JP2002132970A - Method and system for sharing and providing vehicle information and recording medium with the method programmed and recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle information sharing and providing method and its system, in which more reliable and higher information can be shared and high reliability can be obtained, even for an individual. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a member terminal group 10, owned by automobile related dealers, that provide the vehicle information and share the vehicle information and an individual terminal group 20, owned by the general public who read the vehicle information, and the member terminal group 10, is connected to the individual terminal group 20 via an open network 40. The vehicle information obtained through the group 10 is stored, the pieces of the stored information are respectively made to be a relational database. The system is provided with a DB server, who allows these pieces of information to be shared among the automobile related dealers via the network 40 and also provides the general public who have made a request via the network 40 with a part of the vehicle information via the group 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for sharing and providing vehicle information, a system thereof, and a recording medium on which the method is programmed and recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Opportunities for obtaining vehicle information differ among automobile-related companies such as manufacturers, dealers, vehicle inspections, and garages, and local data management is currently performed in each department. . For example,
Inspection and maintenance of the vehicle is performed by bringing the vehicle to a dealer or a maintenance shop. The dealer or maintenance shop checks the vehicle inspection, maintenance, periodic inspection, and breakdown repair data recorded in the vehicle brought in, which is recorded in the maintenance notebook, etc. If there is a track record, search the stored computer data and perform a new inspection and maintenance service. However, since the data is also only within a local range, data on inspections and repairs performed by other dealers or maintenance shops are not included.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional automobile-related industry, vehicle information is individually managed in each of manufacturers, dealers, used dealers, vehicle inspections, maintenance factories, and the like. Therefore, although the minimum necessary data can be obtained in each case, the lifetime history of the vehicle as a whole cannot be captured. Therefore, for example, it is not possible to perform quick inspection and maintenance at a maintenance shop, and since a second-hand sales company can only judge the appearance of the accident history and the like at the time of the assessment, an accurate assessment cannot be made. Was.

If the life history from the registration of a new car to the scrapping of a vehicle can be managed at the center, information exchange between the traders can be carried out, and each trader can use it effectively. Can supply information.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and accumulates vehicle information obtained from an automobile-related business.
Create a relational database for each of the stored information,
By constructing a mechanism to share this information between automobile-related companies via the Internet, and by providing a part of it to the unspecified majority via the Internet, it is possible to share more reliable and advanced information, Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for sharing and providing vehicle information, and a system and a recording medium in which the method is programmed and recorded, which can be highly trusted by individuals.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 stores vehicle information obtained from an automobile-related company, and stores each of the stored vehicle information in a relational database. It is characterized in that the vehicle information is shared between the automobile-related companies via a network and a part of the vehicle information is provided to an unspecified number of people via the network. Note that the net includes a closed network using a dedicated line constructed only between automobile-related companies, in addition to an open network such as the Internet.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
Wherein the stored vehicle information includes vehicle-specific information based on data items described in the vehicle verification and lifetime history information of the vehicle. .

[0008] Further, the invention according to claim 3 is based on claim 1.
Alternatively, in the method for sharing and providing vehicle information described in 2, the sharing or providing of the stored information may include displaying a lifetime history of the target vehicle as statistical data.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided.
According to the invention described in (1), a first terminal group provided by an automobile-related company that provides vehicle information and shares the vehicle information, and a second terminal group owned by a person using the vehicle information are connected via a net. Connected, and accumulates vehicle information obtained via the first terminal, converts each of the stored information into a relational database, and permits sharing of these information between automobile-related companies via the network. A DB server is provided, which provides a part of the information to the unspecified majority requested via the network via the second terminal.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as the invention in claim 4.
In the vehicle information sharing and providing system according to the above, the DB server, when sharing or providing the stored information, a man-machine control unit serving as an interface between the first and second terminal groups, A statistical data analysis processing unit that shows, as statistical data, the lifetime history of the target vehicle.

