JP2017151946A - Vehicle rental system and vehicle rental management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new technique that manages a plurality of stations for rental vehicles in a centralized manner.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal 90 of a user who uses any of stations 20 receives an identification signal from a non-contact type or contact type transmitter 30 which is at least individually installed in each station 20 and transmits the identification signal locally. Upon receiving the identification signal from the transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 of the user transmits information reflecting the identification signal to a management server 50. Then, the management server 50 starts rent-out and return processing of a rental vehicle at the station 20 identified based on the received information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates a plurality of stations for rental vehicle centrally manage technology.

  As existing services, a plurality of geographically different real estates, each associated with a movable property that is to be rented (e.g., the movable property is physically present at the property as the location, at least temporarily, at that location) There is a service that centrally manages what is stored.

  One example is a service for lending and returning a rental object that is a movable property to a user at any place or station that is a real estate. As rental objects, there are humans and vehicles that move luggage, and types of vehicles include automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles.

  Specific techniques for providing a service for renting and returning a bicycle to a user have already been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing each station by communicating with an external management center in order to rent a bicycle. This technique assigns a two-dimensional code to each bicycle and displays it on the first print medium, and assigns a two-dimensional code to each station and displays it on the second print medium. A dial lock is locked on each bicycle to store each bicycle, and the user reads the two-dimensional code of the bicycle he wants to borrow and manages the information via the user's portable communication device. It is characterized in that it is transmitted to the center, whereby the management center identifies the current bicycle.

  In this technology, the user further reads the two-dimensional code of the station where the user is actually present, and transmits the information to the management center via the user's portable communication device, whereby the management center When the bicycle is rented, the management center transmits the unlock number of the key to the user's mobile communication device, and when receiving the unlock number, the user receives the unlock number The key is unlocked by using the key.

  Patent Document 2 also discloses a technique for managing each station by communicating with an external management center in order to rent a bicycle. In this technique, a key is used for each bicycle, and when the management center receives a vehicle number of a bicycle that the user wants to borrow from the user's portable communication device, the bicycle is unlocked to unlock the key of the bicycle. A signal is transmitted to the key, and the key is automatically unlocked when the unlock signal is received.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for managing each station independently in order to rent a bicycle. In this technology, in the same station, a numerical value input unit and a bicycle parking management unit (having a storage device) common to a plurality of bicycles and a bicycle lock control unit for each bicycle are installed, and each bicycle lock control is performed. The point that the unit uses a key, the point that a unique device number is assigned to each bicycle lock control unit, and the bicycle parking management unit receives the device number and the password from the user via the numerical value input unit ( When the user receives a personal identification number registered in advance to identify the person, the bicycle lock control unit is controlled to unlock the key.

  Patent Document 4 also discloses a technique for managing each station by communicating with an external management center in order to rent a bicycle. In this technology, a stand is installed for each bicycle in the same station, the stand uses a key, and the management center receives a specific communication with the mobile communication device from the user via the mobile communication device. When an operation message indicating a stand is received, an unlock signal for unlocking the key is transmitted to the specific stand, and when the release signal is received, the key is unlocked. And

  Patent Document 5 discloses a technique for lending and returning a rental target to a user. This technique has been proposed in order to easily prevent the user from performing an illegal act when the user inputs data necessary for renting and returning the rental target.

  Specifically, this Patent Document 5 discloses a rental apparatus that lends and returns the at least one rental object to a user at each of a plurality of stations capable of storing at least one rental object. Has been. This rental apparatus encrypts information before encryption using an encryption algorithm, thereby generating an encryption unit that generates a dynamic cipher that is dynamic with respect to time and station position, and at the position of each station. And a display unit for displaying the generated cipher at every moment.

JP 2011-248813 A Japanese Patent No. 5008108 Japanese Patent No. 5507916 US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0196631 Japanese Patent No. 570629

  In general, in a vehicle rental service, it is easy to use from the standpoint of a user who uses the service, that is, work required for the user to rent and return a rental vehicle (for example, installed in each station). It is desired that the operations that the user needs to perform on the installed equipment and the user's own communication device are simple.

  Thus, for example, a user operates his / her mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone, a PHS, a PDA, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer with a communication function, etc.) to rent and return a rental vehicle, and communicates with the management center. When it is required to perform (for example, transmission of station position information to the management center), it is desirable to minimize the amount and type of data that the user is required to input to the mobile terminal. .

  On the other hand, from the standpoint of an administrator who manages a plurality of stations for a vehicle rental service, there is a demand for cost reduction of equipment that must be installed at each station.

  However, when it is necessary to install a dedicated facility having a lock mechanism or communication device at each station, such as the rental apparatus described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, it is necessary to install at each station. It may be difficult to fully satisfy the demand for cost reduction of equipment for rental services.

  In addition, the management center accurately grasps the station where the rental vehicle was rented and the station where the rental vehicle was returned, so that the rental vehicle ownership status (for example, ownership rate, return rate) at each station. Etc.) to monitor correctly and calculate rental hours and rental charges correctly.

  For example, a rental fee that varies depending on the actual return location, such as when a user returns a rental vehicle to the same station where the rental was made, than when the user returns it to a different station When the setting is performed, it is necessary for the management center to accurately grasp the station where the rental vehicle is actually rented and the station where the rental vehicle is actually returned.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from transmitting erroneous location information about the actual station to the management center regardless of whether the user is careless or intentional at the time of lending or returning. is important.

  Therefore, from the standpoint of an administrator who manages a plurality of stations for vehicle rental services, in addition to the above-mentioned demand for cost reduction of rental service facilities, the stations used are transmitted to the management server. There is also a need for improved security of station location related information, for example, accurate transmission of station location information to a management server at the time of rental vehicle rental and return.

  However, as in the rental devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 4, for example, the user is required to input the position information of the station into his / her own mobile terminal or equipment installed in each station, that is, user intervention is required. In the case of renting or returning, the possibility of erroneous location information about the actual station being transmitted to the management center is completely zero regardless of whether it is careless or intentional. Is difficult.

Against the background of the above knowledge, the present invention has been made as an object to provide a new technique for intensively managing a plurality of stations each storing a plurality of rental vehicles.

In order to realize the technology, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle rental system that centrally manages a plurality of geographically different stations each storing a rental vehicle. And
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits an identification signal locally;
A mobile terminal of a user who uses any station in connection with the rental of any rental vehicle and receives the identification signal from the transmitter;
A management server that lends / returns rental vehicles at a station identified based on the identification signal by wireless communication with the mobile terminal of the user,
When the user's mobile terminal receives the same identification signal from the transmitter a plurality of times at different times, the user's mobile terminal transmits a signal indicating that to the management server, and then the management server starts the lending / returning process To do
Each time the user's portable terminal receives the same identification signal from the transmitter, the user's portable terminal transmits the identification signal to the management server. When the management server receives the same identification signal from the user's portable terminal a plurality of times, A vehicle rental system is provided that either performs a return process .

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a vehicle rental management method for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
  A mobile terminal of a user who uses any station is a non-contact type or contact type transmitter installed at least one at each station, and transmits the identification signal from a local transmission of the identification signal. A receiving process for receiving;
  When the user's mobile terminal receives the same identification signal from the transmitter a plurality of times at different times, a step of transmitting a signal indicating that to the management server, and then the management server based on the identification signal The step of transmitting the identification signal to the management server every time the portable terminal of the user receives the same identification signal from the transmitter, in combination with the step of starting rental vehicle return / return processing at the specified station And when the management server receives the same identification signal from the user's mobile terminal a plurality of times, at least one of a combination with the step of starting the lending / returning process, and
  A vehicle rental management method is provided.

