TIRE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, TIRE MANAGEMENT METHOD

A tire management system (100) includes: a first communication apparatus (2) that acquires state information regarding a state of a tire (11) that is transmitted from an air pressure detection device (12) provided in a vehicle (1) when the vehicle (1) is located in a communication range of a predetermined wireless communication standard; and a management server (4) including a storage processing portion (70) that stores, into a storage portion (43), the state information acquired by the first communication apparatus (2).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tire management system and a tire management method.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a system that, when it is determined that a pneumatic tire (hereinafter, merely referred to as “tire”) attached to a vehicle such as an automobile is punctured, issues an alert indicating that the tire is punctured (see PTL 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Meanwhile, there might be considered a system that, each time the vehicle visits a predetermined place such as a service station, acquires information regarding the state of tires attached to the vehicle. Such a system would make it possible to perform an abnormality diagnosis of the tires based on the acquired information, and notify the user or the like of the diagnosis result. In addition, it would be possible to attract the user to the predetermined place by granting a privilege such as a coupon to the user based on the acquired information. However, there has been no such conventional system.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a tire management system and a tire management method that can acquire information regarding the state of a tire of a vehicle that has visited a predetermined place.

Solution to the Problems

A tire management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition portion and a storage processing portion. The information acquisition portion acquires state information regarding a state of a pneumatic tire attached to a vehicle when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific range. The storage processing portion stores, into a predetermined storage portion, the state information acquired by the information acquisition portion.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to acquire information regarding the state of a tire of a vehicle that has visited a predetermined place.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire information regarding the state of a tire of a vehicle that has visited a predetermined place.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and should not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

First, with reference toFIG.1, a description is given of a configuration of a tire management system100according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1, the tire management system100includes a vehicle1, a first communication apparatus2, a tire image acquisition device3, and a management server4.

In the tire management system100, the management server4is connected so as to mutually communicate with the first communication apparatus2and the tire image acquisition device3via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

The vehicle1is an automobile to which pneumatic tires (hereinafter, merely referred to as “tires”)11that are a management object in the tire management system100, are attached. For example, the vehicle1is a passenger car or a business vehicle.

As shown inFIG.1, the vehicle1includes four tires11. Of the four tires11, a tire11A is attached to a front-left wheel of the vehicle1. In addition, a tire11B is attached to a front-right wheel of the vehicle1. In addition, a tire11C is attached to a rear-left wheel of the vehicle1. In addition, a tire11D is attached to a rear-right wheel of the vehicle1.

As shown inFIG.1, the vehicle1includes four air pressure detection devices12. Of the four air pressure detection devices12, an air pressure detection device12A is provided in the tire11A. In addition, an air pressure detection device12B is provided in the tire11B. In addition, an air pressure detection device12C is provided in the tire11C. In addition, an air pressure detection device12D is provided in the tire11D.

Each of the air pressure detection devices12includes a detection portion that detects an air pressure and an air temperature in the tire11in which that air pressure detection device12is provided. The detection portion includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

In addition, each of the air pressure detection devices12includes a communication portion that is used to perform a wireless communication with an external communication apparatus. The communication portion includes a transmitter and an antenna.

Specifically, the air pressure detection device12executes a wireless communication according to a predetermined first wireless communication standard, with the first communication apparatus2(seeFIG.1) that is located in a communication range of the first wireless communication standard from the air pressure detection device12. For example, the first wireless communication standard is IEEE that is well known as an international standard, or a wireless communication standard conforming to IEEE. For example, the first wireless communication standard is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In this case, the air pressure detection device12can execute wireless communication with the first communication apparatus2that is located in a range of over ten meters. It is noted that the first wireless communication standard may be a standard that is different from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The air pressure detection device12transmits, to the first communication apparatus2, air pressure data that includes detection results of the detection portion. The air pressure data includes detection device identification information, air pressure information, air temperature information and the like, wherein the detection device identification information is used to identify the air pressure detection device12, the air pressure information indicates the air pressure inside the tire11detected by the detection portion, and the air temperature information indicates the air temperature inside the tire11detected by the detection portion. The air pressure information and the air temperature information are each a type of state information that is information regarding the state of the tires11attached to the vehicle1.

For example, the air pressure detection device12, when it can execute a wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard with the first communication apparatus2, executes a detection process and a transmission process at a predetermined execution cycle. In the detection process, the air pressure and the air temperature of the tire11are detected by using the detection portion. In the transmission process, the air pressure data that includes the detection results of the detection process is transmitted to the first communication apparatus2. For example, the execution cycle is an arbitrarily determined time between 10 (ten) seconds and 10 (ten) minutes. It is noted that the air pressure detection device12may execute the detection process and the transmission process upon receiving an execution instruction transmitted from the management server4via the first communication apparatus2.

The first communication apparatus2receives the air pressure data transmitted from the air pressure detection devices12and transmits the received air pressure data to the management server4.

For example, the first communication apparatus2is installed at a gas station, such as a gasoline stand or a service station. It is noted that the first communication apparatus2may be installed at a parking lot of a commercial facility such as a shopping mall, a rental parking lot such as a coin-parking lot, a parking area of a highway, a service area of a highway, an automobile dealer, and an automobile garage.

As shown inFIG.1, the first communication apparatus2includes a first antenna21. The first antenna21is used for wireless communication with the air pressure detection devices12. The first communication apparatus2executes a wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard with the air pressure detection device12that is located in a communication range of the first wireless communication standard from the first antenna21. The first antenna21is installed such that at least a refueling place in the gas station is located in the communication range of the wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard.

The first communication apparatus2acquires the air pressure information and the air temperature information transmitted from the air pressure detection device12when the vehicle1is located in the communication range of the wireless communication according to the first wireless communication standard. The first communication apparatus2is an example of an information acquisition portion of the present disclosure. In addition, the communication range of the wireless communication performed by the first communication apparatus2according to the first wireless communication standard is an example of a specific range of the present disclosure. In addition, the process of acquiring the air pressure information and the air temperature information executed by the first communication apparatus2is an example of an acquisition step of the present disclosure.

Upon receiving the air pressure data from an air pressure detection device12, the first communication apparatus2adds first additional data to the received air pressure data. Subsequently, the first communication apparatus2transmits the air pressure data added with the first additional data to the management server4. The first additional data includes: reception date/time information indicating the date and the time at which the air pressure data was received; and communication apparatus identification information that is used for identifying the first communication apparatus2.

The tire image acquisition device3acquires a tire image that shows the state of a ground-contact surface of the tire11. The tire image is a type of the state information regarding the state of the tires11attached to the vehicle1.

For example, the tire image acquisition device3is, as is the case with the first communication apparatus2, installed at the gas station. It is noted that the tire image acquisition device3may be, as is the case with the first communication apparatus2, installed at a parking lot of a commercial facility such as a shopping mall, a rental parking lot such as a coin-parking lot, a parking area of a highway, a service area of a highway, an automobile dealer, and an automobile garage.

