JP7495596B2 - Exchange support system, exchange support method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an exchange assistance system, an exchange assistance method, and a program.

For example, there are products such as tires whose condition changes with use and eventually reach the end of their life. Technology has been developed to determine this end of life without contact.

Patent document 1 describes a recognition method and device that can recognize tire type and wear condition from tire images using a convolutional neural network.

Patent Document 2 also discloses measuring the depth of tire grooves using a laser displacement meter placed at a car stop. Patent Document 3 describes a measuring device that uses ultrasound to measure the depth of tire grooves.

JP 2019-35626 A JP 2019-86293 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-62924

For example, it is not easy to properly determine when to replace a product such as a tire. Moreover, because the size and performance of the product vary widely, it is difficult to properly replace the product just by determining its lifespan.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that supports the appropriate replacement of products that wear out through use.

To solve the above problems, the replacement assistance system of the present invention includes an image acquisition means for acquiring an image of a product in use, an replacement determination means for determining the need to replace the product based on the acquired image, a type determination means for determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image, a determination means for determining a type that is a candidate for replacement from the plurality of types based on the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the plurality of types, and a notification means for notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined need for replacement.

In one aspect of the present invention, the type may be at least one of the brand, model number, and manufacturer of the product.

In one aspect of the present invention, the replacement determination means may include a determiner that is trained using an image of the product and training data indicating the degree of wear of the product.

In one aspect of the present invention, the product may be a tire.

In one aspect of the present invention, the image acquisition means may acquire images of the tread and sidewalls of the product in use.

In one aspect of the present invention, the need to replace the product may be determined based on the manufacturing date contained in the acquired image of the sidewall.

In one aspect of the present invention, the type determination means may determine the size and type of the product based on the acquired image, and the determination means may determine a type that is a candidate for replacement from the multiple types based on the determined size, the determined type, the sizes present in each of the multiple types, and data indicating the characteristics of each of the multiple types.

In one aspect of the present invention, the characteristics may include at least some of the following: price, braking performance, rolling resistance, comfort, wear resistance, quietness, and snow and ice performance.

In one aspect of the present invention, the notification means may notify the notification destination of the determined type in a manner corresponding to the difference between the characteristics of the determined type and the characteristics of the determined type.

In one aspect of the present invention, the image acquisition means may acquire an image of the product from an imaging means that captures an image of the product at a location where a vehicle equipped with the product is parked.

The replacement assistance method according to the present invention also includes the steps of acquiring an image of a product in use, determining the need to replace the product based on the acquired image, determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image, determining a type that is a candidate for replacement from the plurality of types based on the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the plurality of types, and notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined need for replacement.

The program of the present invention causes a computer to function as an image acquisition means for acquiring an image of a product in use, an exchange determination means for determining the need to exchange the product based on the acquired image, a type determination means for determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image, a determination means for determining a type that is a candidate for exchange from the plurality of types based on the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the plurality of types, and a notification means for notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined need for exchange.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle equipped with a tire. FIG. 3 is a top view diagrammatically illustrating the vehicle shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an overview of processing by the information processing device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of a tread. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of a sidewall. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a proposed brand determination unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of brand characteristic information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of brand characteristic information. FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process of a proposal information generating unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the process of the exchange determination unit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Duplicate descriptions of components with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 1, a notification device 21, and image capture devices 22a and 22b. The information processing device 1 is a computer such as a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an input/output unit 14.

The processor 11, like a CPU, executes processing according to the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The processor 11 also controls the communication unit 13 and the input/output unit 14.

The storage unit 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and a storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores the above-mentioned programs. The storage unit 12 also stores information and calculation results input from the processor 11, the communication unit 13, and the input/output unit 14. The above-mentioned programs may be provided via the Internet, etc., or may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flash memory or an optical disk.

The communication unit 13 includes an integrated circuit that realizes a communication interface for wireless communication. Based on the control of the processor 11, the communication unit 13 inputs information received from other devices to the processor 11 and the storage unit 12, and transmits information to other devices.