  The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is given a number, and is described in a form that cites other section numbers as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention can employ and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following embodiments. Should not be interpreted. That is, it should be construed that it is not impeded to appropriately extract and employ the technical features described in the present specification as technical features of the present invention although they are not described in the following embodiments.

  Further, describing each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated from the technical features described in the other sections. It should not be construed as meaning, but it should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be appropriately made independent depending on the nature.

(1) A vehicle rental system that centrally manages a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and locally transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal of a user who uses any station in relation to rental of any rental vehicle,
The management server is
When a user's mobile terminal in any station effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the received identification signal is substantially transmitted from the mobile terminal in the form of a station ID corresponding to the station. A real-time receiver that receives data in real time,
An information recognition unit that identifies the station where the user is actually based on the received station ID, and recognizes the time when the station ID is received as the rental time when the rental vehicle is rented and as the return time when the rental vehicle is returned Vehicle rental system including and.

(2) The information recognizing unit is triggered by the fact that the user's portable terminal has received the identification signal representing the same station ID from the transmitter effectively a plurality of times at different times. Vehicle rental system.

(3) When the user's portable terminal receives the identification signal representing the same station ID from the transmitter effectively a plurality of times at different times from each other, the real-time reception unit, when the user's portable terminal receives the identification signal In real time from the mobile device,
The vehicle recognition system according to (2), wherein the information recognition unit is activated when the real-time reception unit receives the station ID from the mobile terminal.

(4) The real-time receiving unit receives an identification signal representing a station ID represented by the identification signal from the portable terminal substantially in real time each time the user's portable terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter. Receive
The vehicle rental system according to (2), wherein the information recognition unit is activated when the real-time reception unit receives the same station ID from the mobile terminal a plurality of times at different times.

(5) The management server starts substantial communication with the portable terminal in response to a first reception event that the user's portable terminal has received the identification signal from the transmitter, and after the communication starts. Any of the items (1) to (4), wherein the mobile terminal receives the station ID from the mobile terminal in response to the second reception event that the mobile terminal receives the identification signal representing the same station ID from the transmitter again. Car rental system as described in Crab.

(6) The management server generates a first reception event that the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter, and then the mobile terminal receives an identification signal indicating the same station ID from the transmitter. When a second reception event that is received again occurs, substantial communication with the portable terminal is started in response to the second reception event, and the station ID is received from the portable terminal after the communication is started. (1) The vehicle rental system according to any one of (4).

(7) A movable rental management system that centrally manages a plurality of geographically different real estates, each of which is associated with the movable movable property,
A non-contact type or a contact type transmitter that is installed at least one for each real estate and locally transmits an identification signal that can identify an ID unique to the corresponding real estate;
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of real estates by wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal of a user who uses any real estate to rent any movable property,
The management server is
When a user's mobile terminal in any real estate effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the received identification signal is substantially transmitted in the form of an ID corresponding to the real estate from the mobile terminal. A real-time receiving unit for receiving in real time,
Based on the received ID, an information recognition unit that identifies a real estate where the user actually exists, and recognizes the time when the ID is received as a rental time when renting a rental target and a return time when returning a rental target, respectively. Including movable property rental management system.

(8) A vehicle rental management method for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
At least one non-contact type or a contact type transmitter that locally transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station is installed at each station,
A user using any of the stations wirelessly communicates with a management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations via the mobile terminal,
The vehicle rental management method is
When a user's mobile terminal in any station effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the received identification signal is substantially transmitted from the mobile terminal in the form of a station ID corresponding to the station. Receiving in real time, receiving in real time,
Based on the received station ID, the station where the user is actually located is specified, and the time when the station ID is received is recognized as the warehousing time when entering the current station, and as the leaving time when leaving from the current station. A vehicle rental management method including an information recognition process.

(9) A program executed by the computer of the management server or the user's portable terminal in order to implement the method according to (8).

  The program according to this section may be interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its function, or not only a combination of these instructions but also a file or data processed according to each instruction. Can be interpreted to include, but is not limited to.

  In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer alone, or may be intended to achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. Yes, but not limited to them. In the latter case, the program according to this section can be mainly composed of data, but is not limited thereto.

(10) A recording medium on which the program according to item (9) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

  This recording medium can adopt various formats, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD and a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO, and an unremovable storage such as a ROM. However, it is not limited to them.

(11) A vehicle rental system for managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and locally transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by wirelessly communicating with a user's mobile terminal,
When the mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter installed in any station, the mobile terminal identifies the station ID for the station based on the identification signal, and the identified station ID To the management server,
Each rental vehicle has a vehicle number presentation unit that presents a unique chassis number assigned to the rental vehicle to the user,
Each rental vehicle has a key that is unlocked when an unlock number as a personal identification number is applied, and each rental vehicle is locked by the key when waiting at any station, In the locked state, users are prohibited from using each rental vehicle,
The management server
A rental processing unit for processing rental vehicle rental;
A return processing unit that handles the return of rental vehicles,
The lending processor
A first condition that the portable terminal has received the identification signal representing the same station ID a plurality of times at different times during the lending process this time;
The management server uses the mobile terminal to rent a request that the user wishes to rent any rental vehicle at any station, the station ID identified using the current identification signal, and the user rents When the second condition of receiving the chassis number of the desired rental vehicle is established, the station corresponding to the current station ID is recognized as the current rental station, and the current rental vehicle from the current rental station Recording the lending time of the vehicle and transmitting the unlocking number of the rental vehicle to the mobile terminal,
The return processing unit
A third condition in which the mobile terminal has effectively received an identification signal representing the same station ID a plurality of times at different times during the return process this time;
The management server uses a return request indicating that the user wishes to return the rental vehicle that the user has borrowed from the portable terminal to a station that is the same as or different from the rental station, and this identification signal. When the fourth condition that the identified station ID and the chassis number of the rental vehicle that the user wants to return is satisfied is established, the station corresponding to the current station ID is recognized as the current return station; A vehicle rental system that records the return time of this rental vehicle to the return station.

(12) The management server further includes:
For each rental service, a data block is created in which the lending station, the lending time, the return station, the return time, information for identifying the user, and the chassis number are associated with each other. The vehicle rental system according to (11), further including a list creation unit that creates a usage status management list by listing a plurality of data blocks corresponding to a plurality of rental services.

(13) The management server further includes:
Based on the usage status management list, non-returned users whose return of the rental vehicle has not been completed are repeatedly extracted from a plurality of users and borrowed from the extracted non-returned user's portable terminal The vehicle rental system according to (12), including a return prompting unit that transmits a message that the rental vehicle has not been returned.

(14) The vehicle rental system according to any one of (11) to (13), wherein the rental vehicle includes at least one of a bicycle, an automobile, and a motorcycle.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing station-side equipment installed at a certain station in the bicycle rental system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a side view which expands and shows a part of rental bicycle shown to 1 (a), and FIG.1 (c) connects a bicycle to the bicycle rack of the station side equipment shown to Fig.1 (a). It is a front view which expands and shows the dial lock type wire lock used for this.

FIG. 2 shows a bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 1A, in which a transmitter installed at a certain station, a user's portable terminal at the same station, and a management server in a remote management center are arranged. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a mode that it mutually communicates.

