JP2019008514A - Method and system for managing rental object - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance security of data used in a portable terminal in a technique of identifying an object using a transmitter attached to the object and a portable terminal of a user.SOLUTION: A first transmitter 30 and a second transmitter 32 to transmit characteristic recognition signals are disposed respectively in a station 20 and a rental bicycle 12 that is an object stored in the station 20. A portable terminal 90 of a user of the rental bicycle 12 can receive a signal from each of the first and second transmitters 30, 32 in a short-range communication system. On condition that a state where the portable terminal 90 is receiving both the signal from the first transmitter 30 and the signal from the second transmitter 32 is detected, the user is permitted to rent the bicycle 12 and/or return the bicycle 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for specifying an object using a transmitter attached to the object and a user's portable terminal, and more particularly to improvement of the technique.

  There is already a technique for specifying (identifying) an object using a user's mobile terminal.

  An example of this type of technology is a technology for identifying a rental object, which is an example of movable property existing in a station that is a real estate, using a portable terminal carried by the user who is the rental object.

  As existing services using this type of technology, a plurality of geographically different real estates, each associated with a rental property that is to be rented (e.g. There is a service that centrally manages what is stored in the place.

  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 bicycle management systems for unattended service of rental and return of bicycles at stations have already been proposed, and some specific examples are disclosed in Patent Documents 1-5, respectively.

  Specifically, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a two-dimensional bar code is attached to a station that stores rental bicycles for identification. Each rental bicycle is equipped with a two-dimensional barcode for identification.

  In this system, a user identifies a station by reading a two-dimensional barcode of the station with a reader using a portable terminal. The user identifies the rental bicycle by reading the two-dimensional barcode of the rental bicycle with a reader using the portable terminal. The mobile terminal is allowed to lend and return the rental bicycle by communicating with the management server.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, it is possible to replace a two-dimensional barcode attached to each rental bicycle for identification with a short-distance communication means (corresponding to a transmitter) such as an IC tag. It is described.

  Moreover, in the system described in Patent Document 3, a transmitter is installed at a station that stores rental bicycles. Each rental bicycle is attached with a number display (for example, a numeric string or code) that can be read by a user, not a transmitter, for identification.

  In this system, a user receives a signal from a transmitter using a mobile terminal, identifies a station, and then communicates with a management server to permit the rental and return of a rental bicycle.

  In the system described in Patent Document 4, a transmitter that transmits an identifier indicating the location is installed at a place where the rental bicycle can be returned. Each rental bicycle has an attached device.

  The accessory device has storage means for storing a plurality of identifiers indicating locations where rental bicycles can be returned. The accessory device further includes a receiver that receives an identifier from the transmitter. The accessory device further determines that the rental bicycle can be returned to the place where the transmitter is installed when the identifier received by the receiver matches the stored identifier. It has a judgment means.

  In this system, a user communicates with a management server using a portable terminal, selects a bicycle parking lot and a rental bicycle, but does not receive a signal from the receiver. Therefore, the portable terminal cannot detect and identify a rental bicycle.

  Further, in this system, the mobile terminal communicates with the management server in order to allow the lending, but does not communicate with the management server in order to permit the return. The process for return is performed between the accessory device and the transmitter.

  Moreover, in the system described in Patent Document 5, the user accesses the management server using a mobile terminal and acquires the return destination of the rented bicycle. The rental bicycle is equipped with an RFID tag (wireless tag) as a transmitter. In the station, bicycle rental machines are installed for each rental bicycle, and one rental bicycle is stored in the bicycle parking device.

  The bicycle parking apparatus is provided with a receiver (RFID reader). The receiver receives a signal from the transmitter of the rental bicycle. The receiver further has a transmission function for transmitting the presence / absence of a bicycle rental bicycle or the ID of the bicycle rental to the management server.

JP 2011-248813 A JP 2010-55583 A Japanese Patent No. 5997858 Japanese Patent No. 5643861 Japanese Patent No. 5625160

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the hardware resource attached to the station is a bar code, and the hardware resource attached to the rental bicycle is also a bar code. Is also electrically read by the image reader of the same portable terminal.

  However, in order for a user to read two types of barcodes that are highly likely to exist in different places using a mobile terminal, the user has the barcode for each barcode to be read. You must move to the place and approach. This is because as the distance from the bar code increases, the amount of light incident on the image reader among the reflected light from the bar code decreases, and the resolution at the time of reading decreases.

  Therefore, with this technology, it is impossible for the portable terminal to physically read these two types of barcodes simultaneously.

  As a result, even if the management server receives the reading result data of two types of barcodes from the mobile terminal, the fact that the barcodes actually existed in the same station proves that there is no other evidence. I can't. For this reason, it is theoretically a falsification action that the user generates a fake combination of data different from the actual combination of the station and the rental bicycle on the mobile terminal and transmits it to the management server for some illegal purpose. Will be possible.

  Also, with this technology, it is impossible for a user to read these two types of barcodes using a mobile terminal at the same location, and the user must bother to move to two locations and perform the reading work in two steps. It must be cumbersome.

  On the other hand, when Patent Documents 2 and 3 are combined with Patent Document 1, it may be possible to replace both of the above two types of barcodes with a transmitter.

  However, even if such replacement is performed, all of Patent Documents 1-5 are 1) the point that the system is designed so that the respective signals from these two transmitters are simultaneously received by the portable terminal. 2) The point of permitting the rental and return of bicycles on the condition of simultaneous reception is also 3) If a transmitter is used instead of a bar code, it is data represented by a signal received from the transmitter and is carried It also does not disclose that the security of what is used in the terminal is improved.

  Furthermore, none of Patent Documents 1-5 discloses how to embody the geometrical relative relationship of the effective reception area between the two transmitters.

  Against the background of the above knowledge, the present invention is a technique for specifying an object using a transmitter attached to the object and a user's mobile terminal, and improves the security of data used in the mobile terminal It is an object to provide a technique for facilitating the process.

  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 first transmitter and a second transmitter for transmitting a unique identification signal are installed in each station and rental object stored in the station, and the signals from the first transmitter and the second transmitter are installed. A rental object management method that permits rental of a rental object to the user and / or return of a rental object from the user on condition that the user's portable terminal receives both of the signals.

(2) A rental object management system for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing at least one rental object,
A first transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A second transmitter that is installed at least one for each rental object and that transmits an identification signal that can identify a rental object ID unique to the corresponding rental object;
A portable terminal of a user capable of receiving in a near field communication method with each of the first and second transmitters,
The management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal and / or the mobile terminal,
Since the portable terminal is located in the effective reception area assigned to the first transmitter, and simultaneously in the effective reception area assigned to the second transmitter, the signal from the first transmitter and the first A determination unit that determines whether or not both of the signals received from the two transmitters are in a reception state;
In the selected station where the user is actually staying among the plurality of stations on the condition that both of them are in the reception state, the user actually does at least one rental object installed in the selected station. A permission for lending the selected rental object selected and a permission for the user to return the selected rental object to the selected station which is the same or a different station as the station from which the rental was performed. Rental target management system including a permission section that performs at least one of them.

(3) The rental object management system according to (1) or (2), wherein an effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter is shorter than an effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the first transmitter.

(4) The portable terminal and / or the management server further includes:
The rental object management system according to any one of (1) to (3), further including a control unit that variably controls an effective reception radius of an effective reception area of the second transmitter according to user behavior.

(5) The first transmitter is a fixed transmitter installed in a fixed position at least one at each station,
The rental object management according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second transmitter is a mobile transmitter that is installed in a state of moving together with each rental object, at least one for each rental object. system.

(6) The portable terminal and / or the management server further includes:
The selected terminal is identified by a signal received from the first transmitter by the portable terminal in the both-side reception state, and the selected rental object is determined by a signal received by the portable terminal from the second transmitter in the both-side reception state. An association unit that identifies and associates the identified selected stations and selected rental objects with each other, thereby allowing each activity of the user during the rental period to be monitored in association with the identity of the user (2) Rental target management system described in the section.

(7) The mobile terminal and / or the management server may further include
In the rental stage of the rental object, the portable terminal is receiving a signal from the second transmitter when the portable terminal transitions from a state of receiving a signal from the first transmitter to a state of not receiving the signal. A first abnormality determination unit that determines that there is an abnormality in at least one of the user's action, the first transmitter, and the second transmitter,
In the return stage of the rental object, when the mobile terminal transitions from a state of receiving a signal from the first transmitter to a state of not receiving the signal, the mobile terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter. (2) including at least one of a user's action and a second abnormality determination unit that determines that at least one of the first transmitter and the second transmitter is abnormal. The rental target management system described.

(8) The mobile terminal
A candidate station display unit that displays on the screen at least a part of the plurality of stations that can be used by the user as candidate stations;
Candidates for displaying on the screen at least a portion of at least one rental object stored in the station selected by the user among the plurality of stations as a candidate rental object. The rental object management system according to item (2), including at least one of a rental object display unit.

(9) Each rental object includes a moving body with or without a prime mover that is lent to a user for a fee or free of charge, and that moves with the user. The rental according to any one of (1) to (8) Target management system.

(10) Each mobile is a bicycle, car, motorcycle, go-cart for entertainment or competition, shopping cart, stroller, wheelbarrow, wheelchair or golf cart, each for rental to the corresponding station The rental object management system according to item (9), including a stored item.

(11) A program executed by a computer of a mobile terminal to implement the mobile terminal according to any one of (1) to (10).

  For example, the program according to this section and other sections may be interpreted to mean a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its function, or may be processed according to each instruction as well as a combination of these instructions. It is possible to interpret it to include files and data that are included, but it is not limited to them.

  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.

(12) A program executed by a computer of the management server to implement the management server according to (2).

(13) A recording medium on which the program according to (11) or (12) 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.

(14) A movable property behavior estimation method for estimating a relative behavior of a movable property (or a moving object or a moving object) moved together by the user with respect to a real estate (or a fixed object or a fixed object) by using the user's mobile terminal. Because
A first transmitter and a second transmitter that transmit a unique identification signal to each of the real estate and the movable property are installed,
Based on temporal changes in the relationship between the first and second received signals received from the first and second transmitters in a short-range communication system and synchronously with each other, the mobile terminal A movable property estimation method for estimating a relative dynamic behavior with respect to the real estate.

  According to this method, the user's portable terminal synchronously receives the signals from the first transmitter installed in the real estate and the second transmitter installed in the real estate, thereby It is possible to estimate relative dynamic behavior.

(15) A user presence / absence determination method for determining whether a user exists in real estate by using the user's portable terminal,
A plurality of transmitters for transmitting signals representing different transmitter IDs are installed at different positions in the real estate, respectively.
In common to these transmitter IDs, one real estate ID unique to the real estate is assigned,
When the portable terminal receives the signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters, the transmitter ID represented by the received signal is converted into a real estate ID according to the assignment, whereby the user A user presence / absence determination method for identifying real estate that actually exists.

  According to this method, in one real estate (for example, a site having a regular shape, a site having an irregular shape, a non-circular site, a rectangular site in plan view), a plurality of transmitters A combination of a plurality of effective reception areas each assigned is assigned.

  Normally, one effective reception area is a spherical space in three dimensions, and a circular space in two dimensions, but when a plurality of effective reception areas are combined, the combined effective reception is performed. The shape of the boundary line of the area can be set relatively freely so as to fit the shape of the boundary line of the real estate.

  As a result, according to this method, the gap (reception leakage area) between the boundary line of the real estate and the boundary line of the merged effective reception area is reduced, so that the user carrying the mobile terminal can As long as it exists, it is possible to detect that the user exists in the real estate.

