JP2002222326A - Optimum tire retrieval system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optimum tire retrieval system for selecting an optimum tire matched to the intention of a user based on vehicle information and a tire retrieval condition from the user. SOLUTION: Personal computers which a plurality of users have are connected to a computer which a server side being a tire maker has through the Internet, for example. A user side is provided with a transmission/reception means transmitting vehicle information of a vehicle which the user has and the tire retrieval condition to the server side through the Internet and receiving information from the server side, for example. The server side is provided with a tire retrieval means selecting the optimum tire based on vehicle information and the tire retrieval condition when vehicle information and the tire retrieval condition are received and informing the user of the tire. The user receives a tire retrieval result through the Internet and transmits the confirmation result to the server side. The server side guides the purchase method of the optimum tire to the user based on the confirmation result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optimum tire search system, and more particularly, to a tire manufacturer, for example, via the Internet, when a user desires to purchase and replace a tire, his / her own vehicle information and tire search conditions. An optimum tire search system that selects and selects the optimum tire based on the vehicle information and the tire search condition presented by the tire manufacturer and the vehicle and tire matching data held by the tire manufacturer. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to purchase and replace a tire, a user who is a purchaser selects one tire from among sold tires. Formula, grade, etc.) to extract the tire size that can be mounted, size matching with the vehicle from among them, and first determine the tire according to the user's intention such as design and price, and then from the magazine or catalog In many cases, tires are ultimately determined by comprehensively judging these based on information, impressions of the appearance of actually seeing the exhibits, information from acquaintances, and opinions and recommendations of sales staff. Therefore, except for the size matching information with the vehicle based on the basic specifications, the user is forced to select the tire only with the image information,
The user does not collect data on actual driving conditions and does not select tires in consideration of the results, comparing the characteristics change etc. between the tires that the user has installed and the newly purchased and replaced tires And it was difficult to make objective judgments.

[0003]

According to such a conventional situation of purchase and exchange, the purchaser's intention and the actual driving condition (many driving on a highway or driving in an urban area are common). , Etc.) may not be completely selected. When such a tire is selected, as a specific example, a tire having a lower friction force than intended by the user when turning a curve or a friction force with a road surface is selected. In some cases, such a problem may occur that a tire that is expensive and wears faster than intended by the user is selected.

Further, it is conceivable that the tires are actually mounted on a car before the purchase and a test run is performed. However, this is expensive and time-consuming, and is difficult to realize. Therefore, there are various difficult problems for the user to select an appropriate tire according to the actual driving situation. Furthermore, since the actual usage of tires often depends on the driving skills of the user, it is necessary to diagnose the driving skills of the user and use it as reference data for tire selection. However, since an objective diagnosis is required, it is necessary for a driver having excellent driving skills to ride on the vehicle, and the user himself cannot make the diagnosis alone.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to completely match the intention of a purchaser user based on vehicle information from the user, tire search conditions, and tire manufacturer data when purchasing and replacing tires. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optimum tire search system capable of selecting an optimum tire based on objective data.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a personal computer possessed by a plurality of users and a computer possessed by a server, which is a tire maker, are connected, for example, via the Internet, and a plurality of users are connected. When a user who wishes to purchase and replace tires,
An optimal tire search system that performs optimal tire selection based on vehicle information and tire search conditions provided by a user, and provides the user with vehicle information and a tire search condition of a vehicle owned by the user, such as the Internet. Transmission / reception means for transmitting information to the server via the server and receiving information from the server. When the server receives the vehicle information and the tire search condition, the server selects the optimal tire based on the vehicle information and the tire search condition. A tire search means for making a selection and notifying the user is provided.The user receives the tire search result via the Internet, transmits the confirmation result to the server side, and the server side notifies the user based on the confirmation result. To guide you on the best way to buy tires.

With such a configuration, the user who is the purchaser and the tire maker which is the supply side transmit the tire characteristic data measured and recorded in advance based on the vehicle information and the tire search conditions provided by the user. Based on the original tire search, clarify the change in characteristics with the tires used so far, and based on objective data, find the optimal tire search to supply tire information according to the user's wishes Then, the search results and the purchase method can be provided from the tire manufacturer.

[0008]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention. As shown, a personal computer of each user and a server computer on the tire maker side are connected via information transmission means such as the Internet. Other information transmission means include general telephone lines, mobile phones, personal computer communication, mailable means such as magnetic tapes, FDs, and PC cards. As a basic procedure, vehicle information including various vehicle data from the user and tire search conditions are sent to the tire maker via information transmission means, and the tire maker optimizes the vehicle based on the vehicle information and the tire search conditions. Search for the right tire and return the search results to the user.