FIG. 3 is a concept of short-distance one-way communication between the transmitter and the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2 and long-distance two-way communication between the portable terminal and the management server shown in FIG. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the transmitter shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the transmitter computer shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter, also referred to as “application”; the same applies to other programs).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing the transmitter shown in FIG. 1A together with a station where the transmitter is installed. In this plan view, further, the reception assigned to the transmitter is shown. The possible area and the effective reception area are conceptually represented.

FIG. 7 shows a short-distance one-way communication between the transmitter and the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2 and a long-distance two-way communication between the portable terminal and the management server shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of signal exchange in each time series.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the computer of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the computer of the management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing a part of an example of a main program executed by the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually showing the remaining part of the main program shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a list display program executed by the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the usage status management list created by executing step S209 in FIG. 12 and step S225 in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram conceptually showing a correspondence table referred to by the computer shown in FIG. 14 when the management server shown in FIG. 10 creates the usage status management list shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of the return prompting program executed by the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows a short-distance one-way communication between a transmitter and a mobile terminal and a long-distance communication between the mobile terminal and a management server in a bicycle rental system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which represents notionally an example of signal exchange in each of distance bidirectional | two-way communication in time series.

  Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail based on a drawing.

  First, referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, a bicycle rental system (hereinafter simply referred to as “system”) 10 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of bicycles. A service for lending and returning bicycles 12 to a user at a plurality of stations 20 that store 12 (FIG. 1A shows only representative stations 20 among those stations 20). It is a system for providing. Each station 20 is assigned to a corresponding bicycle parking lot (rental bicycle storage site) 22.

  As a management system of the station 20, for each station 20, an independent management system that is managed independently (individually or in a self-contained manner) using only the equipment installed in the station 20, and a plurality of stations 20 There is a centralized management system in which the stations 20 are centrally managed by communicating with a remote management server. The system 10 according to the present embodiment employs the latter centralized management method.

  In order to realize the centralized management method, this system 10 includes a plurality of transmitters (an example of station side units) 30 installed in a plurality of stations 20 and a management center 40 that centrally manages the plurality of stations 20. And a management server (an example of a center side unit) 50 installed in the network. Each of the plurality of stations 20 is assigned a unique station ID in advance. The plurality of stations 20 (more precisely, the transmitters 30 installed in each station 20) and the management server 50 are communicated via the user's portable terminal 90, not directly.

  In the present embodiment, one transmitter 30 is configured to transmit, for each station 20, a local identification signal that can identify a unique station ID. As a result, in the corresponding station 20, It is commonly used for a plurality of bicycles 12 stored there.

  However, instead of this, a local identification signal that can identify one transmitter 30 for each bicycle 12 with a unique bicycle ID (or a combination of a unique bicycle ID and a unique station ID). Can be configured to transmit.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (b), a chassis number presentation unit 5858 is formed in a specific part of each bicycle 12, and the chassis number presentation unit 58 is assigned to each bicycle 12 in advance. A unique chassis number 60 is displayed.

  In an example of the chassis number presenting unit 58, the chassis number 60 is in the form of a character / numerical string that can be directly recognized by the user, and a specific part (for example, the 2 is displayed on a panel mounted in the vicinity of the uppermost vertex of the triangular frame 64 that supports the saddle 62 from below.

  In another example of the chassis number presentation unit 58, the chassis number 60 is in the form of a computer-readable display object (for example, a bar code, a two-dimensional code), and is immobile by printing. It is displayed on a specific part.

  The chassis number of each bicycle 12 is selected so as not to overlap with the chassis numbers of other bicycles 12 throughout the plurality of stations 20. As a result, when the flow of each bicycle 12 is monitored, the fact that only one bicycle 12 is actually identified as another bicycle 12 stored in another station 20 is prevented. The Thereby, it is possible to correctly specify the flow of each bicycle 12, that is, the presence or absence at each station 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 10 stores the transmitter 30 and a plurality of bicycles 12 as fixed objects installed in one bicycle parking lot 22 at each station 20. And a bicycle rack (bicycle storage device) 70 for the purpose. The bicycle rack 70 includes a plurality of bicycle stalls (small sections) 72 for accommodating the bicycles 12 one by one. In one example, the bicycle rack 70 is partitioned into a plurality of bicycle stalls 72 by a frame 74 installed in the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Prior to renting to the user, each bicycle 12 is accommodated (stored) in each bicycle stall 72. In this accommodated state, the bicycle 12 is placed on the individual frame of the bicycle stall 72 and the dial lock shown in FIG. It is secured using an expression wire lock 80. In other words, prior to renting to the user, each bicycle 12 is stored in each bicycle stall 72 in a state where it cannot be used by the user.

  As is well known, the dial lock type wire lock 80 is constituted by connecting both ends of a flexible single wire 82 to each other via a dial lock 84.

  The plurality of bicycles 12 accommodated in the plurality of stations 20 managed by the management center 40 are assigned dial locks 84 that are unlocked by different passwords. Therefore, only one bicycle 12 can be unlocked with one password.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this system 10, the user uses his / her mobile terminal 90 to transmit the above-mentioned locality from the transmitter 30 installed in the station 20 where the user is currently staying. A remote identification signal is received in a contact state or a non-contact state with the transmitter 30 (short-distance one-way wireless communication is performed), and long-distance bidirectional wireless communication is performed with the management server 50 of the management center 40 .

  The user's portable terminal 90 is a device that is carried by the user and has a wireless communication function, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and a PDA.

  Here, a hardware configuration (see FIG. 4) and a software configuration (see FIG. 5) will be described for one transmitter 30 representing the plurality of transmitters 30 installed in the plurality of stations 20, respectively.

  First, as conceptually described, at least one transmitter 30 is installed at each station 20 and locally transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID to the corresponding station 20. Or it is a contact-type communication device.

  The transmitter 30 is normally fixedly installed at the corresponding station 20 so that it cannot move, but it can also be installed movably so that it can be moved at any time. The transmitter 30 only needs to have at least a transmission function, but may be configured to have a reception function as required.

  Next, in order to explain the operation system, the transmitter 30 transmits the unique identification signal actively without using a trigger signal from the outside, locally, and permanently unless the supply power is insufficient. To do.

  The transmitter 30 is a device that is generally known by a name such as a beacon device that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal or a radio beacon. In one example, the transmitter 30 modulates an original signal to generate an identification signal representing a corresponding station ID, and the generated identification signal is converted into an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC ( (Short-range wireless communication) Signals are transmitted locally.

  Next, the hardware configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4 which is a functional block diagram. The transmitter 30 includes a computer 104 having a processor 100 and a memory 102 for storing a plurality of applications executed by the processor 100. It is configured as a subject.

  The transmitter 30 further includes a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of the battery 106, a rechargeable battery or a commercial power source as an external power source can be employed.

  The transmitter 30 further includes a transmitter 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal. The transmitter 108 is operated by the battery 106 and is controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 is controlled by the computer 100.

  Next, the software configuration of the transmitter 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The processor 100 of the transmitter 30 repeatedly executes the program conceptually shown in the flowchart of FIG. At the time of executing each program, first, in step S1, a station ID (that is, a unique station ID assigned to the station 20 where the current transmitter 30 is actually installed) is read from the memory 102, and then In step S2, the remaining amount of the battery 106 is estimated.