(16) A rental object management method for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing at least one rental object,
The method is
A first transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A second transmitter that is installed at least one for each rental object and that transmits an identification signal that can identify a rental object ID unique to the corresponding rental object;
A user's portable terminal that is capable of receiving in the near field communication method with each of the first and second transmitters and / or a management server capable of communicating with the portable terminal Executed,
The method is
The mobile terminal and / or the management server is located in the effective reception area assigned to the second transmitter at the same time the mobile terminal is located in the effective reception area assigned to the first transmitter. A determination step of determining whether or not both of the signals from the first transmitter and the signal from the second transmitter are in a receiving state;
On the condition that the mobile terminal and / or the management server are in the both reception state, the selected station where the user actually stays among the plurality of stations is at least installed in the selected station. Permission to rent a selected rental object that is actually selected by one of the rental objects, and the selection of the selected rental object that is the same as or different from the station where the rental was performed A rental object management method including a permission process of performing at least one of permission to return to a station.

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 bicycle for a rental shown to 1 (a).

FIG. 2 shows a bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 1 (a) in which the first transmitter installed at a certain station, the second transmitter installed on a bicycle existing at the same station, and the same station. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a mode that the user's portable terminal and management server in the management center in a remote place communicate with each other.

3 is a short-distance one-way communication between the first and second transmitters and the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2 and a long-distance bidirectional communication between the portable terminal and the management server shown in FIG. It is a figure which represents each communication conceptually.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the first and second transmitters shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing the first and second transmitters shown in FIG. 1A together with the station where the first and second transmitters are installed. Further, each of the first and second effective reception areas respectively assigned to the first and second transmitters is conceptually represented in FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6B shows the first effective reception. FIG. 6C is a plan view conceptually showing a first modification of the area, and FIG. 6C is a plan view conceptually showing a second modification of the first effective reception area.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the station data file stored in the station data memory in FIG. 7 in a table format.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing the bicycle data file stored in the bicycle data memory in FIG. 7 in a table format.

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

11A shows a list showing a plurality of modules of the bicycle rental program executed by the computer of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 11B shows the computer of the management server shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a list showing a plurality of modules of a bicycle rental program executed by.

FIG. 12A is a diagram exemplarily showing a reservation status table used in the reservation sequence in order to explain a reservation sequence in the bicycle rental method executed in the bicycle rental system. 12 (b) is a diagram exemplarily showing a user-specific reservation content file used in the reservation sequence.

FIG. 13 (a) is a plurality of time charts for exemplifying main sequences realized when there is a reservation among the bicycle rental methods, and FIG. 13 (b) is the bicycle rental method. It is a several time chart for demonstrating the main sequence implement | achieved when there is no reservation among these.

FIG. 14 shows a reservation sequence flow achieved by the execution of the reservation module shown in FIG. 11A by the portable terminal and the execution of the reservation module shown in FIG. 11B by the management server.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are reservation sequence diagrams for explaining the reservation sequence flow shown in FIG. 14 in time series.

FIG. 16 illustrates a reservation-based lending process achieved by the execution of the reservation-based rental process module shown in FIG. 11A by the mobile terminal and the reservation-based rental process module shown in FIG. 10B executed by the management server. It is a sequence flow.

FIG. 17 shows a non-reserved lending process achieved by the execution of the non-reserved lending process module shown in FIG. 11 (a) by the mobile terminal and the non-reserved lending process module shown in FIG. It is a processing sequence flow.

FIG. 18 is a return processing sequence flow achieved by the execution of the return processing module shown in FIG. 11A by the mobile terminal and the execution of the return processing module shown in FIG. 11B by the management server.

FIG. 19 shows the execution by the portable terminal of the lending abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11 (a) among the plurality of modules in the bicycle rental system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a loan abnormality determination sequence flow achieved by execution by the management server of the loan abnormality determination module shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a return abnormality determination sequence achieved by the execution of the return abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11 (a) by the mobile terminal and the return abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11 (b) by the management server. It is a flow.

FIG. 21A is a lending abnormality determination sequence for explaining the lending abnormality determination sequence flow shown in FIG. 19 in a time-series manner, and FIG. 21B is a return illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 is a return abnormality determination sequence diagram for explaining a time abnormality determination sequence flow in a time series with reference to the drawing.

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

<First Embodiment>

  FIGS. 1A and 2 show a bicycle rental system (hereinafter simply referred to as “system”) 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This system 10 is an example of a rental object management system according to the present invention, and in this system 10, a bicycle rental method which is an example of a rental object management method according to the present invention is implemented.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the system 10 includes a plurality of stations 20 each capable of storing a plurality of bicycles 12 (an example of “rental object” and an example of “mobile property”). (In FIG. 1 (a), only representative stations 20 of these stations 20 are shown) (an example of “real estate”) a service for lending and returning bicycles 12 to the user It is a system for providing. Each station 20 is assigned to a corresponding bicycle parking lot 22. The bicycle parking lot 22 is a rental bicycle storage site, and in the illustrated example, has a rectangular shape in plan view.

  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 system, the system 10 includes a plurality of first transmitters 30 installed at a plurality of stations 20, a plurality of second transmitters 32 respectively mounted on a plurality of bicycles 12, And a management server (an example of a center-side unit) 50 installed in a management center 40 that centrally manages a plurality of stations 20.

  Here, the first transmitter 30 is referred to as a station-side transmitter when attention is paid to the installation position, and the first transmitter 30 is referred to as a fixed transmitter, a stationary transmitter, or a position-invariant transmitter when attention is paid to motion characteristics. Similarly, the second transmitter 32 is referred to as a bicycle-side transmitter or an in-vehicle transmitter when focusing on the installation position, and a movable transmitter, a mobile transmitter, or a position-variable transmitter when focusing on the motion characteristics. It is called.

  Each of the plurality of stations 20 is assigned a unique station ID in advance. Similarly, each of the plurality of bicycles 12 is assigned a unique bicycle ID in advance. The first transmitter 30 and the management server 50 installed in each station 20 are not directly communicated but communicated via the user's portable terminal 90. Similarly, the 2nd transmitter 32 and management server 50 which were installed in each bicycle 12 are communicated via a user's portable terminal 90 instead of communicating directly.

  In the present embodiment, each first transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a local identification signal that can identify a station ID unique to the corresponding station 20. In addition, each second transmitter 32 is configured to transmit a local identification signal that can identify a bicycle ID unique to the corresponding bicycle 12. As a result, the combination of the station ID and the bicycle ID is commonly used for a plurality of bicycles 12 stored therein at 20.

  The number and type of the bicycles 12 scheduled to be stored in the same station 20 are determined in advance and may not change every day. However, in the present embodiment, they are not determined in advance and change every day. It is possible.

  Therefore, in the former case, the same bicycle ID always corresponds to the same station ID, but in the present embodiment, the same bicycle ID corresponds to a plurality of different station IDs. Specifically, in the present embodiment, for example, the same bicycle ID corresponds to the station ID of the station A at the time of lending, but corresponds to the station ID of the station B at the time of return.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, a corresponding second transmitter 32 is attached to a specific part of each bicycle 12. An example of the specific part includes a front portion (for example, a car portion), a rear portion (for example, a loading platform), and a central portion (for example, a saddle 62 of the bicycle 12 and a saddle 62 of the bicycle 12). A triangular frame 64) that supports the frame from below.

  In addition, a part of each bicycle 12 to which the second transmitter 32 is attached is a state where the user is on the bicycle 12 and the portable terminal 90 carried by the user is connected to the second transmitter 32 from the second transmitter 32. It is selected so that it is a part (for example, the said cage | basket part, the said loading platform, etc.) with high possibility of receiving the transmitted signal without an obstruction.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, this system 10 includes a first transmitter 30 and a plurality of bicycles 12 as fixed objects installed in one bicycle parking lot 22 at each station 20. A bicycle rack (bicycle storage device) 70 for storage is provided. 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 rental to the user, each bicycle 12 is accommodated (stored) in each bicycle stall 72.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1A, one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20, but, for example, as shown in FIG. A first transmitter 30 may be installed.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in this system 10, the user uses his / her mobile terminal 90 to identify from the first transmitter 30 installed in the station 20 where the user is currently staying. A signal and an identification signal from the second transmitter 32 installed on the one of the plurality of bicycles 12 currently stored in the station 20 at that time and reserved by the user or selected locally. At the same time, reception is performed in a contact state or non-contact state with the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 (short-distance one-way wireless communication is performed). The mobile terminal 90 further performs long-distance bidirectional wireless communication 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.

<First and second transmitter>

  The first transmitter 30 installed in each station 20 and the second transmitter 32 installed in each bicycle 12 are common to each other in terms of hardware configuration (see FIG. 4) and software configuration (see FIG. 5). Therefore, for convenience of explanation, the configurations of the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 will be described by treating them as the same transmitter.

  Each of the transmitters 30 and 32 transmits a unique identification signal actively without requiring a trigger signal from the outside, locally, and permanently unless supply power is insufficient.

  Each of the transmitters 30 and 32 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, each transmitter 30, 32 generates an identification signal representing a corresponding station ID by modulating the original signal, and the generated identification signal is converted into an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, It transmits locally as NFC (Near Field Communication) signal.

  Next, the hardware configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4 which is a functional block diagram. Each transmitter 30, 32 has a processor 100 and a memory 102 for storing a plurality of applications executed by the processor 100. The computer 104 is mainly configured.

  Each transmitter 30, 32 further has 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.

  Each of the transmitters 30 and 32 further includes a transmitter 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal representing a regular transmitter ID unique to itself (an example of “transmitter code”). Each first transmitter 30 transmits an identification signal representing a unique regular first transmitter ID, whereas each second transmitter 32 transmits an identification signal representing a unique regular second transmitter ID. .

  The transmitter 108 is operated by the battery 106 and controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 is controlled by the computer 100.

  Next, the software configuration of each transmitter 30, 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The processor 100 of each transmitter 30, 32 repeats the program conceptually shown in the flowchart of FIG. Run it.

  At the time of execution of each program, first, in step S1, the regular transmitter ID corresponding to each transmitter 30, 32 (ie, the regular first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter 30 and the first Among the authorized second transmitter IDs corresponding to the second transmitter 32, the one corresponding to the program described this time) is read. The regular first transmitter ID corresponds to one station ID on a one-to-one basis, and the regular second transmitter ID corresponds to one bicycle ID on a one-to-one basis.

  Next, 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 transmitted to the controller 110 so that the read regular transmitter ID and the estimated remaining battery level are reflected. Are 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 each transmitter 30, 32, an algorithm for generating an identification signal so that at least the corresponding ID of the station ID and the bicycle ID (corresponding ID) and the remaining battery power is reflected. A procedure different from the algorithm or procedure shown in FIG. 5 can be adopted.

<Hardware configuration of user's mobile terminal>

  Here, in order to explain one function of the user's portable terminal 90 in association with each transmitter 30, 32, the portable terminal 90 receives the identification signal from each transmitter 30, 32, and When a certain program preinstalled in the computer of the terminal 90, that is, a dedicated application for transmitter processing (hereinafter referred to as “transmitter application”) is started (login), the received identification signal is demodulated. Thus, the station ID and the bicycle ID are decoded.

  Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 acquires the station ID from the identification signal received from the first transmitter 30 and acquires the bicycle ID from the identification signal received from the second transmitter 32.

  The portable terminal 90 further transmits the decoded station ID and bicycle ID to the management server 50.

  Furthermore, when the portable terminal 90 starts the transmitter application in a state where the identification signals are received from the transmitters 30 and 32, the portable terminal 90 transmits the identification signal based on the received identification signal. The distance between the position of each transmitter 30 and 32 and the position of the portable terminal 90 when the identification signal is received is also measured.

  That is, the mobile terminal 90 is based on the identification signal received from each transmitter 30, 32, with the station ID unique to the station 20 where the first transmitter 30 is actually installed, and the bicycle 12 selected by the user. Thus, both the bicycle ID unique to the one where the second transmitter 32 is installed and the distance between the transmitters 30 and 32 at that time are acquired.

