JP2002149774A - Gathering and retrieval system for vehicle history information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To structure an information gathering and retrieval system for a used-car market which can gather vehicle history information including the repair history and/or travel distance history of a vehicle through a communication network such as the Internet and open it to the public. SOLUTION: This is a gathering and retrieval system for vehicle history information equipped with a server where the vehicle history information including the repair history and/or travel distance history is stored while made to correspond to a vehicle ID such as the vehicle body number, etc., of the vehicle connected to the communication net work such as the Internet, an information gathering means which can gather and store the vehicle history information on the server in the form of the database while making it correspond to the vehicle ID by access to a site related to the server from an information terminal such as a personal computer and a portable telephone, and an information retrieving means which can retrieve whether or not information having the vehicle ID of a desired vehicle whose history is to be known is present in the database. A purchaser (general consumer) of a used vehicle can buy even a vehicle having a repair history at ease.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system for collecting and retrieving vehicle repair information on a communication network such as the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when vehicles such as automobiles and two-wheeled vehicles are distributed through the auction to the used car market, inspections for assessing the prices of the vehicles (determining the degree of the current state of the vehicles).
In addition to the self-declaration of the company bringing the vehicle to the auction site, this is done from a human point of view by an auction company's own specialist.

[0003]

However, since the number of assessments is enormous, there is always a shortage of specialists. For example, at the moment, a dozen professionals inspect thousands of vehicles in one auction. Here, the past repair history is often not objectively displayed, and the mileage information may be rewinded by a meter. In such a case, the vehicle will be distributed to the market without being assessed for its proper price.
One of the reasons for the lack of objectivity and fairness in price assessment is that inspections for price assessment are conducted only from a human point of view.

An object of the present invention is to provide vehicle history information obtained when a vehicle is repaired at a repair shop or when a vehicle is inspected, including vehicle repair history and / or mileage history, via the Internet or the like. New information collection and use for the used car market that can be collected and disclosed through
The point is to build a search system. In other words, the work of inspections for price assessment, etc., which was conventionally performed only from a human point of view, was reviewed, the efficiency of work was improved by effectively utilizing information resources, and repair marks were prevented from being overlooked. The aim is to increase the reliability of the mileage history without relying solely on the fairness of the price of the used car market. Furthermore, it can be a system that contributes to prevention and resolution of car crimes. In addition, "repair" is a wide range of things from minor to large, but in general in the past, damage to the body frame (so-called frame) due to a traffic accident or other disaster,
In many cases, the restored vehicle is repaired or replaced with a new one.
Is used in a general sense in a broad sense, and "repair" is basically used as a subordinate concept that refers to a large-scale repair (in other words, major repair). Sometimes used interchangeably (as a synonym).

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems and Functions / Effects In order to solve the above problems, as a system according to the present invention, vehicle history information including a vehicle repair history and / or a mileage history is obtained.
Vehicle information in documents or data used for vehicle management, such as an automobile inspection certificate (vehicle verification), is associated with vehicle identification information (hereinafter, referred to as a vehicle ID) such as a chassis number that identifies the vehicle on a one-to-one basis. The server is connected to a communication network such as the Internet, and an information terminal connected to the communication network such as the Internet is used to access a site associated with the server. An information collection unit that collects and creates a database in association with the vehicle ID and stores the database in the server; and the vehicle history corresponding to the vehicle ID based on the access to the site and the input of the vehicle ID. Information search means for searching whether information exists on the database of the server.

[0006] As described above, if information on vehicles having a repair history is collected and made into a database through a communication network such as the Internet, and the vehicle can be easily called anytime simply by inputting a vehicle ID capable of specifying the vehicle from the information terminal,
Information searchers such as used car auction companies, used car purchase companies, and general consumers can obtain the information they want to know very easily. For example, a vehicle ID is listed for each of a large number of vehicles that need to be inspected, and all of them are checked by the system.
With respect to the vehicles existing in the database of the system, the inspection may be performed mainly on the repair points described in the database, or the inspection may be performed only on locations other than the described locations. For vehicles that do not exist in the database, the same inspection as in the related art may be performed. In this way, work efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, for consumers who are purchasing used cars, the ability to obtain historical information such as repairs of used cars is a very effective material for objectively determining the value of used cars to be purchased. In general, it can be most useful for consumers who tend to be separated from such used car history information.

[0007] In this regard, automobile users need to change the established notion that an accident recovery vehicle is a bad vehicle. At present, the non-life insurance industry pays over ¥ 1 trillion annually for the cost of restoring accident vehicles, and it is rather rare that used vehicles have never experienced any kind of accident repair. A properly repaired and restored vehicle is safe, and rather, some parts are often new, so if the user does not have enough awareness to increase the value, automobile users underestimate the accident recovery vehicle Evaluating and driving to other used cars will eventually lead to expensive shopping.

[0008] If the repair record of an accident vehicle is used as an excuse for a price cut, improper restoration repairs are widespread. On the other hand, if a proper repair history and repair history are disclosed in the database, and this is used to confirm the safety of the car, it will be a used car that car users can ride with confidence. In this way, it is meaningful for both the trader and the user to properly judge the value of the used car and to secure the objectivity of the product in distribution.