  Subsequently, in step S3, a signal for modulating an original signal (for example, a carrier signal) is sent to the controller 110 so that the read station ID and the estimated remaining battery level are reflected. Is output. The controller 110 controls the transmitting unit 108, and as a result, the transmitting unit 108 generates an identification signal to be transmitted this time. Thereafter, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from the transmitter 108. Then, it returns to step S1.

  In addition, in the transmitter 30, an algorithm or procedure for generating an identification signal so that at least the station ID is reflected among the station ID and the remaining battery level is different from the algorithm or procedure shown in FIG. It is possible to adopt.

  Here, in order to explain one function of the user's portable terminal 90 in association with the transmitter 30, the portable terminal 90 receives an identification signal from the transmitter 30 and transmits it to the computer of the portable terminal 90. When a program installed in advance, that is, a dedicated application for transmitter processing (hereinafter referred to as “transmitter application”) is started (login), the received identification signal is demodulated, thereby The station ID is decoded. The portable terminal 90 further transmits the decoded station ID to the management server 50.

  Further, when the portable terminal 90 starts the transmitter application while receiving the identification signal from the transmitter 30, the transmitter 30 when the identification signal is transmitted based on the received identification signal. And the distance between the position of the portable terminal 90 when the identification signal is received is also measured.

  That is, based on the identification signal received from the transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 has both a station ID unique to the station 20 where the transmitter 30 is actually installed and the distance to the transmitter 30 at that time. Is to win.

  When the user of the portable terminal 90 approaches the transmitter 30 while holding his / her own portable terminal 90 and makes the portable terminal 90 completely or substantially contact the transmitter 108 of the transmitter 30, the portable terminal 90 is The identification signal can be received from the transmitter 30 in a contact manner.

  On the other hand, when the user of the mobile terminal 90 enters the specific reception area while holding his / her mobile terminal 90, the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30 in a non-contact manner.

  As conceptually shown in a plan view in FIG. 6, two types of reception areas are assigned to the transmitter 30. They are a receivable area and an effective receiving area. Each of these areas is generally defined by a circle originating from the transmitter 30. A receivable area has a maximum reception radius, whereas an effective reception area has an effective reception radius.

  More specifically, however, the receivable area is an area where the identification signal from the transmitter 30 is reachable when the power supply of the transmitter 30 is normal, that is, as long as it exists in the area. It means an area where the terminal 90 can receive the identification signal.

  On the other hand, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be arbitrarily set, whereas the effective reception radius can be arbitrarily set.

  That is, the maximum reception radius may mean a reception limit determined by hardware, whereas the effective reception radius may mean a reception limit determined by software.

  As described above, the portable terminal 90 measures the distance from the transmitter 30 when the received identification signal is transmitted. The distance measurement may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the distance measurement value does not exceed the reception effective radius, the mobile terminal 90 exists in the effective reception area, whereas when the distance measurement value exceeds the reception effective radius, the mobile terminal 90 Is present in the receivable area but not in the effective reception area.

  When the portable terminal 90 activates the transmitter processing application, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not the distance measurement value is less than or equal to the set value of the effective reception radius. Since 90 is currently located within the effective reception area, the portable terminal 90 determines that “the identification signal from the transmitter 30 has been received effectively (hereinafter also simply referred to as“ the identification signal has been received ”)”. .

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is larger than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area. It is determined that the signal is not received effectively (hereinafter also simply referred to as “the identification signal is not received”).

  That is, in the present embodiment, when the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 actually appears even though the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal. It is handled on the software that the identification signal has not been received.

  In FIG. 7, the contents of short-distance one-way wireless communication between the transmitter 30 and the mobile terminal 90 located at the same station 20 are conceptually represented in time series. The transmitter 30 continues to transmit the same identification signal to the portable terminal 90.

  Note that the identification signal is a signal that reflects not only the station ID but also the remaining battery level, so that the identification signal is a time signal even if the station ID is unchanged. It is assumed that it fluctuates with.

  However, since the remaining battery level does not change abruptly, it is possible to consider that the remaining battery level is unchanged within a short time span assumed in association with the mobile terminal 90. On the other hand, it is not assumed that the station ID changes.

  Therefore, since the identification signal repeatedly transmits the same information within a short time span, in the substantial sense, the identification signal can be handled as being essentially unchanged.

  By the way, the identification signal is not physically observed as a plurality of signals when it is a continuous wave, whereas it is observed as a plurality of signals when it is an intermittent wave. However, even a continuous wave can be understood as a plurality of periodic signals arranged in time series as long as the identification signal is periodic. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, as conceptually shown in FIG. 7, regardless of whether the signal is a continuous wave or an intermittent wave, the identification signal should be understood as a plurality of individual signals arranged in time series. Is possible.

  In addition, in FIG. 7, the contents of long-distance two-way wireless communication between the portable terminal 90 and the remote management server 50 are also conceptually represented. This will be described in detail later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 8, which is a functional block diagram. The mobile terminal 90 includes a processor 130 and a memory 132 that stores a plurality of applications executed by the processor 130. The computer 134 is mainly configured.

  The portable terminal 90 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information, a receiving unit 138 that receives signals from the transmitter 30 and the management server 50, and generates and manages the signals. And a transmission unit 140 that transmits to the server 50.

  Next, the software configuration of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 executes a plurality of programs. One of these programs is the transmitter application described above, and the application is conceptually represented in the flowchart of FIG.

  The processor 130 of the portable terminal 90 repeatedly executes the transmitter application (hereinafter also simply referred to as “program”). When the program is executed each time, first, in step S101, the program is activated in response to a user operation.

  Next, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30.

  If the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive any identification signal from the transmitter 30, and therefore the determination in step S102 is NO.

  Thereafter, in step S115, a message is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 to notify the user that an operation error exists, or to prompt the user to modify the operation method and try again. At this time, communication between the portable terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout). An example of the above message is a message stating that “the signal from the transmitter cannot be received properly. Please bring your mobile device close enough to or in contact with the transmitter and then start the app again.” is there. This completes the current execution of this program.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 is currently located within the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30. In this case, in step S102, the distance to the current transmitter 30 is measured based on the received identification signal. In step S102, it is further determined whether or not the distance measurement value is smaller than the set value, that is, whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is currently located within the effective reception area. If the distance measurement value is greater than or equal to the set value, the determination in step S102 is no and the process moves to step S115.

  On the other hand, when the portable terminal 90 is currently located in the effective reception area, the determination in step S102 is YES because the distance measurement value is smaller than the set value. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the first reception confirmation in relation to the transmitter 30 (this is an example of the “first reception event”) is completed. Thereafter, the current session, that is, one-way bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for the user to use the current rental service starts.

  In the present embodiment, the management server 50 is not actually designed to directly confirm the fact that the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30. However, the management server 50 has received an access request from the mobile terminal 90 on the premise of a protocol or fact that the mobile terminal 90 does not make an access request to the management server 50 unless the identification signal is effectively received from the transmitter 30. Only from this fact, the fact that the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30 is estimated.

  Therefore, the management server 50 is actually equivalent to performing the operation | movement for confirming the fact that the portable terminal 90 received the identification signal from the transmitter 30 effectively.

  When this session starts, first, the member ID of the user is transmitted to the management server 50 in step S103. In step S <b> 104, the user password is transmitted to the management server 50.