For example, the tire image acquisition device3includes a pair of image acquisition portions31shown inFIG.1. The pair of image acquisition portions31are installed on the ground surface of the gas station. An image acquisition portion31A, one of the pair of image acquisition portions31, comes in contact with the tires11on the left side of the vehicle1. An image acquisition portion31B, the other of the pair of image acquisition portions31, comes in contact with the tires11on the right side of the vehicle1. For example, each of the pair of image acquisition portions31includes: a first slope portion that guides the tires11to a photographing surface located higher than the ground surface; a photographing portion that photographs, from below the photographing surface, the ground-contact surfaces of the tires11rolling on the photographing surface; and a second slope portion that guides the tires11from the photographing surface to the ground surface.

In addition, the tire image acquisition device3includes a vehicle sensor that detects the vehicle1at an upstream of an installment position of the pair of image acquisition portions31in the traveling path of the vehicle1that passes the installment position. When the vehicle sensor has detected the vehicle1, the tire image acquisition device3acquires four tire images corresponding respectively to the four tires11by using the pair of image acquisition portions31. In addition, the tire image acquisition device3includes a camera that photographs the number plate of the vehicle1that passes the installment position.

The tire image acquisition device3acquires the tire images of the tires11when the tires11of the vehicle1are located in a photographing range of the tire images photographed by the pair of image acquisition portions31. The tire image acquisition device3is another example of the information acquisition portion of the present disclosure. In addition, the photographing range of the tire images photographed by the pair of image acquisition portions31is another example of the specific range of the present disclosure. In addition, the process of acquiring the tire images performed by the tire image acquisition device3is another example of the acquisition step of the present disclosure.

When the tire images corresponding to the tires11have been acquired, the tire image acquisition device3transmits tire image data corresponding to the tires11to the management server4. The tire image data includes an automobile registration number of the vehicle1read from the photograph image of the camera, attachment position information indicating attachment positions of the tires11in the vehicle1, and the tire images. In addition, the tire image data includes: photographing date/time information indicating the date and the time at which the tire images were photographed; and acquisition device identification information used for identifying the tire image acquisition device3.

The management server4executes, based on the air pressure data and the tire image data, various processes regarding the management of the tires11.

[Configuration of Management Server4]

Next, a configuration of the management server4is described with reference toFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.2, the management server4includes a control portion41, a communication portion42, and a storage portion43.

The control portion41comprehensively controls the management server4. As shown inFIG.2, the control portion41includes a CPU51, a ROM52, and a RAM53. The CPU51is a processor that executes various types of calculation processes. The ROM52is a nonvolatile storage device in which are preliminarily stored various types of information such as control programs for causing the CPU51to execute various processes. The RAM53is a volatile or nonvolatile storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for the various types of processes executed by the CPU51. In the control portion41, the CPU51executes the various types of control programs that are preliminarily stored in the ROM52. This allows the control portion41to comprehensively control the management server4.

The communication portion42is a communication interface configured to perform wired or wireless data communication with external communication apparatuses such as the first communication apparatus2, via the communication network.

The storage portion43is a nonvolatile storage device. For example, the storage portion43is a storage device such as: a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM; an SSD (Solid State Drive); or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

In the storage portion43, vehicle information for each vehicle1is preliminarily stored. The vehicle information is information regarding the vehicle1. The vehicle information includes: vehicle identification information used for identifying the vehicle1; the automobile registration number of the vehicle1; information such as a type, a color, and a size of the vehicle1; the detection device identification information of the air pressure detection devices12respectively corresponding to the tires11attached to the vehicle1; user identification information used for identifying a user corresponding to the vehicle1; and tire information of the tires11attached to the vehicle1. The tire information is information regarding the tires11. The tire information includes a type, a size, and a manufacture timing of each of the tires11.

In addition, the storage portion43preliminarily stores user information corresponding to each user. The user information is information regarding each user. The user information includes: authentication information that is used for the user to log in the management server4; information such as name, sex, age, date of birth, address, and telephone number of the user; and an electronic mail address of the user. The authentication information includes the user identification information and a password.

In addition, as shown inFIG.2, the storage portion43includes four data storage portions61. The four data storage portions61are provided for each piece of the vehicle identification information preliminarily registered in the management server4.

Of the four data storage portions61, a data storage portion61A is a storage area of the storage portion43that is used to store the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire11A. In addition, a data storage portion61B is a storage area of the storage portion43that is used to store the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire11B. In addition, a data storage portion61C is a storage area of the storage portion43that is used to store the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire11C. In addition, a data storage portion61D is a storage area of the storage portion43that is used to store the air pressure data and the tire image data corresponding to the tire11D.

Here, according to the tire management system100of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when an abnormality has occurred in the tire11, it is possible to urge coping with the abnormality.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.2, the control portion41includes a storage processing portion70, an acquisition processing portion71, a detection processing portion72, a first output processing portion73, a first determination processing portion74, and a first privilege granting processing portion75. For example, the control portion41functions as the storage processing portion70, the acquisition processing portion71, the detection processing portion72, the first output processing portion73, the first determination processing portion74, and the first privilege granting processing portion75by executing a tire management program preliminarily stored in the storage portion43. It is noted that a part or all of processing portions included in the control portion41may be composed of an electronic circuit. In addition, the tire management program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various types of processing portions.

The storage processing portion70stores, into the storage portion43, the state information acquired by the first communication apparatus2and the tire image acquisition device3. The process of storing the state information executed by the storage processing portion70is an example of a storage step of the present disclosure.

Specifically, upon receiving the air pressure data transmitted from the first communication apparatus2, the storage processing portion70determines a storage destination of the received air pressure data. Here, the storage processing portion70determines one of the data storage portions61as the storage destination of the air pressure data based on the detection device identification information included in the received air pressure data and the vehicle information stored in the storage portion43. Subsequently, the storage processing portion70stores the received air pressure data in the data storage portion61determined as the storage destination.

In addition, upon receiving the tire image data transmitted from the tire image acquisition device3, the storage processing portion70determines a storage destination of the received tire image data. Here, the storage processing portion70determines one of the data storage portions61as the storage destination of the tire image data based on the automobile registration number included in the received tire image data and the vehicle information stored in the storage portion43. Subsequently, the storage processing portion70stores the received tire image data in the data storage portion61determined as the storage destination.

It is noted that the tire images included in the tire image data may be photographed by a camera of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone associated with the user, and transmitted from the mobile terminal to the management server4.

Upon arrival of a predetermined acquisition timing, the acquisition processing portion71acquires the state information regarding the state of the tires11attached to the vehicle1.

For example, the acquisition timing is a timing when a new piece of air pressure data or a new piece of tire image data is stored in the data storage portion61. It is noted that the acquisition timing may arrive at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the acquisition timing may be when an instruction to acquire the state information is input to the management server4via an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer communicably connected to the management server4.