The input/output unit 14 is composed of a display output device, an audio output device, and an interface to an input device. The display output device is, for example, a liquid crystal display, the audio output device is, for example, a speaker, and the input device is, for example, a user interface such as a keyboard or a mouse. The input/output unit 14 may include a display output device, an audio output device, and an input device.

The notification device 21 is a device that presents information to a user, and is, for example, any one of a display output device, an audio output device, and a device that prints images. The notification device 21 may also be a portable device owned by the user, such as a smartphone.

The photographing devices 22a and 22b are photographing devices such as cameras, and output images generated by photographing to the information processing device 1. The photographing device 22b may be a device that photographs images including depth information, such as a stereo camera capable of photographing three-dimensional images or a depth camera capable of photographing depth images.

Fig. 2 is a side view showing a schematic example of a vehicle 30 equipped with a tire 32. Fig. 3 is a top view showing a schematic example of the vehicle 30 shown in Fig. 2. The photographing devices 22a and 22b are installed at a location where the vehicle 30 equipped with the tire 32 can be photographed at the location where the vehicle 30 is stopped. For example, the photographing devices 22a and 22b are installed in a parking lot or a gas station, and the vehicle 30 is parked in the parking lot or gas station when it is photographed.

In this case, the notification device 21 may be a display or speaker installed at the parking lot or gasoline payment location, or a printer that prints out a receipt including the notification. The photographing devices 22a and 22b may be placed on the escalator to photograph the soles of the shoes worn by the user, and a monitor that displays advertisements may be installed at the foot of the escalator as the notification device 21.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the image capturing device 22a is disposed in a position where it can capture an image of the left side of the tire 32 mounted as the left rear wheel of the vehicle 30. The image capturing device 22b is disposed in a position where it can capture an image of the tread surface of the tire 32 mounted as the left rear wheel of the vehicle 30. Although Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which the left rear wheel is captured, the right rear wheel and the left and right front wheels may also be captured.

In this embodiment, the necessity of replacing the tire 32 is determined based on the tread image 40 (see FIG. 6) captured by the image capture device 22a and the sidewall image 34 (see FIG. 7) captured by the image capture device 22b, and the type of tire (particularly the brand) to be notified to the user is determined. This process is described below.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device 1. Functionally, the information processing device 1 includes an image acquisition unit 51, an exchange determination unit 52, a type determination unit 53, a suggested brand determination unit 55, and a suggested information output unit 56. These functions are implemented by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the memory unit 12, and the processor 11 further controlling the communication unit 13 and the input/output unit 14 as necessary. In addition, the functions shown in Figure 4 may be executed by multiple computers.

The image acquisition unit 51 acquires an image of the tire 32. The tire 32 is a product used by a user and changes shape as it wears out. The tire 32 may be a pneumatic tire, which may be filled with air, an inert gas such as nitrogen, or other gases. The image acquisition unit 51 may acquire an image of a shoe sole instead of the tire 32.

The replacement determination unit 52 determines the need to replace the captured tire 32 based on the acquired image. The replacement determination unit 52 includes a determiner that has been trained using the image of the tire 32 and training data that indicates the degree of wear of the tire 32.

The type determination unit 53 determines whether the photographed tire 32 is one of a number of predetermined types based on the acquired image. The type of tire includes at least one of the product brand, model number, and manufacturer. The type determination unit 53 also obtains the size of the photographed tire 32 based on the acquired image.

The proposed brand determination unit 55 determines a type that is a candidate for replacement from among a plurality of predetermined types based on the determined type of tire 32 and data indicating the characteristics of each of the plurality of predetermined types. The characteristics include at least some of the following: price, braking performance, rolling resistance, comfort, wear resistance, quietness, and snow and ice performance.