[0011] With the above configuration, vehicle information can be shared between members, and thereby, higher reliability and quick technical acquisition can be achieved, and each member side leads to improvement in social evaluation. In addition, the individual side can browse a part of the database free of charge, and can purchase the details of necessary information at the unit price depending on the amount and value of the information. As a result, the member can gain high trust in the technology and service level of the individual who browsed, and the individual can arbitrarily select a member based on the information browsed,
Requests for repair, ordering parts, purchasing vehicles, etc. can be made. The headquarters can utilize a database constructed by members using a DB (Data Base) server,
More CS (Customer Satisfaction: Customer
Satisfaction). A part of the information fee purchased by the individual shall be returned to the information providing member.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a sixth aspect of the present invention is provided.
The present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium recording a client program for sharing vehicle information stored in a DB server via a network, wherein the client program is based on a data item described in a vehicle verification. A first step of inputting a unique information input, and a second step of inputting the life history information of the vehicle.
And when the input information indicates the lifetime history of the vehicle, a third step of associating the information with the unique information of the vehicle, and registering the associated unique information and lifetime history information in a database. And a fourth step of causing the computer to execute the fourth step.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a seventh aspect of the present invention is provided.
According to the invention described in (1), in a computer-readable recording medium that records a client program for receiving service by searching for vehicle information stored in a DB server via a network, the client program includes a first program for inputting a search condition. A step of extracting hit information from the DB server when the search condition is hit, and determining whether the pay information is used when the extracted information is pay information. 3rd to specify
And if the use of paid information is specified in the third step, the information is downloaded and a paid service is received. On the other hand, if the use of free information is specified,
A fourth step of performing a maintenance request by e-mail, and specifying the presence or absence of a parts order including a maintenance request to the information provider as a result of the download, and executing the order processing when the parts order is present. 5 is a recording medium on which a client program for causing a computer to execute Step 5 is recorded.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a mutual relationship of a user who implements a method for sharing and providing vehicle information according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1
Is a member and 2 is an individual. Reference numeral 3 denotes a head office, which includes a database. Here, the member 1 is a person engaged in an automobile-related business in Japan and overseas, and is a company or an organization that supports and cooperates with the system and business described below. The individual 2 is an unspecified majority using vehicle information stored in a database provided at the headquarters.

The member 1 provides the following information to a database (DB) constructed in the headquarters 3. That is, the information includes vehicle information, riding conditions, failure phenomena, accident situations, weather conditions, technical provisions, replacement part data, and the like. As the vehicle information, information specific to the vehicle based on the vehicle verification and lifetime history information such as inspection and repair are input. Here, the information unique to the vehicle is a chassis number, an engine number, a transmission number, and the like. It also includes comprehensive data on vehicle type information, grade, and mounting function contents. Further, inputs regarding software aspects such as (day / distance traveled), road conditions, purpose of use, and main driver age of the vehicle at the time of use are also performed. It should be noted that the vehicle type information includes vehicle type failure information, for example, information that does not lead to a recall that the actuator of the air conditioner is likely to fail in a specific vehicle type, but has a higher failure rate than a normal magic vehicle.

Further, as the life history information of the vehicle, details of the details of the failure at the time of the failure of the vehicle, details and details before and after the accident, details of the location of the interlocking failure, the use area of the vehicle, and the weather conditions at the time of the failure , Replacement parts at the time of repair, details of replacement and repair, details of parts, etc. are input. Also, of course, the contents of repairs instructed by the manufacturer,
It is also conceivable that a skilled worker inputs the details of the optimum and simple repair details at the site level. These pieces of information are expressed by multimedia such as audio and images, and are input to the system of the present invention as needed.

The database is based on the information provided by the member 1 at the site work level, and the information is comprehensively linked to each other, and is made statistical to enhance the reliability of the data and make it universal. By displaying the ratio of vehicle phenomena (failure, wear out situation, situation at the time of accident occurrence, etc.) of each item, it is made more detailed and clear, and the countermeasures are appropriate and concise. So that it can be presented. Note that this also includes information presentation on the vehicle by the manufacturer including recall, technical data, and input of information on other target items.

