WO2019180474A1 - Service information notification system, and data structure used in service information notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

A service information notification system (100) provides notification of service information that recommends replacement of a consumable used in a vehicle (20). The service information notification system (100) acquires consumption status data of a consumable from the vehicle (20), and predicts the next point in time when the consumable should be replaced. Further, the service information notification system (100) acquires user data that includes, for each user associated with the vehicle (20), the level of need for service information. When the predicted next replacement point in time occurs, the service information notification system (100) provides notification of the service information to a predetermined destination associated with a user (30) whose level of need for the service information exceeds a predetermined value.

Description

Service information notification system and data structure used in service information notification system

The present invention relates to a service information notification system for notifying service information that recommends replacement of consumables used in a vehicle, and a data structure used in the service information notification system.

There is known a system for notifying the replacement timing of automobile parts (consumables) that are consumed according to use (see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, the in-vehicle terminal acquires the travel distance of the vehicle from the previous replacement timing of the consumables, and compares the acquired travel distance with the reference data. When the mileage and the reference data match and the in-vehicle terminal falls within the campaign period indicated by the service information transmitted from the information providing server, the in-vehicle terminal receives an incoming service information that recommends replacement of consumables. ).

JP 2005-100155 A

In the system described above, it is assumed that when a consumable is replaced, the authorized dealer resets the previous replacement timing for the vehicle. For this reason, when a consumable item is replaced at a place other than a regular dealer (such as a car supply store), it is difficult to determine the next replacement timing.

Furthermore, the necessity of service information that recommends replacement of consumables varies depending on individual users. This is because the place where the consumables are exchanged (regular dealer or car supply store) and the timing for actually exchanging the consumables differ depending on the user.

Therefore, notifying the service information to a user who has a low necessity results in waste of system and communication network resources. Moreover, such a user may feel that the service information is troublesome.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and without using the previous replacement timing, predicting the replacement timing of consumables used in a vehicle such as an automobile, and for each user It is an object of the present invention to provide a service information notification system that can recommend replacement of consumables at a more appropriate timing, and a data structure of user data used in the service information notification system.

The service information notification system according to one aspect of the present invention notifies service information that recommends replacement of consumables used in a vehicle. The service information notification system acquires the consumption state data of the consumables from the vehicle, stores them in the memory, and predicts the next replacement timing of the consumables. In addition, the service information notification system acquires user data including the degree of necessity for the service information of the user associated with the vehicle, and stores the user data in the memory. The service information notification system notifies service information to a predetermined destination associated with a user whose necessity exceeds a predetermined value in accordance with the predicted next replacement timing.

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle management network 10 including a service information notification system 100. FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the vehicle 20 related to acquisition of wear state data. FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram of the service information notification system 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a service information notification flow by the vehicle management network 10 including the service information notification system 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a correction operation flow for the next replacement timing of the engine oil. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a correction operation flow of the next replacement timing of the battery. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a correction operation flow of the next replacement timing of the tire. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a deterioration model used for predicting the next replacement timing of consumables. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a database stored in the customer DB 200. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of the data structure of user data. FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the data structure of user data. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the necessity class of service information. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of a data structure of service information. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the data structure of the service information. FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating an example (part 3) of the data structure of the service information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of service information displayed on the terminal device 35.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same functions and configurations are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

(Overall configuration of fleet management network including service information notification system)

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle management network 10 including a service information notification system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle management network 10 includes a vehicle 20, a terminal device 35, a terminal device 55, a network cloud 60, a service information notification system 100, and a customer database 200 (hereinafter, customer DB 200).

The vehicle management network 10 manages the state of the vehicle 20. In particular, in this embodiment, the vehicle management network 10 manages the consumption state of consumables (engine oil, batteries, tires, and the like) used in the vehicle 20 and replaces the consumables with respect to the user 30 of the vehicle 20. Recommend.

The vehicle 20 can execute wireless communication with the service information notification system 100 using the wireless communication function. The vehicle 20 is typically a four-wheeled passenger car (including a minivan and SUV), but may be a truck and a bus.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle 20 includes an engine (an internal combustion engine). However, the vehicle 20 may be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle 20 includes a sensor that can detect the consumption state of the consumables.

The user 30 is a person who uses the vehicle 20 on a daily basis, typically a driver of the vehicle 20. Note that the user 30 does not necessarily have to be a person who uses the vehicle 20 on a daily basis as long as the user 30 has authority over maintenance of the vehicle 20.

The terminal device 35 is associated with the user 30 and can receive service information related to the vehicle 20 notified from the service information notification system 100. Examples of the terminal device 35 include a mobile phone terminal used by the user 30 or a tablet personal computer. The terminal device 35 may be a desktop personal computer or the like as long as it is associated with the user 30.