  Subsequently, in step S105, the current request from the user, that is, the rental request for renting the bicycle 12 at a certain station 20, and the return of the bicycle 12 to the return station 20 that is the same as or different from the rental station 20. Of the return requests for which the user desires is transmitted to the management server 50. Thereafter, in step S106, the vehicle number 60 assigned to the bicycle 12 that the user wants to borrow (that is, one of the plurality of bicycles 12 stored in the rental station 20 this time) is transmitted to the management server 50. Is done.

  Subsequently, in step S107, the received identification signal is demodulated, whereby the station ID represented by the identification signal is decoded. As a result, the station ID that uniquely identifies the current station 20 (current rental station 20 or return station 20) is identified.

  Thereafter, in step S108, whether or not the portable terminal 90 has effectively received an identification signal representing the same station ID as the identification signal received from the transmitter 30 at the time of execution of step S102 (that is, substantially the same identification signal). Is determined. The algorithm for determining the presence / absence of the effective reception is the same as that described above for step S102.

  This time, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 is continuously present in the same effective reception area of the same station 20 during the current session, the mobile terminal 90 represents the same station ID as the previously received identification signal. Since the identification signal is received, the determination in step S108 is YES. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the second reception confirmation (this is an example of the “second reception event”) in relation to the transmitter 30 is completed.

  Thereafter, in step S109, the identified station ID is transmitted to the management server 50. This step S109 is executed without performing any other substantial processing when the determination in step S108 is YES, so step S109 is executed immediately after the second reception confirmation, thereby A station ID converted from the same identification signal received at the second time as that received at the second time is transmitted from the portable terminal 90 to the management server 50.

  As a result, in effect, the management server 50, after the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30, then without intentionally extended waiting time, ie, substantially in real time. The identification signal is received in the form of the converted station ID. The identification signal and the station ID are substantially the same as information.

  Therefore, as will be described later, if the management server 50 measures the current time immediately after receiving the station ID, the management server 50 determines that the current time is the actual rental time or return time of the bicycle 12 (the user rents the bicycle 12). It can be accurately recognized as a time reflecting the lending time when making a request, and the return time when the user requests the bicycle 12 to be returned.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the process in which the identification signal received by the mobile terminal 90 from the transmitter 30 is converted into the station ID that the mobile terminal 90 transmits to the management server 50, the user's intentional intervention, that is, Since there is no data input or data editing by the user, the user cannot tamper with the station ID. As a result, the security of the station position related information transmitted from the transmitter 30 to the management server 50 via the portable terminal 90 is improved.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has moved from the effective reception area of one station 20 to the effective reception area of another station 20 during the current session, the mobile terminal 90 recognizes the previously received identification. Since an identification signal different from the signal is received, the determination in step S108 is NO.

  In this case, after that, although not shown, a warning message is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 of the portable terminal 90. The warning message is displayed, for example, a message stating that “the user moved from the first station to another station before the rental application was completed, and this action resulted in the loss of eligibility to use this rental service”. Is done. This completes the current execution of this program. At this time, communication between the portable terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout).

  By the way, the identification number transmitted by the transmitter 30 is unique to the transmitter 30 and also unique to one station 20 in which the transmitter 30 is installed. Furthermore, the receivable area of the transmitter 30 installed in one station 20 does not overlap with the receivable area of another transmitter 30 installed in another station 20. Therefore, the portable terminal 90 does not receive a plurality of identification signals from the plurality of transmitters 30 at the same time.

  Then, the fact that “the mobile terminal has received an identification signal representing the same station ID again during the same session” is “the user with the mobile terminal 90 is within one station 20 identified by the identification signal. We can reason with high accuracy the fact that we stayed continuously for a time span. However, when the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal from the transmitter 30 once and transmits the station ID corresponding to the identification signal to the management server 50, the same inference can be performed only with low accuracy. .

  Here, “a certain time span” specifically means, for example, a time interval from the time when the first reception confirmation is performed to the time when the second reception confirmation is performed. However, the time interval can have, for example, 1 second as a lower limit or 5 seconds as an upper limit. For example, in an example in which the time interval is set to 1 second, the user may stay at the same station 20 and within the effective reception area of the transmitter 30 for at least 1 second. It is a condition for receiving.

  When the current station ID is transmitted to the management server 50 in step S109, a reply from the management server 50 is awaited in step S110. As will be described later, the returned data includes data indicating whether or not processing for lending the bicycle 12 has been started, data indicating whether or not processing for returning has been completed, and the bicycle 12 to be borrowed. Data representing a personal identification number necessary for unlocking the dial lock 84, data representing payment details representing settlement after return, and the like are included.

  If there is such a reply from the management server 50, it is determined in step S111 whether or not the returned data is lending start data indicating that processing for lending the bicycle 12 has started. If it is loan start data, the determination in step S111 is YES.

  Since the personal identification number is also returned from the management server 50 this time, the personal identification number returned is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 of the portable terminal 90 in step S112. At this time, communication between the portable terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout). This completes the current execution of this program. As a result, the user can unlock the dial lock 84 of the dial lock type wire lock 80 of the bicycle 12 to be borrowed and use the bicycle 12.

  As a result, the current session, that is, one-way bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for lending the bicycle 12 to the user is completed.

  On the other hand, if the data returned from the management server 50 this time is not the loan start data, the determination in step S111 is NO, and in step S113, the returned data is completely returned. It is determined whether or not the return completion data indicates that it has been performed. If it is return completion data, the determination in step S113 is YES.

  Since the payment details are returned from the management server 50 this time, the returned payment details are displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 of the portable terminal 90 in step S114. At this time, communication between the portable terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout). This completes the current execution of this program.

  As a result, the user can know the amount of the rental fee paid as a consideration for the current rental service. Thereafter, the user secures the bicycle 12 to be returned to any bicycle stall 72 that is not being used by using the wire lock 80, and then locks the dial lock 84 of the wire lock 80.

  As a result, the current session, that is, one-way bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for returning the bicycle 12 to the station 20 is completed.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 which is a functional block diagram. The management server 50 includes a processor 160 and a memory 162 that stores a plurality of applications executed by the processor 160. The computer 164 is mainly configured.

  The management server 50 further generates a signal by displaying a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 that displays information, a receiving unit 168 that receives a signal from the portable terminal 90, and transmits the signal to the portable terminal 90. And a clock 172. This management server 50 does not directly receive from the transmitter 30, but in effect via the mobile terminal 90.

  Next, the software configuration of the computer 164 of the management server 50 will be conceptually described with reference to FIG. 11 which is a functional block diagram.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the management server 50 includes a rental processing unit 200 for processing the rental of the bicycle 12 and a return processing unit 202 for processing the return of the bicycle 12.

  The management server 50 further includes a list creation unit 204 and a list display unit 206. The list creation unit 204 creates the usage status management list shown in FIG. On the other hand, in response to a display request from the operator of the management server 50, the list display unit 206 reads the created usage status management list from the memory 162 and displays it on the screen of the display unit 166.

  The management server 50 further includes a return prompting unit 208. The return prompting unit 208 repeatedly extracts unreturned users whose bicycle 12 has not been returned from a plurality of users based on the use state management list, and the extracted non-returned user mobile terminals A message indicating that the return of the borrowed bicycle 12 has not been completed is transmitted to 90.

  The management server 50 further includes a rental fee calculation unit 210 that calculates a rental fee to be paid by the user who rented the bicycle 12, and a settlement processing unit 212 that allows the user to pay the rental fee.

