Information processing device, computer program, and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing device comprises a control unit. The control unit: acquires a replacement request, for a consumable item for a vehicle of a customer, transmitted from a terminal device of the customer; identifies, on the basis of the acquired replacement request, replacement item candidates suitable for the vehicle; identifies stock information of the identified replacement item candidates; outputs, to the terminal device, candidate information of the replacement item candidates so as to selectably display one or more of the replacement item candidates on the basis of the identified stock information; acquires the candidate information of the replacement item candidates selected by the customer by using the terminal device; and outputs, to the terminal device on the basis of the acquired candidate information, replacement item information of a replacement item to be replaced with the consumable item.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Computer Program, and Information Processing Method

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

[0002] Vehicles such as automobiles and motorcycles have consumables that deteriorate due to driving. Such consumables include, for example, a battery that supplies power to a starter when the engine is started, and tires. When the consumables deteriorate, it not only causes vehicle failures but also may prevent the vehicle from running in case of a malfunction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that identifies a vehicle that has arrived at a battery station, checks whether the identified vehicle is a reserved vehicle that has reserved a battery replacement, and guides the reserved vehicle to a space where the battery replacement can be preferentially performed when it is confirmed that the vehicle is a reserved vehicle.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-91428

[0005] However, depending on the customer, a battery replacement reservation may not be made or may not be available, and a situation may occur where a consumable such as a battery deteriorates during vehicle use and replacement of the deteriorated consumable is required.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a computer program, and an information processing method that can support the replacement of vehicle consumables.

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit acquires a replacement request for a consumable of a customer's vehicle transmitted from the customer's terminal device, identifies replacement candidate items suitable for the vehicle based on the acquired replacement request, identifies inventory information of the identified replacement candidate items, outputs candidate information of the replacement candidate items to the terminal device so as to be able to display and select one or more replacement candidate items based on the identified inventory information, acquires candidate information of the replacement candidate item selected by the customer on the terminal device, and outputs replacement item information of the replacement item to be replaced with the consumable to the terminal device based on the acquired candidate information.

[0008] According to the information processing apparatus of the above aspect, the replacement of vehicle consumables can be supported.

[0009] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system. This figure shows an example of the server configuration. This figure shows an example of the configuration of compatibility information recorded in the compatibility information DB. This figure shows an example of the battery replacement request screen. This figure shows an example of the configuration of inventory information recorded in the inventory information DB. This figure shows an example of the replacement product candidate selection screen. This figure shows an example of the delivery information recorded in the delivery information DB. This figure shows an example of the server processing procedure.

[0010] (1) The information processing device includes a control unit, which receives a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device, identifies suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the acquired replacement request, identifies inventory information for the identified replacement parts, outputs candidate information for the replacement parts to the terminal device so that one or more replacement parts can be selected based on the identified inventory information, acquires candidate information for the replacement parts selected by the customer on the terminal device, and outputs replacement information for the replacement parts to be exchanged for the consumables based on the acquired candidate information to the terminal device.

[0011] When a vehicle malfunctions, the customer (e.g., the driver or passenger) uses a terminal device to send (output) a request to the information processing device for the replacement of the consumables that caused the malfunction (e.g., batteries, tires, etc.). The information processing device then receives the replacement request from the terminal device. Note that the replacement of consumables is not limited to when the vehicle malfunctions; it may also be done when the vehicle is not running well, when a vehicle malfunction is anticipated in the future, or when the customer wishes to replace them with new, high-performance consumables.

[0012] Replacement parts suitable for a customer's vehicle include not only the same part as the consumable in question, but also equivalent parts that can be used as substitutes for the consumable in the vehicle. In this specification, information on replacement parts suitable for a vehicle is referred to as compatibility information and can be recorded in a compatibility information database (DB). Compatibility information includes, for example, the vehicle manufacturer, model name, engine displacement, vehicle model, manufacturer name, model (part number), capacity, and price of the vehicle in which the consumable is installed. Candidate replacement parts can be identified by searching the compatibility information DB based on the information included in the replacement request.