For example, when the air pressure data or the tire image data of a vehicle1has been stored in the data storage portion61, the acquisition processing portion71acquires the state information for each of the four tires11of the vehicle1. For example, the acquisition processing portion71acquires a plurality of pieces of air pressure data selected in order from a piece of air pressure data added with the latest piece of reception date/time information, from each of the data storage portions61corresponding to the tires11. In addition, the acquisition processing portion71acquires, from each of the data storage portions61corresponding to the tires11, the tire image data including the latest piece of photographing date/time information. It is noted that the acquisition processing portion71may acquire the state information for one or more of the four tires11.

It is noted that the acquisition processing portion71may acquire the air pressure data by transmitting the execution instruction to the air pressure detection devices12of the vehicle1via the first communication apparatus2.

The detection processing portion72detects the abnormality of the tire11based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing portion71.

For example, the abnormality includes a first abnormality where the air pressure of the tire11is out of a predetermined first reference range. In addition, the abnormality includes a second abnormality where a decrease speed of the air pressure of the tire11exceeds a reference speed. In addition, the abnormality includes a third abnormality where a difference in wear amount between a part of the ground-contact surface of the tire11and another part exceeds a first reference amount. In addition, the abnormality includes a fourth abnormality where the wear amount of the ground-contact surface of the tire11exceeds a second reference amount. In addition, the abnormality includes a fifth abnormality where a flaw whose depth exceeds a predetermined depth is formed on the ground-contact surface of the tire11.

The detection processing portion72determines whether or not the first abnormality is present based on the latest piece of air pressure data acquired by the acquisition processing portion71. For example, the detection processing portion72determines that the first abnormality is present when the air pressure information corrected based on the air temperature information is out of the first reference range.

In addition, the detection processing portion72determines whether or not the second abnormality is present based on the plurality of pieces of air pressure data acquired by the acquisition processing portion71. Specifically, the detection processing portion72determines that the second abnormality is present when the decrease speed of the air pressure of the tire11calculated based on the plurality of pieces of air pressure data exceeds the reference speed.

In addition, the detection processing portion72determines whether or not the third abnormality, the fourth abnormality, or the fifth abnormality is present based on the latest piece of tire image data acquired by the acquisition processing portion71.

For example, the detection processing portion72detects the abnormality for each of the four tires11of the vehicle1. It is noted that the detection processing portion72may detect the abnormality for one or more of the four tires11.

When the detection processing portion72has detected the abnormality, the first output processing portion73outputs guide information to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle1, wherein the guide information is used to guide to an office where a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is provided.

In the tire management system100, the guide information is coupon information that is used to reduce the fee for the maintenance service.

For example, the maintenance service includes: an air pressure adjustment service to adjust the air pressure of the tire11; a rotation service to replace the attachment positions of the four tires11; and a tire replacement service to replace the tire11.

The maintenance service corresponding to the first abnormality is the air pressure adjustment service. In addition, the maintenance service corresponding to the third abnormality is the rotation service. In addition, the maintenance service corresponding to the second abnormality, the fourth abnormality, and the fifth abnormality is the tire replacement service.

For example, the office includes the gas station, an automobile dealer, and an automobile garage.

For example, when the detection processing portion72has detected the abnormality, the first output processing portion73transmits an electronic mail including a message that the abnormality has been detected and the coupon information, to an electronic mail address of the user corresponding to the vehicle1. This motivates the user to drive the vehicle1to the office.

It is noted that when the user has logged in the management server4by using a terminal apparatus such as a smartphone, the first output processing portion73may output the coupon information to a display portion of the terminal apparatus.

After the guide information is output, the first determination processing portion74determines whether or not the maintenance service was provided.

For example, the first determination processing portion74determines whether or not the maintenance service was provided, based on the state information that is acquired by the acquisition processing portion71before a predetermined determination time elapses after the output of the guide information. For example, the determination time is an arbitrarily determined time between one hour and 24 hours.

Specifically, the first determination processing portion74determines that the air pressure adjustment service was provided when it is determined that the first abnormality is not present based on the air pressure data that was acquired after the first abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion72.

In addition, the first determination processing portion74determines that the tire replacement service was provided when it is determined that the second abnormality is not present based on the air pressure data that was acquired after the second abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion72.

In addition, the first determination processing portion74determines that the rotation service was provided when it is determined that attachment positions of the tires11have been changed based on the tire image data acquired after the third abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion72.

In addition, the first determination processing portion74determines that the tire replacement service was provided when it is determined that the fourth abnormality or the fifth abnormality is not present based on the tire image data that was acquired after the fourth abnormality or the fifth abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion72.

It is noted that the first determination processing portion74may determine whether or not the maintenance service was provided, based on whether or not first provision information that includes an indication that the maintenance service was provided, has been input to the management server4. For example, the first determination processing portion74may determine that the maintenance service was provided, when the first provision information has been input via the information processing apparatus.

When the first determination processing portion74has determined that the maintenance service was provided, the first privilege granting processing portion75grants a predetermined first privilege to the user corresponding to the vehicle1.

For example, the first privilege is a discount coupon that is used to reduce a fee regarding an automobile, such as a fee for gasoline or a fee for an automobile accessory. It is noted that the first privilege may be a point(s) of a point service provided by the maker of the tires11, the maker of the vehicle1, the manager of the gas station, or the like. In this case, the user information may include point information that indicates the number of points owned by the user. In addition, the first privilege granting processing portion75may grant the point(s) to the user by rewriting the point information. In addition, the first privilege is not limited to the discount coupon or the point(s), but may be any economic benefits or right that is granted to the user.

For example, the first privilege granting processing portion75transmit an electronic mail including the discount coupon to the electronic mail address of the user corresponding to the vehicle1. This motivates the user to receive provision of the maintenance service.

It is noted that when the user has logged in the management server4by using a terminal apparatus such as a smartphone, the first privilege granting processing portion75may display the discount coupon on the display portion of the terminal apparatus.

In the following, with reference toFIG.3, a description is given of an example of the procedure of a first tire management process executed by the control portion41of the management server4in the tire management system100. Here, steps S11, S12, . . . represent numbers assigned to the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control portion41.

First, in step S11, the control portion41determines whether or not the acquisition timing has arrived. Here, the process of step S11is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the acquisition timing has arrived (Yes side at step S11), the control portion41moves the process to step S12. In addition, upon determining that the acquisition timing has not arrived (No side at step S11), the control portion41waits, at step S11, for the acquisition timing to arrive.

In step S12, the control portion41acquires the state information. Here, the process of step S12is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

In step S13, the control portion41determines whether or not the abnormality has been detected, based on the state information acquired in step S12. Here, the process of step S13is executed by the detection processing portion72of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the abnormality has been detected (Yes side at step S13), the control portion41moves the process to step S14. In addition, upon determining that the abnormality has not been detected (No side at step S13), the control portion41moves the process to step S11.