On the other hand, on the database of the system,
Despite the clear repair history,
If a report of "no repair history" is given by the trader or the previous owner, the vehicle can be carefully inspected or the like to prevent repair or conceal the repair history. In addition, since the vehicle ID is based on, for example, a vehicle number, which is an information source capable of specifying one vehicle from all vehicles, accurate information can be constantly collected and searched.

[0010] Further, a user registration (hereinafter referred to as user registration) of the system by at least the latter of an information provider that provides the vehicle history information and an information searcher that searches the vehicle history information via the communication network. Is performed, the contents of the user registration are stored in the server as a user information database, and a user identification (hereinafter referred to as a user ID) corresponding to the user information database necessary for using the system is stored. User registration means for distributing, and whether the user ID presented by at least the latter of the information provider and the information searcher when using the system at the site corresponds to the user information database in the server And the presented user ID corresponds to the user information database. Then, a user ID authentication unit is provided which accepts the use of the system and rejects the use of the system if the system is not responded.

As described above, when the user of the system is imposed on the information provider and / or the information searcher, the system is opened only to the person who has completed the user registration. This system is a so-called commercial transaction in which a product called "vehicle history information" is bought and sold over a communication network such as the Internet. It is effective for the system administrator to keep track of information about system users, for example, address, name, telephone number, work place, and the like, in order to achieve appropriate data distribution. At the same time, a user ID for using the system is distributed to the user, and the user ID and user information are stored as a database in the server. It is possible to respond quickly to troubles such as usage.

Further, the information provider inputs a user ID in accordance with the guidance on the screen on the site, and if authentication of the user ID is obtained, the screen shifts to an information providing screen for providing the vehicle history information. It is possible to provide information by at least one of an operation of selecting an option prepared on the information providing screen and an operation of inputting characters, and the information searcher can provide screen guidance on the site. If the user ID is obtained according to the above, and the user ID is authenticated, it is possible to move to the information search screen, and it is possible to search for information by inputting the vehicle ID of the vehicle to be searched and then issuing a search start command. Is done.

As described above, when using the system, it is possible to move to the information providing screen or the information searching screen only by inputting the distributed user ID according to the guidance on the screen. It is desirable to impose user registration on information providers and / or information searchers. By doing so, false information can be prevented from being provided, and the reliability of data can be improved.

[0014] The information providing screen classifies and describes repair location information that the information provider wants to provide with respect to vehicle history information such as a vehicle repair location and vehicle color. Documents or data used to manage vehicles such as automobile inspection certificates (vehicle verification), which enables the provision of information by selecting from vehicle history information such as repair locations, body colors etc. , Chassis number,
The vehicle information such as the year and month of registration in the first year and the vehicle history information such as the mileage and the owner history can be provided by entering characters in the entry fields.

If the vehicle history information that the information provider wants to provide is displayed on the screen in advance, operation such as clicking the mouse or inputting a few characters will be sufficient. The simplification of the operation means that the base of the system user will be expanded to the layer that is resistant to the operation of the information terminal, the collected vehicle history information will increase, and as a result, the number of searches for information will also increase. As a result, the distribution of vehicle history information is activated. Furthermore, since the information is classified when the information is collected, the process of making the database is easy. Further, when the repair information is provided or when the repair information is disclosed, as shown in FIG. 11, if the repair information is separated in a diagram, the information can be provided at a glance, or provided. To be able to understand the information at a glance,
The trouble of providing information is further alleviated.

In order to classify and store information in detail, it is possible to easily modify a program constituting the system and secure a memory area. If the information provider is able to freely provide all vehicle history information, information on minor repair history and serious repair history (repair history) that are not considered when assessing the price of vehicles is equivalent May need to be treated as Efforts to check the information after it has been collected, by clarifying the difference between the required information and the information that is not required in advance, or by gradual classification from minor repair history to serious repair history Can be omitted.

[0017] Further, in order to charge an information searcher who accesses a site to search for information according to at least one of the amount of searched information, the number of searches, and the search period, the information searcher is requested to search for information. Means for recording at least one of the information amount, the number of searches, and the search period on the server as a user information database, and an information provider that accesses a site and provides information, Means for recording in the server the amount of information provided, at least one of the number of provisions and the period of provision as a user information database in order to pay a fee according to at least one of the number of provisions and the period of provision; After the elapse of, information on the information search fee and the information provision fee is extracted from the user information database, and And means for settlement.

If information collection is costly, and if information is searched for, there is a profit or loss such as an income, it is possible to add an accompanying accounting process. However, since the system is an insubstantial electronic transaction, it is necessary to store the purchase status of the product and the sales status of the product as a database as described above, and settle the payment again.
That is, it is possible for the information provider to use the system with a casual feeling, such as selling the surplus power generated by private power generation to a power company and earning an income, and the information searcher paying for the electricity used. .