[0013] The control unit can check the inventory information of the identified replacement parts candidates, and if the replacement parts candidates are in stock, it can output candidate information for the replacement parts candidates to the terminal device. Inventory information can be recorded in the inventory information DB and includes information such as the battery manufacturer name, model (part number), capacity, price, quantity in stock, and location of stock. Replacement parts candidates are parts that are candidates for replacement parts that are suitable for the vehicle. Candidate information only needs or is useful information for the customer to select a replacement part that is suitable for the vehicle, and may include at least one of the battery manufacturer name, model (part number), capacity, price, and delivery time required to deliver to the customer. Furthermore, replacement parts may be new, recycled, used, or other second-hand items.

[0014] The control unit transmits (outputs) candidate information to the terminal device, which then displays one or more replacement candidate items in a manner that allows the customer to select one. The customer can then select their desired replacement candidate item from those displayed on the terminal device.

[0015] When the control unit obtains candidate information for the selected replacement part, it outputs the replacement part information to the terminal device. The replacement part information may include at least one of the following: the manufacturer name, model (model number), capacity, price, and delivery time required to deliver the replacement battery to the customer.

[0016] Customers can simply send a request for consumable replacement from their terminal device to the information processing device, and then select their desired replacement from a list of suitable replacement parts for their vehicle. This ensures that replacement parts are provided according to the customer's needs, thus supporting the replacement of vehicle consumables.

[0017] (2) In the information processing device described in (1) above, the consumables may include a storage battery. This makes it possible to assist in the replacement of the vehicle's storage battery.

[0018] (3) In the information processing device described in (1) or (2) above, the replacement request may include vehicle information of the vehicle. The vehicle information may include at least one of the vehicle's manufacturer, model name, engine displacement, and vehicle model. This makes it easier to identify replacement candidates that can be installed in the customer's vehicle and are compatible with the vehicle. The replacement request may also include at least one of the manufacturer name, model (part number), and capacity of the battery, which is a consumable item.

[0019] (4) In the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the candidate information may include at least one of the manufacturer name, model number, capacity, price, and delivery time of the storage battery. This provides the customer with information to help them make a decision on which replacement part is suitable for their vehicle, so that the customer can easily select a replacement part.

[0020] (5) In the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the exchange request includes location information of the vehicle, and the control unit may generate delivery information for delivering the replacement item to the location of the vehicle based on the location information.

[0021] Location information may be the location information of a vehicle detected by a location information detection function installed in the terminal device or vehicle, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, or it may be the address of the location directly entered by the customer into the terminal device.

[0022] Delivery information is necessary to deliver replacement items to the customer's location and may include, for example, the manufacturer name, model number, quantity, price, delivery company name, delivery date and time, name of the replacement worker (name of the replacement worker), whether or not the old battery (consumable) will be collected (whether or not), and the name of the battery recycling company (if the old battery is collected). Delivery information may also include receiving information for the replacement battery. Receiving information may include, for example, the name of the inventory supplier and the location of the inventory where the battery is stocked.

[0023] The generated delivery information may be output to terminal devices installed by delivery companies, replacement service providers, inventory providers, etc. This allows for the delivery of batteries (replacement parts) that are compatible with the customer's vehicle to the customer's location. If necessary, a replacement worker can ride along in the delivery vehicle and replace the battery in the customer's vehicle on-site. Also, if necessary, the old batteries can be collected and delivered to a recycling company for recycling.

[0024] (6) In the information processing device described in (5) above, the delivery information may include information about the delivery company that delivers the replacement item.

[0025] The delivery company information may include, for example, the name of the delivery company and the name of the delivery person. This allows the delivery company to deliver a battery (replacement) that is compatible with the customer's vehicle to the customer's location.