<Setting the receiving range of each transmitter>

  As conceptually shown in a plan view in FIG. 6A, each of the transmitters 30 and 32 is assigned two types of reception areas. These are a receivable area (not shown) and an effective reception area (hereinafter also referred to as “reception range”).

  Each of these areas is generally defined by a circle whose source is the transmitters 30 and 32. The coverage area has a maximum reception radius (for example, about 50 m), while the effective reception area has an effective reception radius (for example, a range from a radius of 0 m to a radius of about 50 m or less). The maximum reception radius is an invariant value, whereas the effective reception radius is a variable value that can be changed at any time by the mobile terminal 90 as described later.

  When the power supply of each transmitter 30, 32 is normal, the receivable area is an area where the identification signal from each transmitter 30, 32 is reachable, that is, as long as it exists in that area, the portable terminal 90 Means an area where the identification signal can be received.

  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 by the mobile terminal 90.

  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 transmitters 30 and 32 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 (reception range), the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the identification signals from the transmitters 30 and 32 (hereinafter, simply “received the identification signal”). Say)).

  On the other hand, if the portable terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is larger than the set value, the portable terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area of each transmitter 30, 32. It is determined that “the identification signals from the transmitters 30 and 32 have not been received effectively (hereinafter simply referred to as“ the identification signal has not been 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.

  Here, the geometric relationship of the effective reception area between the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20, and the first effective reception area (first As long as the corresponding bicycle 12 exists in the premises of the station 20 (inside the boundary line), the reception range is arranged inside the second effective reception area (second reception range) of the second transmitter 32. In addition, the first reception radius of the first effective reception area and the second reception radius of the second effective reception area are set relatively.

  Specifically, the second reception radius is set to be shorter than the first reception radius. As a result, the second effective reception area is a short range or medium range, and the first effective reception area is a long range.

  Here, specific examples of these three reception ranges will be described.

1) Short range A reception range in which the mobile terminal 90 cannot effectively receive the transmitter unless the user brings the mobile terminal 90 into contact with the transmitter of the transmitter or in a non-contact state (the set value is, for example, Within a range of about 0 cm to about 30 cm)

2) Medium range As long as the user rides on the bicycle 12 or pushes and moves the bicycle 12, the user also holds the portable terminal 90 in contact with the transmitter of the transmitter (in a non-contact / approaching state). The reception range in which the portable terminal 90 can effectively receive the transmitter (the set value is within a range of about 0 m to about 2 m, for example)

3) Long range As long as the user exists at any position in the station 20, the user does not hold the portable terminal 90 in contact with the transmitter of the transmitter, and the portable terminal 90 enables the transmitter. Receiving range (the set value is within the range of about 0m to about 10m, for example)

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the first effective reception area is set so as to cover the entire area of the station 20 in plan view and partially has an area deviating from the boundary line of the station 20. Has been. Instead, in another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first effective reception area may be set so as not to have an area deviating from the boundary line of the station 20 in plan view. Good.

  In the two examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20, but instead, this is illustrated in FIG. 6C. Thus, it is possible to implement the present invention in a mode in which a plurality of first transmitters 30 are installed in one station 20.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the site of the station 20 has a rectangular shape. On the other hand, the first effective reception area is spherical in three dimensions and circular in two dimensions. Therefore, when one first effective reception area is assigned to the station 20, as shown in FIG. 6B, there is a gap between the boundary line of the site of the station 20 and the boundary line of the first effective reception area. (Reception leak area) remains.

  On the other hand, in another example, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), if a plurality of first effective reception areas are assigned to the station 20, the effective reception areas are apparently combined. An area is formed, and a gap between the boundary line of the area and the boundary line of the station 20 is reduced. As a result, the so-called reception leakage that the portable terminal 90 cannot effectively receive the signal from the first transmitter 30 even though the user carrying the portable terminal 90 exists in the station 20 is prevented.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6C, a plurality of second transmitters 30 are assigned different transmitter IDs, while being assigned a common station ID. Therefore, when the portable terminal 90 receives the signal from at least one of the first transmitters 30, the transmitter ID represented by the received signal is associated with (converted to) the corresponding station ID. As a result, the mobile terminal 90 can identify the current station 20. Here, the mobile terminal 90 identifies (recognizes) the current station 20 that the user carrying the mobile terminal 90 exists in the station 20 by the cooperation of the mobile terminal 90 and the transmitter 30. Equivalent to being detected.

<Software configuration of user's mobile terminal>

  Next, the hardware configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 which is a functional block diagram. The mobile terminal 90 includes a processor 130 and a memory for storing a plurality of applications executed by the processor 130. A computer 134 having 132 is mainly configured.

  The portable terminal 90 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information on a screen (having a window having a limited area that is variable or invariable), for example, with reference to “135” in FIG. The receiving unit 138 receives signals from the first transmitter 30, the second transmitter 32, and the management server 50, and the transmission unit 140 generates a signal and transmits the signal to the management server 50.

  The portable terminal 90 further includes an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 includes, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by the user to input desired information (for example, commands, data, and the like) to the mobile terminal 90. The operation unit includes a touch screen that displays icons (for example, virtual buttons) that can be operated by the user, a physical operation unit (for example, keyboard, keypad, and buttons) that can be operated by the user, and voice. There is a microphone to detect, but it is not limited to these.

  The portable terminal 90 further includes a GPS (satellite positioning system) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives a plurality of GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and based on the GPS signals, determines the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth. Measure by triangulation. That is, the portable terminal 90 has a positioning function using a satellite.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the memory 132 has a plurality of data memories including a map data memory 161, a station data memory 163, a bicycle data memory 165, and a reservation status table memory 167.

  The map data memory 161 temporarily stores map data downloaded from the management server 50 or another map database (not shown) by the user's mobile terminal 90 according to the current position of the user. Based on the map data, a map (an example of “partial map”) is displayed on a screen 135 (see FIG. 15) of the display unit 136. The map displayed on the screen 135 changes from moment to moment as the user moves.

  As conceptually shown in FIG. 8, the correspondence relationship among the plurality of station IDs, the plurality of authorized first transmitter IDs, and the plurality of station position data is downloaded from the management server 50 to the station data memory 163. Can be stored. The plurality of station IDs respectively correspond to the plurality of stations 20 that are centrally managed by the system 10. Each of the plurality of station position data represents the longitude and latitude (latitude X, longitude Y) of the corresponding ground position of the station 20.

  The station data memory 163 temporarily stores a plurality of station position data corresponding to a plurality of stations 20 together with a plurality of station IDs and a plurality of regular first transmitter IDs corresponding thereto.

  In the mobile terminal 90, a map based on the map data is displayed on the screen 135, and a plurality of station positions stored in the station data memory 163 at that moment are displayed on the map at each moment. Based on the data, the positions of a small number of candidate stations 20 located in the vicinity of the current position of the mobile terminal 90 among the plurality of downloaded stations 20 are displayed as an overlay (see FIG. 15).

  Here, the “small number of candidate stations 20” are a plurality of stations 20 displayed on the screen 135 for the geographical reason that they are close to the current position of the mobile terminal 90 among the plurality of downloaded stations 20. In other words, the station 20 that is out of the screen 135 for the geographical reason of being far from the current position of the mobile terminal 90 is excluded.

  As conceptually shown in FIG. 9, correspondence relationships among a plurality of station IDs, a plurality of bicycle IDs, and a plurality of authorized second transmitter IDs are downloaded from the management server 50 to the bicycle data memory 165 of FIG. 7. Can be stored. If any one of the plurality of bicycles 12 is selected by the user, one bicycle ID corresponding to the bicycle is determined, and consequently, one regular second transmitter ID corresponding to the bicycle ID is determined.

  In the reservation status table memory 167, a reservation status table described later is appropriately downloaded from the management server 50 and stored.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the memory 132 of the portable terminal 90 stores a bicycle rental program for the portable terminal 90, and the bicycle rental program has the following plurality of modules. Yes.

1) Reservation module This is a module that assists the user in reserving any bicycle 12 before arriving at the station 20, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Here, “reserve” means that the user inputs location information of the desired station 20, identification information of the desired bicycle 12 (an example of rental target identification information), and time information such as scheduled rental time and scheduled return time. It is equivalent to work.

2) Lending processing module with reservation This assists the user to borrow the reserved bicycle 12 at the reserved station 20 according to his reservation, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. It is a module.

3) No-reservation lending processing module As described later in detail with reference to FIG. 17, the user selects any free bicycle 12 at any station 20 without reservation, and This is a module for supporting the rental of the selected bicycle 12.

4) Return processing module This is the case where the user of the rented bicycle 12 at the same or different station 20 from which the user rented the bicycle 12, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. It is a module that supports returning.

5) Lending abnormality determination module This is a module for determining whether or not any abnormality has occurred when lending the bicycle 12 to the user, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Are optional modules for implementing the system 10, and will be described in detail in a second embodiment to be described later.

6) Abnormality determination module upon return This is a module for determining whether or not any abnormality has occurred when returning the bicycle 12 from the user, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Are optional modules for implementing the system 10, and will be described in detail in a second embodiment to be described later.

<Management server>

  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 that measures the current time. This management server 50 does not directly receive from the transmitter 30, but in effect via the mobile terminal 90.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the memory 162 of the management server 50 stores a bicycle rental program for the management server 50. The bicycle rental program has the following plurality of modules. Yes.

1) Reservation module This is a module having the same function as the reservation module of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

2) Lending processing module with reservation This is a module having the same function as the lending processing module with reservation of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

3) Lending processing module without reservation This is a module having the same function as the lending processing module without reservation of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

4) Return processing module This is a module having the same function as the return processing module of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

5) Lending abnormality determination module This is a module having the same function as the lending abnormality determination module of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Since it is an optional module to implement, it will be described in detail in a second embodiment to be described later.

6) Return abnormality determination module This is a module having the same function as the return time abnormality determination module of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Since it is an optional module to implement, it will be described in detail in a second embodiment to be described later.

<Outline of reservation sequence>

  FIG. 12A shows an example of a reservation status table for managing the reservation status of a plurality of bicycles 12 by a plurality of users for each station 20 by executing the reservation module by the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50. It is shown.

  This reservation status table is created and updated in the management server 50, and the latest version is shared with the mobile terminal 90. This reservation status table displays the presence / absence of reservation and the scheduled rental time zone (including date and time) for each station 20 and for each bicycle 12.

  The user visually looks at this reservation status table on the screen 135 of his / her mobile terminal 90, refers to it, searches for the station 20 where at least one bicycle 12 waiting is present, and at least the station 20 One of the standby bicycles 12 is searched for a free time, and a desired date and time and a time zone are designated.

  In FIG. 12 (a), the horizontal bar hatched with diagonal lines at the latest update time of the reservation status table on the time axis (from 0:00 to 23:59) for each bicycle 12 in the reservation status table. The time zone in which there is a reservation is the time zone in which there is already a reservation, i.e., the time zone in which there is a reservation, while the time zone in which there is no bar is the time zone in which there is no reservation yet, i.e. A belt is displayed.

  The user inputs the identification information of the selected station 20, the identification information of the selected bicycle 12, the rental date and time, and the return date and time, as illustrated in FIG. Thereby, both the corresponding station 20 and the bicycle 12 are reserved.

  FIG. 11B shows an example of a user-specific reservation content file for managing reservation contents of a plurality of users by executing the reservation module by the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50.

  This user-specific reservation content file is created and updated in the management server 50. This user-specific reservation content file is selected for each user, such as personal authentication information (user ID, password, etc.), location information for specifying the location of the selected station 20 (ID unique to the selected station 20). Location information for identifying the location of the selected bicycle 12 (ID unique to the selected bicycle 12), time information for defining the scheduled usage time zone for the selected bicycle 12 (scheduled start time, scheduled end time, scheduled usage time) Length), and the type of penalty imposed on the user because the user has violated the rules required to comply with this bicycle rental service.