The server may store the vehicle history information for each type of vehicle such as a two-door vehicle, a four-door vehicle, a one-box vehicle, and a passenger vehicle. A vehicle type storage area for individually storing the obtained information.

If the database is created by classifying the vehicle history information for each type of vehicle, it becomes easy to search for the information. Since it is possible to determine from the vehicle ID which vehicle type and which manufacturer, it is easy to classify on the database. When searching for vehicle history information, it is also possible to provide an item for each type of category and search individually. In addition, format classification is
Manufacturer, model of motor, model of vehicle, type of vehicle (category of 2-door, 4-door, 1-box, sports car, sedan, RV, mini car, etc.), year, vehicle color, exhaust that can be identified from vehicle ID Includes any of the categories such as quantity. Further, when the information searcher acquires an ID for information search, it is possible to perform an irregular user registration such that search is permitted for each category as described above.

The vehicle history information includes at least one of items of sheet metal repair, frame repair, parts replacement repair such as panel replacement, painting repair or painting replacement, and meter mileage as repair history.

When a vehicle is distributed as a used car on the market,
The value of the vehicle is determined based on the mileage indicated on the meter, repairs such as sheet metal / painting, skeletal modifications, and parts replacement. Information desired by an information searcher is also information that affects the price of such a vehicle. However, the information stored in the database is not limited to anything related to the vehicle. When collecting information, the administrator determines items in advance, classifies them, and presents them to the information provider, so that it is possible to save the trouble of rechecking the collected information. Further, even by using the present system, it is possible to know even detailed repair information that is not included in repair of parts replacement, sheet metal, painting, etc., which was not previously known in used car magazines and the like. .

Further, the information collecting means includes means for automatically deleting the vehicle history information stored in the server from the database after a certain period has elapsed.

If the information collection program has such a function, it is possible to avoid a situation where the capacity of a storage medium which is indispensable for operating the system becomes insufficient. Further, from the viewpoint of the needs of the market that handles the vehicle history information, it is important to add new information to the database one after another and to delete old information from the database. For example, adding 1 to the database
This is because it can be said that vehicle history information such as 0 years has passed or 10 years have passed since the first year registration year is not so valuable.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 conceptually shows an overall outline of a vehicle history information collection / search system according to the present invention. The system is set on a server of an information collection / supply company or a server of a server management company. As a specific site on a communication network such as the Internet (hereinafter abbreviated as the Internet), for example, a site such as “@ .com” Name (domain name: URL).

Such a site for collecting and supplying vehicle history information functions as a site using the Internet as its communication means, and an information provider and an information searcher (information viewers) can access various Internet-accessible sites. From information terminals (PCs, mobile phones, electronic organizers, car navigation systems, etc.)
It is possible to access this site anytime, 24 hours a day, to provide information and to search for information. In a server constituting the system, the provided information is added to a database in real time. Examples of the information provider include a general consumer who is an end user of the vehicle, a sheet metal painting factory, a maintenance shop, a vehicle sales company, and a general vehicle handling company which handle the vehicle as a business. As information searchers, general consumers (automobile users) trying to buy used cars, vehicle auction management companies (including online auctions),
Vehicle handling and purchasing companies.

FIG. 2 conceptually shows the contents of the server which is the subject of the site. Inside the server 100, a database memory 10 is stored. The database memory 10 includes a vehicle history information memory 11, a user information memory 12 for information providers and information searchers, and a temporary registration information memory 13. An information collection program 15, an information search program 16, a user registration program 17, a user ID authentication program 18, and a user information management program 19 are stored in the ROM 14, and each program is called and activated as needed.
Such a memory area is stored in the CP via the bus line 20.
U21, RAM22 and I / O interface 23 are connected.

The information collection program 15 is a process relating to information collection means, for example, a process for displaying an information entry screen, creating and storing a database of provided information, and the like.
The information search program 16 performs processing related to information search means,
For example, the processing includes displaying an information search screen, searching for information and calling it from a database, and displaying the searched information. The user registration program 17 executes processing related to the user registration means, such as displaying a user registration screen, storing registered user information in a temporary registration information memory, and distributing a user ID based on confirmation of a system administrator. Processing. The user ID authentication program 18 executes processing related to the user ID authentication means, for example, determines whether or not the presented ID exists in the user information database, and issues a system use permission command and a rejection command based on the determination. It is a program. The user information management program 19 processes the user information management means, for example, creates a database of names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. registered as system users and stores them in a memory, matches this database with a user ID, This is a program for executing recording of system usage status, settlement of usage fee, and the like. These programs are called from the ROM 14 as needed, and R
The processing is executed by the CPU 21 using the AM 22 as a work area.