The members 1 can share the information on the field level and the respective vehicles in the world of the database constructed in the headquarters 3, so that higher reliability and quick technical learning can be achieved, and the social reputation can be improved. Connect. It is assumed that the individual 2 can browse a part of the database free of charge, and can purchase the details of necessary information at the unit price depending on the amount and value of the information. As a result, the member 1 can obtain high trust in the technology and service level of the individual 2 who browses. The individual 2 can arbitrarily select a member based on the browsed information and make a request for vehicle inspection, repair, ordering of parts, purchase of a vehicle, and the like. The headquarters 3 can utilize the database constructed by the member 1 to further improve the CS of the client 2 of the client. A part of the information fee purchased by the individual shall be returned to the information providing member.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a system for sharing and providing vehicle information according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, 10 is a member terminal group, 20 is a personal terminal group, 3
Reference numeral 0 denotes a DB server, all of which are connected via an open network 40 such as the Internet. The member terminal group 10 is a terminal group provided by an automobile-related company that provides vehicle information and shares the vehicle information, and is a personal terminal group 20 and D owned by an unspecified majority who browses the vehicle information.
The B server 30 is connected via an open network 40.

The DB server 30 accumulates vehicle information obtained through the member terminal group 10, converts each of the accumulated information into a relational database, and shares the information between automobile-related companies via the open network 40. While permitting, a part thereof is provided to the unspecified majority requested through the open network 40 via the terminal group 20.

FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the DB server 30.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the DB server 30 by developing its functions. Here, the DB server 30 includes man-machine control units 31 and 32 and a statistical data analysis unit 33.
And a DB main body 34. Man-machine control units 31, 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes an interface between the terminal groups 10 and 20 for sharing or providing the stored information. T that controls the connection with the open network 40
CP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Inter)
net Protocol) interface. The statistical data analysis unit 33 calculates the lifetime history of the target vehicle and indicates the result as statistical data. That is,
It generates data for displaying the ratio of vehicle phenomena (failure, wear state, situation at the time of accident, etc.) of each data item described later. Vehicle information is accumulated in the DB main body 34, and vehicle-specific information based on the data items described in the vehicle verification,
The information includes the lifetime history information of the vehicle, and is stored in association with each other, for example, using the chassis number as a key.

Each of the above-described blocks is specifically composed of a CPU and a peripheral control LSI.
Realizes the function of each block by reading and executing a built-in program. The program may be obtained by downloading via the open network 40.

FIGS. 4 to 8 are views cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and show the operation flow of the member terminal group 10 and the operation flow of the personal terminal group 20, respectively. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation flow, an example of a display screen configuration of the member terminal group 10, an example of a display screen of the personal terminal group 20, and another example of a display screen of the personal terminal group 20. Less than,
The operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The operation procedure shown in FIG. 4 is programmed and stored as a client program in each of the member terminal groups 10, and the operation procedure shown in FIG. 5 is stored as a client program in each of the personal terminal groups 20.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, first, the member operates one of the member terminal groups 10 to input vehicle-specific information based on the data items described in the vehicle verification. The client program fetches each of the input data items and writes the data items into a memory (not shown) built in the terminal (step S41). Subsequently, the life history information of the vehicle is input at any time, and the input is also taken and written into the built-in memory. If the input information indicates failure information, which is one of the lifetime histories of the vehicle (step S42), the data is reconstructed in association with a key of information unique to the vehicle, for example, a chassis number. Then (step S43), the associated unique information and lifetime history information are registered in the database body 34 (step S44).