<Outline of main sequence>

  An outline of the main sequence by the system 10 that follows the above-described reservation sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13 (the same applies to FIG. 21), the time chart labeled “Reception for station recognition” shows that the mobile terminal 90 receives the regular first transmitter ID from the first transmitter 30 at each moment. For convenience of explanation, the mobile terminal 90 is represented by a pulse signal that is at a low level when the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the regular first transmitter ID and that is at a high level when it is received.

  Similarly, in the same figure (the same applies to FIG. 21), the time chart labeled “Receiving for bicycle recognition” indicates that the mobile terminal 90 has received a regular second from the second transmitter 32 at each moment. Whether or not the transmitter ID has been received is determined by a pulse signal that becomes low level when the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the regular second transmitter ID and is high level when it is received for convenience of explanation. expressing.

<Outline of the main sequence when there is a reservation>

  In FIG. 13A, the user reserves the reserved bicycle 12 in the reserved station 20 with a scheduled rental start time (lending time) of 15:00 and a scheduled rental end time (return time) of 18:00. Taking the case as an example, the outline of the main sequence is illustrated by a plurality of time charts.

1) Loan processing

  First, it is assumed that the user has entered the reserved station (rental station) 20 at a time of 15:30 on one day in order to rent a reserved bicycle 12, and the mobile terminal 90 has entered the first effective reception area. Then, the portable terminal 90 starts to receive the first transmitter 30 effectively (“station recognition reception signal” in the figure rises).

  Next, the user approaches the reserved bicycle 12 existing in the current station 20 and holds the portable terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, so that the portable terminal 90 becomes the second. Assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has entered the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 starts to effectively receive the second transmitter 32 ("bicycle recognition reception signal" in the figure rises).

  As a result, at the time of 15:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which signals are simultaneously received from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. That is, any transmitter 30 from the non-simultaneous reception state in which the portable terminal 90 does not receive a signal from any transmitter 30 or 32 effectively or receives a signal from any transmitter 30 or 32 only. , 32 also shift to a simultaneous reception state in which signals are effectively received.

  Here, “the state in which the portable terminal 90 is simultaneously receiving signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32” means that the portable terminal 90 and the second transmitter 32 receive the signal from the first transmitter 30. Means a reception state in which both the signal from the mobile terminal 90 is received, the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 starts receiving the signal from the first transmitter 30, and the signal from the second transmitter 32 by the mobile terminal 90 It is not always required that the timing of starting the reception of each other coincides with each other.

)

  At this time, the portable terminal 90 (or the management server 50) determines that the user has actually started using the bicycle 12 (lending has been performed).

  Subsequently, the user inputs a lending request to the mobile terminal 90 within a first time limit of, for example, 5 minutes from the use start time.

  In response to the lending request, the management server 50 permits the user to lend the bicycle 12. The time is the start time of the actual rental time, but in principle, charging to the user is started from 15:00 which is the scheduled rental time. Specifically, from the scheduled rental time, counting of the total rental time referred to in order to calculate the final rental fee amount for the user is started.

  Thereafter, the user leaves the rental station 20 while riding the bicycle 12, and at that time, the mobile terminal 90 exits from the first effective reception area, so that the state changes to a state where the first transmitter 30 cannot be received effectively ( The station recognition reception signal falls).

  On the other hand, as long as the user is on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, and thus the bicycle recognition reception signal is maintained at a high level.

2) Return processing

  Since the user entered the station (return station) 20 that is the same as or different from the present rental station 20 at the time of 17:30 on the same day in order to return the bicycle 12 in use, the mobile terminal 90 Is assumed to have entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal rises. Since then, since the user has been on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 continues to receive the second transmitter 32 effectively.

  As a result, at the time of 17:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which signals are simultaneously received from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (both reception states). That is, the mobile terminal 90 shifts from the non-simultaneous reception state where the signal is effectively received only from the second transmitter 32 to the simultaneous reception state where the signal is received from any of the transmitters 30 and 32.

  At this time, the mobile terminal 90 (or the management server 50) determines that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12.

  Subsequently, the user inputs a return request to the mobile terminal 90 within a second time limit of, for example, 5 minutes from the use end time.

  In response to the return request, the management server 50 permits the user to return the bicycle 12. The time is the end time of the actual rental time, but in principle, the user is charged until 18:00 which is the scheduled return time. Specifically, the total rental time count ends at the scheduled return time.

  Thereafter, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has exited from the second effective reception area because the user got off the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which the second transmitter 32 cannot be received effectively, and the bicycle recognition Received signal falls. Thereafter, the reception signal for bicycle recognition is maintained at a low level because the user is not on the current bicycle 12.

  Subsequently, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has left the first effective reception area because the user has moved away from the bicycle 12 and has left the return station 20 this time, the mobile terminal 90 activates the second transmitter 32. Transitions to a state where the station cannot be received (the station recognition reception signal falls).

  When the management server 50 finishes calculating the rental fee based on the total rental time, the user electronically settles the rental fee via the portable terminal 90.

<Outline of the main sequence when there is no reservation>

  FIG. 13B shows an outline of the main sequence in the case where the user enters one of the stations 20 and selects one of the bicycles 12 in the station 20 to start the rental service. Illustrated in multiple time charts. Since these time charts are basically the same as those shown in FIG. 13A except for the billing process, common elements will be briefly described.

1) Loan processing

  First, since the user entered one of the stations (rental stations) 20 at a time of 15:30 on one day to rent one of the bicycles 12, the mobile terminal 90 entered the first effective reception area. Assuming that, the portable terminal 90 starts receiving the first transmitter 30 effectively.

  Next, since the user approaches one of the bicycles 12 and holds the portable terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 enters the second effective reception area. Assuming that, the portable terminal 90 starts receiving the second transmitter 32 effectively.

  As a result, at a time of 15:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which signals are simultaneously received from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (both reception states).

  At this time, the portable terminal 90 (or the management server 50) determines that the user has actually started using the bicycle 12 (lending has been performed).

  Subsequently, the user inputs a lending request to the mobile terminal 90 within the first time limit from the use start time.

  In response to the lending request, the management server 50 permits the user to lend the bicycle 12. That time is the start time of the actual rental time, and in this case, charging to the user is started from 15:30, which is the actual rental time. Specifically, counting of the total rental time is started from the actual rental time.

  Thereafter, the user leaves the rental station 20 while riding the bicycle 12, and at this time, the mobile terminal 90 leaves the first effective reception area, and thus the state is changed to a state where the first transmitter 30 cannot be received effectively.

  On the other hand, as long as the user is on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, and thus the bicycle recognition reception signal is maintained at a high level.

2) Return processing

  Since the user entered the station (return station) 20 that is the same as or different from the present rental station 20 at the time of 17:30 on the same day in order to return the bicycle 12 in use, the mobile terminal 90 Is assumed to have entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal rises. Since then, since the user has been on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 continues to receive the second transmitter 32 effectively.

  As a result, at the time of 17:30, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which signals are simultaneously received from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (both reception states).

  At this time, the mobile terminal 90 (or the management server 50) determines that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12.

  Subsequently, the user inputs a return request to the mobile terminal 90 within the second time limit from the use end time.

  In response to the return request, the management server 50 permits the user to return the bicycle 12. That time is the end time of the actual rental time, and the user is charged until 17:30, which is the actual return time. Specifically, the total rental time count ends at the actual return time.

  Thereafter, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has exited from the second effective reception area because the user got off the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state in which the second transmitter 32 cannot be received effectively, and the bicycle recognition Received signal falls. Thereafter, the reception signal for bicycle recognition is maintained at a low level because the user is not on the current bicycle 12.

  Subsequently, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has left the first effective reception area because the user has moved away from the bicycle 12 and has left the return station 20 this time, the mobile terminal 90 activates the second transmitter 32. Transition to a state where it cannot be received.

  When the management server 50 finishes calculating the rental fee based on the total rental time, the user electronically settles the rental fee via the portable terminal 90.

<Reservation sequence>

  In FIG. 14, the user connects the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 90 at a place away from the station 20 to be reserved (for example, at home as shown in FIG. 1), and any bicycle in the station 20 is connected. In order to reserve 12, an example of communication performed between the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 located at a remote place is represented by a sequence flow in time series.

  In the mobile terminal 90, when the bicycle rental program (already downloaded from the management server 50 and installed in the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90) is activated by the user, the user enters a plurality of modes and a plurality of requests. A plurality of buttons (display objects that can be selected by the user) that are operated to emit are displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90.

  The multiple modes and multiple requests include the following:

1) Reservation mode

  Execution mode selected by the user to reserve station 20 and bicycle 12

2) Loan processing mode with reservation

  Execution mode selected by the user to activate the reservation processing lending module for renting the bicycle 12 at the station 20 in the state with reservation

3) Lending processing mode without reservation

  Execution mode selected by the user to activate the non-reserved lending processing module to rent the bicycle 12 at the station 20 with no reservation

4) Return processing mode

  Execution mode selected by the user to activate the return processing module to return the bicycle 12 to the station 20

5) Lending request

  A request issued by the user to permit the user to lend the bicycle 12 after the reservation-based rental processing module or the reservation-free rental processing module is activated.

6) Return request

  A request issued by the user to allow the user to return the bicycle 12 after the return processing module is activated.

  This time, when the button “reservation mode” is selected by the user, the reservation module of the bicycle rental program for the portable terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the portable terminal 90 and the bicycle for the management server 50 is used. The reservation module of the rental program is executed by the processor 160 of the management server 50.

  When the reservation module for the portable terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the portable terminal 90, first, in step 101, the portable terminal 90 is based on the GPS signal received from the outside by the GPS receiver 152, and the current position ( Operates so that longitude and latitude are measured.

  Next, in step S102, the measured current position of the user is a reference position (display reference point position (longitude and latitude)) referenced by the processor 130 to display the map on the screen 135 of the display unit 136. It is said. Further, a portion of the entire map having a size that can be displayed at a time in a window on the screen 135 and having the reference position is a map display range (that is, the window of the entire map is the window). In the area displayed at each moment).

  As illustrated in FIG. 15A, when the user moves on the ground with time, the reference position 202 (indicated by a black triangle in the figure) also moves with time so as to follow the ground. As a result, as the user moves, the display range of the map also moves on the entire map with time. As a result, the map image displayed in the window also changes with time.

  Subsequently, in step S103, a login request (an example of a “service start signal”) for logging in to the management server 50 is transmitted to the management server 50 together with a user ID and a password for identifying the current user.

  On the other hand, when the reservation module for the management server 50 is executed by the processor 160 of the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request together with the user ID and password in step S201. In S202, station data relating to the plurality of stations 20 (see FIG. 8 for a plurality of components of the station data) and bicycle data relating to the plurality of bicycles 12 belonging to the stations 20 (a plurality of pieces of bicycle data). Regarding the constituent elements, the reservation status table (see FIG. 12A) and the memory 162 (or another memory) of the management server 50 are searched for.

  Thereafter, in step S203, the retrieved station data, bicycle data, and reservation status table are transmitted to the portable terminal 90.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 receives the station data, the bicycle data, and the reservation status table in step S104. The received station data is stored in the station data memory 163 shown in FIG. 7, and as a result, the table shown in FIG. 8 is constructed. The received bicycle data is stored in the bicycle data memory 165 shown in FIG. 7, and as a result, the table shown in FIG. 9 is constructed. The received reservation status table (see FIG. 12A) is stored in the reservation status table memory 167.