  Specifically, the rental fee calculation unit 210 calculates the length of elapsed time from the lending time to the return time as the length of use time (rental time) in which the user uses the bicycle 12. The amount of the rental fee is increased according to the length of the usage time, and when the return station ID does not match the rental station ID, the rental fee is set to be increased from the case of matching, and the relationship Is stored in advance in the memory 162 as a charge table (not shown).

  The rental fee calculation unit 210 further determines whether or not the return station ID matches the rental station ID, and determines the fee table based on the determination result and the calculated length of use time. By referring, the amount of this rental fee is calculated.

  Further, the settlement processing unit 212 collects the current rental fee from the user by performing bank settlement, credit settlement, prepaid settlement, and the like for the current user.

  Next, the software configuration of the management server 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The processor 160 of the management server 50 includes the programs shown in FIG. The main program conceptually represented in the flowchart of FIG. 13 (a program for lending and returning) is repeatedly executed.

  Each execution of the main program is started in step S201 shown in FIG. 12, and in this step S201, the type of the current request issued from the user to the management center 40 via the portable terminal 90 is lent out. Information for identifying whether the request is a request or a return request, a chassis number 60, and a station ID are received together with a member ID and a password assigned in advance for the current user.

  In order to enjoy the bicycle rental service provided by the system 10, the user is required to register in advance as a member, and at that time, the password necessary for subsequent personal authentication is also registered. It is requested that.

  In this step S201, it is further determined whether or not a station ID has been received from the user's portable terminal 90 before the set time has elapsed since the start of communication with the user's portable terminal 90, and within the set time. When the station ID is not received, the determination is NO, and the management server 50 blocks the current communication with the user's mobile terminal 90.

  The reason why the management server 50 has not received the station ID from the user's portable terminal 90 within the set time is that the determination at step S102 in FIG. Is YES and communication with the management server 50 is started. However, since the second reception confirmation is not established in the user's portable terminal 90, the determination in step S108 in FIG. Because it was skipped.

  Therefore, the process proceeds to step S202 only when the station ID is received from the user's portable terminal 90 within the set time.

  The determination as to whether or not the station ID has been received from the user's portable terminal 90 within the set time may be executed after step S201 and before step S204, not in step S201. . For example, it may be executed between steps S202 and S203, or may be executed between steps S203 and S204.

  In this embodiment, when the user's portable terminal 90 receives an identification signal representing the same station ID from the transmitter 30 a plurality of times, the station ID is transmitted from the user's portable terminal 90 to the management server 50. Then, using this as a trigger, the management server 50 starts full-scale processing. Therefore, the management server 50 does not receive the same station ID from the user's portable terminal 90 a plurality of times.

  Instead, each time the user's portable terminal 90 receives an identification signal from the transmitter 30, each station ID represented by each identification signal is transmitted to the management server 50, and the management server 50 is It is also possible to implement the present invention in such a manner that when the same station ID is received from the terminal 90 a plurality of times, the management server 50 starts full-scale processing.

  Next, in step S202, it is determined from the collation result of the received member ID and password and the registered information whether or not the personal authentication for the current user has been successful. If the personal authentication is successful, it is determined in step S203 whether or not the current request from the user is a lending request.

  If the current request is a return request, the determination is no, and then the process proceeds to the step group shown in FIG. 13. If the current request is a lending request, the determination is yes, and step S204 is performed. Migrate to

  In this step S204, the current time is measured using the clock 172, and the rental time (rental start time) at which the current bicycle 12 is started to be rented to the user is stored in the memory 162 as the same time as the current time. To be recorded.

  This step S204 is the time when the management server 50 received the station ID from the portable terminal 90 in step S201 (this is because the portable terminal 90 effectively received the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the user lending process). It is executed promptly (one minute or before a time longer than necessary has elapsed). Therefore, the lending time is recognized as a time substantially coincident with the time when the portable terminal 90 effectively received the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the lending process of the user.

  That is, in this step S204, the time when the management server 50 receives the station ID from the portable terminal 90, that is, the time when the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the user lending process. The start time of lending to the user is recognized on the basis of the time substantially matching the above.

  Subsequently, in step S205, the station ID received from the portable terminal 90 is recorded in the memory 162 as a rental station ID.

  After that, in step S206, the lending station ID is a correspondence relationship table conceptually shown in FIG. 16, which represents a correspondence relationship between a plurality of station IDs and a plurality of station names (stored in the memory 162). It is determined whether or not it matches any one of the plurality of station IDs registered in the ID, thereby determining whether or not the current lending station ID is authentic.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the memory 162, correspondences between a plurality of station IDs and a plurality of station names are recorded in advance. Therefore, if the current station 20 is specified at each time point, the location and name of the corresponding one station 20 are specified.

  If the current lending station ID is not authentic, the execution of this main program ends without providing the current service to the user, assuming that there is some abnormality in the data received from the user this time.

  On the other hand, if the present rental station ID is authentic, the determination in step S206 is YES, and then in step S207, the current chassis number 60 is a bicycle table (not shown) and a plurality of chassis numbers. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the plurality of chassis numbers registered in the one (corresponding to the memory 162) representing the correspondence relationship between the personal identification number and the plurality of personal identification numbers. Whether or not is authentic is determined.

  If the current chassis number 60 is not authentic, it is determined that there is some abnormality in the data received from the user this time, and the execution of this main program is terminated without providing the current service to the user.

  On the other hand, if the current chassis number 60 is authentic, the determination in step S207 is YES, and then, in step S208, it is permitted to lend the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the user. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually in the station 20 having the station ID at the lending time.

  Thereafter, in step S209, the lending station 20 corresponding to the lending station ID is acquired according to the correspondence table shown in FIG. 16, thereby identifying the current lending station 20. Further, in this step S209, the current lending time and lending station are stored in the memory 162 in association with the current member and the chassis number 60 in preparation for later use. This

  Specifically, in this step S209, the usage status management list shown in FIG. 15 is created. More specifically, in this step S209, triggered by the occurrence of an event of lending one bicycle 12 for a certain user, the lending station 20, lending time, and return for each rental service A data block (for example, a linked data string) in which the station 20, the return time, information for identifying the user (member ID), and the chassis number 60 are associated with each other is created. A plurality of data blocks corresponding to a plurality of rental services are listed, thereby creating a usage status management list.

  In an example of the usage status management list, a plurality of data blocks are arranged in time series. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of data blocks are arranged in the order of the lending time.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, in the first data block from the top, the bicycle 12 (chassis number: 0123) was loaned to the member “Tanaka” at station A at 10:00 on January 20th. Represents that the bicycle 12 has not yet been returned (rented).

  In the second data block from the top, rental of the bicycle 12 (chassis number: 1234) to the member “Suzuki” at station A was made at 9:00 on January 20, but the bicycle 12 is still returned. Indicates that it is not (rental).

  In the third data block from the top, the bicycle 12 (vehicle number: 2345) is rented to the member “Kato” at station A at 8:00 on January 20, and the bicycle 12 is sent to station A by 1 It is returned at 17:00 on the 20th of the month, and the rental fee is paid.

  In the fourth data block from the top, the bicycle 12 (vehicle number: 3456) is rented to the member “Kobayashi” at the station A at 8:00 on January 19, and the bicycle 12 is sent to the station B by 1 It is returned at 12:00 on the 19th of the month, and the rental fee is also paid.

  That is, the portion of the management server 50 that executes step S209 constitutes the list creation unit 204.