In the case of other information, the user is prompted to input, for example, recall information and the like, and the data input is reflected on the DB main body 34 (step S45). Here, the data structure of the DB main body 34 is shown in order to obtain an understanding of the description. As shown in the figure, vehicle information, riding conditions, failure phenomena, accident situations, weather conditions, technical provision information, replacement part data, recalls, and other information are stored separately for each data type in vehicle-specific information units. Shall be performed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a quote screen display screen input during vehicle inspection and repair. The details are the items to be described in the vehicle verification, various expenses, and repairs. The details of the repair will be on a separate screen. Specifically, on the screen (a), items such as vehicle type, vehicle weight, weight tax, automobile liability insurance, vehicle inspection agency fee, various tester fees, various cost meters, other costs, consumption tax, and the like are described. By using this screen, necessary items are entered each time, and by clicking on the repair content shown in the table on the display screen,
The screen is switched to the screen of (b), and the details of the repair are described in more detail. That is, the repair location, used parts, repair cost, component unit price, and repair details are detailed. Riding requirements, failure phenomena, accident situations, weather conditions, and the like are input at a higher level using a separate screen. In this way, the use of images and the input of recording data for failure phenomena accompanied by abnormal noise are expressed with a higher impact. The various information entered here is
It is stored in the DB main body 34 via the man-machine control unit 31. Further, in addition to the mere raw input data, the result data of the statistical analysis by the statistical data analysis unit 33 is also generated and stored in a database. A specific example will be described later.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, first, the individual operates one of the personal terminal groups 20 to input desired search conditions to the DB main body 34. Accordingly, the client program incorporated in the personal terminal group 20 captures the search condition data (step S51). Then, when the DB main body 34 is searched and the search condition is hit (step S52), the hit information is extracted from the DB main body 34 (step S53). The information extracted at this time is, in addition to simple input information, analyzed by the statistical data analysis unit 33. For example, each information item such as a remaining life of a consumable part, a frequency of part replacement, a failure occurrence rate, and the like is represented by a bar graph or the like. Includes information visually represented by. These are supplied to the personal terminal group 20 via the man-machine control unit 32.

Here, if the extracted information is pay information (steps S54 and S55), the user is prompted to specify whether or not the pay information is to be used. Is downloaded and a paid service is received (step S56). If there is no service, a maintenance request is made via e-mail (step S59). As a result of the download, the user is prompted to specify whether or not there is a parts order including a maintenance request to the information provider (step S57), and waits for this specification, and if there is, executes the order processing (step S58). Although the structure of the DB is shown here as well, it is the same as the example shown in FIG. 4, and the description here is omitted to avoid duplication.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the search screen. Here, first, the model and year are specified, and the screen shifts to the selection display screen for each vehicle grade, or the manufacturer and model are selected or input to expand the hierarchy and narrow down the desired model. And Here, the skyline of the Nissan car is selected, and by selecting the model-specific grade of each year, the display shifts to the detailed screen display shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 exemplifies three detailed screen displays. Here, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), there is provided a mechanism in which a consumable part, a faulty part, a recall, and an accident occurrence state of a vehicle selected previously can be identified. Has become. Here, when the button of the consumable part is clicked, the screen is switched to a screen (b), and the current remaining life of each consumable part is displayed in a graph, so that the remaining life can be understood at a glance. That is, here
By selecting the car name Skyline with a certain model and grade and clicking the button of the consumable part, the consumable parts such as engine oil, oil element, fan belt, timing belt, plug, brake, battery, etc. mounted on the car Are displayed in a graph. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6C, in the process of step S56 in FIG. 6, details such as a part replacement item, a part price, and a carrying-in method of a selection item in the case of downloading are introduced in a text and a diagram. There is also.

The man-machine control unit 3 shown in FIG.
1 and 32 and programs for realizing the functions of the statistical data analysis unit 33 are recorded on computer-readable recording media, respectively, and the programs recorded on the recording media are stored in a computer constituting the DB server 30. The system is read, and the computer sequentially reads and executes the above-mentioned program, whereby a vehicle information sharing and providing system is constructed. The computer system referred to here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Further, if the computer system uses a WWW system, it also includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The computer-readable recording medium includes a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD.
-A storage medium such as a portable medium such as a ROM or a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, the computer-readable recording medium is a volatile memory (RA) in a computer system that is a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
As shown in M), a program holding a program for a certain period of time is also included.