  Subsequently, in step S105, on the map displayed on the screen 135 based on the stored station data, a plurality of stations 20 located in the vicinity of the current position have a small number of candidate stations. 20 is displayed as an overlay.

  In this step 105, all of the plurality of stations 20 (all the stations 20 stored in the memory 162 of the management server 50) represented by the received plurality of station data are displayed on the screen 135. Do not mean. Only a plurality of stations 20 smaller than the plurality of stations 20, which are determined by the current position of the user and the size of the screen 135, are displayed on the screen 135. That is, the plurality of stations 20 received from the management server 50 are further narrowed down to a small number of candidate stations 20 according to the current position of the user and the size of the screen 135.

  In one example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the current position of the user is overlaid on a map displayed on the screen 135 using a black triangle 202, and a plurality of candidate stations 20 are displayed. An overlay display is made using a plurality of station display icons 204. In this example, three station display icons 204 are configured as a figure in which alphabets “A”, “B”, and “C” are surrounded by a rectangular frame.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion of the system 10 that executes step S105 constitutes an example of “candidate station display unit” and an example of “candidate station display step” in the above section (8). It is possible to think that

  In addition, the same thing as this step S105 is that the user uses a plurality of stations 20 as a return destination of the bicycle 12 using prior information in the return processing sequence flow to be described in detail later with reference to FIG. For example, it is possible to select the candidate from among the candidates in consideration of the distance to the current position of the user, the distance to the nearest station of the user, or the like.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 106, the user touches the display position of any candidate station 20 on the screen 135 with a finger, thereby selecting any station 20 as the current selection station 20.

  Specifically, when the user touches the display position of any candidate station 20 with a finger on the screen 135, the touch position is detected by the touch screen of the display unit 136, and the touch position is, for example, a map. Converted into map coordinate information (location information) that is the upper latitude and longitude (defined by the global coordinate system that is an absolute coordinate system) or XY coordinate information (defined by the device coordinate system that is a relative coordinate system) Is done. Any candidate station 20 is identified based on the map coordinate information.

  Thereafter, in step S107, the reservation status table is displayed on the screen 135 as illustrated in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the part of the system 10 that executes step S107 constitutes an example of a “candidate rental object display unit” and an example of a “candidate rental object display process” in the section (8). It is possible to think that

  Subsequently, in step S108, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, the user identifies identification information (for example, name) of the station (rental station) 20 to be reserved and identification information of the bicycle (rental bicycle) 12 to be reserved. (For example, a number), a rental date (plan), and a return date (plan) are input. Here, inputting the identification information of the bicycle 12 to be reserved by the user to the portable terminal 90 is equivalent to the user performing an operation on the portable terminal 90 to select one of the bicycles 12.

  Thereafter, in step S109, the portable terminal 90 transmits the input reservation content to the management server 50 in association with the user (for example, together with the user ID).

  As a result, the identification information of the rental station 20 and the identification information of the rental bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and the pair is associated with the current user's identification information. 90 to the management server 50.

  On the other hand, in step S204, the management server 50 receives the reservation content in association with the user (for example, together with the user ID). Subsequently, in step S205, the management server 50 registers the received reservation content in the plurality of user-specific reservation content files (see FIG. 12B) that are associated with the current user. Further, the reservation status table stored in the memory 162 is updated so that the received reservation content is reflected.

  Thereafter, in step S206, the management server 50 transmits a message indicating that the reservation has been completed to the portable terminal 90.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 displays the received message on the screen 135 or outputs it by voice. This display informs the user that his / her reservation has been made.

<Lending processing sequence with reservation>

  In FIG. 16, the user enters the station 20 that has been reserved, and then moves to the station 20 in order to approach the reserved bicycle 12 and permit the rental of the bicycle 12. An example of communication performed between the first transmitter 30, the second transmitter 32 installed in the bicycle 12, the user's portable terminal 90, and the management server 50 is a sequence flow in time series. It is represented by

  Each of the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 spontaneously and continuously transmits an identification signal unique to itself. If the user enters the reserved station 20, the portable terminal 90 exists in the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 (see FIG. 6). 1 The identification signal from the transmitter 30 is received effectively. Eventually, when the user holds the portable terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 of the bicycle 12 that has reserved the portable terminal 90, the portable terminal 90 exists in the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 ( (See FIG. 6).

  In the present embodiment, the reception range of the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 is the long range, regardless of whether there is a reservation, or the reception range of the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32. Is the short range. This setting is effective regardless of whether it is a lending process or a return process.

  This time, on the screen of the portable terminal 90, the button “Lending processing mode with reservation” is selected by the user. In response to this, the portable terminal 90 executes a rental processing module with reservation for the portable terminal 90. As a result of the execution, first, in step 151, a login request for the portable terminal 90 to log in to the management server 50 is transmitted to the management server 50 together with a user ID and a password for identifying the current user.

  On the other hand, when the reservation lending processing module for the management server 50 is executed by the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request together with the user ID and password in step S251.

  Subsequently, in step S252, the memory 162 is searched for the one associated with the current user among the plurality of user-specific reservation content files. Further, in the retrieved user-specific reservation content file, information on the reserved station 20 (rental station) among the plurality of stations 20 and the reserved bicycle 12 among the plurality of bicycles 12 of the station 20. Information related to (rental bicycle) is searched as the current user reservation related information.

  Thereafter, in step S253, the searched user reservation related information for this time is transmitted to the portable terminal 90.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 receives the current user reservation related information in step S152. Subsequently, in step S153, the transmitter code assigned in advance to the authorized first transmitter 30 that should be installed in the reserved station 20 in the current user reservation related information is the authorized first. In addition to searching as a transmitter code, a transmitter code assigned in advance to a regular second transmitter 32 that should be installed on the reserved bicycle 12 is retrieved as a regular second transmitter code. . The regular first and second transmitter codes for the user are obtained.

  Subsequently, in step S154, the portable terminal 90 receives a signal from at least one of at least one first transmitter 30 and at least one second transmitter 32 present in the current station 20.

  On the other hand, as described above, when the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the first receivable area of the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive the identification signal from the first transmitter 30 at all. On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 is currently located within the first receivable area of the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal from the first transmitter 30.

  Even if the portable terminal 90 receives the identification signal from the first transmitter 30, there is a possibility that the portable terminal 90 is currently located outside the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30. It may exist in

  Such a situation applies to the second transmitter 32 as well.

  The mobile terminal 90 can receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters simultaneously and in a mutually distinguishable manner. Each transmitter transmits a unique signal. For example, a source address (corresponding to a transmitter ID) in the header of each packet of the signal is different from that of other transmitters. Paying attention to this, the mobile terminal 90 can individually handle a plurality of signals received simultaneously.

Therefore, following step S154, in step S155, the mobile terminal 90
1) First effective reception determination as to whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the first transmitter 30, that is, the measured value of the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the first transmitter 30 is the first effective Whether it is smaller than the effective reception radius (long range) of the reception area,
2) Second effective reception determination as to whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received the identification signal from the second transmitter 32, that is, the measured value of the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the second transmitter 32 is the second effective. Whether it is smaller than the effective reception radius (short range) of the reception area,
3) Simultaneous reception determination as to whether or not the portable terminal 90 has received from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 at the same time, that is, the timing when the first effective reception determination of the first transmitter 30 is affirmed and the second It is determined whether or not the timing at which the first effective reception determination of the transmitter 32 is affirmed is made at substantially the same time.

  The mobile terminal 90 can determine which transmitter corresponds to the first transmitter 30 (station-side transmitter) by referring to the already stored station data (FIG. 8), and has already been stored. It is possible to determine which transmitter corresponds to the second transmitter 32 (bicycle transmitter) by referring to the bicycle data (FIG. 9). Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 applies the effective reception radius (for example, the long range) of the first effective reception area to the effective reception determination of which transmitter, and the effective of the second effective reception area to the effective reception determination of which transmitter. It can also be determined whether to apply a reception radius (for example, the short range).

  If any of the first effective reception determination, the second effective reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination is negative at the time of execution of step 155, the determination in step 155 is NO and the process returns to step S154. On the other hand, if any of the first effective reception determination, the second effective reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination is affirmative, the determination in step 155 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S156.

  In step S156, the portable terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal, and in step S157, the portable terminal 90 sets the transmitter ID represented by the demodulated identification signal to the actual transmitter ID. Decipher as Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 has an actual first transmitter ID represented by a signal received from the first transmitter 30 and an actual second transmitter ID represented by a signal received from the second transmitter 32. And get.

  When the demodulated identification signal is a code expressed in a binary number of multiple digits, for example, the code is a conversion table prepared in advance (for example, one downloaded in advance from the management server 50). Is converted into a transmitter ID. However, in terms of usage, the difference between “code” and “ID” is not important as long as its use is identification.

  Subsequently, in step S158, the portable terminal 90 obtains the actual first and second actual transmitter IDs decrypted as described above and the regular first and second transmitter IDs acquired by executing step S153. It is determined whether or not they match each other. That is, ID verification is performed.

  Here, the “real first transmitter ID” is a first transmitter (selected real first transmitter selected) that is actually installed in the station 20 that is actually selected and visited by the user. Machine) means a first transmitter ID corresponding to 30, while “regular first transmitter ID” is virtually selected from among a plurality of stations 20 by the user operating the mobile terminal 90. This means a first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter (selected virtual first transmitter) 30 that should be installed in the object.

  Similarly, the “real second transmitter ID” is a second transmitter (selected real second transmitter) 32 that is actually installed among the plurality of bicycles 12 that is actually selected by the user. On the other hand, the “regular second transmitter ID” is set in a plurality of bicycles 12 that are virtually selected by the user operating the mobile terminal 90 among the plurality of bicycles 12. This means the transmitter ID corresponding to the second transmitter (selected virtual second transmitter) 32 that should have been set.

  Thereafter, in step S159, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not each actual transmitter ID and each regular transmitter ID match each other, that is, whether or not the ID verification is successful.

  If the ID verification is not successful, the determination in step S159 is NO, and then in step S160, the portable terminal 90 again sends the first transmitter 30 and the second call to the user by the portable terminal 90. Retrying to detect the machine 32 is prompted by, for example, displaying an appropriate message on the screen 135 or outputting it by voice. Thereafter, the process returns to step S154.

  On the other hand, if the ID verification is successful, the determination in step S159 is YES, and then in step S161, the mobile terminal 90 has the bicycle 12 before renting at the current station 20 at the current time. It is determined that This determination is equivalent to the determination that the user has started using the bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (lending has been performed).

  In one example, after the user activates the lending processing module, the user arrives at the current station 20, but the determination in step S155 is NO as long as the user has not yet arrived at the reserved bicycle 12. When the user eventually arrives at the bicycle 12, the determination in step S155 transits from NO to YES.

  At this time, if the portable terminal 90 has received a signal representing the authorized second transmitter ID, the ID verification is successful, and the determination in step S159 is YES. Thereafter, in step S161, it is determined that the first first transition has occurred at the current time.

  Here, the timing at which the determination in step S159 is YES is the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 transitions from a state in which the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the regular second transmitter ID to a state in which it is received (see “Receiving for bicycle recognition” in the example of FIG. 13A). Coincides with the time position of the “rising edge” of the “signal”.

  Thereafter, in step S162, it is determined whether or not a lending request has been input from the user to the mobile terminal 90 (for example, the virtual button “lending request” has been operated by the user). If a rental request is input, the determination in step S162 is YES.

  Subsequently, in step S163, a determination result that a rental request is issued from the user and that the user has actually started using the reserved bicycle 12 at the currently reserved station 20; Are transmitted to the management server 50 in association with the user (for example, together with the user ID).

  On the other hand, in step S254, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the portable terminal 90 through the execution of step S163.

  Thereafter, in step S255, the current time is measured using the clock 172. In step S256, the current time is recognized as the actual lending time. Subsequently, in step S257, the user is allowed to lend the bicycle 12 this time.