  Subsequently, in step S210, by referring to the bicycle table, the user can unlock the personal identification number corresponding to the current chassis number 60, that is, the dial lock 84 locked on the current bicycle 12. A number (for example, a multi-digit number) to be given to the dial lock 84 is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 211, the acquired personal identification number and a message indicating that the bicycle 12 starts to be rented are transmitted toward the user's portable terminal 90.

  Subsequently, in step S212, the list display program shown in FIG. 14 (described in detail later) is executed, so that the usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 166 as necessary. The usage status management list is made visible to the operator of the management server 50.

  Thereafter, in step S213, a return prompting program (detailed later) shown in FIG. 17 is executed. Thus, the execution of the portion of the main program where the bicycle 12 is rented is completed.

  On the other hand, if the current request issued by the user is a return request, the determination in step S203 of FIG. 12 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S214 shown in FIG. In this step S214, the current time is measured using the clock 172, and the return time (rental end time) for completing the return of the current bicycle 12 by the user is stored in the memory 162 as the same time as the current time. To be recorded.

  This step S214 is the time at which the management server 50 received the station ID from the portable terminal 90 in step S201 (this is because the portable terminal 90 effectively received the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the return process of the user). It is executed promptly (one minute or before a time longer than necessary has elapsed). Therefore, the return time is recognized as a time that substantially matches the time when the mobile terminal 90 effectively received the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the user's return process.

  That is, in this step S214, the time when the management server 50 receives the station ID from the portable terminal 90, that is, the time when the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the user return process. The end time of the return from the user is recognized on the basis of the time substantially matching the above.

  Subsequently, in step S215, the station ID received from the portable terminal 90 is recorded in the memory 162 as a return station ID this time.

  Subsequently, in step S216, it is determined whether or not the current return station ID is authentic by determining whether or not the return station ID matches any of the plurality of station IDs in the station table. Is done. If the current return station ID is not authentic, the determination in step S216 is NO, and it is determined that there is some abnormality in the data received from the user this time. Execution ends.

  On the other hand, if the current return station ID is authentic, the determination in step S216 is YES, and then, in step S217, the current chassis number 60 is one of a plurality of chassis numbers in the bicycle table. By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the current chassis number 60 is authentic.

  If the current chassis number 60 is not authentic, the determination in step S217 is NO, and the user returns the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the current station 20 assuming that there is some abnormality in the data received from the user this time. Is prohibited. This is the end of the execution of the main program.

  On the other hand, if the current chassis number 60 is authentic, the determination in step S217 is YES, and then, in step S218, the user returns the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the current station 20. Is allowed. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually in the station 20 having the restored station ID at the measured return time.

  Thereafter, in step S219, the lending time and lending station for the bicycle 12 to be returned this time are read from the memory 162 in association with the current chassis number 60.

  Subsequently, in step S220, the length of the elapsed time from the rental time to the return time is calculated as the length of the usage time (rental time) when the user uses the bicycle 12. Thereafter, in step S221, it is determined whether or not the return station ID matches the lending station ID.

  Subsequently, in step S222, by referring to the fee table based on the calculated length of use time and the determination result of whether or not the return station ID matches the lending station ID, The amount of rental fee is calculated. Thereafter, in step S223, the calculated rental fee is settled for the current user, and the current rental fee is collected from the user.

  Subsequently, in step S224, a message indicating that the return has been completed and the payment details for the current rental fee are transmitted to the user's portable terminal 90.

  Thereafter, in step S225, the return station 20 corresponding to the return station ID is acquired in accordance with the correspondence table shown in FIG. 16, thereby identifying the current return station 20.

  Furthermore, in this step S225, the usage status management list is updated so that the current data of the return time and the return station is reflected. Subsequently, in step S226, the list display program shown in FIG. 14 (described in detail later) is executed, so that the latest usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 166 as necessary. The usage status management list is made visible to the operator of the management server 50.

  Thereafter, in step S227, a return prompting program (described in detail later) shown in FIG. 17 is executed. Thus, the execution of the part of the main program for returning the bicycle 12 is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 receives a unique local identification signal from the transmitter 30 for each station, converts the identification signal into a station ID, and the mobile terminal 90 manages the station ID. This is effectively equivalent to the management server 50 receiving a local identification signal unique to each station storing the rental vehicle via the portable terminal of the rental vehicle user.

  In this way, thanks to the identification signal from the transmitter 30 being transmitted to the management server 50 via the portable terminal 90, the user can specify any station at any specified time. It becomes possible for the management server 50 to recognize being at 20.

  By the way, in this embodiment, after the portable terminal 90 receives the identification signal showing the same station ID effectively several times and confirms the identity of the station 20 where the user is staying, the portable terminal 90 is only once. The station ID corresponding to the identification signal is transmitted to the management server 50.

  On the other hand, each time the portable terminal 50 receives the identification signal, the identification signal is converted into a station ID and transmitted to the management server 50. The management server 50 receives the same station ID a plurality of times, and the user It is possible to implement the present invention in such a manner that the rental or return of the bicycle 12 is processed after confirming the identity of the station 20 staying (that the user continues to stay at the same station 20).

  However, in this aspect, considering that the management server 50 normally handles a plurality of rental-related sessions (each session is a series of interactive operations) with a plurality of users, The processing load on the management server 50 tends to increase.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the management server 50, not the management server 50, performs an event of confirming the identity of the station 20 where the user is staying in the lending process or the return process. The burden on the server 50 can be reduced easily.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the management server 50 is substantially connected to the mobile terminal 90 in response to the first reception event that the mobile terminal 90 has received the identification signal from the transmitter 30. In response to the second reception event that the mobile terminal 90 has received the identification signal representing the same station ID from the transmitter 30 again after the start of the communication (one session), the mobile terminal 90 The station ID corresponding to the identification signal is received.

  According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform the process of the portable terminal 90 and the process of the management server 50 in parallel with each other, and therefore, the user can more quickly perform the process of the bicycle 12 than when these processes are performed in series. It is possible to lend or return.

  Here, the list display program will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  This list display program is repeatedly executed, and at the time of each execution, first, in step S301, it is waited for a list display request from the operator of the management server 50.

  When the list display request is issued, the determination in step S301 is YES, and the usage status management list is read from the memory 162 in step S302. Subsequently, in step S <b> 303, the read usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 172 of the management server 50. This completes the current execution of this list display program.

  Next, the return notification program will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  This return notification program is repeatedly executed. At the time of each execution, first, in step S401, the data block to be noted this time is selected from the plurality of data blocks recorded in the usage status management list in units of events of lending. Is selected.

  Subsequently, in step S402, by referring to the return time column in the selected data block, whether or not the time when the user corresponding to the data block returns the bicycle 12 is not recorded. That is, it is determined whether or not the user this time has left the bicycle 12 unreturned.

  If the current user has not returned the bicycle 12, the determination in step S402 is YES, and in step S403, a message for prompting the user's mobile terminal 90 to return is displayed from the management server 50. Sent. Thereafter, the process returns to step S401, and another data block is selected as an execution target.

  On the other hand, if the current user has returned the bicycle 12, the determination in step S402 is NO, step S403 is skipped, and the process returns to step S401.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the portion of the management server 50 that executes steps S201-S208 and S210-S211 constitutes the lending processing unit 200, and steps S201-S203 and S214- The part that executes S224 constitutes the return processing unit 202, the part that executes steps S209 and S225 constitutes the list creation unit 204, and the part that executes steps S212 and S226 is the list display part The part which comprises 206 and performs step S213 and S227 comprises the return prompting part 208. FIG.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the part which performs step S201 among the management servers 50 comprises an example of each of the said real-time receiving part and the said real-time receiving process, and step S203-S205, S209, S214, The part that executes S215 and S225 constitutes an example of each of the information recognition unit and the information recognition process.

