JP2009271631A - Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, vehicle control program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rent a vehicle without requiring time and effort. <P>SOLUTION: A vehicle control device 100 is used for a rental vehicle system for renting a vehicle, and controls a vehicle. The vehicle control device 100 includes a state setting unit 101, an input unit 102, an approval unit 103, and a state control unit 104. The state setting unit 101 sets a vehicle to either a state where the vehicle can travel or a state where a vehicle cannot travel. The input unit 102 inputs information regarding payment at the time of renting a vehicle. The approval unit 103 determines whether or not renting a vehicle is approved based on the information regarding the payment input to the input unit 102. The state control unit 104 switches the state set to the state setting unit 101 to the state where the vehicle can travel when the approval unit 103 approves renting the vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, a vehicle control program, and a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described vehicle control device, vehicle control method, vehicle control program, and recording medium.

  In recent years, the price of crude oil has risen, and the threshold for owning cars has been increasing. In addition, in response to the wave of decrude oil, research and development of next-generation vehicles (fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, etc.) are accelerating on a global scale, and they are progressing toward general practical use. In addition, awareness of global warming due to the abuse of crude oil is expected to increase further in the future, and solutions for automobiles are being sought on a global scale.

  Therefore, a vehicle usage mode called a car sharing system in which a vehicle is shared by a plurality of members registered in advance is spreading (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In addition, a vehicle usage mode called a rental car system in which a user rents a vehicle from a business operator by paying a predetermined fee has been implemented as one of solutions to the same problem.

  Such a rental car system and car sharing system provide various benefits such as reducing the total number of vehicles, eliminating the need for individual vehicle maintenance and management, and promoting the use of public transportation. It is done. Particularly in urban areas where traffic is congested and maintenance costs are high, there is a great need for car sharing systems and car rental systems.

JP 2007-183749 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above makes an administrator engage in a rental car base that lends a vehicle when collecting a fee from a user or handing over a key to the user. One example of such a problem is that it takes time and labor to lend a vehicle because various procedures are performed manually.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the vehicle control device according to the invention of claim 1 is a vehicle control device that is used in a rental system for renting a vehicle and controls the vehicle, State setting means for setting the vehicle in either a travelable state or a non-runnable state, input means for inputting information relating to payment for lending the vehicle, and information relating to payment input to the input means Based on the permission means for determining whether or not to permit the rental of the vehicle, and when the rental of the vehicle is permitted by the permission means, the state set in the state setting means is changed to a state where the vehicle can run. Switching state control means.

  A vehicle control method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control method of a vehicle control device that is used in a vehicle rental system that lends a vehicle and controls the vehicle, and relates to payment when lending the vehicle. An input step for inputting information, a permission step for determining whether or not to permit the rental of the vehicle based on the information regarding the payment input in the input step, and the rental of the vehicle in the permission step are permitted. And a state control step of switching the vehicle to a state in which the vehicle can run.

  A vehicle control program according to an invention of claim 11 causes a computer to execute the vehicle control method according to claim 10.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium in which the vehicle control program according to the eleventh aspect is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

  Exemplary embodiments of a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, a vehicle control program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Functional configuration of vehicle control device)
A functional configuration of the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle control device is used in a car rental system that lends a vehicle. A car rental system is a car sharing system in which a user registered in advance pays a basic fee, for example, to share a vehicle among the users, or a vehicle by which a large number of unspecified users pay a predetermined fee. It is a rental car system. In the car sharing system, it is possible to set up multiple terminals as rental bases for managing and renting vehicles, and returning vehicles borrowed at one terminal to other terminals Yes.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the vehicle control apparatus 100 includes a state setting unit 101, an input unit 102, a permission unit 103, a state control unit 104, a billing unit 105, a calculation unit 106, a notification control unit 107, and a search unit. 108, a notification unit 109, a destination setting unit 110, a route searching unit 111, and a calculating unit 112.

  The state setting unit 101 sets the vehicle in either a state where it can travel or a state where it cannot travel. The state in which the vehicle can run is a state in which an operation on the vehicle is accepted, or a state in which a lock unit that is installed at a rental base that lends the vehicle and locks the movement of the vehicle is released. The state of accepting an operation on the vehicle is a state in which a drive system such as an engine or an operation system such as a steering wheel or a brake operates, that is, a state where the vehicle can start.