  Thereafter, in step S258, a charging start time is determined for each user. In principle, the billing is started from the scheduled lending time, and an amount corresponding to the length of time (usage time, lending time, rental time) from the scheduled lending time is calculated as the rental amount.

  As described above, the case where the lending request is normally issued from the user immediately after the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the two regular transmitters 30 and 32 simultaneously (both reception states are established) has been described. If not, the determination in step S162 is NO, and then, in step S164, it is determined whether the elapsed time from the execution time of step S161 is currently within a first time limit (for example, 5 minutes). Is done.

  If it is within the first time limit, the determination in step S164 is YES, and in step S165 it is possible to input a lending request to the user, for example, by displaying an appropriate message on the screen 135 or by voice. The user is prompted by the output. Subsequently, the process returns to step S162.

  On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the execution time of step S161 currently exceeds the first time limit, the determination in step S164 is NO, and then, in step S166, the first violation occurs to the user. It is determined that

  Subsequently, in step S167, this time, the fact that the first violation has occurred in the user is transmitted to the management server 50. The transmission content is received by the management server 50 in step S254, and this time, the rental of the bicycle 12 is prohibited.

<Lending processing sequence without reservation>

  In FIG. 17, in order for a user to enter any station 20 without reservation and then approach any bicycle 12 and allow the bicycle 12 to be rented, An example of communication performed between the first transmitter 30 located at the second transmitter 32, the second transmitter 32 installed in the bicycle 12, the user's portable terminal 90, and the management server 50 is time-sequentially sequenced.・ It is represented by a flow. Since this flow has many elements in common with the flow shown in FIG. 16, only different elements will be described in detail.

  This time, on the screen of the portable terminal 90, the button “Lending processing mode without reservation” is selected by the user. In response, the no-reservation lending processing module for the portable terminal 90 is executed by the portable terminal 90.

  As a result, first, in step 201, as in step S151 described above, a login request for logging in to the management server 50 is transmitted to the management server 50 together with the user ID and password for identifying the current user. The

  On the other hand, when the non-reserved lending processing module for the management server 50 is executed by the management server 50, the management server 50 transmits the login request to the user ID and the user ID in step S271 as in the above-described step S251. Receive with password.

  Subsequently, in step S272, the reservation status table (FIG. 12A) is searched in the memory 162. Thereafter, the retrieved reservation status table is transmitted to the portable terminal 90 in step S273.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 receives the reservation status table in step S202. In step S203, the received reservation status table is displayed on the screen 135.

  Subsequently, in step S204, as in step S154 described above, the mobile terminal 90 determines that at least one of the at least one first transmitter 30 and the at least one second transmitter 32 present in the current station 20 is present. Receive a signal from one of them.

  Thereafter, in step S205, the portable terminal 90 performs the first effective reception determination, the second effective reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination in the same manner as in step S155 described above.

  If the determination in step 205 is NO, the process returns to step S204. If the determination in step 205 is YES, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, as in step S156, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal. Subsequently, in step S207, as in step S157, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal. The actual first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the actual second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 are acquired from the identified signal.

  Subsequently, in step S208, the user has selected the current station (rental station) 20 and the current bicycle (rental bicycle) 12 as a result of reception from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. Are displayed on the screen 135 together with the reservation status table. Thereby, the user confirms the station 20 and the bicycle 12 selected by the user.

  Furthermore, in this step S208, the user inputs the scheduled return time for the current bicycle 12 to the portable terminal 90.

  Thereafter, in step S209, the mobile terminal 90 extracts the individual reservation status corresponding to the current station 20 and the current bicycle 12 from the reservation status table, and the reserved time zone in the individual reservation status is: It is determined whether or not there is an overlap with the scheduled use time zone from the actual rental time to the scheduled return time, that is, whether or not there is a predecessor.

  If there is a predecessor, the determination in step S209 is NO, and then in step S210, the portable terminal 90 again sends the first transmitter 30 and the portable terminal 90 to the user, as in step S160. Prompts you to retry detecting the second transmitter 32. Thereafter, the process returns to step S204.

  On the other hand, if there is no predecessor, the determination in step S209 is YES, and then in step S211, the mobile terminal 90 has the bicycle 12 before lending at the current station 20 at the current time. It is determined that This determination is equivalent to the determination that the user has started using the bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (lending has been performed).

  Thereafter, in step S212, it is determined whether or not a lending request has been input from the user to the portable terminal 90, as in step S162 described above. If a rental request is input, the determination in step S212 is YES.

  Subsequently, in step S213, in accordance with step S163 described above, the determination result that the user has actually started using the current bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (lending has been performed) is associated with the user. And transmitted to the management server 50 (for example, together with the user ID).

  As a result, the identification information of the rental station 20 and the identification information of the rental bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and the pair is associated with the current user's identification information. 90 to the management server 50.

  On the other hand, in step S274, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the portable terminal 90 by the execution of step S213, as in step S254 described above.

  Subsequently, in step S275, the current time is measured using the clock 172 as in step S255 described above. Subsequently, in step S276, the current time is recognized as the actual lending time as in step S256 described above. Subsequently, in step S277, the rental of the current bicycle 12 to the user is permitted as in step S257 described above.

  Thereafter, in step S278, the charging start time is determined for each user as in step S258 described above. Subsequently, in step S279, the contents of the current rental, that is, the identification information of the rental station 20, the identification information of the rental bicycle 12, the actual rental time, and the scheduled return time are stored in the plurality of user-specific reservations. The content file (see FIG. 12B) is registered in the content file associated with the current user.

  Furthermore, in this step S278, the reservation status table stored in the memory 162 is updated so that the current lending content is reflected.

  The case where the determination in step S212 is YES has been described above. However, when the determination is NO, in step S214, as in step S164 described above, the elapsed time from the execution time of step S211 is currently the first limit. It is determined whether it is within time.

  If it is within the first time limit, the determination in step S214 is YES, and in step S215, the user is prompted to input a lending request, as in step S165. Then, it returns to step S212.

  In contrast, if the elapsed time from the execution time of step S211 currently exceeds the first time limit, the determination in step S214 is NO, and then in step S216, as in step S166 described above, It is determined that a first violation has occurred in the user.

  Subsequently, in step S217, similar to step S167 described above, this time, the fact that the first violation has occurred in the user is transmitted to the management server 50. The content of the transmission is received by the management server 50 in the above-described step S254 in step S274, and the rental of the bicycle 12 is prohibited this time.

<Return processing sequence>

  In FIG. 18, the user is riding and driving the borrowed bicycle 12, or while pushing the borrowed bicycle 12, the station is the same as or different from the rental station (return station). In order to allow the bicycle 12 to be returned, the first transmitter 30 located at the station 20 and the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12 are reserved. An example of communication performed between the user's portable terminal 90 and the management server 50 in order to permit the return processing of the bicycle 12 that has been received is represented in a sequence flow in time series.

  This time, the button “return processing mode” is selected by the user on the screen of the portable terminal 90. In response to this, a return processing module for the portable terminal 90 is executed by the portable terminal 90.

  As a result, first, in step 300, as in step S151 described above, a login request for logging in to the management server 50 is transmitted to the management server 50 together with the user ID and password for identifying the current user. The

  On the other hand, when the return processing module for the management server 50 is executed by the management server 50, the management server 50 receives the login request together with the user ID and password in step S400, as in step S251 described above. To do.

  On the other hand, in step S302, the portable terminal 90 performs the first effective reception determination, the second effective reception determination, and the simultaneous reception determination in the same manner as in step S155 described above.

  If the determination in step 302 is NO, the process returns to step S301. If the determination in step 302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, as in step S156, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal. Subsequently, in step S304, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the demodulated signal as in step S157. The actual first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the actual second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 are acquired from the identified signal.

  Subsequently, in step S305, the user has selected the current station (return station) 20 and the current bicycle (return bicycle) 12 as a result of reception from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. It is displayed on the screen 135. Thereby, the user confirms the station 20 and the bicycle 12 selected by the user.

  Furthermore, in this step S305, the mobile terminal 90 determines that there is a bicycle (bicycle that the user is about to return) 12 already returned to the current station 20 at the current time. This determination is equivalent to the determination that the user has finished using the current bicycle 12 (returned) at the current station 20.

  Thereafter, in step S306, in accordance with step S162 described above, it is determined whether or not a return request has been input from the user to the mobile terminal 90 (for example, a virtual button called “return request” has been operated). If a return request is input, the determination in step S306 is YES.

  Subsequently, in step S307, a return request is issued from the user in accordance with step S163 described above, and the user actually ends the use of the current bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (return is performed). The determination result (identification information of the current return station 20 and identification information of the current return bicycle 12) is transmitted to the management server 50 in association with the user (for example, together with the user ID).

  As a result, the identification information of the return station 20 and the identification information of the return bicycle 12 are paired (linked), and the pair is associated with the current user's identification information. 90 to the management server 50.

  In contrast, in step S401, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the portable terminal 90 by the execution of step S307 in the same manner as step S254 described above.

  Thereafter, in step S402, the current time is measured using the clock 172. In step S403, the current time is recognized as the actual return time. Thereafter, in step S404, the user is permitted to return the current bicycle 12.

  Thereafter, in step S405, for each user, from the billing start time determined individually for each user as described above to the billing end time (scheduled return time when there is a reservation, actual return time when there is no reservation). Time is calculated as total rental time.

  Subsequently, in step S406, the current rental amount is calculated based on the calculated total rental time length and the fee rate (increase rate) according to a fee table (not shown).

  Thereafter, in step S407, the reservation status table is updated so that the rental information for the current bicycle 12 is deleted from the reservation status table. Subsequently, in step S408, information such as the calculated rental amount is transmitted to the portable terminal 90.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 receives information such as the rental amount from the management server 50 in step S308, and subsequently displays the rental amount on the screen in step S309. Thereafter, in step S310, electronic payment by the user is performed.

  Subsequently, the portable terminal 90 transmits a logout request for requesting logout from the management server 50 to the management server 50 in step S311.

  On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the logout request in step S409. Subsequently, in step S410, an acknowledgment signal ACK indicating that reception of the logout request has been normally completed is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 receives the confirmation response signal ACK from the management server 50 in step S312.

  The case where the determination in step S306 is YES has been described above. However, when the determination is NO, in step S313, the elapsed time from the execution time of step S305 is now the second time limit in accordance with step S164 described above. It is determined whether it is within.

  If it is within the second time limit, the determination in step S313 is YES, and in step S314, the user is prompted to input a return request in accordance with step S165. Then, it returns to step S306.

  On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the execution time of step S305 currently exceeds the second time limit, the determination in step S313 is NO, and then, in step S315, a second violation occurs for the user. It is determined that Subsequently, in step S316, the fact that the second violation has occurred in the user is transmitted to the management server 50.

  As is apparent from the above description, in this embodiment, for the convenience of description, steps S154 to S161 in FIG. 16, steps S203 to S211 in FIG. 17, steps S301 to S305 in FIG. It can be considered that the portion to be configured constitutes an example of the “determination unit” and an example of the “determination step” in the item (2).

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, in the system 10, steps S162, S163, S254, S257 in FIG. 16, S212, S213, S274, S277 in FIG. 17, steps S306, S307, S401 in FIG. It can be considered that the part that executes S404 constitutes an example of the “permission unit” and an example of the “permission process” in the above (2).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a part of the system 10 that executes steps S163 and S254 in FIG. 16, S213, S274, and S279 in FIG. 17, steps S307, S401, and S407 in FIG. It can be considered that the example of “association part (pairing part)” and the example of “association process (pairing process)” in the item (6) are configured.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion of the system 10 that executes the program of FIG. 19 is an example of the “first abnormality determination unit” and the “first abnormality determination step” in the section (7). 20 can be considered to constitute an example of “second abnormality determination unit” and an example of “second abnormality determination step” in the same section. .