Such a server 100 is connected to the Internet via an I / O interface 23, and an information provider and an information searcher can access the server 100 via the Internet. next,
A flow of a method of collecting and searching vehicle history information according to the system will be described based on a flowchart.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall flow when using the vehicle history information collection / search system of the present invention. In S1, the information provider and the information searcher via the Internet use the above-mentioned site “△△.
When "com" is accessed, the site TOP page is displayed on the information terminal used by the information provider and the information searcher in S2. Subsequently, when user registration is selected by the information searcher and the information provider in S3, the user registration process of S4 is executed. When the information provision is selected in S5, the information provision processing of S6 is executed. When the information search is selected in S7, the information search process in S8 is executed. The above processing is performed until termination is selected in S9.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a user registration process when a user who wishes to use the system who has visited the site for the first time registers a user. This flow (user registration program) is executed when “user registration” is selected on the site top page. In a1, user information is input to the screen of the information terminal by the user who wants to register the user. When the input is completed and "send" is selected in a2, a determination is made in a3 as to whether or not there is no entry omission. If there is no omission, a
At 4, the contents are stored in the temporary registration memory as a database. At a5, a message indicating the end of temporary registration is displayed, and this process ends. After the user information stored in the temporary registration memory is examined by the system administrator, the user information is stored again in the user information memory in association with a user ID arbitrarily selected by the server. In the same manner as the user ID is stored in the user information memory, the user ID
Is delivered. Of course, if there is no need for temporary registration, the process for temporary registration can be omitted. In this case, the above-mentioned registration procedure is not necessary because it is conceivable that the user registration is not required.

FIG. 5 is an example of the user registration screen shown by the flowchart a1 in FIG. When "User registration" is selected on the site top page, this information registration screen is displayed on the information terminal. The user who wants to register the user inputs user information necessary for user registration on a screen (hereinafter, also referred to as a browser) 200. Fill in each item (90-94) and click "Send" at 95 to perform user registration. When a personal computer is used as the information terminal, operations such as selection can be performed by clicking the button on the browser with the mouse. However, when the information terminal is a mobile phone, etc., operation of the button on the terminal, etc. It is a choice in. In this specification, when a selection operation is performed on a screen, "click" may be described, but it is to be noted that a screen and a program provided by the system are not limited to clicking.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an information providing process when an information provider provides information. This flow (information provision program) is executed when “information provision” is selected on the site top page. When a user ID is input to the screen displayed on the information terminal by the information provider in b1, it is determined in b2 whether the input user ID exists in the database, and if it exists, the information is provided in b3. The browser is displayed. If not, the user is required to re-enter the user ID together with the error message. Here, user I
D authentication program is running.

After the information providing browser is displayed, information is input by the information provider at b4. When the input is completed, the information provider selects "Send" in b5, and firstly, it is determined in b6 whether there is no input omission, and if there is no input omission, the input content is displayed in b7. When "send" is selected again in b8, the information is stored in the database in b9, and an information provision completion message indicating that the server has completed accepting the information is displayed. In b10, it is also possible to display the accumulated information provision amount of the information provider.
If "Continue input" is selected in b11, an information provision initial screen is displayed.

FIG. 7 is an example of the browser displayed in the flowchart b3 of FIG. When “information provision” is selected on the site top page, this screen (browser) 101 is displayed on the information terminal. All information providers enter or select information to be provided from the browser 101. Since all items to be entered are prepared in advance on the screen 101, the information provider can easily provide information based on the information displayed on the screen.

As an indispensable matter, first, a chassis number, which is the most important information for specifying a vehicle, is entered in 30. Chassis number is one of the most important entry items in vehicle verification
Since a specific vehicle number is assigned to one vehicle, there are no two identical numbers. Therefore, this chassis number can be a vehicle ID that specifies a vehicle on a one-to-one basis. In addition,
The chassis number is stamped on a specific location (depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer) such as a chassis and a body of the vehicle, and is entered by other methods. In the sense of identifying a vehicle, there is also a car registration number (so-called license plate), but this is a characteristic that can be changed to another number by changing the owner, etc., so it is consistent from the birth of a vehicle to its disappearance. The ID does not change. On the other hand, the same vehicle number is used consistently from time to time even if the license plate is changed, so that it is suitable as the vehicle ID of the present system.

The travel distance information within the range confirmed by the information provider is entered in 32 in units of kilometers. The body color is prepared so that it can be selected in advance in the browser like 33. Generally, the vehicle body color of a vehicle is specified by a number, and a method of entering a number representing the vehicle body color can also be used. The presence or absence of the painting history is indicated by selecting one of “Yes” and “No” in 34 when the painting was performed together with the repair or when a painting mark was confirmed. If sheet metal is used for accidents, etc., painting should have been performed at the same time as repair. Therefore, it is also possible to select the degree of painting such as “all painting”, “one-third of the vehicle body”, “part of the vehicle body”. Items to be repaired indicated by 35 are shown in the figure in the outer panel system (parts that can be removed and replaced with entirely new parts; doors, bonnets,
It is classified into three items: bumper, etc., inner plate system (parts that can only be modified without being removed; chassis related), and engine system, and it is prepared so that repair points can be selected by subdividing each item, but system management It is easy for the user to arbitrarily increase or decrease the items. For example, even for the same repair location, the degree of damage, such as whether it has been completely replaced or whether
It is also possible to rank B, C, etc.