The terminal device 35 can receive and display information addressed to an e-mail address that can uniquely identify the user 30.

Dealer 50 provides sales of vehicle 20, post-sales service and maintenance. The dealer 50 is an automobile dealer (new car), and may handle only vehicles of a specific automobile manufacturer, or may handle vehicles of a plurality of automobile manufacturers.

The terminal device 55 is a personal computer or a portable communication terminal provided in the dealer 50 (store). The terminal device 55 is used to input replacement records of consumables of the vehicle 20 and attributes of the user 30 (such as price sensitivity and loyalty described later).

The network cloud 60 is a communication network that enables information transmission by wired communication or wireless communication. The network cloud 60 typically includes the Internet, and includes various information providing services (such as weather and traffic congestion) provided on the Internet, storage services, and application services. Communication between each entity (vehicle 20, terminal device 35, terminal device 55, service information notification system 100, and customer DB 200) included in the vehicle management network 10 may also be provided via the network cloud 60. Further, some or all of the functions of the service information notification system 100 and the customer DB 200 may be virtually provided by the service provided on the network cloud 60.

The service information notification system 100 notifies service information related to the vehicle 20. In particular, in the present embodiment, the service information notification system 100 notifies service information that recommends replacement of consumables used in the vehicle 20.

Specifically, the service information notification system 100 predicts the next replacement timing of the consumable item based on the data (consumption state data) indicating the consumption state of the consumable item acquired from the vehicle 20. The service information notification system 100 notifies the service information to a user who has a high degree of necessity for the service information (specifically, a terminal device associated with the user) in accordance with the predicted next replacement timing. .

The customer DB 200 is a database in which information related to the user 30 (customer) of the vehicle 20 is accumulated. In particular, in the present embodiment, the customer DB 200 accumulates information related to the consumable replacement history of the vehicle 20 and information related to the attributes of the user 30 (see FIG. 9).

Note that the customer DB 200 may be built by the dealer 50 or by the manufacturer of the vehicle 20.

(Function block configuration of vehicle and service information notification system)

Next, the functional block configuration of the vehicle 20 related to the acquisition of the consumption state data and the functional block configuration of the service information notification system 100 will be described.
(1) Vehicle 20

FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the vehicle 20 related to acquisition of wear state data. That is, FIG. 2 shows only functional blocks related to the service information notification system 100 for acquiring the consumption state data of the consumables used in the vehicle 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 20 includes a communication unit 21, a wear state measurement unit 23, a vehicle usage status acquisition unit 24, and an infotainment system 25.

The communication unit 21 transmits and receives radio signals to and from an access point (such as a radio base station) in the vicinity of the vehicle 20, and communicates with the service information notification system 100 and the like via the access point.

The communication unit 21 may be provided in the vehicle 20 as a communication module, or may be realized using the terminal device 35 used by the user 30. When implemented using the terminal device 35, typically, a mobile communication network such as 4G (LTE) is used. Note that other wireless communication methods (such as a wireless LAN) may be used.

The consumption state measuring unit 23 measures the consumption state of various consumables used in the vehicle 20. In this embodiment, engine oil, a battery, and a tire are targeted as consumables.

However, the consumables are not limited to such examples, and examples of consumables that are relatively frequently replaced include air conditioner filters, wiper blades, brake pads, and engine oil filters. In a broad sense, a fan belt, a timing belt, a spark plug, a shock absorber, a clutch, a water pump, and the like are also included.

Specifically, the consumption state measurement unit 23 measures the amount of hydrocarbon (HC) generated in the blow-by gas as an index of the consumption state of the engine oil (which may be called a deteriorated state).

The consumption state measuring unit 23 performs an internal resistance of the battery (State of Health) as an index of the consumption state of the battery (which may be referred to as a deterioration state). In addition, the kind of battery used in the vehicle 20 is not specifically limited. Specifically, types that can or cannot be replenished with battery fluid (maintenance-free) and dry batteries are included. An auxiliary battery for a hybrid vehicle is also included.

The wear state measuring unit 23 measures the slip ratio obtained from the rotational difference between the driving wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle 20 as an index of the tire wearing state (which may be called a worn state). Note that specific methods for measuring HC, SoH, and slip ratio will be described later.

The consumption state measurement unit 23 transmits consumption state data including identification information of the vehicle 20 to the service information notification system 100 via the communication unit 21. As the identification information of the vehicle 20, a chassis number or an automobile registration number (license plate) can be used, but other information may be used as long as the vehicle 20 can be uniquely identified.

In addition, when the consumable item is replaced in the vehicle 20 and the replacement timing of the consumable item is reset, the consumable state measuring unit 23 transmits exchanged data indicating that the consumable item has been exchanged via the communication unit 21. Can be transmitted to the service information notification system 100.