<Second Embodiment>

  A system 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19-21. However, parts that are common to the unattended seat rental system according to the first embodiment are referred to by using the same reference numerals and names, and thus redundant description is omitted, and only different parts are described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, a first transmitter that transmits a unique identification signal to each station 20 (an example of real estate) and each bicycle 12 (an example of movable property). 30 and the second transmitter 32 are respectively installed.

  The position of the user is detected relative to two reference positions, that is, the position of the first transmitter 30 and the position of the second transmitter 32. The position of the first transmitter 30 is always fixed in absolute space and is time-invariant, whereas the position of the second transmitter 32 is not always fixed in absolute space and is time-variable, Therefore, it changes relative to the position of the first transmitter 30.

  Further, the position of the user changes relative to the position of the first transmitter 30, and the change reflects the dynamic behavior of the user entering / exiting the station 20 and approaching / separating.

  On the other hand, the position of the user changes relative to the position of the second transmitter 32, and the change reflects the dynamic behavior of the user on the bicycle 12 such as riding, the latter, and approaching / separating.

  For example, in the rental period from the rental of the bicycle 12 to the user until the return from the user, during the period in which the user moves on the bicycle 12, the user moves together with the user. As a result, in the movement period, the temporal transition of the user's position and the temporal transition of the position of the bicycle 12 coincide with each other while being substantially synchronized.

  On the other hand, as shown in the reception signal for bicycle recognition illustrated in FIG. 13A, when the user approaches the bicycle 12 but has not yet arrived for the lending process, the user makes the second transmission. Although the mobile terminal 90 is away from the machine 32 and cannot receive the second transmitter 32 effectively, the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive the second transmitter 32 if it arrives at the bicycle 12 (for example, if it gets on). As the state changes, the reception state of the second transmitter 32, that is, the bicycle recognition reception signal dynamically changes (in this case, the signal rises).

  Further, as shown in the bicycle recognition reception signal illustrated in FIG. 13A, when the user is riding on or approaching the bicycle 12 for the return process, the user receives the second transmitter. The mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive the second transmitter 32 while approaching 32, but when getting off from the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 transitions to a state where the second transmitter 32 cannot be received effectively. The reception state of the second transmitter 32, that is, the bicycle recognition reception signal dynamically changes (in this case, the signal falls).

  In addition, the standard dynamic behavior characteristics shown by the user when the bicycle 12 is rented and returned are known, and the standard dynamic behavior characteristics are known when the bicycle 12 is rented and returned. It is known in advance that they are different from each other.

  Therefore, using the user's mobile terminal 90 and paying attention to the relationship between the reception signal for station recognition and the reception signal for bicycle recognition, the actual behavior of the user can be estimated. It is possible to determine whether or not the user's dynamic behavior is normal by combining with known dynamic behavior characteristics.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 receives signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 in a short-range communication method and synchronously with each other (so as to be synchronized with each other). The relative behavior of each bicycle 12 with respect to each station 20 is estimated based on the temporal change in the relationship between the first received signal (the received signal for station recognition) and the second received signal (the received signal for bicycle recognition). Further, it is determined whether or not the estimated behavior is normal.

<Lending abnormality determination sequence>

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, in the vicinity of the exit time in the rental processing period of the bicycle 12 and in the period from the entrance time to the exit station of the user until the exit time. And the determination of the presence or absence of abnormality of at least one of the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is performed.

  Specifically, if the behavior of the user and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 are both normal, the user exit time, that is, the timing of the fall of the reception signal for station recognition is shown in FIG. As indicated by a broken line in a), the bicycle recognition reception signal should be at a high level. This is because, in the lending process period, the user should be on the bicycle 12 or at least in the vicinity of the bicycle 12 at the exit time of the user from the station 20, and in that state, the user's mobile phone This is because the terminal 90 can effectively receive the second transmitter 32.

  If the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is set to the above-described short range even during the period after the lending process, the period during which the user is riding and riding the bicycle 12 If the user is carrying the portable terminal 90 (for example, wearing on the body) but does not hold the portable terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32, the portable terminal 90 will make a second call during the driving period. The machine 32 cannot be received effectively.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the lending process ends (for example, the user issues a lending request), the reception radius setting value of the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is expanded. The reception range for the second transmitter 32 is expanded from the short range to the medium range (or long range) described above.

  As a result, when the lending process is completed, as long as the user is on the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 enables the second transmitter 32 even if the user does not bother holding the portable terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32. Can receive.

  When the return process is started after the lending process, the second effective reception area is restored to the short range. If the medium range is left as it is, in the return process, the mobile terminal 90 may effectively receive the second transmitter 32 of another bicycle 12 near the bicycle 12 in the station 20. This is to eliminate it.

  If at least one of the user's behavior and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is abnormal, the user exit time, that is, at the falling timing of the station recognition reception signal, FIG. As shown by the solid line, the bicycle recognition reception signal becomes low level. If this phenomenon is detected, an abnormality should be detected.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a loan abnormality determination sequence for realizing the signal processing described above. The loan abnormality determination sequence flow is achieved by execution of the loan abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11A by the mobile terminal 90 and execution by the management server 50 of the loan abnormality determination module shown in FIG. Is done. The abnormality determination module at the time of lending is automatically started after the execution of the lending processing module with reservation or the lending processing module without reservation.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the loan abnormality determination sequence flow, in step S501, the mobile terminal 90 stores the regular first transmitter ID corresponding to the current first transmitter 30 and the current first transmitter 30 in the memory 132. The authorized second transmitter ID corresponding to the second transmitter 32 is searched. These transmitter IDs are stored in the memory 132 by the execution of the lending processing module.

  Next, in step S502, even if the portable terminal 90 is in a state where the reception range for the second transmitter 32 is expanded to the medium range (or long range) (currently, the short range is maintained). In this case, the portable terminal 90 demodulates the received signal in step S503, so that the signal is effectively received from the first transmitter 30 and / or the second transmitter 32. The first transmitter ID and / or the actual second transmitter ID is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S504, the portable terminal 90 determines whether there is a match with the regular first transmitter ID among the acquired actual first transmitter ID and / or actual second transmitter ID. Determine whether.

  If it is assumed that there is an actual transmitter ID that matches the regular first transmitter ID this time, that is, the portable terminal 90 has received the regular first transmitter 30 effectively, the determination in step S504 is YES. In step S505, a flag (stored in the memory 132) that is turned on when the legitimate first transmitter 30 is effectively received is turned on. Thereafter, the process returns to step S502.

  Assuming that the actual transmitter ID that coincides with the regular first transmitter ID no longer exists, that is, assuming that the portable terminal 90 no longer effectively receives the current regular first transmitter 30, the determination in step S504 Becomes NO. At this time, a fall of the reception signal for station recognition appears.

  In this case, after that, if it is determined in step S506 whether or not the flag is ON, this determination is YES this time. Subsequently, in step S507, it is determined that it is currently leaving.

  Subsequently, in step S508, the portable terminal 90 is effective from the first transmitter 30 and / or the second transmitter 32 in a state where the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is a medium range (or long range). Then, in step S509, the portable terminal 90 demodulates the received signal to obtain the actual first transmitter ID and / or the actual second transmitter ID.

  Thereafter, in step S510, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether there is a match with the regular second transmitter ID among the acquired actual first transmitter ID and / or actual second transmitter ID. Determine whether.

  If it is assumed that there is an actual transmitter ID that matches the regular second transmitter ID this time, that is, if the mobile terminal 90 has received the current regular second transmitter 32 effectively, the determination in step S510 is YES. In step S511, it is determined that the user behavior, the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 are normal. Subsequently, in step S512, the determination result is transmitted to the management server 50. In step S601, the management server 50 receives the determination result.

  On the other hand, assuming that there is no actual transmitter ID that matches the regular second transmitter ID this time, that is, the portable terminal 90 has not received the regular second transmitter 32 effectively, the step The determination in S510 is NO, and in step S513, it is determined that at least one of the user behavior and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is abnormal. Subsequently, in step S512, the determination result is transmitted to the management server 50. In step S601, the management server 50 receives the determination result.

<Return abnormality judgment sequence>

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), in the vicinity of the exit time of the return processing period of the bicycle 12 from the entrance time to the exit time of the user at the return station 20, And the determination of the presence or absence of abnormality of at least one of the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is performed.

  More specifically, if the behavior of the user, the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 are both normal, the user exit time, that is, the timing of the fall of the reception signal for station recognition is as shown in FIG. As shown by a broken line in (b), the bicycle recognition reception signal should be at a low level. Because, in the return processing period, at the time when the user leaves the station 20, the user should not be on the bicycle 12, or at least not in the vicinity of the bicycle 12. In this state, This is because the portable terminal 90 cannot effectively receive the second transmitter 32.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the user's behavior and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is abnormal, the user exit time, that is, the timing of the fall of the reception signal for station recognition, As indicated by a solid line in FIG. 21 (b), the bicycle recognition reception signal becomes high level. If this phenomenon is detected, an abnormality can be detected.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a return abnormality determination sequence flow for realizing the signal processing described above. The return abnormality determination sequence flow is achieved by the execution of the return abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11A by the mobile terminal 90 and the execution of the return abnormality determination module shown in FIG. 11B by the management server 50. Is done. These return-time abnormality determination modules are automatically started after the execution of the reservation-time return processing module or the reservation-less return processing module.

  As shown in FIG. 20, steps S701-S709 are executed in the same manner as steps S501-S509 described above in the return abnormality determination sequence flow.

  Thereafter, in step S710, the portable terminal 90 determines whether there is no match between the acquired actual first transmitter ID and / or actual second transmitter ID and the regular second transmitter ID. Determine whether.

  If it is assumed that there is no actual transmitter ID that matches the regular second transmitter ID this time, that is, the mobile terminal 90 has not received the regular second transmitter 32 effectively, the determination in step S710 is made. In step S711, it is determined that the user's behavior and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 are all normal. Subsequently, in step S <b> 712, the determination result is transmitted to the management server 50. In step S801, the management server 50 receives the determination result.

  On the other hand, assuming that there is an actual transmitter ID that matches the regular second transmitter ID this time, that is, the portable terminal 90 has received the regular second transmitter 32 effectively, step S710. The determination is NO, and it is determined in step S713 that at least one of the user behavior and the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 is abnormal (for example, the user has escaped from the bicycle 12). The Subsequently, in step S <b> 712, the determination result is transmitted to the management server 50. In step S801, the management server 50 receives the determination result.

<Effects of Embodiment of the Present Invention>

  According to some embodiments described above, the following several effects can be obtained.

1) The effect of improving the security of data used in the portable terminal 90 in connection with the bicycle rental service

  Since the transmitters 30 and 32 are used in place of the bar code as described above, data represented by signals received from the transmitters 30 and 32 and used in the mobile terminal 90 is used by the user. It is impossible to tamper with easily.

  Thus, according to some of the embodiments described above, the security of data used in the mobile terminal 90 is improved.

2) It is possible for the user to return the bicycle to a station different from the station where the rental was performed, and the convenience of the user is improved.

  The system 10 rents and returns the bicycle 12 to the user as long as the portable terminal 90 does not simultaneously receive the signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 (both reception states are not established and are not detected). Is designed not to be allowed. Therefore, the user cannot easily tamper with the combination of the station 20 and the bicycle 12 that is recognized by the portable terminal 90 (and eventually recognized by the management server 50).

  Therefore, the security of the data representing the combination of the station 20 and the rental bicycle 12 used in the portable terminal 90 is improved. As a result, even if the actual combination of the station 20 and the bicycle 12 may differ from each other at the time of rental and return, it is not caused by the user's tampering, and the user places the bicycle on a station different from the rental station. Even if the fact that it has been returned occurs, the management center 40 does not have doubts about the truth.