The entry of non-essential items is optional for the information provider. The first year registration year is entered in 31. The detailed description of the repair location, etc. is described in the repair location 35 described above.
Information that could not be filled in in, for example, adding extra parts, changing the structure of the vehicle, there is evidence of rewinding the mileage display meter, etc., will affect the property value of the vehicle It is prepared so that the user can freely enter information, a column for entry of a repair location or the like which is not included in an item, or other points of concern to the user. The owner history is entered in 37 indicating how many people owned the vehicle. The information provider finally enters the user ID again into 38 when all the entries are completed, and clicks “Send” indicated by 39. 40 to interrupt the entry halfway
Just click on the end.

The vehicle repair history is information generated when the vehicle is repaired. The above-mentioned information provision program also stipulates provision of information that requires a repair history. However, for example, a vehicle entrusted to a repair shop for a vehicle inspection has no repair history. Therefore, in this case, it is conceivable to collect only the vehicle history information that is not related to the repair such as the mileage history. In addition to the chassis number, other specifications of the vehicle verification (motor model, registration number,
An item such as a car name) may be added.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an information search process when an information searcher searches for information. This flow (information search program) is executed when "information search" is selected on the site top page. When a user ID is input to the screen displayed on the information terminal by the information searcher in c1, it is determined in c2 whether the input user ID exists in the database. Is displayed on the terminal. If not, the user is required to re-enter the user ID together with the error message. Again user I
The D authentication program is running.

After the information search browser is displayed, the information searcher inputs the chassis number of the vehicle to be searched to the browser at c4. When the input of the chassis number is completed, "search" is selected in c5 in order to search for the vehicle. Subsequently, in c6, it is determined whether or not a vehicle having the vehicle number exists on the database. If the vehicle does not exist in the database, the process proceeds to c8, where "no corresponding vehicle" is displayed on the browser, and it is asked whether to continue the search. When the corresponding vehicle exists in the database, the corresponding vehicle history information is displayed on the browser at c7. If "Continue Search" is selected, the screen moves to the information search browser, and if "End" is selected, the site TO
Return to page P.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart c3 of FIG.
5 is an example of an information search browser displayed by. The information searcher starts information search from the browser 102. The information searcher inputs the desired vehicle number in the 50 vehicle number entry field. Thereafter, when the "search" indicated by 51 is clicked, the search is started, and when the information search program determines that the vehicle exists in the database, the search result display browser as shown in FIG. The vehicle history information is displayed.

The browser 103 on which the search results are displayed
Since the vehicle history information provided by the information provider is stored as a database and is retrieved again, the vehicle history information may be simply displayed if the information can be determined. The date when the vehicle history information was provided is indicated by 60. Since the searched chassis number is displayed at 61, the information searcher can easily confirm whether there is an error in the number entry. The running distance history is shown at 62. By comparing the date on which the information was provided 60 with the date on which the information was retrieved, how much pace did the vehicle travel from the date the information was provided? Information will be additionally available.

For example, the date on which the information was provided is January 1, 1999, the mileage is described as 10,000 km, and the information was searched for on January 1, 2000. If the running distance of the vehicle is 20,000 km, the vehicle travels 10,000 km a year. Furthermore, if the mileage of the vehicle is less than the mileage of the date on which the information was provided, it clearly indicates that the mileage meter has been rewound or replaced. 100
If the vehicle has hardly traveled, for example, the mileage has increased by only km, the specialist or the like who conducts the assessment should distrust the vehicle and conduct a thorough inspection. In this way it is also possible to prevent fraud in the market.

The repair history of the vehicle is shown at 63. Based on this result, inspections of known repairs can be completed briefly and other parts inspected as usual, leading to a significant reduction in inspection time. Even when a general consumer (a consumer trying to buy a used car) is an information searcher, he / she can also focus on the parts he / she wants to know. If the vehicle color indicated by 65 is different from that at the time of information search, it is presumed that not only the repair history shown in the browser 103 but also some other repair is highly likely. The presence or absence of the painting history is indicated by 66. Regarding the painting history, for example, if the repair history information indicating that the body was slightly sheeted is indicated by 63, it is understood that the painting associated with the sheet metal has been performed. The painting location can be subdivided into, for example, a hood, a right front door, a left front door, and the like. 67 shows the owner history. It is conceivable that such various kinds of vehicle history information are deleted from the browser 103 or newly added after confirming the response of the information searcher (whether the item is necessary or not). The information searcher can also print the vehicle history information shown above on paper by clicking “Print” at 68. If you want to continue the search, click “Continue Search” of 69, and if you want to end, click “End” of 70 to display the site TOP page.

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E show the repair history information.
It can also be displayed as an image such as this is,
A specific design (for example, color, pattern, etc.) is displayed on the vehicle display image (in this example, the left and right side surface, the upper surface, and the front and rear surface portion 5 in FIG. 5) in which the vehicle is displayed in a realistic or conceptual manner. (At least one of light and shade). In this example, the skeleton of the front part is modified (9a), the left front door is replaced (9c), the sheet metal and painting of the left front fender (9b), the left rear door is painted (9d), and the front bumper is replaced (9e) by color coding or the like. ) Can easily be visually confirmed. In the drawing, since the difference in color cannot be expressed, for the sake of convenience, multiple points, hatching, and the like are used. However, it is also possible to use different colors, and if the screen is a light color screen, it can be displayed in a pattern or a shade as shown in the drawing.

