is identified in the same manner as the process of step S41 in FIG. 14 .

[0112] Furthermore, for example, the driver terminal device 6 that has received the warning information notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting the warning information from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6.

[0113] If the notification unit 236 determines that the severity of the malfunction is low, it transmits warning information indicating that a defective part is installed in the vehicle 4 to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4, and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the warning information (step S57). The in-vehicle system 5 to which the warning information is to be transmitted is identified in the same manner as in step S42.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the in-vehicle system 5 that receives the warning information transmits the warning information to the in-vehicle control device 53 that controls the monitor in the vehicle 4, and notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on the monitor.

[0115] If the notification unit 236 determines that the severity of the malfunction is high, it transmits warning information indicating that a defective part is installed in the vehicle 4 to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4. The driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S58).

[0116] For example, the driver terminal device 6 notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting it from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6 .

[0117] Furthermore, if the notification unit 236 determines that the severity of the malfunction is high, it sends a signal to prohibit the start of the vehicle 4 to the in-vehicle system 5, and sends an instruction message to guide the vehicle 4 to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4 (for example, a route to the dealer), and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the prohibition signal and the instruction message (step S59).

[0118] For example, based on the prohibition signal, the in-vehicle system 5 may prohibit the start of the vehicle 4 by causing the in-vehicle control device 53, which controls the power supply of the vehicle 4, to stop the power supply of the vehicle 4. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 5 may send an instruction message to the in-vehicle control device 53, which controls a monitor in the vehicle 4, and cause the monitor to display the instruction message, thereby instructing the driver to go to a dealer.

[0119] [Process for Determining a Defective Part Installed in Vehicle 4 (Part 2)] The process for determining a defective part shown in Fig. 15 is executed when the vehicle 4 is started. However, the process for determining a defective part may also be executed when a defect in a vehicle part is found.

[0120] Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the first half of the process for determining whether or not an on-board component of the vehicle 4 is a defective component. Fig. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the second half of the process for determining whether or not an on-board component of the vehicle 4 is a defective component. This process is executed, for example, when a defect in a vehicle component is found.

[0121] The manufacturer terminal device 3 transmits the defective part information 222B to the server 2, and the guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231 of the server 2 receives the defective part information 222B (step S61).

[0122] The guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231 writes the received defective part information 222B into the memory 22 (step S62).

[0123] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 outputs the received defective part information 222B to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233, and the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 acquires the defective part information 222B (step S63).

[0124] The mounted part information acquisition unit 232 searches the memory 22 for all mounted part information 226 (step S64), and reads out the mounted part information 226 from the memory 22 (step S65).

[0125] The mounted component information acquisition unit 232 outputs the read mounted component information 226 to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233, and the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 acquires the mounted component information 226 (step S66).

[0126] The notification unit 236 compares the acquired mounted component information 226 with the defective component information 222B for each of the acquired mounted component information 226 (step S67). That is, if a component ID included in the mounted component information 226 is included in the defective component information 222B, the warranty target determination unit 233 determines that the vehicle component corresponding to the component ID is a defective component.

[0127] Thereafter, the server 2 executes the processes of steps S68 to S72 in Fig. 17. These processes are similar to the processes of steps S55 to S59 in Fig. 15. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0128] If the vehicle 4 is not started when the process of step S70 or step S72 is executed, the process of step S70 or step S72 may be executed the next time the vehicle 4 is started. For example, the server 2 may execute the process of step S70 or step S72 when the in-vehicle system 5 next transmits information about the mounted parts to the server 2.

[0129] 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a part installed in the vehicle 4 is a counterfeit part. In this example, an unshipped vehicle part is determined to be a counterfeit part. This process is executed at a predetermined timing, for example, when the vehicle 4 is started.

[0130] The in-vehicle system 5 and the server 2 execute the processes of steps S81 to S83. These processes are similar to the processes of steps S31 to S33 in Fig. 14. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0131] The component information acquisition unit 232 outputs the component information 226 to the fraud determination unit 235, and the fraud determination unit 235 acquires the component information 226 (step S84).

[0132] The parts shipping information acquisition unit 234 searches the memory 22 for the parts shipping information 225 (step S85), and reads the parts shipping information 225 from the memory 22 (step S86).

