Patent Publication Number: US-2022224764-A1

Title: Technology notification system

Description:
This non-provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-004353 filed on Jan. 14, 2021 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a technology notification system. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     Conventionally, in a method for selling used vehicles, there is proposed a system which provides a used vehicle installed with an audio system to a purchaser (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-013453). 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, a new technology may be developed based on knowledge obtained by racing a racing vehicle in a motor racing event. However, functions in vehicles that have been sold are rarely updated after sale. 
     A user who has a vehicle of the same type as the racing vehicle may wish to incorporate a new technology developed based on knowledge obtained from a motor racing event into his/her vehicle. However, the user may not know the fact that a new technology has been developed based on a motor racing event. 
     The present disclosure has been accomplished in view of the aforementioned problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology notification system which when a new technology has been developed based on knowledge obtained by racing a racing vehicle in a motor racing event, notifies a user who has a vehicle to which the new technology is applicable of information about the new technology. 
     The technology notification system according to the present disclosure includes a server which stores new technology data related to a new technology whose technical effect has been confirmed by racing a racing vehicle incorporated with the new technology in a motor racing event, and a distribution device which distributes technology notification information related to the new technology data. 
     According to the technology notification system described above, a user may acquire information about a new technology developed based on a motor racing event. 
     The technology notification system further includes a provider terminal to be used by a service provider to provide a service related to a user vehicle of a user, and the distribution device distributes the technology notification information to the provider terminal. 
     The provider terminal distributes the technology notification information to a user terminal of the user of the user vehicle to which the new technology is applicable. 
     The distribution device distributes the technology notification information to a user terminal of the user of the user vehicle to which the new technology is applicable. 
     The new technique includes an optional technology to be incorporated into a user vehicle based on the user&#39;s selection and an essential technology to be incorporated into the user vehicle irrespective of the user&#39;s selection, and the technology notification information includes a selection notification which notifies the user to select whether or not to incorporate the optional technology into the user vehicle and a contact notification which notifies the user that the essential technology is to be incorporated into the user vehicle. 
     According to the technology notification system, the user may select whether or not to incorporate the optional technology into the user vehicle. In addition, the user may be notified that the essential technology is incorporated. 
     The new technology includes a technology related to software and a technology related to hardware. According to the technology notification system, the user may be notified of both a new technology related to software and a new technology related to hardware. 
     The technology notification system further includes a charging unit which charges the user of the user vehicle a usage fee to be paid to the service provider. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a technology development system  1  according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view schematically illustrating a racing vehicle  10  according to the first embodiment: 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a power distribution device  86  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an air cleaner  73  according to the first embodiment, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an undercover  71  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view schematically illustrating an input device  11  illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view schematically illustrating the input device  11  illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a new technology NT 1  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a new technology NT 2  according to the first embodiment: 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a new technology NT 3  according to the first embodiment: 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a new technology NT 4  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a technology notification system  3  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a distribution device  32 , a provider terminal  38  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between a distribution device  32 , user terminals  35 A to  35 D, a service provider  37 , and the like according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the distribution device  32 , the user terminals  35 A to  35 D, the service provider  37 , and the like according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating the confirmation of the contents of a user request signal in step  41  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the distribution device  32 , the user terminals  35 A to  35 D, the service provider  37 , and the like according to the first embodiment, 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a technology notification system  3 A according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a distribution device  32  and a provider terminal  38  according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between a manufacturing device  39 , a provider terminal  38 , a server  12 , a user terminal  35 , and the like according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the manufacturing device  39 , the provider terminal  38 , the server  12 , the user terminal  35 , and the like according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a flow chart illustrating the confirmation of the contents of a user request signal in step  114  according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the manufacturing device  39 , the provider terminal  38 , the server  12 , the user terminal  35 , and the like according to the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A technology development system  1  according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 23 . In the configurations illuminated in  FIGS. 1  to  23 , the same or substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a technology development system  1  according to a first embodiment. The technology development system  1  includes a development system  2  and a technology notification system  3 . 
     The development system  2  is configured to develop a new technology so as to solve a technical task extracted by racing a racing vehicle  10  in a motor racing event. 
     The technology notification system  3  is configured to send notification messages M 1  to M 4 , each of which summarizes a new technology developed based on a motor racing event, to a user terminal to be used by a user of a user vehicle to which the new technology is applicable. 
     The racing vehicle  10  is configured to be raced in a motor racing event. The motor racing event includes, for example, FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). 
     The WRC is a time attack competition in which each driver drives a commercial available racing vehicle  10  to compete for the best time along a variety of courses (traffic-regulated public roads). In the WRC, the course along which the racing vehicle  10  travels includes roads prepared with various conditions, such as a tarmac road (paved road), a gravel road (unpaved road), and a snow and ice road. 
     The unpaved road is often a rough road with vigorous irregularities. The paved road is often an asphalt-paved mountain road with continuous sharp corners. The snow and ice road is often a frozen road covered with snow and ice. 
     Thus, a motor rally event such as the WRC is a racing event in which drivers in the world compete for speed on public roads. 
     The development system  2  will be described. The development system  2  includes racing vehicles  10 A and  10 , input devices  11 A and  11 , a server  12 , analysis devices  13 A and  13 , development tools  15 A and  15 , manufacturing devices  18 A and  18 , and maintenance pits  19 A and  19 . 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view schematically illustrating a racing vehicle  10 . The racing vehicle  10  is configured to race along a course in a motor racing event. The racing vehicle  10  includes a body  70 , an undercover  71 , an engine  72 , an air cleaner  73 , a pair of front wheels  74 , a pair of rear wheels  75 , a power transmission device  76 , an accelerator pedal  77 , a brake pedal  78 , a controller  79 , a plurality of sensors  20 , and a communication device  21 . The racing vehicle  10  further includes a wiper  69  for wiping the windshield, a wiper switch  68 , and a drive motor  67 . 
     The body  70  includes an engine compartment  80  and a vehicle compartment  81 . The undercover  71  is attached to the bottom surface of the body  70  and is disposed below the engine compartment  80 . 