FIG. 11 does not represent each part of the vehicle by a combination of a plurality of figures, but conceptually displays or expands the vehicle to display all parts of the vehicle in one display image in color, pattern, and shade. It is a specific design such as that which can be recognized at a glance. In addition, FIGS. 12A and 12B
As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle can be displayed as a three-dimensional stereoscopic image as a still image. In this case, all the repaired parts (9 in FIG. 12) are shown in the front perspective view (a) and the rear perspective view (b).
a to 9d). Also, a three-dimensional view (3D graphic or the like) as shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 shows a state in which the image can be rotated and displayed as a moving image.
Is shown in When displayed as such a moving three-dimensional three-dimensional view, the effect that the repaired part can be recognized at a glance is further improved. Further, in the drawings, the rotation axis is represented by a straight line penetrating the vehicle from the top to the bottom, but this can be changed. That is, if the bottom of the vehicle can be confirmed, a drive system such as underbody can be displayed at the same time.

Of course, such a screen may be shown to the information provider on the screen at the time of providing the information to prompt the information provider. That is, the parts of the vehicle can be visually understood, and the operation of providing the information can be performed by an operation such as clicking the corresponding part on the screen, so that the trouble of providing the information can be eliminated. Parts not shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the prime mover, the drive system, the electric system, and the like can be shown in the same manner as in FIGS. 10 to 13.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing processing means when the chassis number is input by the information searcher. The chassis number input by the information searcher is temporarily stored in the RAM 22 as an input chassis number memory. The entered chassis number is used as a matching key in the database memory 10.
A matching process is performed with a chassis number memory 81 which is a part of the vehicle history information memory 11 in the vehicle. The arrangement of the chassis number memory 81 is from the oldest data to the newest data in the drawing, but it is also possible to arrange them by vehicle type or to arrange them in ascending order of chassis numbers. After inputting the chassis number, the matching process is executed and the result is output. Such a matching process is also performed in a case where the user ID is authenticated.

If the date and time when the information provision was provided is stored at the same time, for example, when five years have passed since the information provision was registered in the server, the data is automatically deleted from the server. Such a program can be executed. In this case, a date memory area associated with the memory area of the vehicle history information may be provided, and the date memory may be scanned every day to monitor whether a specified date has passed. If it is determined that the time has passed, the vehicle history information corresponding to the date memory is deleted from the server.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a memory area when the vehicle number memory and the vehicle history information memory in the database memory are classified and stored for each vehicle manufacturer. For example, “vehicle number memory TO1” indicated by 85
Is a vehicle manufactured by T company, and is indicated by 86 in a chassis number memory NI.
“1” indicates a vehicle manufactured by N company, and “chassis number memory HO1” indicated by 87 indicates a vehicle manufactured by H company. The chassis number and the vehicle history information corresponding to the chassis number are sorted for each manufacturer. It is remembered. In addition, as described above, not only for each manufacturer, but also for the type of motor, type of vehicle, type of vehicle (two-door, four-door, one-box, sports car, sedan, RV, mini car, etc.), year, body color,
It may be classified according to the displacement or the like. However, it is desirable that the classification is made such that it can be easily distinguished from the vehicle ID (including the chassis number). If it is possible to classify by vehicle ID, the vehicle ID at the time when the vehicle history information is collected
The classification can be easily performed by executing an information classification program for further classifying the vehicle history information. For example, the chassis number which is an example of the vehicle ID is "FB15 -...".
It is assumed that the manufacturer can be identified only by the “FB15” portion. Since only the "FB15" portion needs to be determined, a program may be created and executed, "If a character string of FB15 is confirmed in the chassis number, store it in the memory area for company N".

In the case where the vehicle history information is classified and stored as described above, for example, a limited information search means that can search only a vehicle of a specific manufacturer can be considered. This is realized by changing the user registration program, the user ID authentication program, and the information search program. That is, it is necessary to determine the limited contents at the time of user registration. Based on this, N
In other words, only vehicles manufactured by the company H can be searched, or only vehicles manufactured by the company H can be searched.