The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. further,
What can realize the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes a design and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, vehicle information obtained from an automobile-related company is accumulated, each of the accumulated information is converted into a relational database, and the information is shared between the automobile-related companies via a network. Build a mechanism,
In addition, by providing a part of the information to an unspecified majority via the Internet, more reliable and more advanced information can be shared, and high trust can be obtained from individuals. By sharing vehicle information, members will be able to acquire higher reliability and quick technical skills,
It leads to improvement of social reputation. Individuals can browse a part of the database free of charge, and can purchase the necessary information in detail according to the amount and value of the information. Therefore, the member can gain high trust in the technology and service level of the individual who browsed, and the individual can arbitrarily select the member based on the information browsed, inspect the vehicle, repair or order parts, and purchase the vehicle. Etc. can be requested. In addition, the headquarters can use the database constructed by members to further improve CS for the individual of the client. A part of the information fee purchased by the individual shall be returned to the information providing member.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a mutual relationship between users who implement a method for sharing and providing vehicle information according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram cited for explaining a system configuration of a vehicle information sharing and providing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the DB server in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen configuration cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen configuration cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen configuration cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Member, 2 ... Individual, 3 ... Headquarters, 10 ... Member terminal group,
20: personal terminal group, 30: head office DB server, 31 (3
2) ... Man-machine control unit, 33 ... Statistical data analysis unit, 3
4 ... DB body, 40 ... Open network

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Vehicle information obtained from an automobile-related company is accumulated, each of the accumulated vehicle information is converted into a relational database, and the vehicle information is shared between the automobile-related companies via a network. A method for sharing and providing vehicle information, wherein a part of the vehicle information is provided to a user who uses the vehicle information via a network. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the stored vehicle information includes vehicle-specific information based on data items described in the vehicle verification and lifetime history information of the vehicle. How to share and provide information. 3. The method for sharing and providing vehicle information according to claim 1, wherein, when sharing or providing the stored information, a lifetime history of a target vehicle is shown as statistical data. 4. A first group of terminals belonging to an automobile-related company that provides vehicle information and shares the vehicle information, and a second group of terminals possessed by a person who uses the vehicle information via a network. Connected, accumulates vehicle information obtained via the first terminal group,
A person who makes each of the stored vehicle information into a relational database, permits the information to be shared between automobile-related companies via the network, and uses the vehicle information that has been requested partially via the network. A vehicle information sharing and providing system, further comprising a DB server provided through a second terminal group. 5. The database server, when sharing or providing the stored information, a man-machine control unit serving as an interface between the first and second terminals, and a life history of a target vehicle. And a statistical data analysis processing unit that indicates the statistical data as statistical data.
Vehicle information sharing and providing system described in. 6. A computer-readable recording medium recording a client program for sharing vehicle information stored in a DB server via a network, wherein the client program is unique to a vehicle based on data items described in vehicle verification. A first step of capturing the information input of the vehicle; a second step of capturing the input of the lifetime history information of the vehicle; and the unique information in the vehicle when the input information indicates the lifetime history of the vehicle. Third to associate with
And a fourth step of registering the associated unique information and lifetime history information in a database. A recording medium recording a client program for causing a computer to execute the following steps. 7. A computer-readable recording medium which records a client program for receiving service by retrieving vehicle information stored in a DB server via a network, wherein the client program comprises: a first step of inputting search conditions. A second step of extracting hit information from the DB server when the search condition is hit; and specifying whether to use the pay information when the extracted information is pay information. A third step to perform, and when the use of pay information is designated in the third step, the information is downloaded and a pay service is received;
On the other hand, when the use of free information is specified, a fourth step of requesting maintenance by e-mail, and as a result of the download, specifying whether or not there is a parts order including a maintenance request to the information provider, A fifth step of executing an ordering process when an order is placed; and a recording medium recording a client program for causing a computer to execute.