     The wiper switch  68  is configured to stop the wiping of the wiper  69  and adjust a wiping speed of the wiper  69 . For example, the wiper switch  68  may switch the wiping speed of the wiper  69  between “speed 1”, “speed 2” and “speed 3”. Note that “speed 1” is the slowest speed, and “speed 3” is the fastest speed. The drive motor  67  is configured to drive the wiper  69 . 
     The engine  72  and the air cleaner  73  are accommodated in the engine compartment  80 . 
     The air cleaner  73  is provided in an air inlet configured to supply air to the engine  72 . The air is supplied to the engine  72  through the air cleaner  73 . 
     The engine  72  mixes the air supplied from the air cleaner  73  with fuel such as gasoline and combust the mixture to generate a driving power. 
     The power transmission device  76  includes a transmission  82 , a front differential  83 , a front drive shaft  84 , a propeller shaft  85 , a power distribution device  86 , a rear differential  87 , and a rear drive shaft  88 . 
     The power transmission device  76  transmits the driving power generated by the engine  72  to the pair of front wheels  74  constantly, and transmits the driving power generated by the engine  72  to the pair of rear wheels  75  optionally in accordance with the vehicle condition. In other words, the racing vehicle  10  is an on-demand four-wheel drive vehicle. For example, when the racing vehicle  10  travels straight at a constant speed, it travels at a two-wheel drive state in which the driving power is transmitted only to the pair of front wheels  74 . In the two-wheel drive state, the power distribution device  86  blocks the power transmission between the propeller shaft  85  and the rear differential  87 . 
     When the pair of front wheels  74  slips, for example, as the vehicle travels on a low friction road, as the vehicle is started or accelerated, or as the vehicle corners, by increasing the torque transmitted to the pair of rear wheels  75 , the racing vehicle  10  travels at a four-wheel drive state. 
     In the four-wheel drive state, the power distribution device  86  transmits the driving power from the propeller shall  85  to the rear differential  87 . 
     For example, when the pair of front wheels  74  slips as the racing vehicle  10  corners, it is possible to reduce the understeer by increasing the torque transmitted to the pair of rear wheels  75 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the power distribution device  86 . The power distribution device  86  includes a housing  90 , an inner shaft  91 , a plurality of clutch plates  92 , a cam mechanism  93 , an electromagnetic clutch  94 , and an electromagnetic coil  95 . 
     The housing  90  is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the propeller shaft  85  is connected to the housing  90 . The inner shaft  91  is disposed inside the housing  90  and is arranged coaxially with the central axis of the housing  90 . The plurality of clutch plates  92  are arranged between the housing  90  and the inner shaft  91 . The inner shaft  91  is mechanically connected to the rear differential  87 . 
     When the electromagnetic coil  95  is energized, the electromagnetic clutch  94  is coupled to the housing  90 . After the electromagnetic clutch  94  is coupled to the housing  90 , the driving power transmitted to the housing  90  is transmitted to the electromagnetic clutch  94 . The driving power transmitted to the electromagnetic clutch  94  drives the cam mechanism  93  to press the plurality of clutch plates  92 . 
     After the plurality of clutch plates  92  are pressed, the frictional force between the clutch plates  92  increases, and thereby, the driving power transmitted to the housing  90  is transmitted to the inner shaft  91 . As a result, the driving power is transmitted from the inner shaft  91  to the rear differential  87 . 
     Thus, the driving power transmitted to the rear differential  87  is adjusted by the amount of current supplied to the electromagnetic coil  95 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view schematically illustrating the air cleaner  73 . The air cleaner  73  includes an accommodation case and a filter accommodated in the accommodation case.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view schematically illustrating the undercover  71 . The undercover  71  is formed in a plate shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the controller  79  controls the power distribution device  86 . The power distribution device  86  adjusts the torque transmitted to the rear differential  87  and the pair of rear wheels  75  based on a command issued from the controller  79 . The controller  79  controls the drive motor  67  based on a wiping speed selected by the wiper switch  68 . 
     The controller  79  controls the engine  72 , the power distribution device  86  and the like. The controller  79  includes a storage unit  40 . The storage unit  40  stores an engine control program P 1  for controlling the engine  72 , a power distribution program P 2  for controlling the power distribution device  86 , and a wiper drive program P 3 . 
     The plurality of sensors  20  acquire various travel data D 1  from the racing vehicle  10  travelling along a course. The travel data D 1  acquired by each sensor  20  includes, for example, a travel time, a vehicle speed, a three-axis acceleration (G), an angular velocity (yaw), an engine speed, an oil-water temperature, a throttle opening, a depression amount of the accelerator pedal, and a depression amount of the brake pedal. Each sensor  20  sends the travel data D 1  to the controller  79 . 
     The controller  79  sends the travel data D 1  received from each sensor  20  to the server  12  through the communication device  21 . The communication device  21  communicates with an external server such as the server  12 . The travel data D 1  includes a vehicle  11  to identify a racing vehicle  10 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are schematic views schematically illustrating the input device  11  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The input device  11  includes, for example, an imaging unit  45  such as a camera, a display unit  46 , and a communication unit  47 , and is configured to send input data to the server  12 . The input device  11 A has substantially the same configuration as the input device  11 . 
     In the motor racing event WRC 1 , a mechanic crew  22  may capture an image of a damaged portion of the racing vehicle  10  by using the imaging unit  45 , and may input text information about the damaged portion by using a soft keyboard displayed on the display unit  46 . Then, the communication unit  47  sends damage data including at least one of the image and the text information to the server  12 . 
     The mechanic crew  22  carries a communication device that communicates with a driver. Therefore, the mechanic crew  22  may input mobility data related to the drivability and the like sent from the driver during the travelling into the input device  11 , and send the mobility data to the server  12 . 
     Thus, the input device  11  sends input data D 2  including at least one of the damage data and the mobility data to the server  12 . The input data D 2  includes a vehicle ID to identify a racing vehicle  10 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the server  12  stores the travel data D 1  received from the racing vehicle  10  and the input data D 2  received from the input device  11 . 