[0026] (7) In the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the control unit may generate information of the worker responsible for the replacement work of the replacement parts. This reduces the burden on the customer, as the worker will perform the replacement work of the replacement parts such as storage batteries.

[0027] (8) In the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the control unit may generate collection information for collecting the consumables. The collection information only needs to include information necessary for collecting unwanted batteries, and may include, for example, the manufacturer name, model number, quantity of the batteries, and information on the location where the batteries will be returned. This makes it possible to collect unwanted consumables and deliver them to a recycling company for recycling.

[0028] (9) The computer program causes the computer to perform the following processes: receive a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device; identify suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the received replacement request; identify inventory information for the identified replacement parts; output candidate information for the replacement parts to the terminal device so that one or more replacement parts can be selected based on the identified inventory information; receive candidate information for the replacement parts selected by the customer on the terminal device; and output replacement information for the replacement parts to be exchanged for the consumables based on the received candidate information to the terminal device.

[0029] (10) The information processing method obtains a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device, identifies suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the obtained replacement request, identifies inventory information for the identified replacement parts, outputs candidate information for the replacement parts to the terminal device so that one or more replacement parts can be selected based on the identified inventory information, obtains candidate information for the replacement parts selected by the customer on the terminal device, and outputs replacement information for the replacement parts to be exchanged for the consumables based on the obtained candidate information to the terminal device.

[0030] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system. The information processing system includes a server 50 as an information processing device operated by a service provider, a vendor terminal device 20 used by a battery sales company, a vendor terminal device 30 used by a delivery company, a vendor terminal device 40 used by a recycling company, and so on. The server 50 and the vendor terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 are interconnected via a communication network 1. A terminal device 10 used by a customer is connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1.

[0032] The vendor terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 can be configured as, for example, computers or tablet terminals. Terminal device 10 can be configured as, for example, smartphones or tablet terminals. The vendor terminal device 20 used by the battery sales company can access the inventory information DB (database) and the compatibility information DB 22, and can read and write information recorded in the inventory information DB and the compatibility information DB 22. The server 50 is connected to the compatibility information DB (database) 61 and the delivery information DB 62, and can read and write information recorded in the compatibility information DB 61 and the delivery information DB 62.

[0033] The customer is the driver or passenger of a vehicle such as an automobile or motorcycle. When a vehicle malfunctions due to the deterioration of consumables (for example, a battery that supplies power to the starter when starting the engine, or tires), the customer uses terminal device 10 to send (output) a request to server 50 for the replacement of the deteriorated consumables. Note that the replacement of consumables is not limited to when the vehicle malfunctions, but may also be requested when the vehicle is not running well or when a vehicle malfunction is anticipated in the future. In this specification, a battery is given as an example of a consumable, but consumables are not limited to batteries and may include other consumables such as tires.

[0034] A service provider provides a service to deliver a battery suitable for the customer's vehicle to the customer in response to the customer's request for battery replacement. The service provider is the entity that provides the service realized by the information processing system of this embodiment. Service providers include, for example, battery manufacturers and mail-order businesses that receive purchase requests for goods and service requests from customers and provide the requested goods and services to the customers.

[0035] Battery distributors are businesses that sell batteries for vehicles, and include, for example, car dealerships, auto parts retailers, and businesses that perform vehicle inspections. Battery distributors stock various types of batteries suitable for various vehicles in their own inventory centers (warehouses). Battery distributors may have inventory centers in multiple locations.

[0036] The delivery company is responsible for receiving replacement batteries from the battery sales company's inventory center based on instructions from the service provider, delivering the received batteries to the customer, collecting consumables (unwanted replaced batteries) as needed, and redelivering the collected batteries to a recycling company. The delivery company may be, for example, a taxi company (composed of multiple offices of the company) or a taxi union (composed of multiple taxi companies).

[0037] Recycling companies are responsible for collecting unwanted batteries and recycling them at recycling facilities.

[0038] The service providers, battery retailers, delivery companies, and recycling companies may be different companies, or some or all of them may be the same company.