The vehicle usage status acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage status of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the vehicle usage status acquisition unit 24 determines acceleration G / deceleration G, angular velocity (yaw rate), steering amount, throttle opening, and brake based on a signal provided from a sensor group provided in the vehicle 20. Information indicating how the vehicle 20 is used, such as pressure, is acquired.

Further, the vehicle usage status acquisition unit 24 can calculate (estimate) the load weight of the vehicle 20 using the sensor group, and can acquire the number of times of charging / discharging of the battery mounted on the vehicle 20. Here, “loading weight” means the total weight of the passenger of the vehicle 20 and the luggage loaded on the vehicle 20.

The infotainment system 25 is provided in the vehicle 20 and provides functions such as car navigation, audio visual (AV), and an information providing service in cooperation with the network cloud 60.

In particular, in this embodiment, the infotainment system 25 can display service information transmitted from the service information notification system 100.
(2) Service information notification system 100

FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram of the service information notification system 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the service information notification system 100 includes a consumption state data acquisition unit 110, a user data acquisition unit 120, a related data acquisition unit 130, a replacement timing prediction unit 140, and a notification unit 150.

The service information notification system 100 is realized by executing a program (software) on a general-purpose server computer including a processor, a memory, an input device, a display, and a communication interface (communication IF). As described above, a part (or all) of the service information notification system 100 may be provided on the network cloud 60.

The consumption state data acquisition unit 110 acquires consumption state data (HC, SoH, and slip rate) indicating the consumption state of the consumables from the vehicle 20. Further, the consumption state data acquisition unit 110 stores the acquired consumption state data in the memory.

Also, the consumption state data acquisition unit 110 can acquire replacement data indicating that the consumable item has been replaced in the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20, and can store the acquired replacement data in the memory. The consumption state data acquisition unit 110 may acquire the exchanged data via the customer DB 200.

The user data acquisition unit 120 acquires user data that is data related to the user 30 associated with the vehicle 20. In the present embodiment, the user data acquisition unit 120 acquires user data of the user 30 from the customer DB 200. Note that the user data acquisition unit 120 may acquire some user data from a service on the network cloud 60.

In particular, the user data acquisition unit 120 acquires user data including the degree of necessity for the service information of the user 30, and stores the acquired user data in a memory. “Necessity for service information” means how much service information the user 30 recommends to replace consumables.

In the present embodiment, the degree of necessity corresponds to the sensitivity (hereinafter referred to as price sensitivity in the present embodiment) with respect to the replacement cost of the consumables of the user 30 (the total price including the work cost). Includes loyalty to manufacturers or dealers. The specific contents of the necessity level will be further described later.

User data acquired by the user data acquisition unit 120 includes identification information of the user 30 associated with the vehicle 20 and the degree of necessity. The identification information of the user 30 typically includes an e-mail address that can uniquely identify the user 30. However, as long as it is information that can uniquely identify the user 30 (in reality, the terminal device 35 used by the user 30), the information may be other than an e-mail address.

The related data acquisition unit 130 acquires data (hereinafter referred to as related data) that indicates at least one of the grade of consumables currently used in the vehicle 20 and the usage status of the vehicle 20, and stores the acquired related data in a memory Let

Specifically, the related data acquisition unit 130 acquires data indicating the grade of consumables from the customer DB 200.

Here, “grade” is defined as including the type and grade of consumables. In the case of engine oil, the grade includes the presence or absence of additives that are separate from engine oil. In the case of tire, grade includes the type of tire (summer tire, winter (studless) tire, RR) tire) and tire size (tread width, flatness and tire diameter).

Further, the related data acquisition unit 130 acquires data indicating the usage status of the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20 or the network cloud 60.

Here, “usage status” refers to information about the area in which the vehicle 20 travels (climate (temperature, humidity, amount of solar radiation), topography, road configuration, etc.), and information about how the vehicle 20 is used (acceleration G / deceleration). G, loading weight, steering amount, number of times of charging / discharging of the battery, etc.).

Note that the vehicle 20 (or the network cloud 60) has a function capable of detecting the information directly or indirectly.

The replacement timing prediction unit 140 predicts the next replacement timing of the consumable item based on the acquired consumption state data. Specifically, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 predicts the next replacement timing of the consumable item using a deterioration model for each type of consumable item (see FIG. 8). A method for predicting the next replacement timing for each consumable (engine oil, battery, and tire) according to the present embodiment will be further described later.

Also, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 uses the next replacement timing predicted in this way as a standard replacement timing that is a standard for the next replacement timing of the consumable item. That is, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 predicts a standard replacement timing that is a standard for the next replacement timing of the consumable item based on the acquired consumption state data.

Furthermore, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 corrects the standard replacement timing using the related data (consumables grade and usage status of the vehicle 20) acquired by the related data acquisition unit 130.