     The server  12  stores vehicle information of a racing vehicle  10  participating in a motor racing event such as the WRC. The vehicle information of a racing vehicle  10  includes, for example, includes a vehicle ID, a vehicle type, and information related to the motor racing event in which the racing vehicle  10  participates. The vehicle information of the racing vehicle  10  may be stored in the server  12  in advance, for example, when the racing vehicle  10  participates in the motor racing event. When a plurality of racing vehicles participate in a motor racing event such as the WRC, each racing vehicle is given with a unique vehicle ID. The server  12  stores the travel data D 1  and the input data D 2  for each racing vehicle. 
     The analysis device  13  is used by an analyst  23  to extract a technical task related to the racing vehicle  10  based on at least one of the travel data D 1  and the input data D 2  stored in the server  12 . Specifically, the analysis device  13  acquires at least one of the travel data D 1  and the input data D 2  of the racing vehicle  10  front the server  12 . Then, the analyst  23  uses the analysis device  13  to extract a technical task related to the racing vehicle  10  based on at least one of the travel data D 1  and the input data D 2 . The analyst  23  inputs the technical task into the analysis device  13 , and the analysis device  13  sends task data D 3  related to the technical task to the server  12 . 
     In the first embodiment, the analyst  23  extracts, for example, three technical tasks TC 1  to TC 3 . 
     For example, the analyst  23  uses the analysis device  13  to extract a technical task TC 1  that the temperature of the engine  72  of the racing vehicle  10  tends to rise based on the travel time and the oil-water temperature. 
     For example, the analyst  23  uses the analysis device  13  to extract a technical task TC 2  that the understeer becomes greater as the racing vehicle  10  corners on a low friction road. 
     For example, the analyst  23  uses the analysis device  13  to extract a technical task TC 3  that the wiping speed of the wiper  69  is low even though “speed 3” is selected. 
     Thus, the analysis device  13  sends the task data D 3  related to the technical tasks TC 1  to TC 3  extracted by the analyst  23  to the server  12 . The task data D 3  includes the vehicle ID of the racing vehicle  10 . 
     The server  12  stores the task data D 3  received from the analysis device  13 . The development tool  15  is used by a developer  24  to acquire the task data D 3  of the racing vehicle  10  from the server  12  and develop new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  so as to solve the technical tasks TC to TC 3  indicated by the task data D 3  stored in the server  12 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the new technology NT 1 .  FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the new technology NT 2 .  FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the new technology NT 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , for example, in order to solve the technical task TC that the temperature of engine  72  tends to rise, the developer  24  uses the development tool  15  to develop a new undercover  71 A. An air inlet  89  is formed in the undercover  71 A so as to penetrate through the undercover  71 A. 
     When the undercover  71 A is attached to the racing vehicle  10 , the air sucked through the air inlet  89  may be supplied into the engine compartment  80 , which makes it possible to cool down the engine  72 . As mentioned above, the developer  24  develops the undercover  71 A corresponding to the new technology NT 1 . The development tool  15  sends new technology data NTD 1  related to the new technology NT 1  to the server  12 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , for example, in order to solve the technical task TC 2  that the understeer becomes greater as the racing vehicle  10  corners on a low friction road, the developer  24  develops a new power distribution device  86 A and a power distribution program PN 2 . 
     For example, the number of clutch plates  92  provided in the power distribution device  86 A is larger than the number of clutch plates  92  provided in the power distribution device  86 . According to the power distribution device  86 A, it is possible to quickly and smoothly adjust the power distributed to the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. 
     Thus, immediately after the controller  79  detects the slip of the pair of front wheels  74 , the power may be transmitted to the pair of rear wheels  75 , which makes it possible to reduce the understeer. Further, since the power distributed to the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels is adjusted smoothly, which improves the drivability. The power distribution program PN 2  is a program for controlling the operation of the power distribution device  86 A. 
     As described above, in order to solve the technical task TC 2  that the understeer becomes greater as the racing vehicle  10  corners on a low friction road, the developer  24  develops the power distribution device  86 A and the power distribution program PN 2  as the new technology NT 2 . The development tool  15  sends new technology data NTD 2  related to the power distribution device  86 A and the power distribution program PN 2  to the server  12 . 
     For example, in order to solve the technical task TC 3  that the wiping speed of the wiper  69  is slow even though “speed 3” is selected, the developer  24  develops a wiper drive program PN 3  so as to increase the wiping speed of the wiper  69  when “speed 3” is selected. 
     As described above, the developer  24  uses the development tool  15  to develop the wiper drive program PN 3  as the new technology NT 3  so as to solve the technical task related to the wiping speed of the wiper  69 . 
     The development tool  15  sends new technology data NTD 3  related to the new technology NT 3  to the server  12 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 3  each includes a vehicle ID of the racing vehicle  10 . The new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 3  are stored in the server  12 . 
     The server  12  sends the new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 2  to the manufacturing device  18 . The manufacturing device  18  manufactures the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A. 
     The manufactured undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A are delivered to a maintenance pit  19 . 
     In the maintenance pit  19 , the mechanic crew removes the undercover  71  and the power distribution device  86  from the racing vehicle  10  and attaches the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A. 
     Then, the mechanic crew installs the power distribution program PN 2  and the wiper drive program PN 3  in the controller  79 . The racing vehicle  10  receives the power distribution program PN 2  and the wiper drive program PN 3  from the server  12  through the communication device  21 . 
     Then, the racing vehicle  10  updates the power distribution program P 2  and the wiper drive program P 3  to the power distribution program PN 2  and the wiper drive program PN 3 , respectively. 
     Thus, the racing vehicle  10 A is constructed by attaching the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A to the racing vehicle  10  and updating each program. 