[0133] The part shipping information acquisition unit 234 outputs the read part shipping information 225 to the fraud determination unit 235, and the fraud determination unit 235 acquires the part shipping information 225 (step S87).

[0134] The fraud determination unit 235 compares the acquired mounted component information 226 and component shipping information 225 (step S88). That is, if a component ID included in the mounted component information 226 is included in the component shipping information 225 and the component shipping information 225 indicates that the vehicle component with the component ID has not yet been shipped, the fraud determination unit 235 determines that the mounted component with the component ID is an unshipped component. Note that the fraud determination unit 235 may also determine that the mounted component with the component ID is an unshipped component even if the component ID is not included in the mounted component information 226.

[0135] If the fraud determination unit 235 determines that there are unshipped parts, it determines that the unshipped parts are fraudulent parts and outputs the part information of the fraudulent parts (part ID, part name, vehicle ID, etc.) to the notification unit 236, and the notification unit 236 acquires the part information (step S89).

[0136] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information indicating that an unshipped in-vehicle part is installed to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4, and the driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S90). For example, upon receiving the warning information, the driver terminal device 6 notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting the warning information from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6.

[0137] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information indicating that an unshipped in-vehicle part is installed to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4, and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the warning information (step S91). For example, the in-vehicle system 5 that has received the warning information transmits the warning information to the in-vehicle control device 53 that controls a monitor in the vehicle 4, and notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on the monitor.

[0138] 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether a component mounted on the vehicle 4 is a counterfeit component. Here, multiple vehicle components having the same component ID are determined to be counterfeit. This process is executed, for example, at a predetermined interval (e.g., once a day).

[0139] Each of the multiple in-vehicle systems 5 executes the processes of steps S101 to S104. These processes are similar to the processes of steps S81 to S84 in Fig. 18. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0140] The fraud determination unit 235 compares the mounted part information 226 received from the multiple in-vehicle systems 5 (step S105). That is, the fraud determination unit 235 determines whether there is a duplicated part ID among the multiple pieces of mounted part information 226.

[0141] If the fraud determination unit 235 determines that there is a duplication of part IDs, it determines that the mounted part having the duplicate part ID is a fraudulent part, and outputs the part information of the fraudulent part (part ID, part name, vehicle ID, etc.) to the notification unit 236, and the notification unit 236 acquires the part information (step S106).

[0142] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4, indicating that an unauthorized in-vehicle part having a duplicate part ID is installed, and the driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S107). For example, upon receiving the warning information, the driver terminal device 6 notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting the warning information from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6.

[0143] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information indicating that an unauthorized in-vehicle part having a duplicate part ID is installed to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4, and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the warning information (step S108). For example, the in-vehicle system 5 that has received the warning information transmits the warning information to the in-vehicle control device 53 that controls a monitor in the vehicle 4, and notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on the monitor.

[0144] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not a mounted part of the vehicle 4 is covered by warranty by comparing the guaranteed part information 222 and the mounted part information 226. This makes it possible to efficiently manage whether or not a vehicle part mounted on the vehicle 4 is covered by warranty.

[0145] For example, if the identification information of an on-board component matches the identification information of a vehicle component that is covered by the warranty, the on-board component is determined to be covered by the warranty, and if they do not match, the on-board component is determined to be not covered by the warranty. This allows for a simple method of managing whether or not an on-board component is covered by the warranty.

[0146] Furthermore, by comparing the warranty part information 222A with the mounted part information 226, it is possible to determine whether the mounted parts of the vehicle 4 are genuine.

[0147] Furthermore, by comparing the defective part information 222B with the mounted part information 226, it is possible to determine, for example, whether a vehicle part that is the subject of a recall is mounted on the vehicle.

[0148] In addition, the vehicle 4 or the driver can be notified that a vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty is installed. The vehicle 4 or the driver who knows this can take measures such as stopping the vehicle 4 from traveling, thereby supporting safe driving.

[0149] Furthermore, by comparing the part shipping information 225 and the mounted part information 226, if a vehicle part that has not been shipped to the market is mounted on the vehicle 4, it can be determined that the vehicle part is an unauthorized part.

[0150] Furthermore, when a vehicle part with the same part ID is mounted on multiple vehicles 4, these vehicle parts can be identified.