Based on the determined need for replacement, the proposed information output unit 56 outputs information including the determined type to the user to be notified, thereby notifying the user of the determined type. More specifically, image or audio information indicating the determined type is output to the notification device 21, and the notification device 21 outputs the image or audio to the user. The user to be notified may be determined according to the tire, and the user who uses the tire or vehicle may be different from the user to be notified. For example, if the owner of the vehicle and tire is a corporation, the notification device 21 may output an email including the determined type to an email address or the like that serves as the corporation's contact point.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing an overview of the processing of the information processing device 1. First, the image acquisition unit 51 of the information processing device 1 acquires the tread image 40 and the sidewall image 34 of the tire 32 from the photographing devices 22a and 22b (step S101).

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a tread image 40 of a tire 32 captured by the image capture device 22b. In the example of Figure 6, slip signs 42 on the tread surface are captured. Several slip signs 42 are provided in each of the main grooves 44. The tread pattern may also be captured in the tread image 40. Note that the tread pattern is omitted from the tread image 40 shown in Figure 6. A region of interest 46 in the tread image 40, in which the slip signs 42 and the surface of the tread surface are captured, is used to determine the wear of the tire 32.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sidewall image 34 showing the left side of a tire 32 captured by the image capture device 22a. As shown in Figure 7, the sidewall image 34 shows a brand description 36a, a manufacturer description 36b, a production date description 36c, and a size description 38 that are stamped on the sidewall of the tire 32. Although not shown in Figure 7, the sidewall image 34 may also show a slip sign on the side that is stamped on the shoulder portion of the tire 32. The slip sign on the side may be used to identify the region of interest 46.

Once the tread image 40 and the sidewall image 34 are acquired, the type determination unit 53 determines the size of the tire 32 based on the sidewall image 34 (step S102). More specifically, the type determination unit 53 determines the size of the tire 32 by recognizing the size description 38 included in the sidewall image 34 using a known character recognition technique.

Then, the type determination unit 53 determines the brand of the tire 32 based on the sidewall image 34 and the tread image 40 (step S103). More specifically, the type determination unit 53 recognizes the brand description 36a included in the sidewall image 34 by a known character recognition technology, calculates the similarity between the tread pattern included in the tread image 40 and the tread pattern of each brand, and determines the brand of the tire 32 based on the characters of the recognized brand description 36a and the calculated similarity. The type determination unit 53 may determine the brand based on only one of the sidewall image 34 and the tread image 40. The type determination unit 53 may also recognize the manufacturer description 36b or the manufacturing date description 36c included in the sidewall image 34 by a known character recognition technology, and obtain the manufacturer name or the manufacturing date, respectively. If the obtained manufacturer is a specific manufacturer, the type determination unit 53 may not execute the process of determining the brand. The type determination unit 53 may also determine the model number itself instead of the brand.

Once the brand and other information are acquired, the replacement determination unit 52 determines the need to replace the tire 32 based on the tread image 40 and the machine learning model (step S104). More specifically, the replacement determination unit 52 generates a target input image by enlarging or reducing the focus area 46 of the tread image 40 to an image of a predetermined number of pixels, and determines the degree of wear of the tire 32 based on the output when the generated target input image is input to the trained machine learning model. The replacement determination unit 52 also outputs the degree of wear of the tire 32 as the need for replacement. The replacement determination unit 52 may determine the degree of wear of the tire 32 based on an image of an area that does not include the slip sign 42.

In this embodiment, the machine learning model is a machine learning model that implements machine learning such as Adaboost, random forest, neural network, support vector machine (SVM), nearest neighbor classifier, etc. Depending on the input, the machine learning model may output, for example, one bit of data indicating whether the degree of wear of the tire 32 is normal or abnormal, or may output data indicating which of multiple predetermined stages the degree of wear of the tire 32 is in.

The machine learning model is trained in advance using training data that includes training input images and training data. This training data includes a training input image, which is an image of a predetermined number of pixels that shows the tread surface of the tire 32, and given training data that indicates the degree of wear of the tire 32 shown in the training input image.