     The racing vehicle  10 A participates in a motor racing event WRC 2 . The plurality of sensors  20  provided in the racing vehicle  10 A acquire various travel data D 10  from the racing vehicle  10 A travelling along a course. Then, each sensor  20  sends the travel data D 10  to the controller  79 . The controller  79  sends the travel data D 10  to the server  12  through the communication device  21 . 
     Then, the mechanic crew  22 A sends input data D 12  including at least one of the damage data and the mobility data to the server  12 . 
     The analysis device  13 A acquires the travel data D 10  and the input data D 12  from the server  12 . 
     The analyst  23 A evaluates the performance of the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  based on the travel data D 10  and the input data D 12 . 
     For example, regarding the new technology NT 1 , whether or not the temperature of the engine  72  of the racing vehicle  10  is prevented from rising is determined based on the travel time and the oil-water temperature. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the engine  72  is prevented from rising. 
     Then, the analyst  23 A creates performance data PD 1  indicating that the performance is improved by the new technology NT 1 . The analysis device  13 A sends the performance data PD 1  to the server  12 . 
     For example, regarding the new technology NT 2 , the understeer is prevented from occurring as the racing vehicle  10 A corners on a low friction road. Regarding the new technology NT 3 , the wiping speed of the wiper  69  is improved when “speed 3” is selected. 
     The analyst  23 A creates performance data P 02  indicating that the performance is improved by the new technology NT 2  and performance data PD 3  indicating that the performance is improved by the new technology NT 3 . The analysis device  13 A sends the performance data PD 2  and PD 3  to the server  12 . 
     Each of the performance data PD 1  to PD 3  includes a flag indicating that each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  has a technical effect. 
     The analyst  23 A extracts a technical task of the racing vehicle  10 A based on the travel data D 10  and the input data D 12 . 
     For example, the analyst  23 A uses the analysis device  13  to extract a technical task TC 4  that the response of the engine of the racing vehicle  10  is poor based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal, the engine speed, the oil-water temperature, and the mobility information. 
     Then, the analysis device  13  sends task data D 4  related to the technical task TC 4  extracted by the analyst  23 A to the server  12 . 
     Each of the performance data PD 1  to PD 3  and the task data D 4  includes a vehicle ID of the racing vehicle  10 A. In addition, the performance data PD 1  includes an ID identifying the new technology NT 1  (new technology data NTD 1 ). Similarly, the performance data PD 2  includes an ID identifying the new technology NT 2  (new technology data NTD 2 ), and the performance data PD 3  includes an ID identifying the new technology NT 3  (new technology data NTD 3 ). 
     The development tool  15 A is used by a developer  24 A to acquire the task data D 4  of the racing vehicle  10 A from the server  12  and develop a new technology NT 4  so as to solve the technical task TC 4 . 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the new technology NT 4 . The developer  24 A develops a new air cleaner  73 A and a new engine control program PN 1  as the new technology NT 4  so as to solve the technical task TC 4  that the response of the engine  72  is poor. 
     As compared with the air cleaner  73 , the air cleaner  73 A improves air ventilation while maintaining dust resistance, corrosion resistance, and dust collection ability. By incorporating the air cleaner  73 A in the racing vehicle  10  to replace the air cleaner  73 , it is possible to improve the amount of air supplied to the engine  72 . 
     The engine control program PN 1  is configured to control the operation of the engine  72  in response to changes on the amount of air supplied to the engine  72  due to the replacement of the air cleaner  73 A. 
     In this way, by attaching the air cleaner  73 A to the racing vehicle  10 A and updating the engine control program P 1  to the engine control program PN 1 , it is possible to improve the response of the engine  72 . 
     As described above, in order to solve the technical task that the response of the engine  72  is poor, the developer  24 A develops the air cleaner  73 A and the engine control program PN 1  as the new technology NT 4 . 
     The development tool  15  sends new technology data NTD 4  related to the new technology NT 4  to the server  12 . 
     The server  12  sends the new technology data NTD 4  to the manufacturing device  18 A. The manufacturing device  18 A manufactures the air cleaner  73 A based on the new technology data NTD 4 . 
     The manufactured air cleaner  73 A is delivered to the maintenance pit  19 A, and the mechanic crew removes the air cleaner  73  from the racing vehicle  10 A and attaches the air cleaner  73 A to the racing vehicle  10 A. 
     Then, the mechanic crew installs the engine control program PN 1  in the controller  79  of the racing vehicle  10 A. The racing vehicle  10  receives the engine control program PN 1  from the server  12  through the communication device  21 . Then, the racing vehicle IDA updates the engine control program P 1  to the engine control program PN 1 . 
     In this way, a new racing vehicle  10 B is constructed. The racing vehicle  10 B also participates in a new motor racing event. 
     The technical effect of the new technology NT 4  is confirmed by racing the racing vehicle  10 B in a new motor racing event. 
     In the first embodiment, the technical effect of each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  is confirmed by racing the racing vehicle  10 A in the motor racing event WRC 2 , and each of the performance data PD 1  to PD 3  includes a flag indicating that the technical effect of each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 1  has been confirmed. 
     The server  12  sends the new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 3  related respectively to the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  whose technical effect has been confirmed and the performance data PD 1  to PD 3  to the summarization tool  30 . 
     If the performance data PD 1  does not include a flag indicating a technical effect, the server  12  does not send the new technology data NTD 1  and the performance data PD 1  to the summarization tool  30 . 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating the technology notification system  3 . 
     The technology notification system  3  includes a summarization tool  30 , a distribution device  32 , user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, user terminals  35 A to  35 D, a service provider  37 , a provider terminal  38 , and a manufacturing device  39 . 
     The summarization tool  30  is used by an operator  33  to acquire the new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 3  and the performance data PD 1  to PD 3  from the server  12  and create notification messages M 1  to M 3 . The operator  33  uses the summarization tool  30  to create the notification messages M 1  to M 3 . Each notification message includes technology notification information N 1  indicating a new technology, replacement information N 2  indicating whether or not it is required to replace a component, update information N 3  indicating whether or not it is required to update a program, type information N 4  indicating whether the new technology is optional or essential, and fee information N 5  indicating whether the new technology is free or not. 