[Second Embodiment]

  Next, a bicycle rental system 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the first embodiment described above, only different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be referred to using the same name or the same reference numerals. The duplicated explanation is omitted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when signals are transmitted between the transmitter 30, the user's portable terminal 90, and the management server 50, as shown in FIG. 90 processing and the management server 50 processing are partially performed in parallel with each other.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in time series in FIG. 18, the process of the portable terminal 90 and the process of the management server 50 are performed in series.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, after the first reception event that the management server 50 has received the identification signal from the transmitter 30 has occurred, the mobile terminal 90 has received the same station from the transmitter 30. Until the second reception event that the identification signal representing the ID is received again occurs, substantial communication with the portable terminal 90 is not performed.

  Only after the occurrence of the second reception event, in response to the second reception event, substantial communication (one session) is started with the mobile terminal 90, and then the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal. A corresponding station ID is received.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described in detail based on drawing, according to these embodiment, the following some effects are acquired, for example.

1. Cost reduction of rental service equipment installed at station 20

  Non-contact or contact type transmissions that specify the information to be transmitted or transmitted from various device manufacturers, and convert the information into identification signals, modulate or encrypt them, and transmit the identification signals locally The machine is commercially available.

  It is possible to implement | achieve the transmitter 30 of this embodiment using this commercial item. That is, it is not indispensable to design and manufacture a dedicated transmitter in order to realize the transmitter 30.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is easy to reduce the cost of rental service equipment that needs to be installed at each station 20.

2. Improved accuracy in recognizing which station 20 the user is actually in

  According to the present embodiment, a local identification signal unique to each station 20 storing a bicycle 12 as an example of a rental vehicle and transmitted from the transmitter 30 is transmitted via the user's portable terminal 90. The management server 50 effectively receives the rental service of the bicycle 12 by receiving it.

  Here, since the identification signal transmitted from the transmitter 30 is a kind of encrypted signal, it is impossible for the user to modify the identification signal. In addition, the management server 50 specifies the location of the station 20 where the user is currently located using an identification signal from the transmitter 30.

  Furthermore, in the process in which the identification signal received by the user's mobile terminal 90 from the transmitter 30 is converted into a station ID that the mobile terminal 90 transmits to the management server 50, the user's intentional intervention, that is, data input by the user There is no data editing. Therefore, the user cannot tamper with the station ID. As a result, the security of the station position related information transmitted from the used station 20 to the management server 50 is improved.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, for the purpose of calculating a rental fee that is lower than the regular rental fee by the management server 50, a user can be in a station 20 that is different from the actual station 20. Spoofing and receiving rental services are prevented.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the accuracy of recognizing which station 20 the user is actually in is improved.

3. Improved accuracy in recognizing when a user actually rents or returns at a certain station 20

  According to the present embodiment, a unique local identification signal for each station 20 is transmitted from the transmitter 30 to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90 of the user in real time in the form of a station ID. . For example, the management server 50 refers to the time when the station ID is received, and recognizes the time when the lending to the user is started and the time when the return from the user is completed. Therefore, the user cannot falsify those times.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy with which the user recognizes at which time the user actually rents or returns at a certain station 20. Therefore, this also improves the security of the station position related information transmitted from the station 20 to be used to the management server 50.

4). Differential monitoring of user behavior in terms of whether the user was really at a station 20 or just in the vicinity of a station 20 for rental purposes

  According to the present embodiment, an event that the user's mobile terminal 90 effectively receives an identification signal representing the same station ID a plurality of times at different times, that is, an identification signal representing the same station ID is transmitted over a certain time span. After waiting for substantially continuous reception, the management server 50 performs processing for rental.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, instead of requiring the instantaneous reception of a certain identification signal, that is, the instantaneous stay of a user at a certain station 20, continuous reception of the identification signal representing the same station ID, that is, the same station. With the user's continuous stay at 20 as a sufficient condition, the management server 50 estimates or identifies the location of the station 20 where the user is actually staying, that is, the station ID.

  As a result, according to the present embodiment, the position of the user's mobile terminal 90, that is, the user's position is continuously observed instead of instantaneously, so that the user can really rent or return the bicycle 12. It is possible to distinguish and observe the user's behavior from the viewpoint of whether he / she was at 20 or only in the vicinity of a certain station 20 by chance.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the user may have been in the vicinity of the station 20 by chance, the management server 50 does not start or starts the rental process. It is also possible to stop the process and finally prevent unnecessary processing from being performed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in response to only one event that the user's mobile terminal 90 first received the identification signal effectively, the management server 50 is more accurate than the case where the rental process is performed, It becomes possible to avoid processing for unauthorized rental.

  For example, in the user's portable terminal 90, an application for a rental service is erroneously started, and at that time, the user was in the vicinity of one of the stations 20, so that the outgoing call installed there Even if the identification signal from the machine 30 is received, as long as the user moves away from the station 20 at the next moment, the user unknowingly makes an incorrect rental application to the management server 50. You do n’t have to. Therefore, the management server 50 does not charge the user for an incorrect rental fee.

  In addition, some embodiments described above are some specific examples when the present invention is applied to a rental service for renting a bicycle. Instead, the present invention For example, the present invention can be applied to a rental service that targets a car as a rental target, or to a rental service that targets a motorcycle as a rental target.

  In addition, in some of the embodiments described above, the movable property is a rental object, but it is not the movable property that is assigned a unique ID, but the real estate that is the station from which the movable property is rented and returned. It is.

  In other words, in these embodiments, even if the property has the stickiness (the property that the position does not vary with time) and the movable property that does not have the stickiness, it is temporarily associated with a single property. Focusing on the nature, a unique ID is assigned to each real estate, and a plurality of movables are managed through the real estate associated with each in a one-to-one or many-to-one relationship.

  Furthermore, in these embodiments, the user always pays attention to the fact that the user always stays in one property at the time of renting the movable property, and always stays in one property at the time of returning the movable property. By forcing the user to send the corresponding ID to the management server in real time with his / her mobile terminal, there is no room for the management server to intervene in the fraudulent act between the rental time and return time of the movable property. Enables identification by state.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described in detail based on drawing, these are illustrations and are based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art including the aspect as described in the above-mentioned [summary of invention] column. The present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (5)

A vehicle rental system that centrally manages a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits an identification signal locally;
A mobile terminal of a user who uses any station in connection with the rental of any rental vehicle and receives the identification signal from the transmitter;
A management server that lends and returns rental vehicles by wirelessly communicating with the user's mobile terminal;
Including
When the mobile terminal of the user receives the identification signal from the transmitter, it transmits information reflecting the identification signal to the management server,
Thereafter, the management server starts a rental vehicle rental / return process at a station specified based on the received information . A vehicle rental management method for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing a rental vehicle,
A mobile terminal of a user who uses any station is a non-contact type or contact type transmitter installed at least one at each station, and transmits the identification signal from a local transmission of the identification signal. Receiving, and
When the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter, a step of transmitting information reflecting the identification signal to the management server;
Then, the management server includes a step of starting rental vehicle return / return processing at a station specified based on the received information . The program executed by the computer of a user's portable terminal in order to implement the method of Claim 2. A program executed by a computer of a management server to implement the method according to claim 2. The recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 3 or 4 so that computer reading was possible.

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