[0039] The battery replacement may be performed by the taxi driver or a mechanic accompanying them.

[0040] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of server 50. Server 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the entire server 50, a communication unit 52, a memory 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, a storage unit 56, and an interface unit 58.

[0041] The control unit 51 may be configured by incorporating a required number of CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro-Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), etc. Further, the control unit 51 may be configured by combining DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), etc.

[0042] The communication unit 52 includes a communication module and has a function of communicating with the terminal devices 10, the operator terminal devices 20, 30, 40 via the communication network 1.

[0043] The display unit 54 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc., and provides a UI (user interface) for the user by displaying required information. The user mentioned here means an operator in the service provider. Instead of the display unit 54, an external display device may be used.

[0044] The operation unit 55 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and can perform operations such as icons displayed on the display unit 54, movement and operation of the cursor, input of characters, etc. The operation unit 55 may be composed of buttons, switches, etc., or may be composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 55 provides a UI for the user by receiving the user's operation. Instead of the operation unit 55, an external terminal device for operation may be provided.

[0045] The storage unit 56 can be composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores a computer program (program product) 57 and required information.

[0046] The computer program 57 can be read by a recording medium reading unit (not shown) from the computer program 57 recorded on a recording medium M (for example, an optically readable disk storage medium such as a CD-ROM) and stored in the storage unit 56. The computer program 57 can also read the computer program 57 recorded on a recording medium such as a storage storage (semiconductor memory such as SSD (Solid State Drive)) connected by a standard (for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or other standard) for connecting to a computer and store it in the storage unit 56. Further, the computer program 57 may be downloaded from an external device via the communication unit 52 and stored in the storage unit 56.

[0047] The interface unit 58 has an interface function for accessing the compatibility information DB 61 and the delivery information DB 62. Note that the compatibility information DB 61 and the delivery information DB 62 may be stored in the server 50.

[0048] The memory 53 can be composed of a semiconductor memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or flash memory. The computer program 57 can be developed in the memory 53 and the control unit 51 can execute the computer program 57. The control unit 51 can execute the processes defined in the computer program 57. That is, the processes by the control unit 51 are also the processes by the computer program 57.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of compatibility information recorded in the compatibility information DB 61. As shown in Figure 3, compatibility information is associated with information such as vehicle manufacturer, vehicle name, engine displacement, vehicle model (model number), battery manufacturer, battery model, capacity, price, and recommended information. Vehicle information may include at least one of the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle name, engine displacement, and vehicle model. For example, if a customer's replacement request includes the vehicle name as vehicle information, the server 50 (control unit 51) can search the compatibility information DB 61 using the vehicle name as a search key to identify a battery (replacement candidate) that is compatible with the vehicle of that vehicle name. In this case, the identified replacement candidate may include the battery manufacturer, battery model, capacity, and price.

[0050] The recommended information includes details about the battery's advantages, such as its long lifespan, high output, being a new product, or being offered at a special price.

[0051] Next, we will explain the process from the request for battery replacement to the delivery of the replacement battery (a battery compatible with the vehicle).

[0052] Figure 4 shows an example of a battery replacement request screen 100. When a customer wishes to have their battery replaced, they can use the terminal device 10 to access a designated website and have the battery replacement request screen 100 shown in Figure 4 displayed on the terminal device 10. The battery replacement request screen 100 has input fields for vehicle information such as the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle name, engine displacement, and vehicle model, as well as an input field for the vehicle's location. The customer only needs to input at least one of the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle name, engine displacement, and vehicle model. Alternatively, the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle name, engine displacement, and vehicle model may be displayed in a list format for the customer to select from. This saves the customer the trouble of direct input. The vehicle location can be the location information of the vehicle. The location information may be the vehicle's location information detected by a location information detection function equipped in the terminal device 10 or the vehicle, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, or it may be the address of the location directly entered by the customer into the terminal device 10.