  On the other hand, the state in which driving is not possible, that is, the state in which no operation on the vehicle is accepted, is a state in which the drive system or operation system of the vehicle is stopped, for example, a state in which the engine is stopped or a state in which the steering wheel is locked Etc. In addition to this, there are other states that do not accept vehicle operations, such as when the side brake is fixed at the position where the side brake is applied, when the gear position is fixed at the parking gear position, or when the engine key is off. And the like fixed at the position of. As will be described later, the state setting unit 101 sets a state in which traveling is not possible in a state where there is no payment of a charge from the user.

  Moreover, the lock | rock of the lock | rock part installed in a car rental base and locking the movement of a vehicle is specifically making it impossible to move a vehicle by the flap board embedded in the ground rising. . That is, the lock portion corresponds to a flap plate. In addition, the lock part can also use a car stopper or a ring stopper that is arranged before and after the tire when locked.

  The input unit 102 inputs information related to payment when lending a vehicle. Payment is by cash, electronic money, credit card or the like. Information related to payment includes, for example, information indicating that cash has been inserted, information indicating that a predetermined fee has been paid from electronic money, and personal credit information such as a card identification number and name recorded on a credit card. is there.

  As for the timing of settlement, in the case of cash or electronic money, all necessary amounts may be paid in advance, or a deposit may be paid first, and the remaining amount may be paid when getting off. Further, in the case of electronic money, only the boarding record may be recorded at the time of getting on, and the amount corresponding to the vehicle usage history may be paid at the time of getting off. In the case of a credit card, payment will be made at a later date.

  The permission unit 103 determines whether or not to permit rental of the vehicle based on the information regarding the payment input to the input unit 102. For example, when information indicating that a predetermined vehicle rental fee has been paid is input to the input unit 102, the permission unit 103 permits the vehicle to be rented. On the other hand, if the information indicating that the predetermined vehicle rental fee has been paid is not input to the input unit 102, that is, if the predetermined rental fee is not paid, the permission unit 103 does not permit the vehicle rental. In addition to the case where the predetermined lending fee has been paid, the permission unit 103 lends only to users registered in advance using identification information such as a membership card presented by the user. May be permitted.

  When the permission unit 103 permits the rental of the vehicle, the state control unit 104 switches the state set in the state setting unit 101 to a travelable state. For example, when the time or distance that can be traveled with one payment is set in advance, the state control unit 104 cannot travel unless the payment is made again when the travelable time or distance is reached. Switch to a different state. When the permission unit 103 does not permit the rental of the vehicle, the state control unit 104 holds the inoperable state set in the state setting unit 101.

  Note that the control of the lock unit by the state control unit 104 is specifically performed by communication. In the car rental base, it is possible to make the vehicle runable or unrunnable by controlling only the lock unit without controlling the state setting unit 101.

  The charging unit 105 charges a fee according to the time or distance when the vehicle is rented. The charging unit 105 charges a fee at the time of renting the vehicle using the usage time per unit fee, the travelable distance, or the fee per unit distance. Specifically, the charging unit 105 charges the fee at the time of lending using a unit fee of 1000 yen / 1 hour, a unit fee of 1000 yen / 10 km, and a unit distance of 1 km / 100 yen. Note that the time described above can be in minutes, and the distance can be in meters.

  Based on the information related to payment input to the input unit 102 and the information related to the fee charged by the charging unit 105, the calculating unit 106 calculates a use restriction range of time or distance in which the vehicle can be rented. For example, as information related to payment, if there is a payment of 3000 yen due to the insertion of cash from the user or the designation of the amount by a card such as electronic money, the calculation unit 106 will calculate a unit charge of 1000 yen / 1 hour and In this case, the usage restriction range for 3 hours is calculated, and when the unit charge is 1000 yen / 10 km and the unit distance is 1 km / 100 yen, the usage restriction range of 30 km is calculated.

  When the user uses electronic money, the calculation unit 106 may calculate the usage restriction range with the charged amount as an upper limit. When the user uses a credit card, the calculation unit 106 may calculate the use restriction range within a preset upper limit of the usage amount.