In step S14, the control portion41outputs the coupon information to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle1. Here, the process of step S14is executed by the first output processing portion73of the control portion41.

In step S15, the control portion41determines whether or not the determination time has elapsed since the execution of the process of step S14.

Here, upon determining that the determination time has elapsed (Yes side at step S15), the control portion41moves the process to step S11. In addition, upon determining that the determination time has not elapsed (No side at step S15), the control portion41moves the process to step S16.

In step S16, the control portion41determines whether or not a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality detected in step S13was provided. Here, the process of step S16is executed by the first determination processing portion74of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the maintenance service was provided (Yes side at step S16), the control portion41moves the process to step S17. In addition, upon determining that the maintenance service has not been provided (No side at step S16), the control portion41moves the process to step S15.

In step S17, the control portion41grants the first privilege to the user corresponding to the vehicle1. Here, the process of step S17is executed by the first privilege granting processing portion75of the control portion41.

As described above, in the tire management system100, the state information regarding the state of the tire11attached to the vehicle1is acquired, and the abnormality of the tire11is detected based on the acquired state information. In addition, when the abnormality has been detected, the guide information that is used for guiding to an office where a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is provided, is output to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle1. This makes it possible to, when the abnormality has been detected, transmit the guide information to the driver of the vehicle1or the like. It is thus possible to urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

In addition, in the tire management system100, the guide information is the coupon information that is used to reduce the fee for the maintenance service. This motivates the driver of the vehicle1or the like to move to the office. It is thus possible to guide the vehicle1to the office.

In addition, in the tire management system100, after the coupon information is output, it is determined whether or not the maintenance service was provided. Subsequently, when it is determined that the maintenance service was provided, the first privilege is granted to the user corresponding to the vehicle1. This motivates the driver of the vehicle1or the like to receive provision of the maintenance service. It is thus possible to strongly urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

In addition, in the tire management system100, it is determined whether or not the maintenance service was provided, based on the state information that is acquired after the coupon information is output. This makes it possible to automatically determine whether or not the maintenance service was provided. Accordingly, compared with a configuration where information for the determination is input manually, it is possible to eliminate the time and effort to input the information.

Second Embodiment

Next, with reference toFIG.4andFIG.5, a description is given of a configuration of a tire management system200according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.4, the tire management system200includes the vehicle1, the first communication apparatus2, the tire image acquisition device3, the management server4, a second communication apparatus5, and a terminal apparatus6. In the tire management system200, the management server4is connected so as to mutually communicate with the first communication apparatus2, the tire image acquisition device3, the second communication apparatus5, and the terminal apparatus6. It is noted that the first communication apparatus2and the tire image acquisition device3have the same configuration as those of the tire management system100.

The vehicle1has the same configuration as the vehicle1of the tire management system100except that it includes a vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13shown inFIG.4. In the following, only configurations different from those of the vehicle1of the tire management system100are described.

The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13receives the air pressure data transmitted from the air pressure detection devices12. Specifically, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13executes wireless communications according to the first wireless communication standard with the air pressure detection devices12and receives the air pressure data transmitted from the air pressure detection devices12.

In the tire management system200, the air pressure detection devices12and the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13are both provided in the vehicle1. Thus the air pressure detection devices12can always communicate with the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13. The air pressure detection devices12execute the detection process and the transmission process at the execution cycle.

In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13acquires position information that indicates the current position of the vehicle1. For example, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13is provided with a GPS receiver that receives radio waves transmitted from a GPS satellite. The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13acquires the position information based on information that is included in the radio waves received by the GPS receiver.

In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13transmits the received air pressure data to the second communication apparatus5. For example, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13executes a wireless communication according to a predetermined second wireless communication standard, with the second communication apparatus5(seeFIG.4) that is located in a communication range of the second wireless communication standard from the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13. For example, the second wireless communication standard is LTE. In this case, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13can execute wireless communication with the second communication apparatus5that is located in a range of several kilometers. It is noted that the second wireless communication standard may be different from LTE.

The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13, upon receiving the air pressure data from the air pressure detection device12, adds second additional data to the received air pressure data. Subsequently, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13transmits the air pressure data added with the second additional data to the second communication apparatus5. The second additional data includes the position information and reception date/time information indicating the date and the time at which the air pressure data was received.

In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13includes a display portion that is used to display information output from the management server4.

It is noted that the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13may stop performing communication with the air pressure detection devices12while the vehicle1is located in the communication range of the wireless communication performed by the first communication apparatus2according to the first wireless communication standard. In this case, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13may transmit the position information at the same cycle as the execution cycle. In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13may not have a function to perform communication with the air pressure detection devices12.

The second communication apparatus5receives the air pressure data transmitted from the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13and transmits the received air pressure data to the management server4. The second communication apparatus5may be disposed at an arbitrary position.

As shown inFIG.4, the second communication apparatus5includes a second antenna22. The second antenna22is used for a wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13. The second communication apparatus5executes the wireless communication according to the second wireless communication standard, with the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13that is located in a communication range of the second wireless communication standard from the second antenna22.

The second communication apparatus5, upon receiving the air pressure data or the position information from the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13, transmits the received air pressure data or position information to the management server4. The second communication apparatus5is another example of the information acquisition portion of the present disclosure. In addition, the communication range of the wireless communication performed by the second communication apparatus5according to the second wireless communication standard is another example of the specific range of the present disclosure.

The terminal apparatus6is an information processing apparatus that is used by employees of the office. For example, the terminal apparatus6is a personal computer installed at the office. It is noted that the terminal apparatus6may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal or the like used by the employees of the office.

The management server4has the same configuration as the management server4of the tire management system100except that the storage content of the storage portion43has been added and that it includes a second output processing portion76, a second determination processing portion77, a third output processing portion78, a third determination processing portion79, and a fourth output processing portion80shown inFIG.5in place of the first output processing portion73, the first determination processing portion74, and the first privilege granting processing portion75. The following describes only configurations of the management server4different from those of the management server4of the tire management system100.

In the storage portion43, office information for each of the offices is preliminarily stored. The office information is information regarding each office. The office information includes: office identification information used for identifying the office; information such as the name, the location, and the telephone number of the office; and stock information of articles used for the maintenance service in the office. The article includes, for example, the tire11for replacement. In addition, the office information includes terminal apparatus identification information used for identifying the terminal apparatus6.

When the detection processing portion72has detected the abnormality, the second output processing portion76outputs the guide information to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle1.

In the tire management system200, the guide information is route information that indicates a route to the location of a first office that is, among a plurality of offices, closest to the current position of the vehicle1.

Specifically, the second output processing portion76determines the current position of the vehicle1based on the latest piece of position information stored in the data storage portions61. In addition, the second output processing portion76determines one of the plurality of offices as the first office, based on the current position of the vehicle1and the office information.

For example, the route information is map information in which the route from the current position of the vehicle1to the location of the first office is identifiably displayed. It is noted that the route information may include voice information for guiding the vehicle1to the first office.

For example, when the detection processing portion72has detected the abnormality, the second output processing portion76outputs a message that the abnormality has been detected and the route information to the display portion of the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13. This makes it possible to indicate, to the driver of the vehicle1, the route from the current position to the location of an office that is closest to the current position. It is noted that, when the detection processing portion72has detected the abnormality, the second output processing portion76may transmit an electronic mail including a message that the abnormality has been detected and the route information to the electronic mail address of the user corresponding to the vehicle1.

After the second output processing portion76outputs the route information, the second determination processing portion77determines whether or not the vehicle1is moving according to the route information.

For example, the second determination processing portion77determines that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information when the movement of the vehicle1according to the route information has continued for over a predetermined time. It is noted that the second determination processing portion77may determine that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information when the distance traveled by the vehicle1according to the route information has exceeded a predetermined distance.

When the second output processing portion76outputs the route information, the third output processing portion78outputs first notification information that includes an indication of the fact, to an output destination corresponding to the first office.

Specifically, when the second determination processing portion77has determined that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information, the third output processing portion78outputs the first notification information to the output destination corresponding to the first office.

The first notification information includes: an indication that the route information has been output; information such as the type, the color, and the size of the vehicle1; information indicating a type of the abnormality; the current position of the vehicle1; and an expected arrival time of the vehicle1.

When the second determination processing portion77has determined that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information, the third output processing portion78outputs the first notification information to a display portion of the terminal apparatus6corresponding to the first office.

It is noted that when the second output processing portion76outputs the route information, the third output processing portion78may immediately output the first notification information to the output destination corresponding to the first office.

In this case, the control portion41may not include the second determination processing portion77.

When the second output processing portion76outputs the route information, the third determination processing portion79determines whether or not the article is present in the first office.

Specifically, when the maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality detected by the detection processing portion72is the tire replacement service, the third determination processing portion79determines whether or not the tire11necessary for the tire replacement service is in stock of the first office. The third determination processing portion79determines whether or not the tire11necessary for the tire replacement service is in stock of the first office, based on the type and size of the tire11for which the abnormality has been detected, and the office information corresponding to the first office.

When the third determination processing portion79has determined that the article is absent, the fourth output processing portion80outputs second notification information including an indication of the fact to an output destination corresponding to a second office that is, among the plurality of offices, closest to the location of the first office and has the article.

The second notification information includes: an indication that the third determination processing portion79has determined that the article is out of stock; information such as the name, the location, and the telephone number of the first office; and information for identifying the article that is absent.

The fourth output processing portion80determines one of the plurality of offices as the second office based on the office information.

Specifically, when the third output processing portion78outputs the first notification information, the fourth output processing portion80outputs the second notification information to a display portion of the terminal apparatus6corresponding to the second office.

In the following, with reference toFIG.6, a description is given of an example of the procedure of a second tire management process executed by the control portion41of the management server4in the tire management system200.

First, in step S21, the control portion41determines whether or not the acquisition timing has arrived. Here, the process of step S21is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the acquisition timing has arrived (Yes side at step S21), the control portion41moves the process to step S22. In addition, upon determining that the acquisition timing has not arrived (No side at step S21), the control portion41waits, at step S21, for the acquisition timing to arrive.

In step S22, the control portion41acquires the state information. Here, the process of step S22is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

In step S23, the control portion41determines whether or not the abnormality has been detected, based on the state information acquired in step S22. Here, the process of step S23is executed by the detection processing portion72of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the abnormality has been detected (Yes side at step S23), the control portion41moves the process to step S24. In addition, upon determining that the abnormality has not been detected (No side at step S23), the control portion41moves the process to step S21.

In step S24, the control portion41outputs the route information to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle1. Here, the process of step S24is executed by the second output processing portion76of the control portion41.

In step S25, the control portion41determines whether or not the vehicle1is moving according to the route information output in step S24. Here, the process of step S25is executed by the second determination processing portion77of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information (Yes side at step S25), the control portion41moves the process to step S26. In addition, upon determining that the vehicle1is not moving according to the route information (No side at step S25), the control portion41moves the process to step S21.

In step S26, the control portion41outputs the first notification information to the output destination corresponding to the first office. Here, the process of step S26is executed by the third output processing portion78of the control portion41.

In step S27, the control portion41determines whether or not the article is present in the first office. Here, the process of step S27is executed by the third determination processing portion79of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the article is present in the first office (Yes side at step S27), the control portion41moves the process to step S21. In addition, upon determining that the article is absent in the first office (No side at step S27), the control portion41moves the process to step S28.

In step S28, the control portion41outputs the second notification information to the output destination corresponding to the second office. Here, the process of step S28is executed by the fourth output processing portion80of the control portion41.

As described above, in the tire management system200, the state information regarding the state of the tires11attached to the vehicle1is acquired, and the abnormality of the tire11is detected based on the acquired state information. Subsequently, when the abnormality has been detected, the guide information that is used to guide to an office that can provide a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality, is output to the output destination corresponding to the vehicle1. This makes it possible to transmit the guide information to the driver of the vehicle1or the like when the abnormality has been detected. It is thus possible to urge the driver of the vehicle1or the like to cope with the abnormality.

In addition, in the tire management system200, the guide information is the route information that indicates a route to the location of the first office that is, among the plurality of offices, closest to the current position of the vehicle1. This makes it possible to indicate, to the driver of the vehicle1or the like, a route to the location of an office that is closest to the current position. It is thus possible to guide the vehicle1to the office.

In addition, in the tire management system200, when the route information is output, the first notification information that includes an indication of the fact is output to an output destination corresponding to the first office. This makes it possible to notify the employees of the first office that the vehicle1will visit the first office. It is thus possible for the first office to prepare for the visit of the vehicle1.

In addition, in the tire management system200, after the route information is output, it is determined whether or not the vehicle1is moving according to the route information. Subsequently, when it is determined that the vehicle1is moving according to the route information, the first notification information is output to the output destination corresponding to the first office. This makes it possible for the first notification information to be output only when the vehicle1is moving according to the route information. It is thus possible to restrict the preparation for the visit in the first office from being wasted.

In addition, in the tire management system200, when the route information is output, it is determined whether or not an article used for the maintenance service is present in the first office. Subsequently, when it is determined that the article is absent, the second notification information including an indication of the fact is output to an output destination corresponding to the second office that is, among the plurality of offices, closest to the location of the first office and has the article. This makes it possible to notify the employees of the second office that the article is absent in the first office, and urge the employees to send the article. It is thus possible to eliminate the time and effort for the employees of the first office to arrange the article that is absent.

It is noted that the vehicle1may be a rental vehicle. In addition, the vehicle1is not limited to an automobile, but may be any entity to which the tire11is attached. For example, the vehicle1may include a motorcycle, a three-wheel riding vehicle, a truck, and a bus.

Third Embodiment

Next, with reference toFIG.7andFIG.8, a description is given of a configuration of a tire management system300according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.7, the tire management system300includes the vehicle1, the first communication apparatus2, the management server4, the second communication apparatus5, and the terminal apparatus6. In the tire management system300, the management server4is connected so as to mutually communicate with the first communication apparatus2, the second communication apparatus5, and the terminal apparatus6. It is noted that the first communication apparatus2and the second communication apparatus5have the same configuration as those of the tire management system200.

In the tire management system300, the vehicle1is a rental vehicle that is rented out to the user. In addition, in the tire management system300, the function of the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13is different from the function in the tire management system200. It is noted that the other configurations of the vehicle1are the same as those of the vehicle1in the tire management system200.

Specifically, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13does not have the function to perform communication with the air pressure detection devices12. The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13acquires the position information indicating the current position of the vehicle1, and transmits the received position information to the second communication apparatus5at a predetermined transmission cycle. The transmission cycle may be the same as or different from the execution cycle. In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus13includes the display portion that is used to display information output from the management server4.

In the tire management system300, the terminal apparatus6is installed at the gas station at which the first communication apparatus2is installed. It is noted that the other configurations of the terminal apparatus6are the same as those of the terminal apparatus6in the tire management system200.

The management server4of the tire management system300differs in configuration from that of the tire management system200in the following points. Specifically, the tire management system300differs in the storage content of the storage portion43from the tire management system200. In addition, the tire management system300differs in the function of the control portion41from the tire management system200. It is noted that the other configurations of the management server4of the tire management system300are the same as those of the tire management system200. The following describes only configurations of the management server4different from those of the tire management system200.

The storage portion43stores rental period information indicating a rental period of the vehicle1. The rental period information is stored in association with the vehicle information in the storage portion43. It is noted that the user identification information included in the vehicle information is used to identify the user who rents the vehicle1.

In addition, in the storage portion43, instead of the office information, gas station information for each gas station is preliminarily stored. The gas station information is information regarding the gas station. The gas station information includes: gas station identification information used for identifying the gas station; and information such as the name, the location, and the telephone number of the gas station. In addition, the gas station information includes: the communication apparatus identification information used for identifying the first communication apparatus2; and the terminal apparatus identification information used for identifying the terminal apparatus6.

As shown inFIG.8, the management server4includes the storage processing portion70, the acquisition processing portion71, the detection processing portion72, a second privilege granting processing portion81, and a third privilege granting processing portion82.

The storage processing portion70stores, in the storage portion43, the state information acquired by the first communication apparatus2. In the tire management system300, the state information includes the air pressure information and the air temperature information, but does not include the tire images. For example, the storage processing portion70stores, in the storage portion43, the air pressure information corrected based on the air temperature information.

Upon arrival of the acquisition timing, the acquisition processing portion71acquires the state information that has been stored in the storage portion43by the storage processing portion70.

The detection processing portion72detects the abnormality based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing portion71. In the tire management system300, the abnormality includes the first abnormality and the second abnormality, but does not include the third abnormality, the fourth abnormality, and the fifth abnormality.

When the air pressure information stored in the storage portion43is in a predetermined second reference range, the second privilege granting processing portion81grants a predetermined second privilege to the user. The second reference range corresponds to a part of the first reference range. It is noted that the second reference range may be the same as the first reference range. The second reference range is an example of a reference range of the present disclosure.

For example, the second privilege is a discount coupon that is used to reduce a fee for repairing a puncture of the tire11or a fee for tire replacement. It is noted that the second privilege may be the same as the first privilege.

Specifically, when the air pressure information stored in the storage portion43is in the second reference range, and a predetermined granting condition is satisfied, the second privilege granting processing portion81grants the second privilege to the user.

For example, the granting condition is that both a first condition and a second condition shown in the following are satisfied.

The first condition is that the traveling path of the vehicle1during a predetermined first specific period satisfies a predetermined first specific condition. For example, the first specific period is a period of one week until the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired. In addition, the first specific condition is that the traveling path of the vehicle1is not deviated from the road on predetermined map data. The map data is data that includes a map of a predetermined region including the location of the gas station.

Specifically, the second privilege granting processing portion81determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied, based on the position information transmitted from the vehicle1.

It is noted that the first specific period may be an arbitrary period until the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired. In addition, the first specific period may be an arbitrary period from the time when the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired. In addition, the first specific period may be an arbitrary period including the time when the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired. In addition, the first specific condition may be that the traveling path of the vehicle1has not come in contact with the boundary line of the road on the map data, or that the distance from the boundary line has not become smaller than a predetermined distance.

In addition, the second condition is that the user receives, at the gas station, both the refueling service and a specific service that is different from the refueling service. For example, the specific service is an inspection service of the vehicle1, a carwash service of the vehicle1, or a replacement service of a consumable of the vehicle1. It is noted that the second condition may be that the user receives the refueling service at the gas station. In addition, the second condition may be that the user receives the specific service at the gas station. In addition, the second condition may be that the user receives the refueling service or the specific service at the gas station.

Specifically, the second privilege granting processing portion81determines whether or not the second condition is satisfied, based on second provision information transmitted from the terminal apparatus6, the second provision information including content of a service that has been provided to the user at the gas station. The terminal apparatus6transmits the second provision information to the management server4in response to a predetermined input operation performed on an operation portion of the terminal apparatus6.

It is noted that the granting condition may be that the following third condition is satisfied. The third condition is that the time when the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired, is included in a second specific period that includes the end of the rental period of the vehicle1. For example, the second specific period is one hour until the end of the rental period of the vehicle1. The second privilege granting processing portion81determines whether or not the third condition is satisfied based on the rental period information stored in the storage portion43. In a case where the granting condition is that the third condition is satisfied, the second privilege may be a discount coupon that is used to reduce the rental fee of the vehicle1. It is noted that the second specific period may be an arbitrary period until the end of the rental period of the vehicle1. In addition, the second specific period may be an arbitrary period that includes the end of the rental period of the vehicle1.

In addition, the granting condition may be that the following fourth condition is satisfied. The fourth condition is that the visiting frequency of the user to the gas station satisfies a predetermined second specific condition. For example, the second specific condition is that the visiting frequency is twice or more per month. For example, the visiting frequency is calculated based on the number times that the user visits the gas station during one month until the air pressure information determined as being in the second reference range is acquired or during an arbitrary period. The number times that the user visits the gas station is determined based on the reception date/time information included in the first additional data stored in the storage portion43. In a case where the granting condition is that the fourth condition is satisfied, the second privilege may be a discount coupon that is used to reduce the rental fee of the vehicle1or the fee for gasoline. It is noted that the second specific condition may be different from the above-described content.

In addition, the granting condition may be that the fourth condition and the second condition are satisfied.

In addition, the granting condition may be composed of any one of the above-described first condition, second condition, third condition, and fourth condition, or may be composed of two or more of the conditions.

It is noted that the second privilege granting processing portion81may unconditionally grant the second privilege to the user when the air pressure information stored in the storage portion43is in the second reference range.

The third privilege granting processing portion82grants a predetermined third privilege when the second abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion72and the user received the tire replacement service at the gas station. The second abnormality is an example of a specific abnormality of the present disclosure.

For example, the third privilege is a discount coupon that is used to reduce the rental fee of the vehicle1or the fee for gasoline. It is noted that the third privilege may be the same as the first privilege or the second privilege.

Specifically, the third privilege granting processing portion82determines whether or not the user received the tire replacement service based on the second provision information transmitted from the terminal apparatus6. It is noted that the third privilege granting processing portion82may determine whether or not the user received the tire replacement service based on the state information that was stored in the storage portion43after the second abnormality had been detected.

In the following, with reference toFIG.9, a description is given of an example of the procedure of a third tire management process executed by the control portion41of the management server4in the tire management system300.

First, in step S31, the control portion41determines whether or not the acquisition timing has arrived. Here, the process of step S31is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the acquisition timing has arrived (Yes side at step S31), the control portion41moves the process to step S32. In addition, upon determining that the acquisition timing has not arrived (No side at step S31), the control portion41waits, at step S31, for the acquisition timing to arrive.

In step S32, the control portion41acquires the state information. Here, the process of step S32is executed by the acquisition processing portion71of the control portion41.

In step S33, the control portion41determines whether or not the second abnormality has been detected, based on the state information acquired in step S32. Here, the process of step S33is executed by the detection processing portion72of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the second abnormality has been detected (Yes side at step S33), the control portion41moves the process to step S37. In addition, upon determining that the second abnormality has not been detected (No side at step S33), the control portion41moves the process to step S34.

In step S34, the control portion41determines whether or not the air pressure information acquired in step S32is in the second reference range. Here, the process of step S34is executed by the second privilege granting processing portion81of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the air pressure information acquired in step S32is in the second reference range (Yes side at step S34), the control portion41moves the process to step S35. In addition, upon determining that the air pressure information acquired in step S32is not in the second reference range (No side at step S34), the control portion41moves the process to step S31.

In step S35, the control portion41determines whether or not the granting condition is satisfied. Here, the process of step S35is executed by the second privilege granting processing portion81of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the granting condition is satisfied (Yes side at step S35), the control portion41moves the process to step S36. In addition, upon determining that the granting condition is not satisfied (No side at step S35), the control portion41moves the process to step S31.

In step S36, the control portion41grants the second privilege to the user. Here, the process of step S36is executed by the second privilege granting processing portion81of the control portion41.

In step S37, the control portion41determines whether or not the user received the tire replacement service at the gas station. Here, the process of step S37is executed by the third privilege granting processing portion82of the control portion41.

Here, upon determining that the user received the tire replacement service at the gas station (Yes side at step S37), the control portion41moves the process to step S38. In addition, upon determining that the user has not received the tire replacement service at the gas station (No side at step S37), the control portion41moves the process to step S31.

In step S38, the control portion41grants the third privilege to the user. Here, the process of step S38is executed by the third privilege granting processing portion82of the control portion41.

As described above, in the tire management system300, the specific range corresponds to the gas station. In addition, the vehicle1is a rental vehicle rented out to the user. In addition, the state information includes the air pressure of the tire11. In addition, in the tire management system300, the second privilege is granted to the user when the air pressure information stored in the storage portion43is in the second reference range. This motivates the user to visit the gas station. It is thus possible to attract the vehicle1on which the user is riding to the gas station.

In addition, the tire management system300is configured to grant the second privilege to the user when the traveling path of the vehicle1during the first specific period satisfies the first specific condition. This makes it possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when an abnormality is found in the traveling path of the vehicle1. It is thus possible to urge a normal driving of the vehicle1on which the user is riding.

In addition, the tire management system300is configured to grant the second privilege to the user when the user has received the refueling service and the specific service at the gas station. This makes it possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the user has not received either or both of the refueling service and the specific service. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the refueling service and the specific service.

In addition, the tire management system300is configured to grant the second privilege to the user when the time when the air pressure information is acquired is included in the second specific period that includes the end of the rental period of the vehicle1. This motivates the user to visit the gas station before the end of the rental period of the vehicle1and receive the air pressure adjustment service. It is thus possible to urge the user to return the vehicle1in a state where no abnormality is present in the air pressure.

In addition, the tire management system300is configured to grant the second privilege to the user when the visiting frequency of the user to the gas station satisfies the second specific condition. This makes it possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the visiting frequency of the user to the gas station is low. It is thus possible to urge the user to visit the gas station frequently.

In addition, the tire management system300is configured to grant the third privilege to the user when the second abnormality had been detected and the user received the tire replacement service at the gas station. This motivates the user to receive provision of the tire replacement service when the second abnormality is present. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the tire replacement service when the second abnormality is present.

The following describes configurations of the present disclosure included in the present specification.

A tire management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition processing portion, a detection processing portion, and a first output processing portion. The acquisition processing portion acquires state information regarding a state of a pneumatic tire attached to a vehicle. The detection processing portion detects an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing portion. The first output processing portion, when the detection processing portion has detected the abnormality, outputs, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, guide information that is used to guide to an office where a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is provided.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to, when the abnormality of a tire has been detected, transmit the guide information to the driver of the vehicle or the like. It is thus possible to urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

In the tire management system according to the present disclosure, the guide information includes coupon information that is used to reduce a fee for the maintenance service.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the driver of the vehicle or the like to move to the office. It is thus possible to guide the vehicle to the office.

In the tire management system according to the present disclosure, the guide information includes route information that indicates a route to a location of a first office that is, among a plurality of offices, closest to a current position of the vehicle.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to indicate, to the driver of the vehicle or the like, a route to the location of an office that is closest to the current position. It is thus possible to guide the vehicle to the office.

The tire management system according to the present disclosure includes a second output processing portion configured to, when the route information is output, output first notification information that includes an indication of the fact, to an output destination corresponding to the first office.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the employees of the first office that the vehicle will visit the first office. It is thus possible for the first office to prepare for the visit of the vehicle.

The tire management system according to the present disclosure includes a first determination processing portion. The first determination processing portion, after the route information is output, determines whether or not the vehicle is moving according to the route information. In addition, when the first determination processing portion has determined that the vehicle is moving according to the route information, the second output processing portion, outputs the first notification information to the output destination corresponding to the first office.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible for the first notification information to be output only when the vehicle is moving according to the route information. It is thus possible to restrict the preparation for the visit in the first office from being wasted.