[0053] The replacement request may include vehicle information. The vehicle information may include at least one of the vehicle's manufacturer, model name, engine displacement, and vehicle model. This allows the server 50 to identify replacement parts that are compatible with the customer's vehicle and can be installed in it. The replacement request may also include at least one of the consumable battery's manufacturer name, model (part number), and capacity.

[0054] The customer can cancel the entered information and re-enter it by operating the "cancel" icon 101. By operating the "send" icon 102, the terminal device 10 can send an exchange request to the server 50.

[0055] Customers may also call the service provider to request a replacement, directly providing the representative with vehicle information and the vehicle's location.

[0056] The control unit 51 receives a battery replacement request for a customer's vehicle from the terminal device 10 and identifies a suitable replacement part based on the received replacement request. Specifically, the control unit 51 can search the compatibility information DB 61 based on the vehicle information included in the replacement request to identify a suitable replacement part.

[0057] The control unit 51 identifies the inventory information of the identified replacement candidate. Specifically, the control unit 51 outputs the replacement candidate to the battery sales company's terminal device 20 and can request the battery sales company to check the inventory using the battery sales company's inventory information DB 21. The control unit 51 can identify the inventory information of the replacement candidate by receiving a "in stock" response from the terminal device 20.

[0058] Figure 5 shows an example of the structure of inventory information recorded in the inventory information DB 21. As shown in Figure 5, the inventory information is associated with information such as battery manufacturer, battery model, capacity, price, quantity in stock, and location of stock. The vendor terminal device 20 can output a response to the server 50 in response to an inventory check request from the server 50, including whether or not each of the one or more replacement product candidates are in stock, and if they are in stock, the location of the stock.

[0059] The control unit 51 outputs candidate information for replacement items to the terminal device 10 so that one or more replacement item candidates can be selected based on the identified inventory information.

[0060] When a vehicle malfunctions, a customer (for example, the driver or passenger) can use the terminal device 10 to send (output) a request to the server 50 to replace the battery that caused the malfunction, and the server 50 can receive the replacement request from the terminal device 10. Note that the transmission of a replacement request is not limited to when the vehicle malfunctions; it may also be made when the vehicle is not running well or when a future vehicle malfunction is anticipated.

[0061] Replacement parts suitable for a customer's vehicle include not only the same components as the battery installed in the vehicle, but also equivalent components that can be used as replacements for that battery.

[0062] The replacement candidates are candidates for batteries that are compatible with the vehicle. The candidate information may be any information necessary or useful for the customer to select a battery that is compatible with the vehicle, and may include, for example, the manufacturer name of the battery, model (model number), capacity, price, and at least one of the delivery time required to deliver it to the customer. The delivery time may be obtained by the control unit 51 from the delivery company (delivery terminal device 30), or if the battery sales company has obtained information on the delivery time from the delivery company, it may be obtained from the battery sales company (delivery terminal device 20).

[0063] The control unit 51 transmits (outputs) candidate information to the terminal device 10, allowing the terminal device 10 to display one or more replacement product candidates for selection. The customer can then select their desired replacement product from the displayed candidates.

[0064] Figure 6 shows an example of the replacement product selection screen 110. The replacement product selection screen 110 displays candidate information for candidate 1 and candidate information for candidate 2, and displays a selection box 115 for selecting candidate 1 and a selection box 116 for selecting candidate 2. Note that the number of candidates is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

[0065] The information for Candidate 1 shows "Company A" as the battery manufacturer, "GA001" as the battery model, "xxxAh" as the capacity, "xxx yen" as the price, and "△△△" as the delivery time. The information for Candidate 2 shows "Company B" as the battery manufacturer, "BZ020" as the battery model, "oooAh" as the capacity, "ooo yen" as the price, and "xox" as the delivery time. The delivery time will vary depending on the location of the customer's vehicle and which inventory location the replacement battery will be shipped from.