  In the configuration including the charging unit 105 and the calculation unit 106, the state control unit 104 holds a travelable state within the use restriction range calculated by the calculation unit 106. On the other hand, when the state control unit 104 reaches the use restriction range, the state control unit 104 switches to a state in which traveling is not possible.

  The notification control unit 107 notifies that the vehicle is approaching the use restriction range when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range. 109 is notified. The fact that the vehicle is approaching the usage restriction range is “the distance that can be traveled is 5 km” or “the remaining time that can be traveled is 15 minutes”.

  When the permission unit 103 receives a notification that the use limit range is approaching and information on payment is input to the input unit 102, the permission unit 103 permits extension of the rental of the vehicle based on the input information on payment. Judge whether to do. “Input payment information” means, for example, that a user inserts cash into a cash dispenser, a user holds an IC card or credit card having an electronic money function over a card reader, or registration in advance For example, an operation for designating an amount of money, such as inputting an intention to accept a payment from a credit card or a prepaid card. Then, when the permission unit 103 permits the rental of the vehicle, the state control unit 104 holds the state in which the vehicle can run.

  In addition, when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range, the search unit 108 searches for nearby parking locations. The surrounding parking places are typically rental bases and return bases such as terminals, but include places other than roads such as parking lots. In this case, the notification unit 109 notifies the parking available location searched by the search unit 108. The notification format by the notification unit 109 is performed by voice or display. In addition, you may make it make the route search part 111 mentioned later search the path | route to the searched parking possible location, and notify the searched route | route.

  The state control unit 104 switches the state set in the state setting unit 101 to a state incapable of running when the vehicle reaches the use restriction range and stops at a place where the vehicle can be parked. The vicinity of the usage limit range is mainly before the usage limit range is exceeded, but also includes after the usage limit range is exceeded. If the usage limit range is exceeded, the charging unit 105 charges the excess fee and notifies the user of the excess fee. And it waits for the information regarding payment of an excess charge to be input into the input part 102. FIG. In addition, until the information regarding payment is input, for example, the door lock may not be unlocked and the vehicle may not be dismounted.

  The destination setting unit 110 sets a destination. The destination is preferably a predetermined terminal, but is an arbitrary point on the map. The route search unit 111 searches for a route to the destination. For example, the Dijkstra method is used as the search method by the route search unit 111.

  The calculation unit 112 uses the information about the fee charged by the charging unit 105 to calculate the fee required when traveling on the route to the destination. The notification unit 109 notifies the fee calculated by the calculation unit 112. When the state control unit 104 receives the notification from the notification unit 109 and inputs information related to payment to the input unit 102, the state control unit 104 switches the state set in the state setting unit 101 to a travelable state, The vehicle is allowed to run until it reaches.

  As a configuration that enables postpayment of the fee, the calculation unit 112 may calculate a fee according to the time or distance of using the vehicle, using information on the fee charged by the charging unit 105. Such post-payment is based on the premise that a fee (payment fee) for leaving the vehicle from the rental car base is paid at the time of renting the vehicle, and the calculation unit 112 calculates the remaining amount of travel when the vehicle gets off To do. In the case of electronic money, only the boarding record may be recorded at the time of getting on, and the calculation unit 112 may calculate the amount according to the vehicle usage history when getting off.

  In such a configuration that enables post-payment of the fee, the notification unit 109 notifies the fee calculated by the calculation unit 112. In response to the notification by the notification unit 109, the input unit 102 inputs information related to payment, whereby the post-payment of the fee is completed. In addition, until the information regarding payment is input, for example, the door lock may not be unlocked and the user may not get off.

(Vehicle control processing procedure of vehicle control device)
Next, a vehicle control processing procedure of the vehicle control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a vehicle control processing procedure of the vehicle control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the vehicle control device 100 determines whether or not information related to payment when lending the vehicle is input to the input unit 102 (step S <b> 201). It is in a standby state until information related to payment is input (step S201: No loop). When information related to payment is input (step S201: Yes), the permission unit 103 determines whether the information related to payment is input. It is determined whether or not the vehicle rental is permitted (step S202).