[0151] Furthermore, in order to determine whether the vehicle parts mounted on the vehicle 4 are covered by the warranty, the in-vehicle system 5 collects information about the mounted parts and provides it to the server 2. This makes it possible to provide information for efficiently managing whether the vehicle parts mounted on the vehicle 4 are covered by the warranty.

[0152] Furthermore, when a part installed in the vehicle 4 is not covered by the warranty, the in-vehicle system 5 receives warning information from the server 2. Therefore, the in-vehicle system 5 can notify the vehicle 4 or the driver that the vehicle 4 is equipped with a vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty.

[0153] Furthermore, if wireless tags are attached to the onboard components of the vehicle 4, the onboard system 5 can simultaneously receive the identification information of the onboard components from the wireless tags, thereby instantaneously collecting onboard component information.

[0154] In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the second embodiment will describe a configuration for determining whether an mounted component is covered by a warranty based on the usage history of the mounted component. The following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment, and will not repeat the description of similarities between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0155] 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 2 has the same configuration as the server 2 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the guaranteed part information 222 stored in the memory 22 further includes useful life information 222C.

[0156] The useful life information 222C is information relating to the useful life of the vehicle part. The useful life information 222C includes, for example, the name, part ID, and useful life of the vehicle part. As an example, the useful life information 222C includes the name of the vehicle part "oil," the part ID "O11," and the useful life "1 year." In this case, it is indicated that the useful life of the oil with the part ID "O11" is 1 year. Note that the useful life information 222C may be determined, for example, only by the usage period of the vehicle part, only by the mileage of the vehicle 4, or by both the usage period of the vehicle part and the mileage of the vehicle 4. By determining whether the vehicle part is within its useful life based on the usage status of these parts, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the vehicle part needs to be replaced.

[0157] The mounted part information 226 includes, for example, the name, part ID, and usage period of the mounted part of the vehicle 4. As an example, the mounted part information 226 includes the name of the mounted part "oil," the part ID "O11," and the usage period "2 years." This indicates that the usage period of the oil with the part ID "O11" mounted on the vehicle 4 is 2 years.

[0158] The warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty based on the comparison result between the useful life information 222C and the mounted component information 226. Specifically, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 extracts from the mounted component information 226 the usage period of the mounted component with the same component ID as the component ID indicated in the useful life information 222C. If the usage period of the extracted mounted component is longer than the useful life of the component ID indicated in the useful life information 222C, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the mounted component is not covered by the warranty. Furthermore, if the usage period of the extracted mounted component is shorter than the above-mentioned useful life, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the mounted component is covered by the warranty.

[0159] The collection unit 522A of the in-vehicle system 5 collects the usage period of the mounted parts. For example, the collection unit 522A acquires sensor information indicating the opening and closing of a fuel filler cap provided at the engine oil filler cap from a sensor that measures the opening and closing of the fuel filler cap. Based on the sensor information, the collection unit 522A may collect, as the usage period of the oil, the period elapsed since the fuel filler cap was last opened and closed. Furthermore, the collection unit 522A may collect the part ID of the oil from an operation input by a user via a touch panel or the like provided in the vehicle 4.

[0160] 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering the useful life information 222C in the server 2. This process is executed as needed by a person in charge at the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer.

[0161] The manufacturer terminal device 3 transmits the service life information 222C, which includes at least the part ID of the vehicle part and the service life of the vehicle part, to the server 2. The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 of the server 2 receives the service life information 222C transmitted from the manufacturer terminal device 3 (step S111).

[0162] The guaranteed part information acquisition unit 231 writes the received useful life information 222C into the memory 22 (step S112). Through the above process, the useful life information 222C is registered in the memory 22.

[0163] 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether or not a component mounted on the vehicle 4 is covered by the warranty. This process is executed after the process for determining whether or not a component mounted on the vehicle 4 is covered by the warranty shown in FIG.

[0164] The guaranteed part information obtaining unit 231 searches the memory 22 for the useful life information 222C (step S121), and reads out the useful life information 222C from the memory 22 (step S122).

[0165] The warranty part information acquisition unit 231 outputs the read-out useful life information 222C to the warranty eligibility determination unit 233, and the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 acquires the useful life information 222C (step S123).