[0066] As described above, the candidate information may include at least one of the following: battery manufacturer name, model number, capacity, price, and delivery time. This provides customers with the information they need to make an informed decision when selecting a battery suitable for their vehicle, making it easier for them to choose a battery. Although not shown in the diagram, if there are multiple replacement candidates, the most recommended candidate may be displayed prominently using a modified display method. In addition, recommended information for each replacement candidate (for example, that the battery has a long lifespan, high output, is a new product, or is available at a special price) may be displayed.

[0067] Customers can select a battery that suits their needs from the displayed battery replacement options. Customers can also choose whether or not to have their old battery collected. By operating the "Yes" icon 113, the old battery will be collected. By operating the "No" icon 114, the old battery will not be collected.

[0068] By operating the "cancel" icon 111, the customer can cancel their selection and make a new selection. By operating the "send" icon 112, the terminal device 10 can send candidate information of the selected replacement item to the server 50.

[0069] The control unit 51 acquires candidate information for replacement parts selected by the terminal device 10, and outputs replacement part information for the replacement part to be replaced with the battery to the terminal device 10 based on the acquired candidate information. The replacement part information may include at least one of the following: the manufacturer name, model (model number), capacity, price, and delivery time required to deliver the replacement battery to the customer.

[0070] As described above, customers can select their desired battery from a list of battery candidates suitable for their vehicle simply by sending a battery replacement request from the terminal device 10 to the server 50. This allows for the provision of batteries that meet customer needs and supports the replacement of vehicle batteries.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the replacement request may include vehicle location information. Based on the location information, the control unit 51 may generate delivery information for delivering the replacement item to the vehicle's location.

[0072] As described above, the server 50 is configured to, upon receiving a replacement request from a customer, search the conformity information DB 61 to identify candidate replacement parts and then request (output) the vendor terminal device 20 to check the inventory of those candidate replacement parts. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, if the vendor terminal device 20 can access the conformity information DB 22 and the conformity information DB 22 and the conformity information DB 61 are equivalent databases, the server 50 may, after receiving a replacement request from a customer, output requests to the vendor terminal device 20 for both the identification of candidate replacement parts and the inventory check.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of delivery information recorded in the delivery information DB62. Delivery information is the information necessary to deliver replacement items to the customer's location. For example, as shown in Figure 7, delivery information may include at least one of the following: the battery manufacturer, battery model (model number), quantity, price, delivery company name, delivery address (customer's location), delivery date and time, name of the replacement worker (name of the replacement worker), whether or not the old battery (consumable) will be collected (whether or not), and the name of the battery recycling company (if the old battery is collected). The replacement worker may be a representative of the battery sales company (such as a mechanic) or a representative of the delivery company (someone who can perform battery replacement work). In addition, the delivery information may also include information for receiving the replacement battery from the inventory center. The receiving information may include, for example, the name of the inventory company that has the battery in stock and the location of the inventory.

[0074] The generated delivery information may be output to vendor terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 installed at battery retailers (inventory suppliers), delivery companies, replacement service providers (for example, delivery companies), and recycling companies. This allows for the delivery of batteries (replacement items) that are compatible with the customer's vehicle to the customer's location, and enables replacement workers to ride along in the delivery vehicle and replace the customer's vehicle's battery on-site. Furthermore, if necessary, unwanted batteries can be collected and delivered to recycling companies for recycling.

[0075] The delivery information may include information about the delivery company that will deliver the battery (replacement). This information may include, for example, the name of the delivery company and the name of the delivery person. This allows for the delivery of a battery (replacement) that is compatible with the customer's vehicle to the customer's location.

[0076] The control unit 51 may generate information about the worker responsible for replacing the battery. This allows the worker to perform the battery replacement, thereby reducing the burden on the customer.

[0077] The control unit 51 may generate collection information for collecting unwanted batteries. The collection information only needs to include the information necessary to collect unwanted batteries, and may include, for example, the battery manufacturer's name, battery model (model number), quantity, and information on the battery return location. This allows for the collection of unwanted batteries, delivery to a recycling company, and recycling processing.