  When it is determined that the rental of the vehicle is permitted (step S202: Yes), the state control unit 104 performs control to switch the state set in the state setting unit 101 to a travelable state (step S203). finish. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the rental of the vehicle is not permitted (step S202: No), the state control unit 104 performs control to maintain the inoperable state set in the state setting unit 101 (step S202). S204), a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the vehicle control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle is permitted to be lent based on the input information related to payment, the vehicle can travel in the set state. Since the manager engaged in the rental car base does not need to perform various procedures, the vehicle can be rented without taking time and effort. In particular, when there are many car rental bases or when the car rental bases are congested, it is possible to rent a vehicle quickly and accurately without engaging a large number of managers.

  In addition, based on the information related to the input payment and the information related to the fee to be charged, the usage restriction range of time or distance in which the vehicle can be rented is calculated, and the vehicle can run within the usage restriction range. If it is made to hold | maintain, a user can be made to use a vehicle for the paid fee. In addition, if the usage for the paid fee is exceeded, the vehicle can be prevented from being used. Thus, by providing a restriction according to the fee, the fee system can be subdivided, and a car rental system that is easy for the user to use can be constructed.

  In addition, if the vehicle is positioned a short distance from the use restriction range, or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range, it is possible to notify that the vehicle is approaching the use restriction range. A person can be given a grace to search for a place to return the vehicle or a place to get off, and the user can be prevented from unexpectedly becoming unable to travel.

  In addition, if you receive a notification that the limit of use is approaching and enter information related to payment, you can allow the extension of the rental of the vehicle based on the information related to the input payment. Can use the vehicle for an additional fee paid.

  In addition, if the vehicle is located a predetermined distance before the restricted use range or when the time is a prescribed time before the restricted use range, the location where the vehicle can be parked will be notified. Since the user can know the place where the vehicle can be parked without searching for a place to return the vehicle or a place to get off the vehicle, the feeling of frustration of the user can be reduced.

  In addition, if the vehicle is parked in a place where it can be parked and the vehicle is parked, the set state can be switched to a state in which driving is not possible. The user can be secured without switching to a state in which the vehicle cannot travel.

  In addition, when the route to the destination is notified, the required fee is notified, and when receiving the notification and entering the information related to payment, the set state is switched to the ready state and the destination is reached. If the vehicle is kept in a state where it can travel, the user can reach the destination by paying the notified fee. Therefore, the user can use the vehicle without paying an additional fee on the way, that is, without worrying about the fee.

  In addition, if a charge corresponding to the time or distance of using the vehicle is notified, postpayment after using the vehicle becomes possible, and operations such as inserting cash during driving can be omitted, which is complicated. Can be reduced. Further, by reducing the number of operations for making cash, etc., for example, it becomes possible to have a subdivided fee structure such as charging every 10 minutes.

  In addition, when the vehicle rental is permitted, if the lock of the lock unit installed at the rental car base that rents the vehicle is released, the vehicle management at the rental car base can be performed more strictly. .

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. In this example, a case will be described in which the vehicle control device 100 described in the embodiment is realized by a navigation device mounted on a vehicle. In the following description, a case will be described in which the above-described vehicle control device 100 is realized in a car sharing system in which a user registered in advance pays a basic fee to share a vehicle among the users. In the car-sharing system, a terminal is set up as a rental base (return base) that manages vehicles and rents and returns them, and returns the vehicles rented from one terminal to another terminal. It is possible to do.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
The hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, a navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, an optical disk 307, an audio I / F (interface) 308, and a speaker 309. An input device 310, a video I / F 311, a display 312, a communication I / F 313, a GPS unit 314, various sensors 315, a cash dispenser 316, and a card reader 317. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

  The CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position calculation program, a route search program, a route guidance program, and a vehicle control program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The current position calculation program, for example, calculates the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 300) based on output information from a GPS unit 314 and various sensors 315 described later.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination using map data recorded on a magnetic disk 305 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Further, not only the destination but also a route to a stop point or a rest point may be searched. The searched guidance route is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the route search unit 111 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the route search program.