[0166] 14 with the useful life information 222C acquired in step S123 (step S124). That is, if a part ID included in the mounted part information 226 is included in the useful life information 222C and the usage period corresponding to the part ID included in the mounted part information 226 exceeds the useful life corresponding to the part ID included in the useful life information 222C, the warranty eligibility determination unit 233 determines that the vehicle part corresponding to the part ID is not covered by the warranty.

[0167] If the warranty coverage determination unit 233 determines that there is an installed part that is not covered by the warranty, it outputs the part information (part ID, part name, vehicle ID, etc.) of the installed part that is not covered by the warranty to the notification unit 236, and the notification unit 236 acquires the part information (step S125).

[0168] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information to the driver terminal device 6 used by the driver of the vehicle 4, indicating that an in-vehicle part that is not covered by the warranty is installed, and the driver terminal device 6 receives the warning information (step S126). For example, information correlating the vehicle ID with the driver terminal device 6 may be stored in advance in the memory 22, and the notification unit 236 may identify the driver terminal device 6 to which the warning information is to be transmitted from the vehicle ID by referring to the information. For example, the driver terminal device 6 that has received the warning information notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on a screen of the driver terminal device 6 or outputting the warning information from a speaker of the driver terminal device 6.

[0169] Based on the acquired part information, the notification unit 236 transmits warning information to the in-vehicle system 5 of the vehicle 4 indicating that an in-vehicle part not covered by the warranty is installed, and the in-vehicle system 5 receives the warning information (step S127). For example, information correlating the vehicle ID with the in-vehicle system 5 may be stored in advance in the memory 22, and the notification unit 236 may identify the in-vehicle system 5 to which the warning information is to be transmitted from the vehicle ID by referring to the information. For example, the in-vehicle system 5 that receives the warning information transmits the warning information to the in-vehicle control device 53 that controls a monitor in the vehicle 4, and notifies the driver by displaying the warning information on the monitor.

[0170] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether a consumable part, such as engine oil, to which it is difficult to attach identification information, is covered by the warranty by comparing the usage period with the service life.

[0171] <Modification 1> In the first and second embodiments, the in-vehicle system 5 collects the mounted component information 226. However, the server 2 may collect the mounted component information 226. For example, a wireless tag with a wireless communication function is attached to a mounted component of the vehicle 4. The wireless tag includes a communication unit using a wireless communication standard such as 5G or Wi-Fi. The wireless tag stores the component ID of the mounted component to which the wireless tag is attached and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 4 on which the mounted component is mounted. The wireless tag may also store the component name of the mounted component and the mounting position information of the mounted component. For example, the wireless tag transmits information about the mounted component, including the vehicle ID and the component ID, to the server 2 at a predetermined interval. The wireless tag may receive a transmission request from the server 2 and transmit information about the mounted component, including the vehicle ID and the component ID, to the server 2 in response to the received transmission request.

[0172] <Variation 2> The server 2 may record, for each vehicle 4, the determination result of whether any vehicle parts that are not covered by the warranty or vehicle parts that have been found to be defective are installed based on the installed part information 226 as historical data. The server 2 may also transfer the historical data to another business such as a used car dealer. When transferring the historical data, the server 2 may abstract some of the information so that it cannot be recognized before transferring it. For example, the server 2 may delete the part IDs of the automotive parts from the historical data and transfer only the usage period and part name of the defective parts.

[0173] <Variation 3> Note that a contract or other arrangement regarding the management of vehicle parts may be made in advance between a contracting party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or dealer that manufactured the vehicle 4, and the owner or manager of the vehicle 4, or between the contracting party and the operator of the server 2. In this case, the contracting party can manage the parts installed in the vehicle 4. For example, if the vehicle 4 is equipped with an automobile part that is not covered by the warranty, the manufacturer terminal device 3 used by the contracting party obtains part information about the installed part that is not covered by the warranty from the server 2. This allows the contracting party to take measures such as instructing the vehicle 4 to change to a part that is covered by the warranty, or prohibiting the vehicle 4 from running if the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle part that affects running.

[0174] Furthermore, for example, if each function of the vehicle 4 is managed by software, and if the vehicle is equipped with an automobile part that corresponds to a function not covered by the contract, the server 2 or the manufacturer terminal device 3 can also issue a warning to the vehicle 4.