FIG. 16 shows a means for storing information provided by an information provider in a vehicle history information memory in a database memory and a means for storing user information obtained by user registration in a user information memory. It is a flowchart shown. A transaction d2 (provided new data, newly registered user information, etc.) is subjected to master update processing in d3 on the pre-update data d1, and post-update data is created in d4. After the input of the transaction, the master update processing is executed to store the new data.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing a case where the system is accessed using a portable information terminal and vehicle history information is searched. Examples of the portable terminal include a mobile phone, an electronic organizer, a small notebook computer that can be easily used even when being carried, a car navigation system, a GPS, and the like. If sufficient information can be obtained even with a portable terminal, it is possible to access the system in real time when searching for information, leading to an increase in the number of system users and the resulting information provided should increase. Therefore, the reliability of the vehicle history information obtained by the system is further increased. Although simplified in the block diagram, there is basically a flow similar to the above-described search method. An information collection / distribution center (server of the system) is accessed, a search is made as to whether or not information exists on the database by a chassis ID such as a chassis number, and the information is confirmed on the screen.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a case where a search is made on a portable terminal corresponding to FIG. Searchers who search for information on mobile terminals include those who handle vehicles as a business and general users who are trying to buy used cars. In this case, all users have
There is no need to impose D, and if a new means is added such that the information fee is added to the telephone charge when the information is searched, anyone can search the information more easily. As shown in FIG. 18, a search fee may be charged only when the information exists on the database and the user browses the information, and free when the information is not on the database. Of course, a search fee may be charged when information is searched.

In the above description, the vehicle was mainly described in terms of repair history. However, of the repairs, only serious repairs after the accident, that is, "repairs" including skeletal modifications are included in the database contents, and comparisons other than repairs are made. Minor repair history can also be cut. In other words, if the fact that the value of a vehicle (mainly a used car) is greatly affected by the fact or the content of the repair, is that the database is limited to the repair history only, the result is narrowed down to the absolutely essential content In addition, consumers and dealers of used cars can obtain simple and clear information from which noise has been removed, and can easily provide information. In the construction of the database, repair data other than repairs may not be collected from the beginning, or repair data may be widely collected including repairs, and minor repair data may be collected from the repair data by data selection means or data filtering means. Cut (exclude)
However, it is also possible to make a database in which only the repair data is collected (remaining), and to search only the repair data by accessing the database. The data selection unit or the data filtering unit reads out the sorting data (headings and the like) assigned to the collected data, and when reading out the sorting data specified as the repair data, leaves this in the database and performs the other cut processing. .

Alternatively, a plurality of sort data (A: repair (heavy repair), B: medium repair, C: light repair) and the like are added to each collected data in advance by a header or other means, and the respective sort data are provided. The collected data is recorded in the database by classifying each data, or is recorded at random. Then, according to the information searcher's request, from the plurality of repair ranks (A, B, C, etc.), only the history data of a specific repair rank (for example, only rank A or rank A)
And B) can also be used to obtain search results.
Then, for example, when only the repair history is required or when there is more data than the middle repair, a quick and simple search without noise can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an entire vehicle history information collection / search system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a server serving as a main body of a site.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall flow when using the vehicle history information collection / search system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a user registration process when a user who wishes to use the system performs user registration.

FIG. 5 is an example of a user registration screen shown by a flowchart a1 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an information providing process when an information provider provides information.

FIG. 7 is an example of a browser shown by a flowchart b3 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an information search process when an information searcher searches for information.

FIG. 9 is an example of a browser shown by a flowchart c4 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a repair location of the vehicle.

FIG. 11 is an exploded plan view showing a vehicle repair location in which FIGS. 10A to 10E are combined into one diagram.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vehicle conceptually showing a repair location.

FIG. 13 is a view showing that the perspective view of FIG. 12 is made rotatable;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing processing means when a chassis number is input by an information searcher.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a memory area when vehicle history information is classified and stored for each vehicle manufacturer.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a means for storing obtained information in a vehicle history information memory and a user information memory.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing a case where the system is accessed using a portable information terminal and vehicle history information is searched.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a case where a search is performed on a mobile terminal according to FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 server 10 database memory 11 vehicle history information memory 12 user information memory 13 temporary registration information memory 14 ROM 20 bus line 21 CPU 22 RAM 23 I / O interface

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/30 130 G06F 17/30 130A 170 170Z F-term (Reference) 3D026 BA21 BA27 5B075 KK07 KK13 KK33 KK39 ND03 ND06 ND20 ND23 ND36 NK10 NK13 NK24 PP02 PP03 PP12 PP13 PP22 PP30 PQ02 PQ03 PQ13 PQ23 PQ27 PQ29 PR03 UU40