As described in detail below, tire search conditions from a user include vehicle information such as a vehicle name,
It can include year, mileage, tire size, brand of currently mounted tires, etc., and can present budget, sound, WET characteristics, etc. as tire search priorities. Can be designated as, for example, “10”. Also, the output from the server side can be designated as a "recommended tire list".

Incidentally, the vehicle has an acceleration (G) sensor (including a G sensor of an ABS device), a vehicle speed sensor,
It is equipped with a tilt sensor, other sensors, a car navigation system, a control computer and a data storage device. Using these devices, data such as longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration, tilt angle, vehicle rotation angle, running speed, running distance, running area, etc. are measured and temporarily stored as vehicle information. Further, as other vehicle information, vehicle data (manufacturer, vehicle type, year, grade, number, etc.), tire-related information (tire size, tire name, rim width, air pressure, etc.), vehicle specifications (drive system, wheel, etc.) Base, tread width, suspension type, brake system type, etc.), changes (names of replaced parts, specification values, measured values, etc.), user information (address, name,
Age, occupation, telephone number, use of car, ID number, etc.) may be input to a predetermined data storage device.

The user uses the image display device, the information processing device, and the data input device mounted on the vehicle or on his / her personal computer to select and input the tire characteristics that the user wants to improve the performance. Via the Internet to a server-side computer installed at a store or a base. In this case, the user may select a desired tire characteristic item by using a keyword, a free word, or the like, or may select a plurality of desired tire characteristic items. Further, before transmitting these data, the various user information described above may be added using data input means such as a keyboard. Further, the user may transmit the above-described various user information from a terminal device installed in a store or the like.

The vehicle information is sent to a server computer on the tire maker side, for example, via the Internet. The server-side tire maker
Vehicle information such as running data, tire data, and vehicle data transmitted from the user's personal computer to the server-side computer is stored. The tire manufacturer measures various measurement data (WET performance, rolling resistance, etc.) of the tire in advance, and stores the measurement result in a database on a server-side computer at a store or a base. In this case, various measurement data include the spring characteristics ｛the vertical spring constant (easiness of deformation in the vertical direction), the horizontal spring constant (easiness of deformation in the horizontal direction), and the circumferential spring constant (easiness of deformation in the circumferential direction). ｝, Cornering characteristics (turning ability), natural vibration (vibration related to noise), rolling resistance (tire resistance to the traveling direction), and WET performance (performance on wet road surfaces), etc. is there.

Then, the tire maker uses the above-mentioned tire characteristic information previously stored in a database (DB) of the server-side computer based on information such as tire search condition data and vehicle data transmitted to the server-side computer. Then, it performs collation and calculation (including simulation) with a plurality of DBs such as vehicle and tire matching information, and searches for an optimal tire size, brand, and the like that match the vehicle and meet the user's wishes.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram on the user side (vehicle side). The user system includes at least a storage unit for storing a main program, a database (DB) for storing user information and the like, and a computer (control unit) for performing various controls. Further, an unillustrated in-vehicle computer, storage device, acceleration sensor (G sensor), vehicle speed sensor, and the like are provided. The user inputs tire search conditions, vehicle information, and the like from a keyboard or the like in accordance with a procedure described later while looking at the display screen of the personal computer, and the information is transmitted from the control means to the server side via information communication means such as the Internet. Sent to computer. Then, the search result provided from the server-side computer is input to the control means and displayed on the personal computer screen. Therefore, the main program is for controlling the transmission, reception, display and the like, and the control means is constituted by a computer, and performs various operation controls based on the main program.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram on the server side. The input information from the user side system shown in FIG.
The information is received by the control means via the Internet or the like, and after searching for the optimum tire based on the control by the main program, is transmitted from the control means to the user. Each database of the server side system includes tire information, vehicle information, vehicle and tire matching information, acceleration (G)
Measurement information, member information, store information, and the like are stored, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart of the present invention, and generally describes a procedure corresponding to the display screens of FIGS. 6 to 21 described later. P1, P in the figure
2,. . . P16 corresponds to the number of the display screen in each figure. The main menu on the user's PC screen is "Tire Search", "ID Registration", "Vehicle Information Registration"
Is displayed (P1), the user selects one of them. If "Tire Search" is selected, the screen shifts to the tire search condition setting screen (P2), and if "ID Registration" is selected,
The screen shifts to an ID registration screen (P4). "Vehicle information"
Is selected, the screen shifts to a vehicle information registration screen (P6).
When the tire search condition is set (P1
6) It is determined whether or not vehicle matching information is necessary. If necessary, guidance is provided to the effect that "simulation taking into account matching with the vehicle can be performed and more optimal tires can be searched" (P6).