[0175] [Note] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each process. The one or more processors may execute each process according to the program read from the one or more memories, or according to a logic circuit pre-designed to execute each process. The processor may be any of various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The physically separate processors may also execute each process in cooperation with each other. For example, the processors installed in each of a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet to execute the above processes. The program may be installed into the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and installed into the memory from the recording medium. Furthermore, at least a portion of the above embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

[0176] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0177] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Parts management system 2 Server (determination device) 3 Manufacturer terminal device 4 Vehicle 5 In-vehicle system (providing device) 6 Driver terminal device 7 Network 21 Communication unit 22 Memory 23 Processor 24 Bus 51 Exterior communication unit 52 Relay device 53 In-vehicle control device 221 Computer program 222 Warranty part information 222A Warranty covered part information 222B Defective part information 222C Useful life information 223 Part correspondence information 224 Vehicle correspondence information 225 Parts shipping information 226 Mounted part information 231 Warranty part information acquisition unit 232 Mounted part information acquisition unit 233 Warranty cover determination unit 234 Parts shipping information acquisition unit 235 Fraud determination unit 236 Notification unit 521 Relay unit 522 Processor 522A Collection unit 522B Provision unit 522C Acquisition unit 523 Memory

Claims

1. A warranty parts information acquisition unit acquires warranty parts information related to the determination of whether vehicle parts are covered by a warranty, A component information acquisition unit acquires component information regarding component parts that are vehicle components installed in a vehicle, A determination device comprising a warranty coverage determination unit that determines whether or not the mounted component is covered by a warranty based on the warranty component information and the mounted component information.

2. The aforementioned warranty parts information includes warranty-covered parts information, The aforementioned warranty-covered parts information includes identification information for the vehicle parts covered by the warranty. The mounted component information includes identification information of the mounted component, The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the warranty coverage determination unit determines whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty based on the result of comparing the identification information of the vehicle component covered by the warranty and the identification information of the mounted component.

3. The aforementioned warranty information pertains to genuine vehicle parts. The determination device according to claim 2, wherein the warranty coverage determination unit determines whether the mounted component is genuine based on the warranty coverage component information and the mounted component information, thereby determining whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty.

4. The aforementioned warranty parts information includes information on the service life of vehicle parts. The above-mentioned mounted component information includes the usage period information of the mounted component, The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the warranty coverage determination unit determines whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty based on the service life information and the usage period information.

5. The aforementioned warranty parts information includes defective parts information relating to vehicle parts for which defects have been found, The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the warranty coverage determination unit determines whether a defect in the mounted component has been identified based on the defective component information and the mounted component information, thereby determining whether the mounted component is not covered by the warranty.

6. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies at least one of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle if it is determined that the mounted component is not covered by the warranty.

7. A parts shipment information acquisition unit that acquires parts shipment information indicating the shipment status of vehicle parts, The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fraud determination unit that determines whether the mounted component is a fraudulent component based on the component shipment information and the mounted component information.

8. The mounted component information includes identification information of the mounted component, The aforementioned component information acquisition unit acquires the component information from the first vehicle and from a second vehicle different from the first vehicle. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fraud determination unit that determines whether the mounted component of the first vehicle is a fraudulent component based on a comparison result of identification information of the mounted component of the first vehicle and identification information of the mounted component of the second vehicle.

9. A collection unit that collects information regarding the aforementioned mounted components, A providing device comprising: a providing unit that provides the information collected by the collection unit to the determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The supply device according to claim 9, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a determination result from the determination device whether the mounted component is covered by the warranty.

11. The supply device according to claim 9, wherein the collection unit receives identification information of the mounted component from the mounted component wirelessly as information relating to the mounted component.

12. The determination device acquires warranty information for vehicle parts to determine whether or not they are covered by warranty, The determination device includes the step of acquiring information about mounted components, which are vehicle components mounted on a vehicle, A determination method comprising the step of determining whether the mounted component is covered by a warranty based on the warranty component information and the mounted component information of the determination device.

13. Computers, A warranty parts information acquisition unit that acquires warranty parts information for determining whether vehicle parts are eligible for warranty. A component information acquisition unit that acquires component information regarding component parts that are vehicle components installed in a vehicle, and A computer program for functioning as a warranty coverage determination unit that determines whether or not the mounted component is covered by a warranty, based on the warranty component information and the mounted component information.