[0078] Figure 8 shows an example of the processing procedure of the server 50. The control unit 51 obtains a battery replacement request from the terminal device 10, which includes vehicle information and the location of the vehicle (location information) (S11). Based on the obtained replacement request, the control unit 51 identifies a suitable replacement battery for the vehicle (S12), and outputs candidate information for the replacement battery to the terminal device 10 based on the inventory information of the identified replacement battery (S13).

[0079] The control unit 51 acquires candidate information for replacement products selected by the customer on the terminal device 10 (S14), and acquires from the terminal device 10 whether or not the unwanted battery needs to be collected (S15). Based on the acquired candidate information and whether or not the unwanted battery needs to be collected, the control unit 51 generates delivery information for the replacement product (battery) (S16). Subsequently, the control unit 51 outputs the generated delivery information to the vendor terminal devices 20, 30, and 40 of the relevant businesses (for example, battery sales companies, delivery companies, recycling companies, etc.) (S17), and the process ends.

[0080] Based on the delivery information, the delivery company can pick up the replacement battery from the battery supplier's inventory center and deliver it to the customer. The delivered battery can be replaced on-site by the delivery company's staff or mechanics. The old battery can also be collected as needed.

[0081] This embodiment can be applied to batteries, but is not limited to batteries. It can also be applied to consumables such as vehicle tires, similar to batteries. In this case, "battery" can be read as "tire" in the above embodiment.

[0082] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a form in which claims referencing two or more other claims (multi-claim form), but are not limited to this. A form in which multi-claims referencing at least one multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) may also be used.

[0083] 1 Communication Network 10 Terminal Devices 20, 30, 40 Vendor Terminal Devices 21 Inventory Information DB 22 Compatibility Information DB 50 Server 51 Control Unit 52 Communication Unit 53 Memory 54 Display Unit 55 Operation Unit 56 Storage Unit 57 Computer Program 58 Interface Unit 61 Compatibility Information DB 62 Delivery Information DB

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, the control unit receiving a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device, identifying suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the acquired replacement request, identifying inventory information for the identified replacement part candidates, outputting candidate information for the replacement part candidates to the terminal device so that one or more replacement part candidates can be selected based on the identified inventory information, acquiring candidate information for the replacement part candidates selected by the customer on the terminal device, and outputting replacement part information for the replacement part to be exchanged for the consumable based on the acquired candidate information to the terminal device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumables include a storage battery.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the exchange request includes vehicle information of the vehicle.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the candidate information includes at least one of the manufacturer name, model number, capacity, price, and delivery time of the storage battery.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the replacement request includes location information of the vehicle, and the control unit generates delivery information for delivering the replacement item to the location of the vehicle based on the location information.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the delivery information includes information of a delivery company that delivers the replacement item.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit generates information of the worker responsible for the replacement work of the replacement part.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit generates collection information for collecting the consumables.

9. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquire a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device; identify suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the acquired replacement request; identify inventory information for the identified replacement parts; output candidate information for the replacement parts to the terminal device so that one or more replacement parts can be selected based on the identified inventory information; acquire candidate information for the replacement parts selected by the customer on the terminal device; and output replacement information for the replacement parts to be exchanged for the consumables based on the acquired candidate information to the terminal device.

10. An information processing method comprising: obtaining a customer's vehicle consumable replacement request transmitted from the customer's terminal device; identifying suitable replacement parts for the vehicle based on the obtained replacement request; identifying inventory information for the identified replacement parts; outputting candidate information for the replacement parts to the terminal device so that one or more replacement parts can be selected based on the identified inventory information; obtaining candidate information for the replacement parts selected by the customer on the terminal device; and outputting replacement information for the replacement parts to be exchanged for the consumables based on the obtained candidate information to the terminal device.

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