     The notification message M 1  is a message related to the new technology NT 1 , the notification messages M 2  is a message related to the new technology NT 2 , and the notification message M 3  is a message related to the new technology NT 3 . The relationship between the information N 1  to N 5  in each of the notification messages M 1  to M 3  is illustrated in Table 1 below. 
     The technology notification information N 1  includes a technical summary of each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3 . The technology notification information N 1  in each of the notification messages M 1  to M 3  is created by the operator  33  based on the new technology data NTD 1  to NTD 4  and the performance data PD 1  to PD 4 , respectively “YES” in the column of technology notification information N 1  indicates that a technical summary is described for each new technology. “YES” in the column of replacement information N 2  indicates that it is required to replace a component, and “NO” in the column of replacement information N 2  indicates that it is not required to replace a component. “YES” in the column of update information N 3  indicates that it is required to update a program, and “NO” in the column of update information N 3  indicates that it is not required to update a program. 
     “YES” in the column of type information N 4  indicates that the new technology is essential irrespective of the selection of the user  36 , and “NO” in the column of type information N 4  indicates that the new technology is optional based on the selection of the user  36 . 
     In other words, each of the new technologies NT 1  and NT 2  is an optional technology that may be selected and incorporated into the user vehicle by each user. Each of the notification messages M 1  and M 2  serves as a selection notification which allows each user to decide whether or not to incorporate the new technologies NT 1  and NT 2  as optional technologies into each user vehicle. 
     On the other hand, the new technology NT 3  is an essential technology to be incorporated in the user vehicle regardless of the selection of each user. The notification message M 3  serves as a contact notification indicating that the new technology NT 3  is an essential technology to be incorporated into the user vehicle. 
     “YES” in the column of fee information N 5  indicates that the new technology is paid, and “NO” in the column of fee information N 5  indicates that the new technology is free. Specifically, since the fee information N 5  in the notification messages M 1  and M 3  is “NO”, even if the new technologies NT 1  and NT 3  are incorporated, the monthly flat fee to be paid by the users  36 A to  36 D will not change. On the other hand, since the fee information N 5  in the notification message M 2  is “YES”, if the new technology NT 2  is incorporated, the monthly flat fee will rise. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 N1 
                 N2 
                 N3 
                 N4 
                 N5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 M1 
                 YES 
                 YES 
                 NO 
                 NO 
                 NO 
               
               
                   
                 M2 
                 YES 
                 YES 
                 YES 
                 NO 
                 YES 
               
               
                   
                 M3 
                 YES 
                 NO 
                 YES 
                 YES 
                 NO 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The technology notification information N 1  in the notification message M 1  includes a technical summary of the undercover  71 A and information indicating that the cooling efficiency of the engine  72  is improved by adopting the undercover  71 A. 
     The technology notification information N 1  in the notification message M 2  includes a technical summary of the power distribution device  86 A and the power distribution program PN 2  and information indicating that the slip is suppressed by incorporating the power distribution device  86 A and the power distribution program PN 2 . 
     The technology notification information N 1  in the notification message M 3  includes information indicating that the wiping speed of the wiper  69  is improved. 
     Then, the summarization tool  30  sends the notification messages M 1  to M 3  created by the operator  33  to the distribution device  32 . 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the distribution device  32  and the provider terminal  38 . The provider terminal  38  is a terminal used by the service provider  37 . The service provider  37 , for example, receives a monthly flat fee from the users  36 A to  36 D in exchange for a service to rent the user vehicles  34 A to  36 D to the users  36 A to  36 D, respectively, for a predetermined period of time. The service provider  37  also performs maintenance of the user vehicles  34 A to  36 D. The service provider  37  is, for example, an automobile dealer. 
     The provider terminal  38  includes a storage unit  56 , a processing unit  57 , a communication unit  58 , and an input unit  59 . The storage unit  56  stores vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, contract information CD 1  to CD 4  of the users  36 A to  36 D, and user information UI 1  to UI 4  of the users  36 A to  360 . 
     The vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  is stored in the storage unit  53 , for example, when the users  36 A to  36 D make a contract with the service provider  37  to use the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D. For example, the vehicle information VD 1  includes vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type of the user vehicle  34 A and terminal information of the communication device  21  of the user vehicle  34 A. The terminal information of the communication device  21  includes a communication address or the like of the communication device  21 . 
     The contract information CD 1  to CD 4  includes, for example, information indicating a monthly flat fee to be paid by each of the users  36 A to  36 D, information indicating a contract period, a contract start time and a contract end time of each of the users  36 A to  36 D, information identifying the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D to be used by each of the users  36 A to  36 D, and information such as the name of each of the users  36 A to  36 D. 
     The user information UI 1  to UI 4  includes terminal information TF 1  to TF 4  of the user terminals  35 A to  35 D, and information indicating names, addresses and the like of the users  36 A to  36 D. The terminal information TF 1  to TF 4  includes information such as an IP address and a mail address of each of the user terminals  35 A to  35 D. 
     The provider terminal  38  sends the vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, the contract information CD 1  to CD 4 , and the user information UI 1  to UI 4  to the distribution device  32  through the communication unit  58 . 
     The distribution device  32  includes a storage unit  53 , a processing unit  54 , and a communication unit  55 . The storage unit  53  stores vehicle information VID of the racing vehicle  10 , vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, contract information CD 1  to CD 4 , and user information UI of the users  36 A to  36 D. 
     The vehicle information VD 0  includes information indicating the vehicle type of the racing vehicle  10 . The vehicle information VD 0  of the racing vehicle  10  is stored in the storage unit  53  when the racing vehicle  10  participates in a motor racing event. 
     The distribution device  32  receives the vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, the contract information CD 1  to CD 4 , and the user information UI to UI 4  from the provider terminal  38  through the communication unit  55 . Then, the distribution device  32  stores the vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, the contract information CD 1  to CD 4 , and the user information UI 1  to UI 4  in the storage unit  53 . 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the distribution device  32 , the user terminals  35 A to  35 D, the service provider  37 , and the like. 