  The route guidance program is based on guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, vehicle current location information calculated by executing the current position calculation program, and map data read from the magnetic disk 305. Real-time route guidance information is generated. The generated route guidance information is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

  The vehicle control program is a program for switching the vehicle state to a travelable state when it is determined that the vehicle lending is permitted based on information relating to payment input from the cash dispenser 316 or the card reader 317. A signal for switching the vehicle state to a travelable state is output to a vehicle drive system I / F or a vehicle operation system I / F (not shown) via the CPU 301.

  In addition, the vehicle control program uses the time or distance at which the vehicle can be rented based on information related to payment input from the cash dispenser 316 and the like, and information related to a preset fee to be charged. This is a program for calculating a limit range and maintaining a state where the vehicle can run within the use limit range. In addition, even when an additional payment fee is added, the vehicle is allowed to travel. Further, the vehicle control program switches the set state to a state in which traveling is not possible when the vehicle reaches the use restriction range and stops at a place where the vehicle can be parked.

  Furthermore, the vehicle control program sets the vehicle state to a state where the vehicle can run even when information related to payment corresponding to the fee required for traveling the route to the destination searched by the route search program is input. This is a program that keeps the vehicle ready to travel until switching and reaching the destination. In addition, this vehicle control program releases the lock of the flap plate installed at the terminal that lends the vehicle when the vehicle lending is permitted.

  The state setting unit 101, the permission unit 103, the state control unit 104, the charging unit 105, and the calculation unit 112 illustrated in FIG. That is, when the CPU 301 executes the vehicle control program, the functions of the state setting unit 101, the permission unit 103, the state control unit 104, the billing unit 105, and the calculation unit 112 are realized.

  The vehicle control program includes a notification control program and a search program. The notification control program is a program for notifying that the vehicle is approaching the use restriction range when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range. . Further, the notification control program notifies a fee corresponding to the time or distance of using the vehicle. Note that the notification control unit 107 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the notification control unit 107 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the notification control program.

  In addition, the search program will search for nearby parking locations (such as terminals and parking lots) when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the restricted use range or when the time is a prescribed time before the restricted use range. It is a program to search. Note that the search unit 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 301. That is, the function of the search unit 108 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the search program.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used. The magnetic disk 305 records user identification information (ID), member information such as personal information, and the like.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a speaker 309 for audio output. The speaker 309 outputs sound. Examples of the input device 310 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 310 may be realized by any one of a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, or may be realized by a plurality of forms. Using this input device 310, a destination is set. The destination setting unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the input device 310.

  The video I / F 311 is connected to the display 312. Specifically, the video I / F 311 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 312, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 312 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 312 displays data such as input keywords, candidate keywords, attributes, and search results. Various data such as icons, cursors, menus, windows, or characters and images are displayed. Note that the speaker 309 or the display 312 is used to indicate that the vehicle is approaching the use restriction range when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range. Notice. The notification unit 109 illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the speaker 309 or the display 312.

  The communication I / F 313 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 313 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 313 is installed at a terminal and is connected to a lock control device (not shown) that controls a flap plate that locks the vehicle.

  The GPS unit 314 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 314 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 301 together with output values of various sensors 315 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 315 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 315 are used for the calculation of the current position of the vehicle by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  The cash input machine 316 receives cash input from the user. Cash is banknotes and coins. When cash is received, the vehicle control program by the CPU 301 is executed using the received amount as information regarding payment.

  The card reader 317 reads information recorded on, for example, an IC card having an electronic money function, a magnetic card such as a credit card, or the like. The information recorded on the IC card is, for example, information such as a card ID, a membership number, a name, and a date of birth, in addition to information on the charged amount.

  Information recorded on a magnetic card such as a credit card is personal credit information such as a card ID and name. Using this personal credit information, the communication I / F 313 sends and receives to / from an external server that manages the card, thereby confirming whether the card can be used, that is, the card is registered. Is done.

  A state setting unit 101, an input unit 102, a permission unit 103, a state control unit 104, a billing unit 105, a calculation unit 106, a notification control unit 107, and a search included in the vehicle control device 100 illustrated in FIG. Unit 108, notification unit 109, destination setting unit 110, route search unit 111, and calculation unit 112 are recorded in ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc. in navigation device 300 shown in FIG. The CPU 301 executes a predetermined program using the programmed program and data, and realizes its function by controlling each part in the navigation device 300.