Specifically, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 sets the next replacement timing of consumables whose grade exceeds a predetermined value, that is, consumables whose grade is high and whose lifetime is longer than the standard, than the standard replacement timing. Can be delayed.

Conversely, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 can make the next replacement timing of consumables whose grade is low and the lifetime is shorter than the standard replacement earlier than the standard replacement timing.

Similarly, when the usage status exceeds a predetermined condition, that is, when the usage status of the vehicle 20 is severe and wear is considered to easily progress, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 sets the next replacement timing for the consumable item as a standard. It can be made earlier than the replacement timing.

Conversely, if the usage status of the vehicle 20 is mild and consumption is considered to be slow, the replacement timing prediction unit 140 can delay the next replacement timing of the consumable item from the standard replacement timing.

The notification unit 150 notifies the service information to a predetermined destination (in this embodiment, the terminal device 35) associated with the user 30. Specifically, the notification unit 150 notifies service information for users whose necessity of the service information exceeds a predetermined value in accordance with the next replacement timing of the consumables predicted by the replacement timing prediction unit 140. To do.

More specifically, the notification unit 150 can notify service information for users belonging to a predetermined class based on a combination of price sensitivity height and loyalty height.

The notification unit 150 notifies the service information within a predetermined time (for example, one week to one month) before and after the predicted next replacement timing. Note that when the infotainment system 25 provided in the vehicle 20 is associated as a predetermined destination, the notification unit 150 notifies the infotainment system 25 of service information.

In the present embodiment, the service information includes data indicating the name of a consumable item that is recommended to be replaced and the level of consumption (degradation level) of the consumable item. However, data indicating the degree of consumption of the consumable item is not necessarily essential.

Also, the service information may include information on coupons for discounting the expiry date of the consumables or the price of the consumables.

In addition, the notification unit 150 replaces a predetermined destination (terminal device) associated with a user whose service information need is equal to or less than a predetermined value in order to prompt the dealer 50 to replace consumables. The service information can be notified at a timing earlier than the standard replacement timing predicted by the timing prediction unit 140.

Note that when the replacement data indicating that the consumable item has been replaced is acquired by the consumption state data acquisition unit 110, the notification unit 150 stops the notification of the service information. That is, the notification unit 150 does not notify the service information when the exchanged data is acquired even within a predetermined time before and after the predicted next replacement timing.

(Service information notification system operation)

Next, the operation of the service information notification system 100 will be described. Specifically, a service information notification operation by the vehicle management network 10 including the service information notification system 100 and an operation for correcting the next replacement timing of the consumables will be described.
(1) Notification of service information

FIG. 4 shows a service information notification flow by the vehicle management network 10 including the service information notification system 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 20 measures the consumption state of the consumables (S10). In the present embodiment, the vehicle 20 measures the consumption state of the engine oil, the battery, and the tire. A specific method for measuring the consumption state of each consumable is as described above (see the description of the consumption state measurement unit 23 in FIG. 2). A specific method for measuring HC, SoH and slip ratio including the next replacement timing (standard replacement timing) will be described later.

The vehicle 20 transmits consumption state data indicating the consumption state of the consumable item to the service information notification system 100 based on the measurement result of the consumption state (S20). The consumption state data includes identification information of the vehicle 20.

Further, the vehicle 20 may transmit data (related data) indicating the use status of the vehicle 20 such as acceleration G / deceleration G generated by the vehicle 20 and a load weight on the vehicle 20 to the service information notification system 100.

The service information notification system 100 receives the consumption state data (S30). The service information notification system 100 predicts the next replacement timing of the consumable item based on the received consumption state data (S35).

Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of a deterioration model used for predicting the next replacement timing of the consumables. The horizontal axis in FIG. 8 indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the degree of deterioration of the consumables.

The service information notification system 100 identifies the current value in the deterioration model based on the value of the consumption state data repeatedly transmitted from the vehicle 20. The “deterioration model” may be a model defined by default for each consumable item, or may be a model that is learned using a large amount of acquired consumption state data and updated as appropriate.

The service information notification system 100 holds the degree of deterioration associated with a predetermined consumption state data value as a recommended replacement level for consumables. Based on the deterioration model, the service information notification system 100 predicts the timing for reaching the recommended replacement level as the next replacement timing, specifically, the standard replacement timing ts.

Note that the service information notification system 100 may change the standard replacement timing ts from the replacement timing t1 (when it is advanced) or the replacement timing t2 (according to the necessity of the service information of the user 30, the grade of consumables, or the usage state of the vehicle 20 Can be corrected).

The service information notification system 100 determines whether or not the consumable needs to be replaced based on the predicted next replacement timing (S40).