     The processing unit  54  of the distribution device  32  selects a user vehicle to which the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  are applicable (step  10 ). In the present embodiment, a user vehicle having the same vehicle type as the racing vehicle  10  ( 10 A) is selected from the plurality of user vehicles  34 A to  34 D. Various methods may be adopted to select a user vehicle to which the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  are applicable. 
     As an example, suppose that the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B have the same type as the racing vehicle  10 . In this case, the communication unit  55  of the distribution device  32  sends the notification messages M 1  to M 3  including technology notification information of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  to each of the user terminals  35 A and  35 B (step  20  and step  21 ). 
     Thus, the users  36 A and  368  may obtain the technology information related to the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3 . 
     Since each of the notification messages M 1  to M 3  includes the technology notification information N 1 , the users  36 A and  368  may know the technical summary of each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3 . 
     Further, based on the replacement information N 2  and the update information N 3 , the users  36 A and  36 B may know whether or not it is required to replace a component and whether or not it is required to update a program when the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  are incorporated into the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B. Based on the type information N 4 , the users  36 A and  368  may know whether the notification is a contact notification or a selection notification. 
     Based on the notification message M 3 , the users  36 A and  36 B may know in advance that the new technology NT 3  is to be incorporated into the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B as an essential technology. 
     Based on the fee information N 5 , the users  36 A and  36 B may know the expense required to incorporate each of the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  into the user vehicle  34 A. 
     After sending the notification messages M 1  to M 3 , the distribution device  32  sends a program update request R 1  to the server  12  (step  30 ). The program update request R 1  includes a communication address of the communication device  21  of the user vehicles  34 A and  34 D. 
     Upon receipt of the program update request R 1 , the server  12  sends the wiper drive program PN 3  to the user vehicle  34 A and the user vehicle  34 B, respectively (step  31  and step  32 ). 
     Upon receipt of the wiper drive program PN 3 , the user vehicle  34 A and the user vehicle  34 B update the wiper drive program P 3  stored in the control unit to the wiper drive program PN 3  (step  33  and step  34 ). 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the distribution device  32 , the user terminal  35 A, the service provider  37 , and the like. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example in which the user  36 A selects the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  to be incorporated into the user vehicle  34 A. 
     The user  36 A may use the user terminal  35 A to select the new technologies NT 1  and NT 2  to be incorporated into the vehicle  34 A. Based on the fee information N 5  in the notification message M 2 , the user  36 A may know in advance that if the new technology NT 2  is incorporated, the monthly flat fee of the user vehicle  34 A will rise. 
     The user terminal  35 A sends a user request signal R 3  requesting to incorporate the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  into the user vehicle  34 A (step  40 ). 
     The user request signal R 3  includes information indicating that the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  are requested, information identifying the user  36 A, information indicating the user terminal  35 A, and a vehicle ID identifying the user vehicle  34 A. 
     Upon receipt of the user request signal R 3 , the distribution device  32  confirms the contents of the user request signal R 3  (step  41 ). 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating the confirmation of the contents of the user request signal R 3  in step  41 . Upon receipt of the user request signal R 3 , the distribution device  32  determines whether or not the new technology NT 2  is selected in the user request signal R 3  (step  60 ). If it is determined that the new technology NT 2  is selected (Yes in step  60 ), the distribution device  32  calculates a new monthly flat fee from the next month (step  62 ). 
     For example, the distribution device  32  calculates the remaining months of the contract period, an expense required to incorporate the new technology NT 2 , and a monthly flat fee to be paid by the user  36 A. As described above, in the present embodiment, the distribution device  32  functions as a charging unit which charges the user  36 A a flat fee. 
     Next, the distribution device  32  adds information of the new monthly flat fee to the response message of a response signal RP 1  (step  63 ). 
     Then, the distribution device  32  determines whether or not it is required to replace a component in the new technology selected in the user request signal R 3  (step  64 ). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 10 , it is required to replace components (the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A) in both the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2 . 
     After determining that it is required to replace a component (Yes in step  64 ), the distribution device  32  adds the information of the service provider  37  to a response message of the response signal RP 1  (step  66 ). This is because it is required to replace a component by the service provider  37 . The information of the service provider  37  includes information such as location information, business hours, and contact information of the service provider  37 . 
     Then, the distribution device  32  sends the response signal RP 1  including the response message to the user terminal  35 A (step  42 ). 
     In the present embodiment, the response signal RP 1  includes information indicating the new monthly flat fee, information related to the service provider  37 , and information indicating that the user request signal R 3  requesting to incorporate the new technologies NT 1  and NT 2  has been received. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the new technology NT 2  is not selected in the user request signal R 3  (No in step  60 ), the response signal RP 1  does not include information related to the new monthly flat fee. 
     If it is determined the new technology selected in the user request signal R 3  does not require the replacement of a component (No in step  64 ), the response signal RP 1  does not include the information related to the service provider  37 . If the distribution device  32  determines that it is not required to replace a component, the steps from step  44  to step  74 , which will be described later, will not be performed. 
     In  FIG. 15 , after the user terminal  35 A receives the response signal RP 1 , the user  36 A confirms the information related to the new monthly flat fee, the request contents (incorporation of the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2 ), and the information related to the service provider  37 . 
     After the user  36 A successfully confirms the information as mentioned above, the user  36 A uses the user terminal  35 A to send a confirmation signal CS 1  (step  43 ). 
     Upon receipt of the confirmation signal CS 1 , the distribution device  32  sends an order reception signal R 4  to the provider terminal  38  of the service provider  37  (step  44 ). The order reception signal R 4  includes the user information UI of the user  36 A, the terminal information TF of the user terminal  35 A, the vehicle information VD 1  of the user vehicle  34 A, and the information indicating that the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  have been requested. 