On the other hand, if it is not necessary, it is determined whether or not to execute the search. If the search is executed, the search result is displayed (P8), the vehicle matching simulation result is displayed (P9), and the purchase request screen is displayed. Is displayed, and the user fills in the requested items and makes a request (P10). However, when the search is not executed, the screen returns to the tire search screen (P2). Also, as will be described in detail in the drawings described later, (P
4) It is determined whether the user is a new registration, a change of an existing registration, or a deletion of an existing registration. That is, in the case of new registration, it is determined whether or not the ID and the password have already been used. If the ID and password have been used, an error message is displayed. If not, the process proceeds to the tire search menu (P2).
Also, in the case of changing or deleting an existing registration, it is determined whether or not the ID and the password match, and if they do not match, an error message is displayed. (P2).

FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart in the present invention. As illustrated, the processing on the user side, the processing on the tire maker side, and the exchange between the two are shown. When the user accesses the tire search page of the tire maker (S1), the tire maker transmits a top page to the user (S11). When the user requests a user input screen from the tire maker (S2), the tire maker transmits the user input screen to the user (S12). The user inputs tire search conditions, personal information, vehicle information, and the like along the user input screen and transmits the information to the tire manufacturer (S3). The tire manufacturer registers the personal information, vehicle information, and the like in the user database. (S13), and notifies the user of the completion of registration (S14).

Further, the user requests the tire maker to execute a search (S4), and the tire maker performs a tire search, a vehicle matching calculation and the like (S15),
The calculation result is transmitted to the user (S16). When the user requests the tire purchase request screen from the tire maker (S5), the tire maker transmits the tire purchase request screen to the user (S17), and the user submits a purchase request in which necessary items are filled out to the tire maker. To (S
6), the tire maker notifies the user of the completion of the purchase request (S18), and ends the processing.

FIG. 6 shows a start screen of the optimum tire search system. On the screen, as shown in the figure, the user is informed of “selection of tires according to preference”, “simulation of matching with vehicle”, and “date and time of tire replacement”. The user selects (clicks) any one of the “ID registration screen”, “tire search condition setting”, and “vehicle information registration screen”.

FIG. 7 is a display screen when "set tire search conditions" is selected in FIG. As shown in the figure, the "tire width", "flatness", "inch", etc. of the front wheel and the rear wheel are entered, and if the front wheel and the rear wheel are different, the manufacturer name or name is entered. In the “keyword setting”, search conditions to be prioritized are set in detail. Further, for example, "I want to run sporty" can be entered as "free word setting". In addition, the number of searches can be specified.

FIG. 8 is a screen for retrieving a tire size from a vehicle. As shown in the figure, the user is asked to enter a car manufacturer name, a name, a grade, a model year, and the like. Further, the user sequentially clicks “execute search” and “apply search results”. Then, for the front wheel and the rear wheel, the information is entered in the same manner as in the tire size search described above. FIG. 9 is a display screen when "ID registration screen" is selected in FIG. As shown in the figure, already registered members are registered users I
D. Fill in your registration password. On the other hand, a user other than a registered member fills in "name", "address", "telephone number", "e-mail" and the like.

FIG. 10 shows a registration confirmation screen. The user newly registered on the screen of FIG. 9 checks whether the registered contents such as “ID number”, “password”, “address”, and “name” are correct on this screen. FIG. 11 shows a vehicle information registration screen. After the user registration is confirmed in FIG. 10, "manufacturer", "name", "grade", "year"
And the like, and the current traveling distance is input as vehicle information of the user.

FIG. 12 is a screen for confirming the search contents, in which priority items of the search conditions input in FIG. 7 are listed in order, and detailed setting of each item is performed. On the tire maker side,
Based on the entered vehicle information, a simulation is performed in consideration of matching with the vehicle, and guidance is provided that an optimal tire search can be performed. FIG. 13 is a display screen of a tire search result. Fill in the reasons (views) for selecting tires by the tire manufacturer, and as a result of vehicle matching simulation, "Cornering characteristics", "Budget", "Ride comfort", "Quietness", "Rolling resistance", "WET performance", etc. This is represented by a radar chart, and the current tire (solid hexagon) and the search tire (dotted hexagon) are visually displayed. In this example, it can be seen that the tire has excellent WET performance and quietness as compared with other characteristics. In addition, the design of the tire is displayed, and further, a comment section is provided, so that the user can give his / her opinion and hope on the selected tire to the tire manufacturer.

FIG. 14 is a display of a vehicle matching simulation result. As shown, as a result list,
Enter the tire name, lane change performance and turning performance. In addition, the user can change the vehicle information and request a "re-simulate". The user can then enter a comment requesting a re-simulation.

FIG. 15 shows a purchase request screen. The user selects a tire that matches his or her intention from the “inspection result list” listed in order of priority. After the selection, clicking the “Retailer Search Screen” will guide the nearest retailer. However, if you ’ve already entered your own address, you ’ll need to click “
You can specify the date and time of tire replacement.