  That is, the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment has the functions provided in the vehicle control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 when the CPU 301 executes various programs recorded in the ROM 302 as a recording medium in the navigation device 300. The vehicle control processing procedure shown in FIG.

(Example of vehicle control processing performed by the navigation device)
Next, an example of a vehicle control process performed by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the vehicle control process performed by the navigation device 300.

  In the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 allows the user to insert cash into the cash dispenser 316 or the IC card having the electronic money function in the card reader 317. Or by holding a credit card, it is determined whether or not information related to payment has been input (step S401). It is assumed that the user is authenticated by reading an ID such as a membership card before inputting information related to payment, and that the authentication is successful.

  It is in a standby state until information related to payment is input (step S401: No loop). When information related to payment is input (step S401: Yes), a usage restriction range corresponding to the amount of payment is calculated (step S402). ). The use restriction range is a range of distance or time, and is described here as distance.

  Then, by transmitting predetermined information from the communication I / F 313 to the lock control device installed at the terminal, the flap plate installed at the terminal is unlocked (step S403), and the vehicle is switched to a travelable state. (Step S404). Note that the state where the vehicle can run is, for example, a state in which a drive system such as an engine is operated and an operation system such as a handle is unlocked. Thereafter, when the user drives the vehicle, the vehicle starts running, and it is determined whether or not the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range (step S405). The determination in step S405 may be made by determining whether or not the current time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range when the use restriction range is time.

  If it is determined that the vehicle is not located a predetermined distance before the use restriction range (step S405: No), it is determined whether or not the engine is stopped (step S406). When it is determined that the engine is not stopped (step S406: No), it is determined whether or not the engine is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range in step S405. If it is determined that the engine has stopped (step S406: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S407). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S407: No), it is determined in step S405 whether or not it is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range.

  If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S407: Yes), that is, the user determines that the vehicle has been discarded, and the vehicle is driven by locking the steering wheel or fixing the side brake. The state is switched to an impossible state (step S408), and a series of processing ends. It should be noted that it is desirable that the place to be thrown away is a terminal, but a vehicle thrown away at a parking lot or the like is used again by the same user or another user putting cash into the cash dispenser 316. Or the manager who manages the vehicle will collect it. In addition, you may make it discount a charge when returning to a terminal. Further, when the user is abandoned on the road or the like, for example, the user may be given a penalty by deleting the user from the member and not permitting subsequent use.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the vehicle is located a predetermined distance before the use restriction range (step S405: Yes), the use of the speaker 309 and the display 312 such as “the distance that can be traveled is another kilometer” is used. The fact that the limit range is approached is notified (step S409). Thereafter, for example, when the user inputs cash into the cash input machine 316, it is determined whether or not information related to payment has been input (step S410).

  If it is determined that information related to payment has been input (step S410: Yes), the usage restriction range corresponding to the amount of payment is calculated in step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no input of information related to payment (step S410: No), for example, a nearby parking place such as a terminal or a parking lot is searched (step S411). Thereafter, the position where parking is possible is notified using the speaker 309 and the display 312 (step S412).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has reached a use restriction range and is parked at a place where parking is possible (step S413). If it is determined that the vehicle has not reached the use limit range or has not been parked at a place where parking is possible (step S413: No), the process proceeds to step S412 to continuously notify the parking position. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle has reached the use restriction range and is parked at a place where parking is possible (step S413: Yes), the vehicle is switched to a state where it cannot travel (step S414). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an excess amount (step S415).

  When it is determined that there is no surplus (step S415: No), the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an excess (step S415: Yes), the excess is notified using the speaker 309 and the display 312 (step S416). Thereafter, for example, when the user inputs cash into the cash input machine 316, it is determined whether or not information related to payment has been input (step S417).

  When it is determined that there is no input of information regarding payment (step S417: No), the process proceeds to step S416, and notification of excess payment is continued. At this time, the locked state with respect to the door lock of the vehicle may be maintained so that the user is not dismounted. When it is determined that information related to payment is input (step S417: Yes), a series of processing ends. In addition, when a credit card is used as input of information regarding payment, settlement will be performed at a later date.