The learning input image is an image of a predetermined number of pixels that shows the tread surface of the tire 32. Here, the number of pixels of the learning input image is the same as the number of pixels of the target input image described above. For example, the position of the slip sign 42 may be fixed in the learning input image. The learning input image may also be generated by extracting an area of a predetermined number of pixels corresponding to the region of interest 46 from a plurality of images collected in advance that are similar to the tread image 40, and enlarging or reducing it.

In supervised learning of a machine learning model, for example, a process is performed in which a learning input image is input to the machine learning model, and a process is performed in which the machine learning model is trained using the output when the learning input image is input to the machine learning model. For example, in supervised learning, the difference between the output when the learning input image included in the learning data is input to the machine learning model and the teacher data included in the learning data may be identified, and the parameter values of the machine learning model may be updated based on the identified difference.

If it is determined that there is no need to replace the tire 32 (N in step S105), the process ends and the user is notified of normal advertisements, etc.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the tire 32 needs to be replaced (Y in step S105), the proposed brand determination unit 55 determines the brand to be proposed to the user based on the determined brand or manufacturer (step S106). Then, the proposed information output unit 56 generates proposed information including the determined proposed brand (step S107), and notifies the user of the proposed information by outputting the generated proposed information to the notification device 21 (step S108).

The process of step S106 for determining the brand is described in more detail below. Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the process of the proposed brand determination unit 55.

First, the proposed brand determination unit 55 acquires the price range and performance (hereinafter referred to as the reference price range and reference performance, respectively) of the brand (hereinafter referred to as the reference brand) determined by the type determination unit 53 (step S201). More specifically, the proposed brand determination unit 55 acquires, as characteristic information, information indicating the performance associated with the determined brand and size, and a value indicating the price range.

Here, it is assumed that characteristic information is stored in advance in the memory unit 12 for each brand and size. Among the specific information, information (items) indicating performance include values of rolling resistance, values of braking performance, and values indicating comfort, wear resistance, quietness, and performance on ice and snow. The characteristic information may not include some of these, or may include other information. Values for each performance item of a reference brand are called reference values. The memory unit 12 also stores information indicating the presence or absence of tire 32 sizes by brand. The presence or absence of a size may be indicated by simply associating characteristic information with a brand and an existing size in the memory unit 12. The characteristic information may also be stored in the memory unit 12 in association with a manufacturer or model number as a substitute for a brand, and a size.

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams explaining an example of brand characteristic information, plotting the price range and performance of brands having a specific size (205/55R16). For example, "A made by company A" and "B made by company A" indicate that the manufacturer is company A and that the brands are different brands within that manufacturer. Note that the brand descriptions in Figures 9 and 10 are omitted, so even if the brand descriptions are the same in Figures 9 and 10 (for example, "A made by company A" and "A made by company B"), they are actually different brands.

When the standard price range and standard performance of the determined brand are acquired, the proposed brand determination unit 55 selects one or more brands whose price range and performance have a predetermined relationship with the determined brand from the brands of a specific company having the determined size (step S202). More specifically, the proposed brand determination unit 55 selects a brand that has a price range value greater than the standard price range and has better performance than the standard performance from the brands of a specific company having the determined size. Here, the proposed brand determination unit 55 may select a brand that is superior to the standard brand in at least one of braking performance, rolling performance, comfort, wear resistance, quietness, and snow and ice performance as a brand that is superior to the standard performance. When a certain item is one in which the larger the value of the item, the higher the performance, the greater the value of the item, and when a smaller value of the item, the smaller the performance, the greater the value of the item, the smaller the value of the item, the smaller the value of the item,

The proposed brand determination unit 55 may also switch the conditions for selecting a brand depending on the value of the reference price range. For example, if the reference price range is smaller than a threshold (the price is relatively low), a brand of a specific company whose price range is smaller than the reference price range may be selected, and if the value of the reference price range is larger than the threshold (the price is relatively high), a brand whose performance value is larger than the reference performance may be selected. The proposed brand determination unit 55 may also select a brand from among brands of a specific company whose comfort value is within a certain range centered on the comfort value of the reference performance.

Once the brands are selected, the proposed brand determination unit 55 sorts the selected brands and stores the sorted list of brands in the memory unit 12 (step S203). For example, the proposed brand determination unit 55 may sort the brands so that those with a small distance between the reference price range and reference performance values and the price range and performance values are ranked higher.

Next, the processing of steps S107 and S108 for outputting the proposed information will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing of the proposed information output unit 56.

First, the proposed information output unit 56 acquires the first brand from the list of brands stored in the storage unit 12 by the proposed brand determination unit 55 (step S301). Then, the proposed information output unit 56 calculates the difference in price range and performance of the acquired brand with respect to the determined brand of the photographed tire 32 (step S302). More specifically, for each of the price range, rolling resistance value, braking performance value, and comfort value, the difference between the value determined from the photographed tire 32 and the value for the brand acquired from the list is calculated. The proposed information output unit 56 also associates the calculated difference in each item with the brand and stores it in the storage unit 12. Note that the proposed information output unit 56 may only calculate whether the value for the brand acquired from the list is larger or smaller than the value determined from the photographed tire 32.

If all brands have not been obtained from the list (N in step S303), the proposal information output unit 56 obtains the next brand from the list (step S304) and repeats the processing from step S302 onwards.

On the other hand, when all brands have been acquired from the list (Y in step S303), the proposed information output unit 56 generates proposed information according to the difference calculated for each brand based on the difference (step S305). For example, when the difference in the price range of the photographed tire 32 with respect to the determined brand is equal to or less than the price threshold, the proposed information output unit 56 creates proposed information including a proposal statement such as "If you want to choose based on cost performance, choose this brand" and information explaining the brand (explanation information). Similarly, when the difference in the rolling resistance value is equal to or greater than the resistance threshold, the proposed information output unit 56 may create proposed information including a proposal statement such as "If you want low fuel consumption, choose this brand" and explanation information, and when the difference in the comfort value is greater than the performance threshold, the proposed information may create proposed information including a proposal statement such as "If you want to prioritize driving, choose this brand" and explanation information. Also, instead of the proposed statement, the explanation may include the price range and performance of each brand, and an image may be generated that highlights the more advantageous price range and performance items. The proposed information may also include the sales location and inventory status of tires of each brand. The suggested information output unit 56 may generate image information as suggested information, may generate audio information as suggested information, or may generate the text of a message as suggested information.

When the proposed information is generated, the proposed information output unit 56 transmits the generated proposed information to the notification device 21 and causes the notification device 21 to output the proposed information (step S306). The notification device 21 receives the proposed information and outputs the image and sound indicated by the proposed information to the user.

In this embodiment, the need for tire 32 replacement is determined based on images from the photographing devices 22a, 22b, and a replacement suggestion is made. This allows the user to recognize the need for replacement at a more appropriate time. In addition, the suggested tire brand and suggested information are generated according to the differences in the characteristics of the brand of tire 32 photographed, making it possible to make suggestions that are more in line with the user's preferences. As a result, this embodiment can support appropriate tire 32 replacement. Furthermore, the introduction of this information processing system allows the system operator to encourage users to replace their tires 32 and earn profits.

In the above explanation, the replacement determination unit 52 determines the necessity of replacing the tire 32 based on the tread image 40, but the necessity of replacement may be determined by other methods. FIG. 12 shows a modified example of the processing of the replacement determination unit 52.

In the process shown in FIG. 12, the replacement determination unit 52 obtains the recognized manufacturing date from the acquired sidewall image 34 (step S501). More specifically, the replacement determination unit 52 may obtain the manufacturing date of the tire 32 by recognizing the manufacturing date description 36c included in the sidewall image 34 using a known character recognition technique.

The exchange determination unit 52 also acquires an exchange determination threshold corresponding to the brand determined by the type determination unit 53 (step S502). More specifically, the storage unit 12 stores exchange determination thresholds in advance in association with each of a plurality of brands, and the exchange determination unit 52 acquires an exchange determination threshold associated with the determined brand.

Then, if the time elapsed since the manufacturing date is greater than (or equal to or greater than) the replacement judgment threshold (Y in step S504), the replacement judgment unit 52 judges that the tire 32 needs to be replaced (step S504). On the other hand, if the time elapsed since the manufacturing date is less than (or less than) the replacement judgment threshold (N in step S504), the replacement judgment unit 52 judges that the tire 32 does not need to be replaced (step S505). The process shown in FIG. 12 judges the need to replace the tire 32 taking into account the deterioration over time of, for example, studless tires and some sporty tires. Since the ease of deterioration over time differs depending on the brand, etc., the need for replacement can be more appropriately determined by setting different judgment criteria for each brand. Of course, the replacement judgment unit 52 may judge the need for replacement based on both the time elapsed since the manufacturing date and the tread image 40.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the scope described. The specific numerical values and character strings in the present embodiments, as well as the specific numerical values and character strings in the drawings, are merely examples, and the invention is not limited to these numerical values and character strings.

1 Information processing device, 11 Processor, 12 Storage unit, 13 Communication unit, 14 Input/output unit, 21 Notification device, 22a, 22b Photography device, 30 Vehicle, 32 Tire, 34 Sidewall image, 36a Brand description, 36b Manufacturer description, 36c Manufacturing date description, 38 Size description, 40 Tread image, 42 Slip sign, 44 Main groove, 46 Focus area, 51 Image acquisition unit, 52 Replacement determination unit, 53 Type determination unit, 55 Proposed brand determination unit, 56 Proposed information output unit.

Claims (12)

Image capture means for capturing an image of the product in use;
a replacement determination means for determining the necessity of replacing the product based on the acquired image;
a type determination means for determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image;
a determination means for acquiring information indicating characteristics of the type determined by the type determination means , and determining a type to be a candidate for replacement from among the multiple types based on data indicating the characteristics of the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the multiple types;
a notification means for notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined necessity of replacement;
Exchange support system including. In the exchange assistance system according to claim 1 ,
The type is at least one of the brand, model, and manufacturer of the product;
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to claim 1 or 2,
The replacement determination means includes a determiner that is trained using an image of the product and training data indicating a degree of consumption of the product.
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The product is a tire.
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to claim 4,
the image capture means captures images of the tread and sidewall of the product in use;
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to claim 5,
determining whether or not the product needs to be replaced based on a manufacturing date included in the acquired image of the sidewall;
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The type determination means determines the size and the type of the product based on the acquired image,
the determining means determines a type to be a candidate for replacement from the plurality of types based on the determined size, the determined type, sizes present in each of the plurality of types, and data indicating characteristics of each of the plurality of types;
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
The characteristics include at least some of the following: price, braking performance, rolling resistance, comfort, wear resistance, quietness, and snow and ice performance;
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
the notification means creates proposed information of the determined type based on a difference between the characteristics of the determined type and the characteristics of the determined type, and notifies the notification destination of the proposed information.
Exchange support system. In the exchange assistance system according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The image acquisition means acquires an image of the product from an imaging means that captures an image of the product at a location where a vehicle equipped with the product is stopped.
Exchange support system. The computer
acquiring an image of the product in use;
determining a need for replacement of the product based on the captured images;
determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image;
acquiring information indicating characteristics of the determined type, and determining a type that is a candidate for replacement from the plurality of types based on data indicating the characteristics of the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the plurality of types;
notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined necessity of replacement;
Exchange support methods, including: image capture means for capturing an image of the product in use;
a replacement determination means for determining the necessity of replacing the product based on the acquired image;
a type determination means for determining which of a plurality of types the product is based on the acquired image;
a determination means for acquiring information indicating characteristics of the type determined by the type determination means , and determining a type to be a candidate for replacement from among the multiple types based on data indicating the characteristics of the determined type and data indicating the characteristics of each of the multiple types; and
a notification means for notifying a notification destination of the determined type based on the determined necessity of replacement;
A program that makes a computer function as a

Images