The tire management system according to the present disclosure includes a second determination processing portion and a third output processing portion. The second determination processing portion, when the route information is output, determines whether or not an article used for the maintenance service is present in the first office. The third output processing portion, when the second determination processing portion has determined that the article is absent, outputs second notification information including an indication of the fact to an output destination corresponding to a second office that is, among the plurality of offices, closest to the location of the first office and has the article.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the employees of the second office that the article is absent in the first office, and urge the employees to send the article. It is thus possible to eliminate the time and effort for the employees of the first office to arrange the article that is absent.

The tire management system according to the present disclosure includes a third determination processing portion and a privilege granting processing portion. The third determination processing portion, after the guide information is output, determines whether or not the maintenance service was provided. The privilege granting processing portion, when the third determination processing portion has determined that the maintenance service was provided, grants a predetermined privilege to a user corresponding to the vehicle.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the driver of the vehicle or the like to receive provision of the maintenance service. It is thus possible to strongly urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

In the tire management system according to the present disclosure, the third determination processing portion determines whether or not the maintenance service was provided, based on the state information acquired by the acquisition processing portion after the guide information is output.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the maintenance service was provided. Accordingly, compared with a configuration where information for the determination is input manually, it is possible to eliminate the time and effort to input the information.

A tire management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step, a detection step, and an output step. In the acquisition step, state information regarding a state of a pneumatic tire attached to a vehicle is acquired. In the detection step, an abnormality of the pneumatic tire is detected based on the state information acquired in the acquisition step. In the output step, when the abnormality has been detected in the detection step, guide information that is used to guide to an office where a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is provided, is output to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described above include the following disclosure items (1) to (15).

Disclosure item (1) is a tire management system including: an information acquisition portion configured to acquire state information regarding a state of a pneumatic tire attached to a vehicle when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific range; and a storage processing portion configured to store, into a predetermined storage portion, the state information acquired by the information acquisition portion.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to acquire information regarding the state of tires of a vehicle that has visited a predetermined place.

Disclosure item (2) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (1), including: a detection processing portion configured to detect an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information stored in the storage portion; and a first output processing portion configured to, when the detection processing portion has detected the abnormality, output, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, coupon information that is used to reduce a fee for a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the driver of the vehicle or the like to receive provision of the maintenance service. It is thus possible to urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality of the tires.

Disclosure item (3) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (2), including: a first determination processing portion configured to, after the coupon information is output, determine whether or not the maintenance service was provided; and a first privilege granting processing portion configured to, when the first determination processing portion has determined that the maintenance service was provided, grant a predetermined first privilege to a user corresponding to the vehicle.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to further motivate the driver of the vehicle or the like to receive provision of the maintenance service. It is thus possible to strongly urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

Disclosure item (4) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (1), including: a detection processing portion configured to detect an abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the state information stored in the storage portion; and a second output processing portion configured to, when the detection processing portion has detected the abnormality, output, to an output destination corresponding to the vehicle, route information that indicates a route to a location of a first office that is, among a plurality of offices where a maintenance service corresponding to the abnormality is provided, closest to a current position of the vehicle.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to indicate to the driver of the vehicle or the like a route to the location of an office that is closest to the current position. It is thus possible to urge the driver or the like to cope with the abnormality.

Disclosure item (5) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (4), including: a second determination processing portion configured to, after the second output processing portion outputs the route information, determine whether or not the vehicle is moving according to the route information; and a third output processing portion configured to, when the second determination processing portion has determined that the vehicle is moving according to the route information, output first notification information that includes an indication that the route information has been output, to an output destination corresponding to the first office.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the employees of the first office that the vehicle will visit the first office. It is thus possible for the first office to prepare for the visit of the vehicle.

Disclosure item (6) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (4) or (5), including: a third determination processing portion configured to, when the second output processing portion outputs the route information, determine whether or not an article used for the maintenance service is present in the first office; and a fourth output processing portion configured to, when the third determination processing portion has determined that the article is absent, output second notification information including an indication of the fact to an output destination corresponding to a second office that is, among the plurality of offices, closest to the location of the first office and has the article.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the employees of the second office that the article is absent in the first office, and urge the employees to send the article. It is thus possible to eliminate the time and effort for the employees of the first office to arrange the article that is absent.

Disclosure item (7) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (1), wherein the specific range is a range corresponding to a gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is a rental vehicle that is rented out to a user, the state information includes an air pressure of the pneumatic tire, and the tire management system includes a second privilege granting processing portion configured to, when the air pressure stored in the storage portion is in a predetermined reference range, grant a predetermined second privilege to the user.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the user to visit the gas station. It is thus possible to attract the vehicle on which the user is riding to the gas station.

Disclosure item (8) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (7), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when a traveling path of the vehicle during a predetermined first specific period satisfies a predetermined first specific condition.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when an abnormality is found in the traveling path of the vehicle. It is thus possible to urge a normal driving of the vehicle on which the user is riding.

Disclosure item (9) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (7) or (8), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when the user has received a refueling service at the gas station.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the user does not receive the refueling service. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the refueling service.

Disclosure item (10) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (7) or (8), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when the user has received, at the gas station, a refueling service and a specific service that is different from the refueling service.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the user does not receive either or both of the refueling service and the specific service. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the refueling service and the specific service.

Disclosure item (11) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (7), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when a time when the air pressure is acquired, is included in a second specific period that includes an end of a rental period of the vehicle.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the user to visit the gas station before the end of the rental period of the vehicle and receive the air pressure adjustment service. It is thus possible to urge the user to return the vehicle in a state where no abnormality is present in the air pressure.

Disclosure item (12) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (7), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when a visiting frequency of the user to the gas station satisfies a predetermined second specific condition.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the visiting frequency of the user to the gas station is low. It is thus possible to urge the user to visit the gas station frequently.

Disclosure item (13) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (12), wherein the second privilege granting processing portion grants the second privilege to the user when the user has received, at the gas station, a refueling service or a specific service that is different from the refueling service.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to restrict the second privilege from being granted to the user when the user does not receive the refueling service or the specific service. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the refueling service or the specific service.

Disclosure item (14) is the tire management system according to the disclosure item (1), wherein the specific range is a range corresponding to a gas station of the vehicle, the vehicle is a rental vehicle that is rented out to a user, the state information includes an air pressure of the pneumatic tire, and the tire management system includes: a detection processing portion configured to detect a specific abnormality of the pneumatic tire based on the air pressure stored in the storage portion; and a third privilege granting processing portion configured to grant a predetermined third privilege when the specific abnormality had been detected by the detection processing portion and the user received a tire replacement service at the gas station.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to motivate the user to receive provision of the tire replacement service when the abnormality is present. It is thus possible to urge the user to use the tire replacement service when the tire is abnormal.

Disclosure item (15) is a tire management method including: an acquisition step of acquiring state information regarding a state of a pneumatic tire attached to a vehicle when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific range; and a storage step of storing, into a predetermined storage portion, the state information acquired in the acquisition step.