  According to the above-described process, when the rental of the vehicle is permitted based on the information relating to the input payment, the set state is switched to the runnable state, so the manager engaged in the terminal There is no need to go through various procedures, and you can rent a vehicle without taking time and effort. In particular, when there are a large number of terminals or when the terminals are congested, it is possible to rent a vehicle quickly and accurately without engaging a large number of managers.

  In addition, based on the information related to the input payment and the information related to the fee to be charged, the usage restriction range of time or distance in which the vehicle can be rented is calculated, and the vehicle can run within the usage restriction range. Since the vehicle is held, the user can be allowed to use the vehicle for the paid fee. In addition, if the usage for the paid fee is exceeded, the vehicle can be prevented from being used. Thus, by providing a restriction according to the fee, the fee system can be subdivided, and a car rental system that is easy for the user to use can be constructed.

  In addition, when the vehicle is located a predetermined distance before the usage restriction range, or when the time is a predetermined time before the usage restriction range, it is notified that the vehicle is approaching the usage restriction range. A person can be given a grace to search for a place to return the vehicle or a place to get off, and the user can be prevented from unexpectedly becoming unable to travel.

  In addition, when receiving information that the usage limit range is approaching and entering information related to payment, extension of vehicle lending is permitted based on the information related to the input payment. Can use the vehicle for an additional fee paid.

  In addition, when the vehicle is located a predetermined distance before the restricted use range, or when the time is a prescribed time before the restricted use range, the location of the searched nearby parking is notified. A person can know a place where the vehicle can be parked without searching for a place to return the vehicle or a place to get off the vehicle, thereby reducing the feeling of frustration of the user.

  In addition, when the vehicle reaches the limit of use limit and the vehicle is parked at a place where it can be parked, the set state is switched to a state where the vehicle cannot travel. The user can be secured without switching to a state in which the vehicle cannot travel.

(An example of other vehicle control processing performed by the navigation device)
Next, another example of the vehicle control process performed by the navigation device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the vehicle control process performed by the navigation device 300. In addition, the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 demonstrates the process in the case of searching for the path | route to the destination and paying the charge required when drive | working the said path | route previously.

  In FIG. 5, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 determines whether or not a destination is set at a predetermined terminal or the like by an operation from the user using the input device 310 (step S501). It is in a standby state until the destination is set (step S501: No loop). When the destination is set (step S501: Yes), a route to the destination is searched (step S502). Then, a fee required when traveling on the route to the destination is calculated (step S503). If the terminal is set as the destination, a discount may be given.

  Thereafter, for example, when the user inputs cash into the cash input machine 316, it is determined whether or not information related to payment has been input (step S504). It is in a standby state until information related to payment is input (step S504: No loop). If information related to payment is input (step S504: Yes), the communication I / F 313 switches to the lock control device installed in the terminal. By transmitting predetermined information, the flap plate is unlocked (step S505). And it switches to the state which can drive | work a vehicle (step S506).

  Thereafter, when the user drives the vehicle, the vehicle starts running and determines whether or not the destination has been reached (step S507). The vehicle is in a standby state until it is determined that the vehicle has reached the destination (step S507: No loop). When the vehicle reaches the destination (step S507: Yes), the vehicle is parked at a location where parking is possible, such as a terminal or a parking lot. As a premise, the vehicle is switched to a state incapable of traveling (step S508), and the series of processes is terminated.

  According to the above-described processing, when the travel fee to the destination is notified, the fee required for traveling the route to the destination is received, and when the information related to payment is received, the set state is switched to the travelable state. Since the vehicle is allowed to travel until it reaches the destination, the user can reach the destination by paying the notified fee. Therefore, the user can use the vehicle without paying an additional fee on the way, that is, without worrying about the fee.