FIG. 16 shows a store search screen. When the user enters an address, the nearest store is displayed from the address. If the user agrees with the displayed dealer, click “Set as a dealer”, and if not, click “Next candidate display”. The user clicks the “date and time designation screen” to set the date and time, and clicks “end of store search” when agreeing to the store.

FIG. 17 shows a screen for specifying the date and time. The user specifies the desired date and time for tire replacement from the first request,
You can fill in up to the third request. FIG. 18 shows a purchase confirmation screen. The user checks the “ID number”, “password”, “name”, and other items to be described. If you agree with the information, click "Buy".

FIG. 19 shows a screen for completing the purchase request. When the user clicks "purchase" in FIG. 18, the screen shifts to this display screen, the tire maker gives thanks to the user, and when the user clicks "end", the screen ends. FIG. 20 is a search condition help screen. Ask the user for "keyword search"
Select "Free word search". As shown,
Display the description of the tire characteristic term of "keyword search",
A search example for "free word search" is displayed.

FIG. 21 is a screen for explaining the details of the priorities in FIG. When the priority is set to, for example, "budget", the detailed setting is set to, for example, "11000 to 12000 yen / book".

[0031]

According to the present invention, the most suitable tire selection and vehicle setting, etc., according to the user's desire are performed based on the vehicle information and tire search conditions provided by the user, and the vehicle and tire matching data of the tire manufacturer. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in vehicle running performance due to an incorrect tire selection and a user's dissatisfaction due to inappropriate tire selection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram on the user side (vehicle side) of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram on the server side of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart (part 1) of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart (part 2) of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a start screen of the optimal tire search system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a display screen when “Tire search condition setting” is selected in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a screen for searching for a tire size from a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display screen when “ID registration screen” is selected in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a registration confirmation screen of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a vehicle information registration screen of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a search content confirmation screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a display screen of a tire search result of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a display of a vehicle matching simulation result of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a screen of a purchase request of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a display screen of a store search according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a screen for specifying date and time according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a purchase confirmation screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a screen showing the completion of a purchase request of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a search condition help screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a screen for explaining details of priorities in FIG. 12;

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Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A personal computer possessed by a plurality of users and a computer possessed by a server which is a tire maker are connected via an information transmission means, and a desired user among the plurality of users purchases and purchases tires. When performing replacement, based on the vehicle information and tire search conditions provided by the user, an optimal tire search system that performs optimal tire selection, the user side, vehicle information of the vehicle owned by the user Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting the tire search condition to the server side via the information transmission means and receiving information from the server side, wherein the server side receives the vehicle information and the tire search condition; A tire search unit for selecting an optimum tire based on the vehicle information and the tire search condition and notifying the user. The user receives the tire search result via the information transmission means, and transmits the confirmation result to the server side, and the server side purchases an optimal tire for the user based on the confirmation result. Optimal tire search system to guide you through the method. 2. The optimum tire search system according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission means includes at least the Internet, a telephone line, a mobile phone, a personal computer communication, and a mailing means such as a magnetic tape, an FD, and a PC card. 3. The optimum tire search system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle information includes at least data of acceleration, longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions, a traveling speed, a traveling distance, and a traveling area of the vehicle. 4. The vehicle information includes vehicle data including a manufacturer name, a vehicle type name, a model year, a grade and a number,
Tire-related information including tire size, tire name, rim width, oblateness and air pressure, vehicle specifications including drive system, wheelbase, tread width, suspension type and brake system type, and changes including names of replaced parts 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the content includes user information including an address, a name, an age, an occupation, a telephone number, a method of using the car, and an ID number.
Optimal tire search system described in. 5. The tire search condition includes at least:
Front and rear wheel size differences, front and rear tire widths,
The optimal tire search system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes an aspect ratio, an inch, and a search number. 6. The tire search condition includes at least:
2. The optimum tire according to claim 1, including a purchase budget, WET performance indicating characteristics on a wet road surface, quietness, rolling resistance of the tire when running, steering stability, cornering characteristics when turning, riding comfort and tire design. Search system. 7. A radar chart for purchasing budget, WET performance, quietness, rolling resistance, steering stability, cornering characteristics, and riding comfort based on the tire search condition,
The optimal tire search system according to claim 1, further comprising displaying a tire design and notifying the user as a search result. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the tire search condition can take into account the user's own driving preference information.
Optimal tire search system described in. 9. The vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising at least an acceleration (G) sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a car navigation system for acquiring the vehicle information.
Optimal tire search system described in. 10. The optimum tire search system according to claim 1, wherein the server stores in advance matching information of various vehicles and tires. 11. The optimal tire search system according to claim 1, wherein the server notifies the user of a tire search result and then guides a method of obtaining an optimal tire.