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle history information including a repair history and / or a mileage history of a vehicle is stored in one of vehicle information in documents or data used for vehicle management such as an automobile inspection certificate (vehicle verification). A server connected to a communication network such as the Internet and stored in association with vehicle identification information (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle ID) such as a chassis number specified in one-to-one correspondence, and an information terminal connected to a communication network such as the Internet ,
An information collection unit configured to collect and database the vehicle history information in association with the vehicle ID based on being accessed to a site associated with the server and store the database in the server; Information search means for searching whether or not the vehicle history information corresponding to the vehicle ID exists in the database of the server based on the input of the vehicle ID. Collection and search system for vehicle history information. 2. A user registration of the system (hereinafter also referred to as user registration) by at least the latter of an information provider that provides the vehicle history information and an information searcher that searches the vehicle history information via the communication network. ) Is performed, the contents of the user registration are stored in the server as a user information database, and user identification (hereinafter also referred to as a user ID) corresponding to the user information database necessary for using the system. User registration means for distributing the information, and whether the user ID presented by at least the latter of the information provider and the information searcher when using the system at the site corresponds to the user information database in the server Judge whether or not the presented user ID matches the user information database. If response collection and retrieval system for a vehicle history information according to claim 1, further comprising tolerate the use of the system, rejecting the user ID authentication means the use of the system to be compatible, the. 3. The information provider inputs a user ID in accordance with a screen guide on the site, and inputs a user ID.
If the authentication of D is obtained, it is possible to move to an information providing screen for providing the vehicle history information, and at least an operation of selecting an option prepared on the information providing screen and an operation of inputting characters The information searcher can input the user ID according to the guidance on the screen at the site, and if the user ID is obtained, the information searcher can move to the information search screen. The vehicle history information collection / search system according to claim 2, wherein the information can be searched by issuing a search start command after inputting a vehicle ID of a vehicle to be searched. 4. The information providing screen classifies and describes repair location information that the information provider wants to provide with respect to vehicle history information such as a vehicle repair location and a vehicle color. It is possible to provide information by selecting from the vehicle history information such as repair location, body color etc. that is classified and described, and to provide documents or data used for vehicle management such as automobile inspection certificate (vehicle verification) etc. The vehicle information such as vehicle number, chassis number, first year registration date, etc. and vehicle history information such as mileage, owner history, etc., can be provided by entering characters in the entry fields. Collection and search system for vehicle history information. 5. To charge an information searcher who accesses the site to search for information according to at least one of the amount of searched information, the number of searches, and a searchable period, Means for recording at least one of the searched amount of information, the number of searches, and the searchable period on the server as a user information database; and after a certain period of time, information on the information search fee from the user information database. The vehicle history information collection / search system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: means for taking out and making a settlement. 6. Information provided to pay an information provider who accesses the site and provides information according to at least one of the amount of information provided, the number of times provided, and the period of provision. Means for recording at least one of the amount, the number of times of provision, and the period of provision in the server as a user information database; and, after a certain period of time, means for taking out information relating to the information provision fee from the user information database and performing settlement. The vehicle history information collection / search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: 7. The vehicle history information includes, as a repair history, at least one of items of sheet metal repair, skeleton correction, parts replacement repair such as panel replacement, painting repair or painting replacement, and a meter mileage item. 7. A system for collecting and searching vehicle history information according to any one of claims 6 to 6. 8. The vehicle history information classifying means for storing the vehicle history information for each type of vehicle such as a two-door car, a four-door car, a one-box car, a passenger car, and the like, and the server classifies the vehicle history information by the classifying means. The vehicle history information collection / search system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a vehicle type storage area for individually storing the obtained information. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information collecting means includes means for automatically deleting the vehicle history information stored in said server from said database after a lapse of a predetermined period. Collection and search system for vehicle history information. 10. On the information search screen of the information search means, a history of at least one of parts replacement, paint repair, or paint replacement such as sheet metal repair, skeleton modification, panel replacement, etc. is displayed on the screen as vehicle history information. To display
Vehicle drawings, photos, pictures, illustrations, and other vehicle display images are displayed on the screen, and the vehicle display images visually indicate at least one of the repair location corresponding to the repair history, the content and degree of the repair. Arrows, marks,
An indication sign such as a sign is added on the vehicle display image, and instead, or together with, one of a color, a light and shade, and a pattern for visually recognizing at least one of the repair location, the content and the degree of the repair. Or, two or more types of identification designs are added to the corresponding area of the vehicle display image, and the vehicle display image and the instruction sign and / or the identification design are included in the server or its server as components of each vehicle history information. 10. The vehicle history information collection / search system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle history information is separately provided and stored in storage means connected to the communication network. 11. A history of at least one of a part replacement, a paint repair, and a paint replacement such as sheet metal repair, skeleton modification, panel replacement, etc., as history information of a vehicle to be provided on the information providing screen in the information collecting means. In order to input the instruction on the screen, the vehicle's diagram, photo, picture, illustration and other vehicle display images are displayed on the screen, and the repair location corresponding to the repair history in the vehicle display image and the content of the repair At least a part of the vehicle history information is provided by an instruction sign such as an arrow, a mark, or a symbol for visually recognizing at least one of the degree and the degree is provided on the vehicle display image, instead of this or At the same time, one or two of colors, shades, patterns, etc. for visually recognizing at least one of the repair location and the content and degree of repair.
At least a part of the vehicle history information is provided by additionally inputting more than one kind of identification design in the corresponding area of the vehicle display image, and the vehicle display image and the indication sign and / or the identification design are included in each vehicle history image. 11. The collection / retrieval of vehicle history information according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information is stored in a storage unit provided in the server or separately provided from the server and connected to the communication network as a component of the information. system. 12. The information terminal is a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, an electronic organizer, etc., connected to the communication network from the portable terminal, further accessed to the site, and connected to the vehicle I.
The vehicle history information corresponding to a vehicle ID is selected from a database of the server based on the input of D, and is displayed on a screen of the portable terminal. Collection and search system for vehicle history information.