  In each process described above, the fee is paid first, but it is also possible to pay later. That is, when the use of the vehicle is finished, the fee according to the time or distance of using the vehicle is charged. Notifications can be made and payments can be made. In this way, post-payment after use of the vehicle becomes possible, and an operation of inserting cash or the like during traveling can be omitted, and complexity can be reduced. Further, by reducing the number of operations for making cash, etc., for example, it becomes possible to have a subdivided fee structure such as charging every 10 minutes.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle control device of the present invention is realized by the navigation device 300 mounted on the vehicle. However, the vehicle control of the present invention is performed by a vehicle control server that can be connected to a vehicle terminal device such as the navigation device 300. It is also possible to implement the device. Moreover, although the present Example demonstrated the case where the vehicle control apparatus of this invention was used for the car sharing system, it can also be used for a rental car system.

  As described above, according to the vehicle control device, the vehicle control method, the vehicle control program, and the recording medium of the present invention, there is no need for an administrator engaged in the terminal to perform various procedures, and time and effort are not required. You can rent a vehicle. In particular, when there are a large number of terminals or when the terminals are congested, it is possible to rent a vehicle quickly and accurately without engaging a large number of managers.

  The vehicle control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the vehicle control apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the vehicle control processing procedure of the vehicle control apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the vehicle control process which a navigation apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the vehicle control process which a navigation apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the vehicle control process which a navigation apparatus performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Vehicle control apparatus 101 State setting part 102 Input part 103 Permitted part 104 State control part 105 Charge part 106 Calculation part 107 Notification control part 108 Search part 109 Notification part 110 Destination setting part 111 Route search part 112 Calculation part 300 Navigation apparatus

Claims (12)

A vehicle control device that is used in a rental system for renting a vehicle and controls the vehicle,
State setting means for setting the vehicle in either a state capable of traveling or a state incapable of traveling;
An input means for inputting information relating to payment when renting a vehicle;
Permission means for determining whether or not to permit lending of the vehicle based on information relating to payment input to the input means;
State control means for switching the state set in the state setting means to a state capable of traveling when the lending of the vehicle is permitted by the permission means;
A vehicle control device comprising: Billing means for charging a fee according to time or distance at the time of vehicle rental,
Calculation means for calculating a use restriction range of time or distance in which the vehicle can be lent based on information on payment input to the input means and information on a fee charged by the charging means;
Further comprising
The vehicle control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state control unit holds the travelable state within a use restriction range calculated by the calculation unit.   Notification control means for notifying that the vehicle is approaching the use restriction range when the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, further comprising:   When the permission means receives the notification that the use restriction range is approaching and information on payment is input to the input means, the permission means extends the rental of the vehicle based on the information on the input payment. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein permission is granted. When the vehicle is positioned a predetermined distance before the use restriction range, or when the time is a predetermined time before the use restriction range, search means for searching for a nearby parking place;
Notification means for notifying the parking available location searched by the search means;
The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:   The state control means switches the state set in the state setting means to a non-runnable state when the vehicle reaches the use restriction range and stops at a place where the vehicle can be parked. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5. Destination setting means for setting the destination;
Route search means for searching for a route to the destination;
Billing means for charging a fee according to time or distance at the time of vehicle rental,
Calculation means for calculating a fee required when traveling on a route to the destination using information on a fee charged by the charging unit;
A notification means for notifying the charge calculated by the calculation means;
Further comprising
The state control means switches the state set in the state setting means to a travelable state when receiving information from the notification means and inputs information relating to payment to the input means, The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a state in which the vehicle can travel is maintained until the vehicle reaches the position.   The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the state control unit is configured to receive an operation on the vehicle when the vehicle lending is permitted by the permission unit. .   The state control means is configured to release a lock of a lock means that is installed at a rental car base that lends a vehicle and locks the movement of the vehicle when the permission means permits the rental of the vehicle. The vehicle control apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-8. A vehicle control method for a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle used in a vehicle rental system for renting a vehicle,
An input process for entering information regarding payment when renting a vehicle;
A permission step of determining whether or not to permit the lending of the vehicle based on the information regarding the payment input in the input step;
A state control step of switching the vehicle to a travelable state when the vehicle is permitted to be lent in the permission step;
The vehicle control method characterized by including.   A vehicle control program for causing a computer to execute the vehicle control method according to claim 10.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the vehicle control program according to claim 11 is recorded.

Images