     Upon receipt of the order reception signal R 4 , the provider terminal  38  confirms the contents of the order reception signal (step  45 ). The provider terminal  38  confirms items required by the new technology included in the order reception signal R 4 . Then, the provider terminal  38  sends an order signal OS 1  for ordering the undercover  71 A of the new technology NT 1  and the power distribution device  86 A of the new technology NT 3  to the manufacturing device  39  (step  46 ). 
     Upon receipt of the order signal OS 1 , the manufacturing device  39  sends a response signal RP 2  (step  47 ). The response signal RP 2  includes delivery information indicating a delivery date on which the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A are delivered to the service provider  37 . 
     Upon receipt of the response signal RP 2 , the service provider  37  sets a component replacement date on which the service provider  37  replaces a component for the user  36 A (step  48 ). The component replacement date is set after the delivery date on which the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A are delivered to the service provider  37 . Then, the service provider  37  sends a response signal RP 3  to the user terminal  35 A (step  49 ). The response signal RP 3  includes information indicating a date for replacing the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A and information identifying the service provider  37  which performs the component replacement such as the address of the service provider  37 . Based on the response signal RP 3  received by the user terminal  35 A, the user  36 A may know the date to visit the service provider  37 . 
     The manufacturing device  18  manufactures the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A specified by the order signal OS 1 . The manufactured undercover  71 A and power distribution device  86 A are delivered to the service provider  37  (step  50 ). 
     When the user vehicle  34 A visits the service provider  37  on the component replacement date (step  51 ), the mechanic crew of the service provider  37  replaces the undercover  71  and the power distribution device  86  of the user vehicle  34 A with the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A, and updates the program (step  55 ). 
     In order to update the program, the mechanic crew uses the provider terminal  38  to send a program update request R 5  to the server  12  (step  56 ). The program update request R 5  includes terminal information of the communication device  21  of the user vehicle  34 A and information indicating that the power distribution program PN 2  is requested. 
     Upon receipt of the program update request R 5 , the server  12  sends the power distribution program PN 2  to the user vehicle  34 A (step  57 ). 
     Upon receipt of the power distribution program PN 2 , the user vehicle  34 A updates the power distribution program P 2  stored in the storage unit of the user vehicle  34 A to the power distribution program PN 2 . 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the distribution device  32 , the user terminals  35 A to  35 D, the service provider  37 , and the like. 
     After the service provider  37  has completed the incorporation of the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 3 , the provider terminal  38  sends a completion signal CS 2  to the user terminal  35 A (step  70 ). 
     Based on the completion signal CS 2  received by the user terminal  35 A, the user  36 A may know that the service provider  37  has completed the incorporation operation, and may go to the service provider  37  to pick up the user vehicle  34 A. 
     The provider terminal  38  updates the information stored in the storage unit  56  (step  72 ). Specifically, the provider terminal  38  updates the contract information CD 1  of the user  36 A and the vehicle information VD) of the user vehicle  34 A. The provider terminal  38  updates the monthly flat fee to be paid by the user  36 A in the contract information CD 1 . Further, the provider terminal  38  adds, to the vehicle information VD 1 , information indicating that the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  have been incorporated. Then, the provider terminal  38  sends an update signal UDI including the updated contract information CD 1  and vehicle information VD 1  to the server  12  (step  74 ). 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user  36 A may incorporate a new technology, which has been applied to a racing vehicle  10 A participating in a motor racing event and the technical effect thereof has been confirmed in the motor racing event, into the user vehicle  34 A. In particular, not only software but also hardware may be updated. 
     Further, if only the new technology NT 1  is incorporated, the monthly flat fee to be paid by the user  36 A does not change. 
     Furthermore, regarding the new technology NT 3 , the wiper drive program PN 3  is automatically distributed to the target vehicles, i.e., the user vehicles  34 A and  348 , and the wiper drive program P 3  in each of the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B is automatically updated to the wiper drive program PN 3 . 
     In the present embodiment, it is described that the users  36 A to  36 D use a service with a monthly flat fee, but the service with a monthly flat fee is not essential to the system according to the present disclosure. 
     Further, for example, a technology with no technical task extracted in a motor racing event may also be notified to each user. Thus, each of the users  36 A to  36 D may confirm the reliability of each of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D at the present time based on the notification. 
     In the present embodiment, it is described that the distribution device  32  sends the notification messages M 1  to M 3  to each of the user terminals  35 A and  35 B. However, it is acceptable that the distribution device  32  sends the notification messages M 1  to M 3  to each of the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B. In this case, the contents of each of the notification messages M 1  to M 3  are displayed on a navigation screen or the like mounted on the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B. Thus, the user terminal includes not only the user terminals  35 A to  35 D but also any receiving devices mounted on the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A technology development system  1 A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . The technology development system  1  includes a development system  2  and a technology notification system  3 A. 
       FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the technology notification system  3 A. In the technology notification system  3 A, the distribution device  32  sends notification messages M 1  to M 3  and vehicle information VD 0  to the provider terminal  38 . 
       FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the distribution device  32  and the provider terminal  38 . The storage unit  56  of the provider terminal  38  stores vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  of the user vehicles  34 A to  34 D, contract information CD 1  to CD 4  of the users  36 A to  36 D, and user information UI 1  to UI 4  of the users  36 A to  36 D. 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the manufacturing device  39 , the provider terminal  38 , the server  12 , the user terminal  35 , and the like. 
     The provider terminal  38  selects a vehicle to which the new technologies NT 1  to NT 3  are applicable from the user vehicles  34 A to  36 D based on the vehicle information VD 0  and the vehicle information VD 1  to VD 4  (step  100 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the service provider  37  selects the user vehicle  34 A and the user vehicle  34 B. 
     The provider terminal  38  distributes the notification messages M 1  to M 3  to the user terminals  35 A and  35 B of the users  36 A and  36 B of the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B or to the user vehicles  34 A and  34 B (step  120  and step  121 ). 
     Then, the provider terminal  38  sends a program update request R 1  to the server  12  (step  130 ). The program update request R 1  includes a communication address of the communication device  21  of the user vehicles  34 A and  34 D. 