Specifically, the service information notification system 100 determines that the consumable needs to be replaced if the current time and the predicted time of the next replacement timing are within a predetermined time.

When the service information notification system 100 determines that the consumable item needs to be replaced, the service information notification system 100 requests user data from the customer DB 200 (S50).

Specifically, the service information notification system 100 transmits the identification information of the vehicle 20 to the customer DB 200, and requests the user data of the user 30 associated with the identification information of the vehicle 20.

The customer DB 200 transmits user data of the user 30 to the service information notification system 100 in response to a request from the service information notification system 100 (S60). Here, FIG. 9A shows a configuration example of a database stored in the customer DB 200.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the database includes “vehicle identification information” (for example, chassis number), “user identification information” (for example, e-mail address), “date of visit”, “work content”, “price sensitivity”. It includes items of “Titity (Price Sens.)”, “Loyalty”, and “Service Information Necessity Class”.

The customer DB 200 transmits the user data of the user 30 to the service information notification system 100 based on the contents of the database shown in FIG. 9A.

9B and 9C show examples of the data structure of user data. As shown in FIG. 9B, the customer DB 200 can transmit user data including “user identification information” (aaa @ xxx) and “service information necessity class” (1). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9C, the customer DE 200 transmits user data including “user identification information” (aaa @ xxx), “price sensitivity” (Low), and “loyalty” (High). You can also.

The service information notification system 100 receives the user data (S70). The service information notification system 100 determines whether to notify the user 30 of service information based on the received user data (S80).

Specifically, the service information notification system 100 matches the value of “service information necessity class” included in the user data shown in FIG. 9B with a predetermined value (for example, service information necessity class = 1). The service information is determined to be notified.

Alternatively, the service information notification system 100 determines that the “service information necessity class” is based on the combination of the “price sensitivity” height and the “loyalty” height included in the user data shown in FIG. 9C. May be determined.

Which of the data structures shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C is used may be determined according to the number of price sensitivity and loyalty stages, or the range of the class for which the degree of necessity is to be set.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the service information necessity class. As shown in FIG. 10, the service information necessity class is composed of a combination of price sensitivity for consumables and loyalty for the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the price sensitivity and the royalty are set at three levels (Low (L), Mid (M), and High (H)). For example, a combination of price sensitivity = Low and loyalty = High is classified as necessity class = 1 (the class most likely to be exchanged at the dealer 50). Hereinafter, similarly, it is classified into the necessity classes 2 to 9. For example, a combination of price sensitivity = High and loyalty = Low is classified as a necessity class = 9 (indicated by a black circle in FIG. 10 and a class with the lowest possibility of exchange at the dealer 50).

When the service information notification system 100 determines to notify the service information, the service information notification system 100 receives a predetermined address associated with the user 30, specifically, a terminal device 35 that can receive mail addressed to the email address of the user 30. Service information is transmitted (S90).

The service information notification system 100 may transmit an e-mail that directly displays the service information, or may transmit a link to a specific site that displays details of the service information.

Alternatively, the service information notification system 100 may transmit service information to a dedicated application installed in the terminal device 35. Note that the service information may include information indicating the consumption level (degradation level) of the consumables.

Further, when the service information notification system 100 obtains exchanged data indicating that the consumable has been replaced from the vehicle 20 or the customer DB 200, the service information notification system 100 can determine that the consumable must be replaced in step S40. , Stop sending service information.

In this operation example, the service information notification system 100 also transmits similar service information to the terminal device 55 arranged in the dealer 50. The service information may be a copy of the service information transmitted to the terminal device 35, or may be an issue notification indicating that the service information has been issued to the user 30.

The terminal device 55 receives the service information (or issue notification) (S100). Similarly, the terminal device 35 also receives the service information (S110).

11A to 11C show examples of the data structure of service information. As shown in FIG. 11A, the service information notification system 100 includes consumable name data (engine oil) that is recommended to be replaced, and consumption level data (level 2) that indicates the degree of consumption (degradation level) of the consumable item. The service information including can be transmitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the service information notification system 100 can transmit service information including name data of a plurality of consumables and consumption level data. In this case, replacement of some consumables (here, batteries) is not necessarily recommended. That is, when replacement of a specific consumable item is recommended, the user 30 (specifically, the terminal device 35 or the infotainment system 25) may be notified of the consumption level of other consumable items. .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11C, the service information notification system 100 includes a coupon that discounts the price of the consumable item or other related consumable item or service (such as labor), makes it free, or gives a privilege. Service information can be transmitted.

In addition, the service information may include a replacement deadline for the consumables (“2018/03/31” in FIG. 11C). Note that the replacement deadline may be determined based on the degree of consumption of the consumable item, or may be associated with the applicable period of the coupon.

FIG. 12 shows an example of service information displayed on the terminal device 35. As shown in FIG. 12, the service information includes a message recommending replacement of consumables (engine oil). Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the service information also has a coupon function for discounting the price (10% off). Note that the coupon function is not essential.

In addition, the service information includes information (“deterioration level of engine oil is“ 2 ””) indicating the consumption level (degradation level) of the consumables.

Thereafter, when the vehicle 20 enters the dealer 50 and the replacement of the consumables (engine oil) is completed, the operator of the dealer 50 resets and replaces the previous engine oil replacement timing held by the vehicle 20. Records (exchange date, grade, etc.) are input using the terminal device 55 (S120). The input exchange record is reflected in the customer DB 200.

Further, the worker of the dealer 50 may input the attributes of the user 30, specifically, price sensitivity and loyalty. Alternatively, the attributes of the user 30 may be input automatically or semi-automatically from the date of receipt, the grade of the selected consumable, the past replacement record, and the like.

Further, the service information notification system 100 may advance the standard replacement timing ts to the replacement timing t1 for users who visit the dealer 50 at a low frequency.

In addition, when the vehicle 20 is inspected by the dealer 50, the usage of the vehicle is ranked based on the consumption state of the consumables (for example, the brake pad, the remaining groove of the tire), and the usage situation is assumed to be severe. In contrast, the standard replacement timing ts may be advanced to the replacement timing t1.

Further, the service information notification system 100 may transmit the service information (or issue notification) not only to the dealer 50 but also to other dealers existing around the dealer 50.
(2) Next replacement timing correction operation

Next, the correction operation for the next replacement timing of the consumables will be described with reference to FIGS. Specifically, the correction operation for the next replacement timing of the engine oil, the battery, and the tire will be described. FIGS. 5 to 7 respectively show the operation flow for correcting the next replacement timing of the engine oil, the battery, and the tire.

The operation flows shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are all executed as a subflow of the next replacement timing prediction process (S35) shown in FIG. 4, and are not necessarily essential.
(2.1) Engine oil

FIG. 5 shows a correction operation flow for the next replacement timing of the engine oil. As shown in FIG. 5, the service information notification system 100 acquires the generation amount of hydrocarbons (HC) in blow-by gas (S210). The vehicle 20 includes a detector that detects HC contained in blow-by gas in the crankcase of the engine. Further, the vehicle 20 estimates the amount of blow-by gas generated (exhaust gas amount) based on the water temperature, the rotational speed, and the charging efficiency of the engine (cooling water).

The service information notification system 100 predicts a standard engine oil replacement timing ts (see FIG. 8) (S220). The prediction method is as described above.

The service information notification system 100 acquires the presence / absence of the additive added to the engine oil and the type of the additive (S230). The presence / absence and type of the additive correspond to the “grade” of the consumable as described above.

The service information notification system 100 acquires the “usage status” of the vehicle 20 (S240). Here, the service information notification system 100 acquires information on the region where the vehicle 20 mainly travels and the temperature. Further, the service information notification system 100 may acquire acceleration G, deceleration G, and the like of the vehicle 20. As described above, the area and temperature information may be acquired from the customer DB 200 or may be acquired via a service on the network cloud 60.

The service information notification system 100 corrects the standard replacement timing ts based on the presence / absence and type of the additive and the usage status of the vehicle 20 (S250).

Specifically, as described above, the service information notification system 100 may advance the standard replacement timing ts to the replacement timing t1 or delay the replacement timing t2 based on the “grade” or “usage status” of the consumables. To do.

In addition to the above-described example, when the vehicle 20 travels in an area where the road gradient is large and there are many uphill roads or an area where there is a lot of snow, the standard replacement timing ts may be advanced to the replacement timing t1. Further, if it is determined that the engine of the vehicle 20 is likely to be in a high load state based on the acceleration G / deceleration G of the vehicle 20, the standard replacement timing ts may be advanced to the replacement timing t1 regardless of the grade. Good.

The service information notification system 100 sets the replacement timing corrected in this way as the next replacement timing of the engine oil, and ends the processing.
(2.2) Battery

Since FIG. 6 is a flow similar to FIG. 5, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the service information notification system 100 acquires the internal resistance (SoH) of the battery provided in the vehicle 20 (S310). The vehicle 20 includes a measurement circuit that measures the internal resistance of the battery. Further, the vehicle 20 can record the number of times the battery is charged and discharged.

The service information notification system 100 predicts the standard replacement timing ts of the battery and acquires the battery type (S320, S330). Note that the service information notification system 100 may further acquire the battery capacity (Ah), the grade, and the like.

In addition, here, the service information notification system 100 acquires information on the number of times the battery is charged / discharged, the area where the vehicle 20 mainly travels, and the temperature as the usage status of the vehicle 20 (S340).

The service information notification system 100 corrects the standard replacement timing ts based on the type of battery and the usage status of the vehicle 20 (S350).

In addition to the example described above, when the power used by the accessory (ACC) is high when the vehicle 20 is in the engine stop state (ignition switch off state), the standard replacement timing ts may be advanced to the replacement timing t1. In addition, considering that the number of times the battery is charged and discharged has a significant effect on the battery life, if the number of times the battery is charged or discharged exceeds a predetermined value, the standard replacement timing ts is replaced regardless of the type of battery. It may be advanced to timing t1.
(2.3) Tire

Since FIG. 7 is also a flow similar to FIG. 5, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the service information notification system 100 acquires the slip rate of tires (for four wheels) provided in the vehicle 20 (S410). The vehicle 20 includes a detection circuit that detects a rotational difference between driving wheels (for example, front wheels) and driven wheels (rear wheels). Further, the vehicle 20 can detect the generated acceleration G / deceleration G, the loaded weight, and the steering amount.

The service information notification system 100 predicts the tire standard replacement timing ts, and acquires the tire type (S420, S430). The service information notification system 100 may further acquire a tire size (tread width, flatness ratio, and tire diameter).

Further, here, the service information notification system 100 acquires the acceleration G / deceleration G generated by the vehicle 20, the loaded weight on the vehicle 20, and the amount of solar radiation in the area where the vehicle 20 mainly travels as the usage status of the vehicle 20. (S440).

The service information notification system 100 corrects the standard replacement timing ts based on the type of tire and the usage status of the vehicle 20 (S450).

If it is determined that a load greater than or equal to a predetermined value is constantly applied to the tire mounted on the vehicle 20 based on the acceleration G / deceleration G of the vehicle 20, the steering amount, the loaded weight, and the like, Regardless of the type of tire or the like, the standard replacement timing ts may be advanced to the replacement timing t1.

According to the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.

According to the service information notification system 100, the next replacement timing of the consumable item is predicted based on the consumption state data repeatedly acquired from the vehicle 20. Further, in accordance with the predicted next replacement timing, the service information is notified to a predetermined destination (for example, the terminal device 35) associated with a user whose necessity for the service information exceeds a predetermined value. .

Therefore, the next replacement timing can be predicted without using the previous replacement timing of the consumable. In addition, service information can be selectively notified to a user who needs a high degree of service information. As a result, it is possible to recommend replacement of consumables at a more appropriate timing for each user. Such notification of service information can contribute to timely replacement of consumables, and can contribute to maintaining the good state of the vehicle 20 and improving safety.

Also, for users who do not need service information, notification of service information is suppressed, so that waste of resources of the system and communication network can be prevented. It is also possible to avoid that the user feels troublesome about the service information.

Furthermore, according to the service information notification system 100, it is possible to recommend replacement of consumables at a more appropriate timing for each user. Therefore, the user who has received the service information has an opportunity to replace consumables at the dealer 50. Can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the service information notification system 100 predicts the standard replacement timing ts based on the consumption state data acquired from the vehicle 20, and uses the related data (consumable grade and usage status of the vehicle 20) to The exchange timing ts can be corrected to the exchange timing t1 (when advanced) or the exchange timing t2 (when delayed) (see FIG. 8). Thereby, it is possible to set the more accurate next replacement timing of the consumables according to the actual consumption state (degradation state) of the consumables.

In addition, since it is possible to recommend replacement of consumables at a more appropriate timing for the user, the appeal of replacement of consumables to the user is enhanced.

In the present embodiment, the service information notification system 100 stops the notification of service information when acquiring replacement data indicating that the consumable has been replaced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent notification of service information that is not actually required, and the user does not feel bothered. This can also prevent waste of system and communication network resources.

In the present embodiment, the service information notification system 100 has a predetermined class based on a combination of a high price sensitivity for the user's consumables and a high royalty for the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle 20. The service information can be notified to users belonging to. As a result, users can be segmented finely, and service information can be notified to users belonging to a specific class at a more appropriate timing. In addition, this makes it possible to avoid transmission of service information with low effectiveness, thereby preventing waste of resources of the system and communication network.

In this embodiment, the service information notification system 100 can advance the standard replacement timing ts to the replacement timing t1 for a user who visits the dealer 50 at a low frequency. Accordingly, the service information can be notified to the user before the consumables are replaced in a place other than the dealer 50 (such as a car supply store). This also facilitates early replacement of the consumables, which can contribute to maintaining a good state of the vehicle 20 and improving safety.

In this embodiment, the service information notification system 100 can advance the standard replacement timing ts to the replacement timing t1 even for a user whose usage is assumed to be severe. Accordingly, the service information can be reliably notified before the consumable exceeds the use limit. Moreover, since the said consumable can be replaced | exchanged before exceeding a use limit by this, it can contribute to the maintenance of the favorable state of the vehicle 20, and the improvement of safety | security.

In this embodiment, the service information notification system 100 can transmit service information (or issue notification) not only to the dealer 50 but also to other dealers existing around the dealer 50. Accordingly, other dealers existing around the dealer 50 can also notify the user of service information (including coupons), and the user can compare the services of a plurality of dealers. This also allows service information related to a plurality of dealers to be transmitted together, thereby preventing waste of system and communication network resources.

In the present embodiment, the service information notification system 100 can notify the infotainment system 25 of service information. Accordingly, it is possible to clearly distinguish the service information from the service information (coupon) from other than the dealer 50 (car accessory store) and to let the user know the contents of the service information. In addition, this can avoid the redundant transmission of service information to the infotainment system 25 and the terminal device 35, thereby preventing waste of resources of the system and communication network.

(Other embodiments)

As mentioned above, although the content of the present invention has been described according to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the necessity for the service information of the user 30 is determined by the necessity for the service information, that is, the price sensitivity for the user's consumables and the royalty for the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle 20. Although the class is based on a combination, the degree of necessity may be a plurality of simple levels (1 to 5 or the like).

In the embodiment described above, the functional blocks of the service information notification system 100 have been described as being able to be distributed and arranged in a plurality of hardware (server computers). However, the functional blocks provided by the service information notification system 100 (FIG. 3). (See) may be an apparatus realized on a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, in this case, part or all of the functions of the service information notification system 100 may be realized by hardware of the vehicle 20.

Further, each function of the service information notification system 100 may be provided as a computer program or a medium storing the computer program.

As described above, the vehicle 20 may be an electric vehicle, but in that case, notification of service information related to engine oil is not applied.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle management network 20 Vehicle 21 Communication part 23 Consumption state measurement part 24 Vehicle use condition acquisition part 25 Infotainment system 30 User 35 Terminal device 50 Dealer 55 Terminal device 60 Network cloud 100 Service information notification system 110 Consumption state data acquisition part 120 User data acquisition unit 130 Related data acquisition unit 140 Exchange timing prediction unit 150 Notification unit 200 Customer DB

Claims (8)

1. A service information notification system that includes at least a processor and a memory and notifies service information that recommends replacement of consumables used in a vehicle,
   The processor is
   A consumption state data acquisition unit that acquires consumption state data indicating a consumption state of the consumables from the vehicle and stores the data in the memory;
   An exchange timing prediction unit for predicting the next exchange timing of the consumables based on the consumption state data;
   A user data acquisition unit that acquires user data including a degree of necessity for the service information of a user associated with the vehicle, and stores the user data in the memory;
   A service information notification system that configures a notification unit that notifies the service information to a predetermined destination associated with a user whose degree of necessity exceeds a predetermined value in accordance with the next replacement timing.
2. The processor acquires related data indicating at least one of the grade of the consumables currently used in the vehicle and the usage status of the vehicle, and configures a related data acquisition unit to be stored in the memory,
   The replacement timing prediction unit
   Based on the consumption state data, predict a standard replacement timing that is a standard for the next replacement timing of the consumables,
   The service information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the standard exchange timing is corrected using the related data acquired by the related data acquisition unit.
3. The service information notification system according to claim 2, wherein the replacement timing prediction unit delays the next replacement timing of the consumables whose grade exceeds a predetermined value from the standard replacement timing.
4. 3. The service information notification system according to claim 2, wherein the replacement timing prediction unit makes the next replacement timing of the consumables earlier than the standard replacement timing when the usage state exceeds a predetermined condition.
5. The service according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the service information to a predetermined destination associated with a user whose degree of necessity is equal to or less than a predetermined value at a timing earlier than the standard exchange timing. Information notification system.
6. The consumption state data acquisition unit acquires replacement data indicating that the consumable has been replaced, and stores the replacement data in the memory.
   The service information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit stops the notification of the service information when the consumption state data acquisition unit acquires the replaced data.
7. The degree of necessity includes sensitivity to the replacement cost of the consumables, and loyalty to the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle,
   The service information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the service information to users belonging to a predetermined class based on a combination of the height of the sensitivity and the height of the royalty.
8. A data structure used in a service information notification system for notifying service information recommending replacement of consumables used in a vehicle,
   Name data of the consumables recommended for replacement;
   Consumption level data indicating the consumption level of the consumables,
   The service information notification system predicts the next replacement timing of the consumable item based on the consumption state data indicating the consumption state of the consumable item acquired from the vehicle, and corresponds to the vehicle according to the next replacement timing. The data structure used for the process which notifies the said service information with respect to the predetermined | prescribed destination matched with the user in which the necessity degree with respect to the said user's attached user exceeds a predetermined value.

Images