  As a result, it becomes possible for the user to return the bicycle to a station different from the station where the rental was performed, and the convenience for the user is improved.

3) The effect that it becomes easy to prevent the user's unscheduled behavior such that the user returns the bicycle 12 to an unscheduled place such as the outside of the station 20 site and leaves it unattended.

  As described above, the system 10 does not receive signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 at the same time on the portable terminal 90 (both reception states are not established and are not detected). Designed so that 12 loans and returns are not allowed.

  Further, in the system 10, the effective reception radius of the second transmitter 32 of each bicycle 12 is set to be shorter than the effective reception radius of the first transmitter 30, specifically, the effective of the second transmitter 32. The reception radius is set so that the portable terminal 90 cannot effectively receive the second transmitter 32 unless the user holds the portable terminal 90 close to or in contact with the second transmitter 32 or is not on the bicycle 12. Has been.

  Therefore, when the user is present with the bicycle 12 at a position outside the effective reception area of the first transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 receives the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 simultaneously ( The possibility that both reception states are established and detected) decreases.

  Therefore, the user's unscheduled behavior that the user returns the bicycle 12 to an unscheduled place outside the effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 or outside the boundary line of the station 20 and leaves it unattended. It becomes easy to prevent.

  The several embodiments described above can be implemented with various modifications.

<First Modification>

  For example, in the second embodiment described above, the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is a short range at the start of the lending process, and when the lending process ends, it becomes a medium range for determining an abnormality at the time of lending. When the return process is started, it becomes a short range, and when the return process is completed, it becomes a medium range for determining an abnormality at the time of return, and when it is completed, it is restored to the short range. It is variably controlled accordingly.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it can be considered that the part that performs the variable control in the system 10 constitutes an example of “control unit” and an example of “control process” in the above section (4). .

  On the other hand, in one modified example, when the bicycle 12 is rented and returned with a reservation, prior to the renting and returning, the regular second transmitter 32 and thus the regular second transmitter ID. Since the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is the medium range, even if the mobile terminal 90 receives a plurality of second transmitters 32 at the same time (both reception states are established), Of the second transmitters 32, it is possible to perform filtering processing such as selecting only those transmitting signals representing the regular second transmitter ID as regular second transmitters and excluding other ones. It is.

  Therefore, when the bicycle 12 is rented and returned with a reservation, the reception range of the second transmitter 32 may be continuously maintained in the medium range.

<Second Modification>

  In the first and second embodiments described above, in the lending process, the second transmission is performed in a state where the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving the first transmitter 30 (a state in which the user exists in the station 20). It is determined that the use of the bicycle 12 has started at the timing when the bicycle recognition reception signal for the machine 32 rises (for example, when the user gets on the bicycle 12).

On the other hand, in a modified example, in the state where the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving the second transmitter 32 (for example, the state where the user is on the bicycle 12), the first transmitter 30 It may be determined that the use of the bicycle 12 is started at the timing when the reception signal for station recognition falls (for example, when the user leaves the station 20).
Is done.

<Third Modification>

  In the first and second embodiments described above, in the return process, the second transmitter 32 is in a state where the portable terminal 90 is effectively receiving the first transmitter 30 (a state where the user is riding a bicycle). It is determined that the use of the bicycle 12 has ended at the timing when the reception signal for bicycle recognition of the vehicle falls (timing when the user gets off the bicycle 12).

  On the other hand, in one modified example, the station for the first transmitter 30 after the bicycle recognition reception signal for the second transmitter 32 falls (for example, after the user gets off the bicycle 12). You may determine with the use of the bicycle 12 having been completed at the timing when the reception signal for recognition falls (timing when the user leaves the station 20).

<Fourth Modification>

  Prior to returning the bicycle 12, the user selects a candidate station as a candidate station from a plurality of stations 20 located near the current position of the user, and the selected candidate station 20 is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. 135 may be displayed.

  At that time, when the user returns to the station 20 having a large number of empty spaces, the user is given more points than when returning to the station 20 having a small number of empty spaces, and with the help of the user, The returned bicycles 12 are distributed to a plurality of stations 20 in an optimal manner, so that there are stations 20 where there are more bicycles 12 than can be accommodated or there are no free bicycles 12 at all. It becomes easy to prevent.

<Fifth Modification>

  In some embodiments described above, a pair of identification information of the station 20 as an example of movable property selected by the user and identification information of the bicycle 12 as an example of real estate selected by the user, that is, the user The pair of the station 20 and the bicycle 12 in which the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 respectively received together by the mobile terminal 90 of the mobile phone 90 are associated with the user ID as the user identification information, thereby The user's behavior is monitored over time.

  On the other hand, another example of the user identification information used for the same purpose is a unique device address such as a telephone number, an e-mail address, and a MAC address of the portable terminal 90.

  Note that some of the embodiments described above can be implemented with various changes made. For example, the management server 50 performs the same data processing as at least a part of the data processing by the mobile terminal 90. It is possible to improve so that the mobile terminal 90 executes the same data processing as at least a part of the data processing by the management server 50.

  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.

In order to solve the problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first transmitter and a second transmitter that transmit a unique signal to a station and a rental object stored in the station are provided. Installed and rented for rental to the user and / or on condition that the user's mobile terminal is receiving both the signal from the first transmitter and the signal from the second transmitter There is provided a rental object management method for permitting the return of a rental object from the user and variably controlling the effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter according to the behavior of the user.
Moreover, according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is a rental object management system that centrally manages a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing at least one rental object,
A first transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits a signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A second transmitter that is installed at least one for each rental object and transmits a signal that can identify a rental object ID unique to the corresponding rental object;
It is a user's portable terminal, and is capable of receiving in the near field communication method with each of the first and second transmitters
Including
The management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal and / or the mobile terminal,
Since the portable terminal is located in the effective reception area assigned to the first transmitter, and simultaneously in the effective reception area assigned to the second transmitter, the signal from the first transmitter and the first A determination unit that determines whether or not both of the signals received from the two transmitters are in a reception state;
In the selected station where the user is actually staying among the plurality of stations on the condition that both of them are in the reception state, the user actually does at least one rental object installed in the selected station. A permission for lending the selected rental object selected and a permission for the user to return the selected rental object to the selected station which is the same or a different station as the station from which the rental was performed. A permission unit that performs at least one,
A control unit that variably controls the effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter according to the behavior of the user;
A rental target management system is provided.
Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, a first transmitter that is installed in a station where rental and / or return of a rental target is performed for a user and transmits a unique signal;
A second transmitter installed in the rental object and transmitting a unique signal;
A permission unit that permits the user to lend and / or return the rental target based on a signal received from the first transmitter and a signal received from the second transmitter by the user's mobile terminal;
A control unit that variably controls the effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter according to the behavior of the user;
A rental target management system 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.

17, the lending time without reservation is achieved by the execution by the management server of lending processing module when no reservation shown in execution by the portable terminal and FIG. 11 (b) of the rent processing module when no reservation shown in FIG. 11 (a) It is a processing sequence flow.

(Not listed )

This time, on the screen of the portable terminal 90, the button “Lending processing mode without reservation” is selected by the user. In response, the no-reservation lending processing module for the portable terminal 90 is executed by the portable terminal 90.

A system 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19-21. However, parts that are common to the bicycle rental system according to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and names, omitting redundant descriptions, and only different parts will be described in detail.

On the other hand, the position of the user changes relative to the position of the second transmitter 32, and the change reflects the dynamic behavior of the user getting on / off the bicycle 12 and approaching / separating.

On the other hand, in a modified example, in the state where the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving the second transmitter 32 (for example, the state where the user is on the bicycle 12), the first transmitter 30 It may be determined that the use of the bicycle 12 is started at the timing when the reception signal for station recognition falls (for example, when the user leaves the station 20) .

In the above-described first and second embodiments, in the return process, the second transmission is performed in a state where the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving the first transmitter 30 (a state where the user is present in the station 20 ). It is determined that the use of the bicycle 12 is finished at the timing when the reception signal for bicycle recognition on the machine 32 falls (timing when the user gets off the bicycle 12).

Claims (13)

  A first transmitter and a second transmitter for transmitting a unique identification signal are installed in each station and a rental object stored in the station, and a signal from the first transmitter and a signal from the second transmitter are A rental target management method that permits rental of a rental target to the user and / or return of a rental target from the user on the condition that the user's mobile terminal receives both of the above. A rental object management system for centrally managing a plurality of geographically different stations, each storing at least one rental object,
A first transmitter that is installed at least one at each station and transmits an identification signal that can identify a unique station ID for the corresponding station;
A second transmitter that is installed at least one for each rental object and that transmits an identification signal that can identify a rental object ID unique to the corresponding rental object;
A portable terminal of a user capable of receiving in a near field communication method with each of the first and second transmitters,
The management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal and / or the mobile terminal,
Since the portable terminal is located in the effective reception area assigned to the first transmitter, and simultaneously in the effective reception area assigned to the second transmitter, the signal from the first transmitter and the first A determination unit that determines whether or not both of the signals received from the two transmitters are in a reception state;
In the selected station where the user is actually staying among the plurality of stations on the condition that both of them are in the reception state, the user actually does at least one rental object installed in the selected station. A permission for lending the selected rental object selected and a permission for the user to return the selected rental object to the selected station which is the same or a different station as the station from which the rental was performed. Rental target management system including a permission section that performs at least one of them.   The rental object management system according to claim 2, wherein an effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter is shorter than an effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the first transmitter. The portable terminal and / or the management server further includes:
The rental object management system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control unit that variably controls the effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter according to the behavior of the user. The first transmitter is a fixed transmitter installed in a fixed position at least one at each station,
The rental object management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second transmitter is a mobile transmitter installed in a state of moving together with each rental object, at least one for each rental object. The portable terminal and / or the management server further includes:
The selected terminal is identified by a signal received from the first transmitter by the portable terminal in the both-side reception state, and the selected rental object is determined by a signal received by the portable terminal from the second transmitter in the both-side reception state. 3. An association unit that identifies and associates the identified selected stations and selected rental objects with each other, thereby allowing each activity of the user during the rental period to be monitored in relation to the identity of the user. The rental object management system according to any one of 5 to 5. The portable terminal and / or the management server further includes:
In the rental stage of the rental object, the portable terminal is receiving a signal from the second transmitter when the portable terminal transitions from a state of receiving a signal from the first transmitter to a state of not receiving the signal. A first abnormality determination unit that determines that there is an abnormality in at least one of the user's action, the first transmitter, and the second transmitter,
In the return stage of the rental object, when the mobile terminal transitions from a state of receiving a signal from the first transmitter to a state of not receiving the signal, the mobile terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter. And a second abnormality determination unit that determines that there is an abnormality in at least one of the user action and the first transmitter and the second transmitter. Rental target management system as described in any of the above. The portable terminal is
A candidate station display unit that displays on the screen at least a part of the plurality of stations that can be used by the user as candidate stations;
Candidates for displaying on the screen at least a portion of at least one rental object stored in the station selected by the user among the plurality of stations as a candidate rental object. The rental object management system according to claim 2, comprising at least one of a rental object display unit.   The rental object management system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein each rental object includes a movable body with or without a prime mover that is lent to the user for a fee or free of charge, and moves with the user.   Each mobile is a bicycle, car, motorcycle, amusement or competition go-cart, shopping cart, stroller, wheelbarrow, wheelchair or golf cart, each stored for rental at a corresponding station The rental object management system according to claim 9, including:   A program executed by a computer of a mobile terminal to implement the mobile terminal according to claim 1.   A program executed by a computer of the management server to implement the management server according to any one of claims 2 to 10.   The recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 11 or 12 so that computer reading was possible.

Images