     Upon receipt of the program update request R 1 , the server  12  sends the wiper drive program PN 3  to the user vehicle  34 A and the user vehicle  34 B (step  131  and step  132 ). 
     Upon receipt of the wiper drive program PN 3 , the user vehicle  34 A and the user vehicle  34 B update the wiper drive program P 3  stored in the control unit to the wiper drive program PN 3  (step  133  and step  134 ). 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the manufacturing device  34 , the provider terminal  38 , the server  12 , the user terminal  35 , and the like. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an example in which the user  36 A selects to incorporate the new technology NT and the new technology NT 2  into the user vehicle  34 A. 
     The user terminal  35 A sends a user request signal R 3  requesting to incorporate the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  into the user vehicle  34 A (step  140 ). 
     Upon receipt of the user request signal R 3 , the provider terminal  38  confirms the contents of the user request signal R 3  (step  141 ). 
       FIG. 22  is a flow chart illustrating the confirmation of the contents of the user request signal R 3  in step  141 . Upon receipt of the user request signal R 3 , the provider terminal  38  determines whether or not the new technology NT 2  is selected in the user request signal R 3  (step  160 ). If it is determined that the new technology NT 2  is selected (Yes in step  160 ), the provider terminal  38  calculates a new monthly flat fee from the next month (step  162 ). 
     The provider terminal  38  calculates the remaining months of the contract period, an expense required to incorporate the new technology NT 2 , and a monthly flat fee to be paid by the user  36 A. As described above, in the present embodiment, the distribution device  32  functions as a charging unit which charges the user  36 A a monthly flat fee. 
     Next, the provider terminal  38  adds information of the new monthly flat fee to the response message of the response signal RP 1  (step  163 ). 
     Next, the provider terminal  38  determines whether or not it is required to replace a component in the new technology selected in the user request signal R 3  (step  164 ). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 22 , it is required to replace components (the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A) in both the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2 . 
     After determining that it is required to replace a component (Yes in step  164 ), the provider terminal  38  adds the information of the service provider  37  to the response message of the response signal RP 1  (step  166 ). This is because the component is required to be replaced by the service provider  37 . If the provider terminal  38  determines that it is not required to replace a component, the steps from step  145  to step  51 , which will be described later, will not be performed. 
     Then, the provider terminal  38  sends the response signal RP 1  including the response message to the user terminal  35 A (step  142 ). 
     In the present embodiment, the response signal RP 1  includes information indicating the new monthly flat fee, information related to the service provider  37 , and information indicating that the user request signal R 3  requesting to incorporate the new technologies NT 1  and NT 2  has been received. 
     In  FIG. 21 , after the user terminal  35 A receives the response signal RP 1 , the user  36 A confirms the information related to the new monthly flat fee, the request contents (incorporation of the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2 ), and the information related to the service provider  37 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the new technology NT 2  is not selected in the user request signal R 3  (No in step  160 ), the response signal RP 1  does not include information related to the new monthly flat fee. 
     If it is determined the new technology selected in the user request signal R 3  does not require to replace a component (No in step  164 ), the response signal RP 1  does not include the information related to the service provider  37 . 
     After the user  36 A successfully confirms the information as mentioned above, the user  36 A uses the user terminal  35 A to send a confirmation signal CS 1  to the provider terminal  38  (step  143 ). 
     Upon receipt of the confirmation signal CS 1 , the provider terminal  38  confirms the contents of the received order (step  145 ). The provider terminal  38  confirms items required by the new technology included in the confirmation signal CS 1 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , the steps from step  46  to step  72  after step  145  are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
     Similarly in the second embodiment, the provider terminal  38  sends an order signal OS 1  to the manufacturing device  39  (step  46 ), and upon receipt of the order signal OS 1 , the manufacturing device  39  sends a response signal RP 2  to the provider terminal  38  (step  47 ). 
     Upon receipt of the response signal RP 2 , the service provider  37  sets a component replacement date on which the service provider  37  replaces a component for the user  36 A (step  48 ). Then, the service provider  37  sends a response signal RP 3  to the user terminal  35 A (step  49 ). The response signal RP 3  includes information related to the component replacement date and information related to the service provider  37  which performs component replacement such as the contact address and the address of the service provider  37 . The manufacturing device  39  manufactures the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A specified by the order signal OS 1 . The manufactured undercover  71 A and power distribution device  86 A are delivered to the service provider  37  (step  50 ). Thereafter, when the user vehicle  34 A visits the service provider  37  on the component replacement day (step  51 ), the mechanic crew of the service provider  37  replaces the undercover  71  and the power distribution device  86  of the user vehicle  34 A with the undercover  71 A and the power distribution device  86 A, and updates the program (step  55 ). In order to update the program, the mechanic crew uses the provider terminal  38  to send a program update request R 5  to the server  12  (step  56 ). Upon receipt of the program update request R 5 , the server  12  sends the power distribution program PN 2  to the user vehicle  34 A (step  57 ). 
     Upon receipt of the power distribution program PN 2 , the user vehicle  34 A updates the power distribution program P 2  stored in the storage unit of the user vehicle  34 A to the power distribution program PN 2 . 
       FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between the manufacturing device  39 , the provider terminal  38 , the server  12 , the user terminal  35 , and the like. 
     After the service provider  37  has completed the incorporation of the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2 , the provider terminal  38  sends a completion signal CS 2  to the user terminal  35 A (step  70 ). The provider terminal  38  updates the information stored in the storage unit  56  (step  72 ). Specifically, the provider terminal  38  updates the contract information CD 1  of the user  36 A and the vehicle information VD 1  of the user vehicle  34 A. The provider terminal  38  updates the monthly flat fee to be paid by the user  36 A included in the contract information CD 1 . Further, the provider terminal  38  adds, to the vehicle information VD 1 , information indicating that the new technology NT 1  and the new technology NT 2  have been incorporated. 
     According to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the user  36 A may incorporate a new technology whose technical effect has been confirmed in a motor racing event into the user vehicle  34 A. In particular, not only software but also hardware may be updated. 
     Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as above, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims.