JP2020077395A - Rental system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a system in which the data needed for specifying one of a plurality of stations selected by a user for renting and returning a rental object is communicated to a management center existing at a remote location from the plurality of stations by the user via a portable terminal.SOLUTION: A rental system 10 includes a station information output device 30 for outputting encrypted station information in order to specify a station 20 and installed at the position of each station 20, and a management server 50. The station information is represented as a cryptogram that is dynamic as for a station position but is time-invariant as for the same station 20. A portable terminal 90 of a user transmits station information outputted from the station information output device 30 at the position of any station 20 where the user actually is, to the management server 50 without decrypting the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for lending and returning a rental target to a user at a station selected by a user from among a plurality of stations, and in particular, the user carries data necessary for specifying the selected station. The present invention relates to a technique for communicating via a terminal to a management center existing at a remote place for a plurality of stations .

  In recent years, services for lending and returning rental objects to users have become widespread. Various objects already exist as rental objects, and new objects may exist in the future. Existing rental objects extend to movable property and real estate as tangible objects, and audiovisual contents as intangible objects (for example, content represented by data not fixed on a recording medium).

  Movable rentals include, for example, land, water, or flying vehicles (eg, for travel or entertainment), furniture, clothing, appliances, accessories that are removably attached to appliances (eg, batteries). Or a recording medium (for example, a CD) in which audiovisual contents are recorded and which can be reproduced by the user. The real estate to be rented is, for example, a room of an accommodation facility (for example, a hotel) where the user can stay in the short term or a stay facility (for example, an apartment) where the user can stay for a long term, a coin locker, There is an individual parking space in the parking lot.

  The rental target as a land vehicle is, for example, a bicycle. For example, in tourist areas, there is a service for renting bicycles to travelers as a means for travelers to travel to destinations, and even in urban areas, bicycles are provided to users as means for commuting or other movements. There is a service to rent.

  A specific technique for providing a service of lending and returning a bicycle to a user has already been proposed.

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

  In this technique, the user further reads the two-dimensional code of the station in which he / she is present, and transmits the information to the management center via the user's portable communication device, which causes the management center to read the current station. And that the management center sends the unlocking number of the key to the user's mobile communication device when the bicycle is rented, and when the unlocking number is received, the user receives the unlocking number. Is used to unlock the key.

  Further, Patent Document 2 also discloses a technique of managing each station by communicating with an external management center in order to rent a bicycle. This technology uses a key for each bicycle, and when the management center receives the vehicle number of the bicycle that the user wants to rent from the user's mobile communication device, the unlocking is for unlocking the key of the bicycle. It is characterized in that a signal is transmitted to the key and that the key is automatically unlocked when the unlock signal is received.

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

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

  In addition, Patent Document 5 discloses a technique in which the current time is encrypted and displayed momentarily on a display of a ticket issuing machine installed in a parking lot.

JP, 2011-248813, A Patent No. 5008108 Patent No. 5507916 US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0196631 Japanese Patent No. 5340466

  In the above-described bicycle rental service, there are cases where it is important for the management center to correctly understand in which of a plurality of stations a user rents or returns a bicycle.

  An example of such a case is that a user returns a bicycle at the same station where the user rented it, due to the billing rules adopted by the management center to calculate the amount of rental fee charged to the user. This is an example in which the charging rule is adopted so that the amount of the rental fee charged to the user is different between the case of carrying out the service and the case of carrying out the return at another station.

  Another example is that each time a bicycle is rented, the station from which the bicycle is rented is accurately grasped, and every time the bicycle is returned, the station from which the bicycle is replied is accurately grasped. Calculate the balance of the number of bicycles at each station (for example, estimating the number of bicycles that can be rented from moment to moment), and based on the results, make a number of This is an example where bicycles are distributed appropriately between stations.

  However, if the user stores information for identifying the station that lent out and communicates the same information as that information to the management center at the time of returning, the station that returns the station and the station that lent out Actually, whether the same or different, the management center recognizes that the user has returned at the same station where the user lent out.

  Therefore, the user intentionally misuses this kind of reality and actually returns information at a station different from the station that rented it, but intentionally provided information for identifying the station that lent out. There is a possibility that a fraudulent act of communicating the same information to the management center upon return will be performed.

  In the above, taking the case where the rental target is a bicycle as an example, the problem that the user may perform fraud when the user inputs data necessary for lending and returning the rental target has been described. Similar problems also exist when lending and returning other rental objects to the user.

Against the background of the above findings, the present invention provides a user with a plurality of data, which is necessary for identifying a station selected by a user among a plurality of stations for lending and returning a rental object, through a mobile terminal. It is an object to provide a technique for communicating with a management center existing at a remote place for a station .

In order to solve the problem , according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental system for lending or returning a rental target to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a rental target,
A station information output device which is installed at the position of each station and outputs encrypted station information for identifying the station,
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations at their remote locations;
Including,
The station information is represented as a cipher that is dynamic with respect to station position but time invariant with respect to the same station,
The mobile terminal of the user transmits to the management server without decoding the station information output from the station information output device at the position of any station where the user actually exists,
The management server receives the station information from the mobile terminal and decrypts the received station information to provide a rental system that specifies the station where the user is actually present.

Further , according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental system for lending or returning a rental target to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a rental target,
A station information output device that is installed at the position of each station and outputs encrypted station information for identifying the station,
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a portable terminal of a user who wishes to rent or return the rental object at a position of any station, and is a remote server for the plurality of stations. Including those managed by local management centers,
The station information is represented as a cipher that is dynamic with respect to station position but not time of day;
The station information output device outputs the station information for the same station in a time-invariant manner,
The user acquires the station information generated for any of the stations at the position of the station where the user is actually present, and the mobile terminal without decrypting the acquired station information in the mobile terminal. Sent to the management server via
The management server is
A receiver for receiving the station information from the mobile terminal,
By decrypting the received station information, a rental system including a station specifying unit that specifies a station where the user is actually present is provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental system that lends or returns a rental target to a user at each of a plurality of stations that store the rental target,
A station information output device that is installed at the position of each station and outputs encrypted station information for identifying the station,
A rental target information output device which is installed at each rental target position and outputs rental target information for identifying the rental target,
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a mobile terminal of a user who wishes to rent or return any of the rental objects at a position of any station,
At the location of any station where the user is actually located, the user shall be informed of the station information generated for that station and any rental object that the user wishes to rent or return at that station. The generated rental target information is acquired, and the acquired station information and rental target information are transmitted to the management server via the mobile terminal,
The management server is
A receiving unit that receives the station information and the rental target information from the mobile terminal,
On the basis of the received station information, a station identification unit that identifies the station where the user is actually present by decryption,
Based on the received rental target information, a rental target specifying unit that specifies a rental target that the user desires to rent or return is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental system for lending or returning a rental target to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing the rental target,
A station information output device that is installed at the position of each station and outputs encrypted station information for identifying the station,
A rental target information output device which is installed at each rental target position and outputs rental target information for identifying the rental target,
A management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a mobile terminal of a user who wishes to rent or return any of the rental objects at a position of any station,
At the location of any station where the user is actually located, the user shall be informed of the station information generated for that station and any rental object that the user wishes to rent or return at that station. The generated rental target information is acquired, and the acquired station information and rental target information are transmitted to the management server via the mobile terminal,
The management server is
A receiving unit that receives the station information and the rental target information from the mobile terminal,
On the basis of the received station information, a station identification unit that identifies the station where the user is actually present by decryption,
A rental target specifying unit that specifies a rental target that the user desires to rent or return based on the received rental target information;
Allowing the user to lend or return the specified rental target at the specified station, provided that the difference between the time when the lending or the returning is performed and the current time is less than or equal to an allowable value. A rental system is provided, including a permission section for

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle rental system for renting and returning rental bicycles to a user at a plurality of stations for storing rental bicycles, respectively.
An encryption unit that generates a cipher by encrypting a station ID unique to each station,
A display unit that displays the generated code at the position of each station,
A management server for centrally managing the plurality of stations by communicating with a communication device of a user who uses any of the stations,
The management server is
A receiver for receiving the cipher from a user's communication device at any station,
And decrypting the received cipher, thereby restoring the corresponding station ID, thereby identifying the station where the user is actually located,
A bicycle rental system is provided, wherein the plurality of ciphers displayed at each of the plurality of station locations is a dynamic cipher that is dynamic with respect to the station location.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle rental method for renting and returning a rental bicycle to a user at a plurality of stations for storing rental bicycles, respectively.
An encryption step for generating a cipher by encrypting a station ID unique to each station,
A display step of displaying the generated cipher on the screen at the position of each station,
A receiving step in which a management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a communication device of a user who uses any of the stations receives the cipher from the communication device of the user at any of the stations; ,
The management server decrypting the received cipher, thereby restoring the corresponding station ID, thereby deciphering the station where the user is actually present;
A bicycle rental method is provided wherein the plurality of ciphers displayed at each of the plurality of station locations is a dynamic cipher that is dynamic with respect to the station location.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle rental method for renting and returning rental bicycles to a user at a plurality of stations for storing rental bicycles, respectively.
An encryption step that produces a cipher such that it is dynamic with respect to station position;
A display step of displaying the generated code on the screen at the position of each station,
The user at any of the stations sends the cipher displayed on the screen to a management center that centrally manages the plurality of stations by using an available communication device,
The method further comprises
A receiving step of receiving the cipher from the user's communication device,
A measurement step of measuring the time when the reception is performed as the reception time,
Decrypting the received cipher, thereby recovering the corresponding station ID, thereby deciphering the station where the user is actually located.

  The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each mode is divided into items, each item is numbered, and the numbers of other items are referred to as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following embodiments. Should not be interpreted as. That is, it should be construed that it is not hindered to appropriately extract and adopt the technical features described in the present specification as technical features of the present invention, which are not described in the following aspects.

  Furthermore, it is not always necessary to describe each item in a format that cites the number of another item, which prevents the technical features described in each item from being separated from the technical features described in other items to be independent. It is not meant to be meant, and the technical features described in each section should be construed to be appropriately independent depending on the nature thereof.

(1) A rental device installed in each of a plurality of stations capable of storing at least one rental target for lending and returning the at least one rental target to a user,
At the position of each station, including a display unit that displays a code that is dynamic both with respect to time and station position,
The rental device, wherein the code is transmitted by a user via a communication device to a management center that remotely manages the plurality of stations.

(2) The at least one rental target is vehicles, furniture, clothes, electric appliances, batteries, chargers, recording media in which audiovisual contents are recorded, stayable rooms, individual storage spaces in coin lockers, and parking lots. The rental device according to item (1), which includes at least one of the individual parking spaces.

(3) Furthermore, an encryption unit is included that generates the encryption momentarily by encrypting the information before encryption using an encryption algorithm,
Is the combination of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm dynamic with respect to at least the time of day and the other dynamic with respect to at least the station position? , Or at least one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm is configured to be dynamic with respect to time and station position,
The code is
The nature that the user can not decipher,
If a user is actually present or in the past at any station, and unless the user is actually present or in the past, the property that the user cannot obtain the authentic cipher,
The management center has the property of being able to decipher and presume that the user is actually present or in the past at the station,
The management center decrypts the cipher received from the user by using the same encryption algorithm for deciphering, thereby estimating the station where the user is actually present or in the past. The rental device according to item (1) or (2).

(4) A bicycle rental device, which is installed in each of a plurality of stations capable of storing a plurality of bicycles for lending and returning the bicycles to a user,
At the position of each station, including a display unit that displays a code that is dynamic both with respect to time and station position,
The bicycle rental device, wherein the cipher is transmitted by a user via a communication device to a management center that remotely manages the plurality of stations.

(5) Furthermore, the encryption unit includes an encryption unit that generates the encryption momentarily by encrypting the information before encryption using an encryption algorithm,
The information before encryption includes information on at least one of time and station position,
Is the combination of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm dynamic with respect to at least the time of day and the other dynamic with respect to at least the station position? , Or at least one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm is configured to be dynamic with respect to time and station position,
The code is
The nature that the user can not decipher,
If the user is actually at any station at any time, and unless the user is actually at that station at exactly that time, the property that the user cannot get
The management center has the property of being able to decipher and presume that the user is actually at the exact station at that time.
The management center deciphers the cipher received from the user by using the same encryption algorithm for deciphering, and thereby the station where the user is actually located and the time when the station is actually located. The bicycle rental apparatus according to item (4), which estimates

(6) A bicycle rental system that rents and returns bicycles to a user at a plurality of stations that store a plurality of bicycles, respectively.
A display unit that is installed in each of the plurality of stations and displays a code that is dynamic with respect to both time and station position,
When the cipher currently displayed on the display is transmitted to the center side unit by using a communication device that is installed in a management center that remotely manages the plurality of stations and is available to the user, the cipher is received. Then, by analyzing the received cipher, a bicycle rental system including a station where the user is actually present and an analysis unit which estimates the time when the user is actually present at that station.

(7) A bicycle rental system that rents and returns bicycles to a user at a plurality of stations that store a plurality of bicycles, respectively.
A plurality of station side units respectively installed in the plurality of stations,
A center-side unit installed in a management center that centrally manages the plurality of stations,
Each of the plurality of stations is pre-assigned a unique station ID,
Each station side unit is
A clock that measures the current time every moment,
An encryption unit that encrypts the current time measured by the clock and the station ID unique to the corresponding station, and the station ID is for the same station, but is a code that changes from moment to moment. What to encrypt to
A display unit for displaying information including the encrypted current time and station ID as two codes,
The user uses the available communication device to transmit the two ciphers displayed on the display unit to the center side unit,
The center side unit is
A decryption unit that decrypts the two ciphers when receiving the two ciphers from the user,
Recognizing that the user is actually at the station having the station ID restored by decrypting the encrypted station ID at the time restored by decrypting the encrypted current time A bicycle rental system that includes an information processing unit.

(8) Each station ID is a station ID that is dynamic with respect to station position but static with respect to time,
The encryption unit uses a station ID unique to the corresponding station, and an encryption algorithm that is static with respect to station position but dynamic with respect to time and is common to the plurality of stations. The bicycle rental system according to item (7), wherein the bicycle is encrypted with a code that changes with time.

(9) Each station ID is a station ID that is dynamic in terms of station position and time,
The encryption unit changes from moment to moment by using a station ID unique to the corresponding station, using an encryption algorithm that is static in terms of station position and time and is common to the plurality of stations. The bicycle rental system according to item (7), wherein the bicycle rental system is encrypted.

(10) The center side unit further includes
Includes a memory that can read and store information
When renting a bicycle, the user uses the communication device to transmit the two rental codes acquired from the display unit to the center unit,
Upon receiving the two lend-time ciphers from the user at the time of lending, the decryption unit recognizes lending information including the lending time and lending station by decoding the lending-time ciphers, and uses the lending information to the user. Or save it in the memory in association with the bicycle rented to the user,
When the user returns the bicycle, the user uses the communication device to send the return-time cipher, which is the two ciphers acquired from the display unit, to the center-side unit,
Upon receiving the two return codes from the user at the time of the return, the decryption unit recognizes return information including a return time and a return station by decrypting the return codes.
The information processing unit reads out, from the memory, a rental time and a rental station stored in association with the user or a bicycle rented to the user, and a bicycle usage time as an elapsed time from the return time to the rental time. The bicycle rental system according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the length of the rental station is calculated, and whether or not the rental station and the return station are in agreement is determined.

(11) When renting a bicycle, the user uses the communication device to transmit the rent-time cipher, which is the two ciphers acquired from the display unit, to the center-side unit,
When the decryption unit receives the two lend-time ciphers from the user at the time of the lending, it recognizes lending information including the lending time and the lending station by decoding the lend-time ciphers.
At the time of returning the bicycle, the user uses the communication device to transmit the return-time cipher, which is the two ciphers acquired from the display unit, to the center-side unit together with the two already-transmitted rental-time ciphers,
Upon receipt of the two lend-time ciphers and the two return-time ciphers from the user at the time of the return, the deciphering unit deciphers the received two lend-time ciphers to obtain the lending time and the lending station. The return information including the return time and the return station is recognized by recognizing the lending information including the same and by decoding the received two return codes.
The information processing unit calculates the length of the bicycle use time as the elapsed time from the return time to the lending time, and determines whether the rental station and the return station match or do not match (7) or. The bicycle rental system according to any one of (10).

(12) A bicycle rental system for lending and returning bicycles to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a plurality of bicycles,
A plurality of station side units respectively installed in the plurality of stations,
A center-side unit installed in a management center that centrally manages the plurality of stations,
Each station side unit is
The first clock that measures the current time every moment,
The current time measured by the first clock is the same as the current time by using an encryption algorithm corresponding to each station unit and different from the encryption algorithm used in the other stations. An encryption unit that encrypts to a different encryption from the encryption obtained at other stations,
And a display section for displaying information including the code,
The plurality of encryption algorithms used by the plurality of stations in their respective encryption units are different from each other, and the correspondence relationship between the stations and the encryption algorithms is known,
The user transmits the cipher displayed on the display unit to the center side unit by using an available communication device,
The center side unit is
A second clock that, when receiving the code from the user, measures the time when the code is received as the reception time,
Decrypt the received cipher, thereby recovering the time, and comparing the recovered time with the reception time to each other, thereby using the one of the plurality of encryption algorithms for the reception The decryption unit that selects an encryption algorithm whose difference between the time restored by the decryption and the reception time is less than or equal to a reference value as the authentic encryption algorithm corresponding to the station where the user is actually present. When,
A bicycle rental including a user's information processing unit that the user recognizes as being actually at a station corresponding to the selected authentic encryption algorithm at the time restored by decryption using the selected authentic encryption algorithm. ·system.

(13) A rental method for lending and returning the at least one rental object to a user at a plurality of stations for storing at least one rental object,
At the position of each station, including a display step to display a code that is dynamic both with respect to time and station position,
The rental method, wherein the cipher is transmitted by a user via a communication device to a management center that remotely manages the plurality of stations.

(14) A bicycle rental method for lending and returning a bicycle to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a plurality of bicycles,
Each of the plurality of stations is pre-assigned a unique station ID,
The method includes multiple steps performed at each station,
Those processes are
A timekeeping process that measures the current time every moment,
This is an encryption process for encrypting the measured current time and the station ID unique to the corresponding station. The station ID is for the same station, but is encrypted with a code that changes from moment to moment. And what
A display step of displaying information including the encrypted current time and station ID as two codes,
The user transmits the displayed two ciphers to a management center that centrally manages the plurality of stations by using an available communication device,
The method includes a plurality of steps performed at the management center,
Those processes are
A decryption step of decrypting the two ciphers when the two ciphers are received from the user,
Recognizing that the user is actually at the station having the station ID restored by decrypting the encrypted station ID at the time restored by decrypting the encrypted current time A bicycle rental method including an information processing step.

(15) A bicycle rental method for renting and returning a bicycle to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a plurality of bicycles,
The method includes multiple steps performed at each station,
Those processes are
The first timekeeping process that measures the current time moment by moment,
The measured current time is different from the ciphers obtained at other stations, even though it has the same current time, by using an encryption algorithm that is dynamic in terms of station position but static in time. An encryption process that encrypts to a cipher,
And a display step for displaying information including the code,
The plurality of encryption algorithms used by the plurality of stations in their respective encryption units are different from each other, and the correspondence relationship between the stations and the encryption algorithms is known,
The user transmits the cipher displayed on the display unit to a management center that centrally manages the plurality of stations using an available communication device,
The method includes a plurality of steps performed at the management center,
Those processes are
A second timing step of measuring the time when the cipher is received as the reception time when the cipher is received from the user,
Decrypt the received cipher, thereby recovering the time and comparing the recovered time with the reception time to each other, thereby using the one of the plurality of encryption algorithms to receive the received And a decryption step of selecting an encryption algorithm whose difference between the time restored by the decryption and the reception time is a reference value or less as the authentic encryption algorithm corresponding to the station where the user is actually present. When,
The information processing step of recognizing that the user is actually at the station corresponding to the selected authentic encryption algorithm at the time restored by the decryption using the selected authentic encryption algorithm. Method.

(16) A program executed by a computer for carrying out the method according to any one of (13) to (15).

  The program according to this section is, for example, interpreted to mean a combination of commands executed by a computer to perform its function, and not only a combination of those commands but also files and data processed according to each command. Can be construed as including, but not limited to.

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

(17) A recording medium in which the program according to item (16) is computer-readable recorded.

  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, the present invention is not limited to these.

1A is a perspective view showing station-side equipment installed in a certain station in the bicycle rental system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a side view which expands and shows a part of rental bicycle shown to (a), and FIG.1 (c) is a display part of the station side unit of the station side equipments shown to FIG.1 (a). FIG. 1D is a front view showing an example of how the code changes momentarily on the screen of FIG. 1, and FIG. 1D is used to connect the bicycle to the bicycle rack of the station side equipment shown in FIG. 1A. It is a front view which expands and shows the dial lock type wire lock. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of how a user at a station and a management center at a remote place communicate with each other in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the station side unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart conceptually showing the encryption / display program executed by the computer of the station side unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center-side unit shown in FIG. 2 that operates when renting a bicycle. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center unit shown in FIG. 2 that operates when the bicycle is returned. FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing a part of the lending / returning program executed by the computer of the center unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart conceptually showing the remaining part of the lending / returning program shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center-side unit of the bicycle rental system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which operates when renting a bicycle. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center side unit of the bicycle rental system according to the second embodiment, which operates when the bicycle is returned. FIG. 11 is a flowchart conceptually showing a portion corresponding to FIG. 8 of the lending / returning program executed by the computer of the bicycle rental system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a station side unit installed in a certain station of the bicycle rental system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually showing the encryption / display program executed by the computer of the station side unit shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center-side unit of the bicycle rental system according to the third embodiment that operates when renting a bicycle. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the center side unit of the bicycle rental system according to the third embodiment that operates when the bicycle is returned. FIG. 16 is a flowchart conceptually showing a part of the lending / returning program executed by the computer of the center-side unit of the bicycle rental system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart conceptually showing the remaining part of the lending / returning program shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment of the Present Invention>

  First, referring to FIGS. 1 (a) and 2, a bicycle rental system 10 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of stations 20 (FIG. 1) each storing a plurality of bicycles 12. (A) shows a system for providing a service of lending and returning the bicycles 12 to a user at only a representative station 20 of the stations 20 is shown. Each station 20 is assigned to a corresponding bicycle parking lot 22.

  This bicycle rental system (hereinafter simply referred to as “system”) 20 is an example of a plurality of station-side units (each of the aforementioned “rental device” and “bicycle rental device”) installed in a plurality of stations 20. 30) and a center-side unit 50 installed in a management center 40 that remotely and centrally manages a plurality of stations 20. Each of the plurality of stations 20 is assigned a unique station ID in advance. Each station-side unit 30 is commonly used by a plurality of bicycles 12 stored therein in the corresponding station 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, a specific chassis number 60 pre-assigned to each bicycle 12 is displayed on a specific portion of each bicycle 12. In some examples, the chassis number 60 is print-immobilized in the form of a letter / number sequence that is directly visible to the user or a computer-readable indicia (eg, a barcode, a two-dimensional code), It is displayed on a specific part of each bicycle 12 (for example, a panel mounted in the vicinity of the top vertex of the triangular frame 64 that supports the saddle 62 from below in the bicycle 12).

  As will be described in detail later, the station-side unit 30 measures the current time from moment to moment, and measures the measured current time and the station ID unique to the corresponding station. However, the current time and the station ID that are encrypted are encrypted so that they change from moment to moment, and they are displayed as two ciphers, regardless of whether they are visually distinguished from each other.

  As a result, as in the example shown in FIG. 1 (c), the two ciphers are merged together in series so as not to be visually distinguished from each other. Data), which is a part of the cipher 66 of which the current time is encrypted and the station ID of which is encrypted at a predetermined time interval (15 minutes interval in the illustrated example). Is also displayed on the screen 68 so as to change dynamically with respect to time. Here, "encryption" means visualization data that cannot be decrypted by the user but can be decrypted by a specific authorized person.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), this system 10 stores the above-mentioned station-side unit 30 and a plurality of bicycles 12 as fixed objects installed in one bicycle parking lot 22 in each station 20. And a bicycle rack (bicycle accommodating device) 70 for operating the bicycle. 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 the rental to the user, each bicycle 12 is accommodated in each bicycle stall 72. In this accommodated state, the bicycle 12 is attached to the individual frame of the bicycle stall 72, and the dial lock type wire shown in FIG. It is locked using a lock 80. The dial lock type wire lock 80 is constructed by connecting both ends of a flexible wire 82 to each other via a dial lock 84, as is well known.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this system 10, as will be described later in detail, a communication device usable by the user (for example, a mobile phone portable by the user or a device having a communication function (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, A laptop computer, a tablet computer, a PDA), a fixed telephone installed in the station 20, a public telephone installed in the vicinity of the station 20) 90, and an encryption 66 displayed on the screen 68. Is transmitted to the management center 40.

  When the cipher 66 is represented as a figure that can be identified by the user (for example, can be pronounced) as in the illustrated example, the user manually inputs the cipher 66 into the communication device 90 or a voice. It is possible to input with. On the other hand, when the cipher 66 is represented as a figure that the user cannot identify, the user can read the cipher 66 with the scanner of the communication device 90 and input it.

  When the center side unit 50 in the management center 40 receives the cipher 66 from the user, it deciphers the cipher 66, and as a result, the user is at the time restored by deciphering the encrypted current time. , It is recognized that the station 20 having the station ID restored by decrypting the encrypted station ID is actually present.

  In FIG. 3, one station-side unit 30 installed in one station 20 is shown in a functional block diagram.

  The station-side unit 30 is mainly composed of a computer 104 having a processor 100 and a memory 102 that stores a program executed by the processor 100. Specifically, the station side unit 30 includes a clock 110, an encryption unit 112, and a display unit 114.

  The clock 110 measures the current time instantly. The encryption unit 112 encrypts the current time measured by the clock 110 and the station ID unique to the station 20 corresponding to the station side unit 30. The encryption unit 112 encrypts the station ID into an encryption that changes from time to time even though it is for the same station 20. The display unit 114 displays the encrypted current time and station ID as the code 66 on the screen 68 so as to change from moment to moment.

  In the present embodiment, the cipher 66 is composed of a character / numeric string of a plurality of digits (for example, a column composed of a plurality of characters, a string composed of a plurality of numbers, and a string composed of a mixture of characters and numbers), of which The upper digit is the part where the current time is encrypted, and the lower digit is the part where the station ID is encrypted.

  In the present embodiment, the data displayed on the screen 68 that the user needs to send to the management center 40 is the cipher 66, that is, the part where the current time is encrypted and the station. Although the ID is a combination with the encrypted part, the data may include other information added to the combination, eg, other ciphers.

  In the present embodiment, the station ID is a station ID that is dynamic with respect to the station position (different for each station 20) but static with respect to the time (does not change with time), and the encryption unit 112 By using the station ID, which is static with respect to the station position but dynamic with respect to the time, and which is common to a plurality of stations 20, a cipher that changes from moment to moment (to be exact, , The part of the cipher 66 that is related to the station ID, and is hereinafter referred to as “station ID-related partial cipher”.

  In this system 10, a different station ID is assigned to each station 20. Each station ID is a station ID that is static with respect to time, but this station ID is encrypted every moment by an encryption algorithm that is dynamic with respect to time, so that the station ID-related partial ciphers It is obtained as a dynamic cipher that is dynamic in both position and time.

  Specifically, in this system 10, the station ID that is the object of encryption is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20, but static with respect to the time, and for the station ID. The encryption algorithm is static with respect to the location of the station 20 (the encryption algorithm for the station ID is common to multiple stations 20), whereas it is dynamic with respect to the time of day. As a result, the station ID-related partial cipher resulting from the encryption is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20 and the time.

  That is, the station ID-related partial cipher is generated by encrypting a station ID that is dynamic with respect to a station position into a cipher that is dynamic with respect to time (that is, converted with time).

  Therefore, if the time and the station ID-related partial cipher at that time are specified, the station from which the station ID-related partial cipher is acquired can be identified. In addition, since the station ID-related partial cipher is dynamic with respect to time, the user should also use the same cipher 66 (including part of the station ID-related partial cipher) as the cipher 66 when the bicycle 12 was rented. As a result, it is possible to prevent impersonation of the user who returned at the same station 20 at the time of lending, thereby preventing fraud.

  Of the ciphers 66, the current time related partial cipher related to the current time is the current time related information that is the result of the encryption because the target of encryption is the current time that is originally dynamic information. Those skilled in the art can easily conceive that the encryption is dynamic in time. Therefore, this point is not worth mentioning. However, of the ciphers 66, the station ID-related partial cipher is the station ID-related partial cipher that is the result of the encryption because the target of encryption is the position of the station 20 that is temporally static information. It is not easy for a person skilled in the art to make it dynamic.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the station ID related partial cipher and the current time related partial cipher are combined to generate one cipher 66. As a result, as long as the same cipher 66 is focused on, the information about the station ID and the information about the current time are associated with each other, so that at any time (for example, either the current time or the past time), the user can It is possible to estimate that one of the stations 20 is present.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cipher 66 is visually perceived by the user as a meaningless character / numeric string cipher 66, so that the user is discouraged from trying to decipher and attempt to misuse the cipher 66. There is expected. Further, the cipher 66 combines a character / numeric string (lower four digits in the example shown in FIG. 1) that is a partial cipher associated with the current time with a character / numeric string that is a partial cipher associated with a station ID. Since the two related partial ciphers are integrated into a single unit, it is more likely that the user will try to misuse the cipher 66 than if the two related partial ciphers are displayed on the screen 68 so as to be visually distinguished from each other. It is also expected to be strongly discouraged.

  FIG. 4 conceptually shows an encryption / display program executed by the computer 104 of the station-side unit (station-side unit installed in the one of the plurality of stations 20 of interest this time) 30 shown in FIG. It is represented by a flow chart. This encryption / display program is stored in advance in the memory 102 like the other programs described later, and is read from the memory 102 and executed by the processor 100 as necessary.

  The execution of the encryption / display program is repeated at time intervals of 15 minutes, for example. Each execution of this encryption / display program is started in step S401, and in step S401, the current time is measured using the clock 110. Next, in step S402, an encryption algorithm for time, which is static with respect to the position of the station 20 and static with respect to time, is read from the memory 102, and by using the static encryption algorithm, The measured current time is encrypted.

  Then, in step S403, the station ID assigned to the station 20 corresponding to the current station-side unit 30 is read from the memory 102. Then, in step S404, the encryption algorithm for the station ID, which is static with respect to the position of the station 20 but dynamic with respect to the time, is read from the memory 102.

  As described above, the encryption algorithm for the station ID is dynamic with respect to the time, and is specifically configured as a group of a plurality of individual algorithms used for each time. The individual algorithms are stored in the memory 202 in association with the time (for example, a plurality of times that elapse every 15 minutes). In step S404, the current time (the restored lending time) of the individual algorithms is stored. The one corresponding to the time is also selected and read in the memory 202.

  Then, in step S405, the read station ID is encrypted by using the selected individual algorithm.

  Then, in step S406, the encrypted current time and the encrypted station ID are combined to generate a cipher 66, and the generated cipher 66 is displayed on the screen 68. This is the end of one execution of the encryption / display program.

  5 and 6 are functional block diagrams of the center-side unit 50 installed in the management center 40. However, in FIG. 5, the center side unit 50 is shown paying attention to the portion that functions when the bicycle is rented out, while in FIG. 6, the center side unit 50 is shown focusing on the portion that functions when the bicycle is returned. Has been done.

  The center-side unit 50 is mainly configured by a computer 204 having a processor 200 and a memory 202 that stores a program executed by the processor 200. A hardware configuration realized by the computer 204 is shown in functional block diagrams in FIGS. 5 and 6.

  To specifically explain the hardware configuration, the center-side unit 50, as shown in FIG. 5, has a receiving unit 210, a decryption unit 212, a lending permission unit 214, and a clock for renting a bicycle. 216, the personal identification number acquisition unit 220, and the transmission unit 222 are operated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the center-side unit 50 further includes a receiving unit 210, a decryption unit 212, a clock 216, a return permission unit 230, a reading unit 232, and a rental fee for returning the bicycle. The calculation unit 234, the payment processing unit 236, and the transmission unit 222 are operated.

  Therefore, in the center unit 50, the receiving unit 210, the decryption unit 212, the clock 216, and the transmitting unit 222 are operated both for renting a bicycle and for returning a bicycle.

  With the hardware configuration thus configured, a lending / returning method represented by a lending / returning program described later, that is, a bicycle rental method (which is an example of the aforementioned “rental method”) is executed.

  The hardware configuration will be described in more detail with a focus on the process of renting a bicycle. As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving unit 210 is displayed on the screen 68 of the display unit 114 by the user at the time of renting. The code 66 and the chassis number 60 of the bicycle 12 that the user is about to rent are received.

  The decryption unit 212 uses the upper digit of the received cipher 66 at the time of lending by using the encryption algorithm for the time so that the current time (to be exact, the user sends the cipher 66 to the management center 40). (Sent to the destination) and restore it and handle it as the lending time.

  To be precise, it may be to be called a decryption algorithm, noting that this encryption algorithm is now used for decryption, but not for encryption. However, since the encryption algorithm has the property of a table showing the correspondence relationship between the information before encryption and the information after encryption, whether it is a scene of encryption or a scene of decryption is determined. Regardless, for convenience of description, it will be referred to as an encryption algorithm.

  Further, the decryption unit 212 restores the station ID by decrypting the lower digit of the received cipher 66 at the time of lending using the encryption algorithm for the station ID, and restores it. Handle as an ID.

  The lending permission unit 214 allows the difference between the lending time and the current time measured by the clock 216 to be an allowable value (as long as the difference between the lending time and the current time is normal as long as the user's operation is not illegal). The length of the bicycle 12 is equal to or less than a statistically impossible length, the rental station ID is authentic, and the received chassis number 60 is authentic. Allow to rent.

  In order to determine whether or not the lending station ID is authentic, a plurality of station IDs assigned to the plurality of stations 20 are stored in advance in the memory 202 as a first table. When the ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table, the rental station ID this time is determined to be authentic.

  Similarly, in order to determine whether or not the chassis number 60 is authentic, the plurality of chassis numbers 60 assigned to the plurality of bicycles 12 stored in the plurality of stations 20 are stored in the second table. Is stored in the memory 202 in advance, and when the current chassis number 60 matches any of the plurality of chassis numbers 60 in the second table, the current chassis number 60 is determined to be authentic.

  The storage unit 218 stores the lending time and the lending station ID in the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60 in preparation for later use.

  When the lending permission is issued from the lending permission unit 214, the personal identification number acquisition unit 220 obtains the personal identification number for unlocking the dial lock 84 used for the bicycle 12 corresponding to the current chassis number 60 from the third table. Read out. In the third table, a plurality of chassis numbers 60 and a plurality of personal identification numbers are stored in advance in association with each other.

  The transmission unit 222 transmits a message for notifying that the lending start has been performed to the communication device 90 of the user together with the read personal identification number. By using the personal identification number, the user can unlock the dial lock 84 of the bicycle 12 to be borrowed and release the bicycle 12 from the bicycle stall 72.

  The hardware configuration will be described in more detail by focusing on the process of returning a bicycle. As shown in FIG. 6, the receiving unit 210 is displayed by the user on the screen 68 of the display unit 114 at the time of returning. The code 66 and the chassis number 60 of the bicycle to be returned by the user are received.

  The deciphering unit 212 deciphers the upper digit of the received cipher 66 at the time of return using the time-decoding encryption algorithm, and thus the current time (to be exact, the user manages the cipher 66). The time transmitted to the center 40) is restored, and it is treated as the return time. Further, the decryption unit 212 restores the station ID by decrypting the lower digit of the received cipher 66 at the time of returning using the encryption algorithm for the station ID, and returns it to the returning station. Handle as an ID.

  The return permission unit 230 determines that the difference between the return time and the current time measured by the clock 216 is less than or equal to the allowable value, the return station ID is authentic, and the received chassis number 60. Is permitted to return the bicycle 12 to the user this time on the condition that is true.

  The return permission unit 230 determines that the present return station ID is authentic when the present return station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. The return permission unit 230 determines that the current chassis number 60 is authentic when the current chassis number 60 matches any of the plurality of chassis numbers 60 in the second table.

  The reading unit 232 reads from the memory 202 the lending time and the lending station ID stored in association with the current chassis number 60.

  The rental fee calculation unit 234 calculates the length of the elapsed time from the lending time to the return time as the length of usage time (rental time) in which the user uses the bicycle 12. The amount of the rental fee is set to increase according to the length of the usage time, and when the return station ID does not match the lending station ID, the rental fee is set to increase compared to the case where the return station ID matches. Is previously stored in the memory 202 as a fourth table. The rental fee calculation unit 234 determines whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID, and refers to the fourth table based on the determination result and the calculated length of usage time. By doing so, the amount of this rental fee is calculated.

  The payment processing unit 236 collects the rental fee of this time from the user by performing bank payment, credit payment, prepaid method payment, and the like for the user of this time.

  The transmission unit 222 transmits a message indicating that the return has been completed to the communication device 90 of the user together with the payment details of the rental fee this time. After that, the user locks the bicycle 12 to be returned to any unused bicycle stall 72 with the wire lock 80, and then locks the dial lock 84 of the wire lock 80.

  7 and 8 conceptually show flowcharts of a lending / returning program executed by the processor 200 of the center-side unit 50 and stored in advance in the memory 202.

  Each execution of this lending / returning program is started in step S701 shown in FIG. 7, and in this step S701, the type of this request issued from the user to the management center 40 via the communication device 90 is determined. The information for specifying whether it is for lending or returning, the chassis number 60, and the code 66 are received together with the member ID and password that are pre-assigned to the user this time.

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

  Next, in step S702, it is determined whether or not the personal authentication of the user this time has succeeded, based on the collation result of the received member ID and password with the registered information. If the personal authentication is successful, it is determined in step S703 whether the current request from the user is a lending request. If the current request is a return request, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to the step group shown in FIG. 8. However, if the current request is a lending request, the determination is YES and step S704. Move to.

  In this step S704, the upper digit of the received cipher 66 is decrypted by using the time encryption algorithm, whereby the lending time is restored. Succeedingly, in a step S705, it is determined whether or not a difference between the lending time and the current time measured by the clock 216 is equal to or less than the allowable value. If the difference is larger than the allowable value, it is determined that the data received this time from the user is abnormal, and the lending / returning program ends without providing the user with the current service.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the lending time and the current time is less than or equal to the allowable value, the determination in step S705 becomes YES, and subsequently in step S706, the encryption algorithm for the station ID is stored in the memory 202. Of the plurality of individual algorithms (the same as the plurality of individual algorithms stored in the memory 102 of the station-side unit 30 described above) that compose the, corresponding to the current time (the restored lending time is also possible) is selected. Then, it is read from the memory 202.

  Subsequently, in step S707, the lower digit of the received cipher 66 is decrypted by using the read individual algorithm, whereby the lending station ID is restored.

  Succeedingly, in a step S708, it is determined whether or not the lending station ID of this time is authentic by determining whether or not the lending station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. To be done. If the current lending station ID is not authentic, it is determined that the data received this time from the user is abnormal, and the execution of this lending / returning program ends without providing the user with the current service.

  On the other hand, if the rental station ID this time is authentic, the determination in step S708 is YES, and subsequently, in step S709, the current vehicle number 60 is one of the multiple vehicle numbers in the second table. By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the chassis number 60 at this time is authentic. If the chassis number 60 of this time is not authentic, it is determined that the data received this time from the user is abnormal, and the execution of this lending / returning program is terminated without providing the service of this time to the user.

  On the other hand, when the chassis number 60 of this time is authentic, the determination in step S709 is YES, and subsequently, in step S710, lending the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the user is permitted. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually at the station 20 having the restored station ID at the restored lending time. Then, in step S711, the current lending time and the lending station are stored in the memory 202 in association with the current chassis number 60 in preparation for later use.

  Subsequently, in step S712, the user himself / herself unlocks the personal identification number corresponding to the chassis number 60 of this time, that is, the dial lock 84 locked in the bicycle 12 this time by referring to the third table. The number (for example, a plurality of digits) to be given to the dial lock 84 is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S713, the acquired personal identification number and a message indicating that the rental of the bicycle 12 is started are transmitted to the communication device 90 of the user. This is the end of the part of the lending / returning program for lending the bicycle 12.

  On the other hand, if the current request issued by the user is a return request, the determination in step S703 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S801 shown in FIG. In this step S801, the upper digit of the cipher 66 received at the time of return is decrypted by using the time encryption algorithm, whereby the return time is restored.

  Then, in step S802, it is determined whether or not the difference between the return time and the current time is less than or equal to the allowable value. If the difference is larger than the allowable value, it is determined that the data received this time from the user is abnormal, and the lending / returning program ends without providing the user with the current service.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the return time and the current time is less than or equal to the allowable value, the determination in step S802 is YES, and subsequently in step S803, the encryption algorithm for the station ID is selected in the memory 202. Then, it is read from the memory 202. Specifically, as described above, among the plurality of individual algorithms forming the encryption algorithm for the station ID, the one corresponding to the current time (the restored return time is also possible) is selected in the memory 202. Read out.

  Subsequently, in step S804, the lower digit of the cipher 66 received at the time of return is decrypted by using the read encryption algorithm (individual algorithm), and thereby the return station ID is restored.

  Succeedingly, in a step S804, it is determined whether or not the return station ID of this time is authentic by determining whether or not the return station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. To be done. If the return station ID of this time is not authentic, it is determined that there is some abnormality in the data received this time from the user, and the execution of this lending / returning program ends without providing the service of this time to the user.

  On the other hand, when the return station ID of this time is authentic, the determination in step S805 is YES, and subsequently, in step S806, the current chassis number 60 is any of the multiple chassis numbers in the second table. By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the chassis number 60 at this time is authentic. If the chassis number 60 of this time is not authentic, it is determined that the data received this time from the user is abnormal, and the execution of this lending / returning program is terminated without providing the service of this time to the user.

  On the other hand, if the chassis number 60 of this time is authentic, the determination in step S806 is YES, and subsequently, in step S807, the user returns the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the station 20 of this time. Is allowed. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually at the station 20 having the restored station ID at the restored return time. Then, in step S808, the rental time and the rental station of the bicycle 12 to be returned this time are read from the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60 of this time.

  Then, in step S809, the length of the elapsed time from the lending time to the return time is calculated as the length of the usage time of the user using the bicycle 12. Then, in step S810, it is determined whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID.

  Then, in step S811, by referring to the fourth table based on the calculated length of use time and the determination result as to whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID, The rental fee is calculated. Thereafter, in step S812, the calculated rental fee is settled to the user of this time, whereby the rental fee of this time is collected from the user.

  Subsequently, in step S813, the message indicating that the return is completed and the payment details of the current rental fee are transmitted to the communication device 90 of the user. This completes the execution of the part of the lending / returning program for returning the bicycle 12.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the station ID is a station ID that is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20 but static with respect to time, and the encryption unit 112 shown in FIG. By using an encryption algorithm which is static with respect to the position of the station 20 but dynamic with respect to the time, and which is common to a plurality of stations 20, the station ID is also used for the position of the station 20. Encrypt to crypto that is also dynamic.

  On the other hand, in a modification, each station ID is a station ID that is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20 and the time. The encryption unit 112 encrypts this station ID momentarily with an encryption algorithm that is static both with respect to the position of the station 20 and with respect to time, so that the station 20 is dynamic with respect to both position and time. Get 66.

  Specifically, a plurality of individual station IDs are stored in the memory 202 in association with different times in order to realize a station ID that is dynamic with respect to both the position of the station 20 and the time. A collection of the individual station IDs for one day is different for each station 20. The encryption unit 112 selects one of the individual station IDs corresponding to the current time, reads the selected individual station ID from the memory 202, and reads the read current individual station ID of the station 20. Encrypt using an encryption algorithm that is static in both position and time.

  Specifically, in this modification, the station ID that is the object of encryption is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20 as well as the time, whereas the encryption algorithm is also relevant to the position of the station 20. The time is also static. As a result, the cipher 66 resulting from the encryption is dynamic with respect to the location of station 20 and with respect to time.

  Therefore, if the time and the code 66 at that time are specified, the station 20 from which the code 66 is acquired can be identified. In addition, since the cipher 66 is dynamic with respect to time, the user impersonates the user who returned the bicycle at the same station 20 as when the bicycle 12 was rented, by using the same cipher 66 as when the bicycle 12 was rented. Is prevented, which deters fraudulent activity.

  As is clear from the above description, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the unique information for specifying the station 20, that is, the station ID (whether static or dynamic) is the same. Although it is for the station 20, it is encrypted with the cryptographic code 66 that changes from moment to moment.

  However, of the ciphers 66, only the station ID-related partial cipher is a cipher that is dynamic with respect to the position of the station 20 and the time, whereas the current time-related partial cipher is the position of the station 20. Is static with respect to, but dynamic with respect to time.

  Therefore, the unique information for specifying the same station 20 is encrypted by a plurality of different ciphers 66 at a plurality of different times. Therefore, as long as the return time is different from the lending time, the cipher 66 at the time of returning does not actually match the cipher 66 at the time of lending even if the cipher is for the same station 20.

  Nevertheless, since the encryption scheme is concealed from the user, the user can easily feel the same encryption as the encryption 66 displayed on the screen 68 at the time of lending to another station 20. If it is used at the time of return, the encryption at the time of the return is an illegal code that cannot exist at that time. Therefore, the management center 40 that received the encryption at the time of the return from the user will return the encryption at the time of the return. I can't decipher.

  If the management center 40 cannot decipher the cipher at the time of return, the management center 40 reports to the user that the cipher at the time of return is improper, so that the user who has received the report can confirm whether or not there is any misconduct. Know that they were being monitored and that their fraud was discovered. Therefore, the user is conscious of not wanting to perform the same wrongdoing again, and thus, the deterrent effect against the wrongdoing of the user can be obtained.

  On the other hand, the management center 40 adopts the method of receiving the dynamic cipher 66 from the user via the mobile communication device 90, and thus the user has a positioning function (for example, GPS function) for measuring the current position of the user momentarily. It is possible for the user to recognize the station 20 that is truly located at the time of lending and returning without activating the mobile communication device 90.

  Further, thanks to the technique of receiving the dynamic cipher 66 from the user via the portable communication device 90, a signal for specifying the station 20 to be rented or returned is transmitted from the station 20 to the management center 40. It is possible for the user to recognize the truly located station 20 at the time of lending and returning without having to install communication equipment for each station 20. As a result, the equipment cost of each station 20 can be reduced, which in turn can reduce the maintenance cost of the equipment.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the user returns the borrowed bicycle 12, it is possible to prolong the bicycle usage time without requesting that the rental information including the lending time and the lending station be transmitted to the management center 40. It is possible to calculate the length and to determine whether the lending station and the returning station are in agreement or inconsistency. Therefore, the burden imposed on the user is reduced.

<Second Embodiment of the Present Invention>

  A bicycle rental system 300 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the bicycle rental system 300 has many elements in common with the bicycle rental system 10 according to the first embodiment described above, only different elements will be described in detail, and common elements will have the same name or Duplicated description will be omitted by quoting with reference numerals.

  First of all, a bicycle rental system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) 300 will be generally described with respect to the station-side unit 30 of the bicycle rental system 10 according to the first embodiment. However, the center-side unit 50 is common except that it does not have the storage unit 218 and the reading unit 232 as shown in the functional block diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10. Further, in the system 300, the storage unit 218 and the reading unit 232 are not provided, but instead of the cipher 66 at the time of returning when the user returns the rented bicycle 12, the cipher 66 at the time of rental is also stored in the management center 40. You are required to send.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the receiving unit 210 receives both the cipher 66 at the time of returning and the cipher 66 at the time of lending from the user at the time of returning. Similarly to the first embodiment, the decryption unit 212 restores the lending time and the lending station ID from the lending cipher 66 by using the dynamic encryption algorithm, and further, returns the cipher 66. Then, the lending time and the lending station ID are restored. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the unique station ID assigned to each station is static and does not change over time.

  Therefore, the lending / returning program executed by the computer 204 of the center side unit 50 is basically common to the lending / returning program shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the flowchart showing the lending / returning program in the present embodiment is different from the flowchart of the lending / returning program in that the lending time and the lending station ID are not stored in the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60. The first embodiment is common to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

  Further, the flowchart showing the lending / returning program in the present embodiment has already been rented out in the process for returning, that the lending time and the lending station ID are not read out from the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60. The first embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 except that the user who is about to return the bicycle 12 is required to input the cipher 66 at the time of lending, but is not required to input the chassis number 60. It is common to the flowchart shown.

  In the flow chart showing the lending / returning program in the present embodiment, a portion corresponding to the flow chart shown in FIG. 7 will be omitted from further illustration and text description, while a portion corresponding to the flow chart shown in FIG. Will be described in comparison with the flowchart of FIG.

  When the request issued by the user is a return request, the determination of the step (not shown) corresponding to step S703 shown in FIG. 7 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S1101 shown in FIG. In this step S1101, similarly to step S704 shown in FIG. 7, the upper digit of the cipher 66 at the time of lending is decrypted using the encryption algorithm for the time, and thereby the lending time is restored. It

  After that, in step S1102, similarly to step S801 shown in FIG. 8, the upper digit of the cipher 66 at the time of return is decrypted by using the encryption algorithm for the time, and thereby the return time is restored. It

  Subsequently, in step S1103, similarly to step S802, it is determined whether or not the difference between the return time and the current time is less than or equal to the allowable value. If the difference is larger than the allowable value, the lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, if the difference between the return time and the current time is less than or equal to the allowable value, the determination in step S1103 is YES.

  Subsequently, in step S1104, similar to step S803 shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of individual algorithms (stored in the memory 102 of the station side unit 30 to generate the cipher 66 are included in the encryption algorithm for the station ID. The one corresponding to the lending time (the same as the individual algorithm used in the station unit 30 to generate the cipher 66 at the time of lending) is selected in the memory 202 from among the plurality of individual algorithms Read out.

  Then, in step S1105, the lower digit of the cipher 66 at the time of lending is decrypted by using the read individual algorithm, whereby the lending station ID is restored.

  Then, in step S1106, of the plurality of individual algorithms forming the encryption algorithm for the station ID, the one corresponding to the current time (even the restored return time is possible) is selected and read in the memory 202.

  Subsequently, in step S1107, the lower digit of the cipher 66 at the time of return is decrypted by using the read individual algorithm, whereby the return station ID is restored.

  After that, in step S1108, it is determined whether or not the current return station ID is authentic by determining whether or not the return station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. It If the current return station ID is not authentic, execution of this lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, if the return station ID this time is authentic, the determination in step S1108 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1109, the length of the elapsed time from the lending time to the return time is determined by the user. It is calculated as the length of the use time of using the bicycle 12. Then, in step S1110, it is determined whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID.

  Then, in step S1111, by referring to the fourth table based on the calculated length of use time and the determination result as to whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID, The rental fee is calculated. Then, in step S1112, the calculated rental fee is settled to the current user, and the current rental fee is collected from the user.

  Subsequently, in step S1113, the message indicating that the return is completed and the payment details of the current rental fee are transmitted to the communication device 90 of the user. This completes the execution of the part of the lending / returning program for returning the bicycle 12.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present embodiment, the center-side unit 50 may request the lending information including the lending time and the lending station to be stored in the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60. , At the time of return, without requesting that the rental information be associated with the chassis number 60 and read from the memory 202, calculation of the length of bicycle use time and agreement / disagreement between the lending station and the returning station Can be determined. Therefore, the load imposed on the center unit 50 is reduced.

<Third Embodiment of the Present Invention>

  A bicycle rental system 400 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the bicycle rental system 400 has many elements in common with the bicycle rental system 10 according to the first embodiment described above, only different elements will be described in detail, and common elements will have the same name or Duplicated description will be omitted by quoting with reference numerals.

  First, in brief explanation, this bicycle rental system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) 400 is different from the bicycle rental system 10 according to the first embodiment described above with respect to the station side unit 30 shown in FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart, respectively, the encryption algorithm used for encrypting the current time differs from station to station 20, that is, the position of station 20 is dynamic. The points are the same, and the station ID is not encrypted.

  Further, the system 400 differs from the system 10 in that the center side unit 50 is for restoring the station ID as shown in the functional block diagrams of FIGS. 14 and 15 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively. It is common except that the code is not decrypted.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual flowchart showing an encryption / display program executed by the computer 104 of the station side unit 30 shown in FIG.

  Each execution of this encryption / display program is started in step S1301, and in step S1301, the current time is measured using the clock 110. Next, in step S1302, an encryption algorithm for time, which is different for each station 20, is read from the memory 102, and the measured current time is encrypted by using the encryption algorithm. ..

  Subsequently, in step S1303, the encrypted current time is displayed as the cipher 66 on the screen 68. This is the end of one execution of the encryption / display program.

  16 and 17 conceptually show flowcharts of a lending / returning program executed by the processor 200 of the center-side unit 50 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 and stored in advance in the memory 202. ing.

  By the way, when the current time is encrypted moment by moment, even if the current time is encrypted by using a static encryption algorithm with respect to time, the target of encryption is dynamic with respect to time, so it is obtained by the encryption. The ciphers that are made will be dynamic ciphers over time.

  On the other hand, when a numerical string representing the time is encrypted at the same time using a plurality of different encryption algorithms, a plurality of different ciphers are obtained.

  Also, if a different encryption algorithm is assigned to each station 20 to perform time encryption, each station 20 obtains a different cipher from the other stations 20 at the same time. The cipher eventually becomes a dynamic cipher not only with respect to time, but also with respect to the location of station 20.

  Therefore, if the time is shared, a known relationship is established between the type of encryption algorithm and the cipher, and the relationship is associated with the time. Further, the type of encryption algorithm and the position of the station 20 have a one-to-one correspondence.

  Therefore, if the time and the cipher at that time are known, the type of the encryption algorithm used to acquire the cipher can be estimated, and the position of the station 20 where the cipher is acquired can be estimated.

  Based on such knowledge, first, a schematic description will be given. In this system 400, the user uses the communication device 90 to display the cipher displayed on the screen 68 of the display unit 114 installed in the station 20 this time. 66 to the center side unit 50 of the management center 40.

  When receiving the cipher 66 from the user, the center-side unit 50 measures the time at which the reception was performed as the reception time, decrypts the received cipher, and thereby restores the time.

  The center-side unit 50 further compares the restored time with the reception time, and thereby, the plurality of encryption algorithms different for each station 20 (hereinafter, for convenience of description, “a plurality of candidate ciphers” is used). Of the candidate encryption algorithms EA in which the difference between the time restored by the decryption and the reception time is equal to or less than a reference value when the received encryption is decrypted using the EA. Is selected as the genuine encryption algorithm corresponding to the station actually present.

  The center side unit 50 further recognizes that the user is actually at the station corresponding to the selected authentic encryption algorithm at the time restored by decryption using the selected authentic encryption algorithm. To do.

  Thus, according to this system 400, the type of encryption algorithm for the time, that is, the encryption method, is changed for each station 20, that is, the type of the encryption algorithm for the time is changed with respect to the position of the station 20. By identifying the present station 20 from the cipher 66, the unique station ID assigned to each station 20 is not used and the station ID is not encrypted into a broad dynamic encryption. it can.

  Also, since the cipher 66 is dynamic with respect to time, the user can impersonate the user who returned the bicycle at the same station 20 as when the bicycle was rented, by using the same cipher 66 as when the bicycle was rented when returning the bicycle. Are deterred, which prevents fraud.

  Each execution of the lending / returning program in this embodiment is started in step S1601 shown in FIG. 16, and in this step S1601, the current request issued from the user to the management center 40 via the communication device 90. The information for specifying whether the type is a loan or a return, the chassis number 60, and the code 66 are received together with the member ID and the password pre-allocated for this user.

  Next, in step S1602, it is determined whether or not the personal authentication of the user this time has succeeded, based on the collation result of the received member ID and password and the registered information. If the personal authentication is successful, it is determined in step S1603 whether the current request from the user is a lending request. If the current request is a return request, the determination becomes NO, and then the process proceeds to the step group shown in FIG. 17. However, if the current request is a lending request, the determination becomes YES and step S1604. Move to.

  In step S1604, the number i for specifying the candidate encryption algorithm EA to be selected this time is set to 1. Subsequently, in step S1605, the one to which the current value of the number i is assigned is selected from the plurality of candidate encryption algorithms EA in the memory 202.

  Then, in step S1606, the selected candidate encryption algorithm EAi is read from the memory 202 and the received candidate encryption algorithm EAi is used to decrypt the received cipher 66, whereby The candidate lending time is restored.

  Subsequently, in step S1607, it is determined whether the difference between the candidate lending time and the current time is less than or equal to the reference value. If the difference is larger than the reference value, the determination is no, and then in step S1608, the number i is incremented by 1. Then, it returns to step S1605.

  On the other hand, if the difference between the candidate lending time and the current time is less than or equal to the reference value, the determination in step S1607 is YES, and subsequently in step S1609, the current candidate encryption algorithm EAi is It is selected as the proper encryption algorithm for decrypting the cipher 66.

  Then, in step S1610, the current candidate lending time is selected as the genuine lending time. Then, in step S1611, according to a predetermined relationship between the station ID and the genuine encryption algorithm number i, which is stored in the memory 202 in advance, the true encryption algorithm number i is set to this time. The corresponding lending station ID is determined.

  Then, in step S1612, it is determined whether or not the current lending station ID is authentic by determining whether or not the lending station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. It If the lending station ID this time is not authentic, execution of this lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, if the rental station ID this time is authentic, the determination in step S1612 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1613, the current vehicle number 60 is one of the multiple vehicle numbers in the second table. By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the chassis number 60 at this time is authentic. If the chassis number 60 this time is not authentic, the execution of this lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when the chassis number 60 of this time is authentic, the determination in step S1613 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1614, lending the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the user is permitted. Then, in step S1615, the current rental time and the rental station are stored in the memory 202 in association with the current chassis number 60 in preparation for later use.

  Then, in step S1616, the user himself / herself unlocks the personal identification number corresponding to the chassis number 60 of this time, that is, the dial lock 84 locked in the bicycle 12 this time, by referring to the third table. The number (for example, a plurality of digits) to be given to the dial lock 84 is acquired.

  Then, in step S1617, the acquired personal identification number and a message indicating that the rental of the bicycle 12 is started are transmitted to the communication device 90 of the user. This is the end of the part of the lending / returning program for lending the bicycle 12.

  On the other hand, if the current request issued by the user is a return request, the determination in step S1603 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S1701 shown in FIG.

  In step S1701, the number j for specifying the candidate encryption algorithm EA to be selected this time is set to 1. Subsequently, in step S1702, the memory 202 is selected from among the plurality of candidate encryption algorithms EA to which the current value of the number j is assigned.

  Thereafter, in step S1703, the selected candidate encryption algorithm EAj is read from the memory 202, and the received cipher 66 is decrypted by using the read candidate encryption algorithm EAj, thereby, Candidate return time is restored.

  Subsequently, in step S1704, it is determined whether or not the difference between the candidate return time and the current time is less than or equal to the reference value. If the difference is larger than the reference value, the determination is no, and then in step S11705, the number j is incremented by 1. Then, the process returns to step S1702.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the candidate return time and the current time is less than or equal to the reference value, the determination in step S1704 is YES, and subsequently in step S1706, the current candidate encryption algorithm EAj is It is selected as the proper encryption algorithm for decrypting the cipher 66.

  Then, in step S1707, the current candidate return time is selected as the true return time. Subsequently, in step S1708, according to the predetermined relationship between the station ID and the genuine encryption algorithm number j, which is stored in the memory 202 in advance, the current genuine encryption algorithm number j is set. The corresponding return station ID is determined.

  After that, in step S1709, it is determined whether or not the current return station ID is authentic by determining whether or not the return station ID matches any one of the plurality of station IDs in the first table. It If the current return station ID is not authentic, execution of this lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, if the return station ID of this time is authentic, the determination in step S1709 becomes YES, and subsequently, in step S1710, the current chassis number 60 is any of the multiple chassis numbers in the second table. By determining whether or not they match, it is determined whether or not the chassis number 60 at this time is authentic. If the chassis number 60 this time is not authentic, the execution of this lending / returning program is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when the chassis number 60 of this time is authentic, the determination in step S1710 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1711, the user returns the bicycle 12 having the chassis number 60 to the station 20 this time. Is allowed. Then, in step S1712, the rental time and the rental station of the bicycle 12 to be returned this time are read from the memory 202 in association with the chassis number 60 of this time.

  Subsequently, in step S1713, the length of the elapsed time from the lending time to the return time is calculated as the length of the usage time of the user using the bicycle 12. Then, in step S1714, it is determined whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID.

  Subsequently, in step S1715, by referring to the fourth table based on the calculated length of use time and the determination result of whether the return station ID matches the lending station ID, The rental fee is calculated. Thereafter, in step S1716, the calculated rental fee is settled to the user of this time, whereby the rental fee of this time is collected from the user.

  Subsequently, in step S1717, the message indicating that the return is completed and the payment details of the current rental fee are transmitted to the communication device 90 of the user. This completes the execution of the part of the lending / returning program for returning the bicycle 12.

  As is clear from the detailed description of some of the embodiments described above, in those embodiments, the encryption unit 112 of the station-side unit 30 installed in each station 20 is the same as before encryption. The cipher 66 is generated moment by moment by encrypting information (for example, station ID, current time) using an encryption algorithm.

  Here, the encryption process can be likened to a process of multiplying the information before encryption by the encryption algorithm for the sake of simplicity. Then, since the cipher resulting from the multiplication is dynamic with respect to both time and station position, one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm is dynamic with respect to at least time. , The other is dynamic with respect to at least the station position, or at least one of the pre-encryption information and / or the encryption algorithm is required to be dynamic with respect to both time and station position.

  Therefore, the information before encryption includes information on at least one of the time and the station position. Is the combination of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm dynamic with respect to at least the time of day and the other dynamic with respect to at least the station position? , Or at least one of the pre-encryption information and the encryption algorithm is dynamic in terms of time and station position.

  The cipher 66 has a property that the user cannot decipher it due to its property. This cipher 66 is further configured to be dynamic both in terms of time and station position, so that if the user is actually at any station 20 at any time, then exactly at that time. Unless the user is actually at the station 20, the user cannot acquire the genuine cipher 66, and the fact that the user is actually at the station 20 at the exact time is the center side unit 50 of the management center 40. It has a property that the code 66 can be deciphered and estimated.

  When the type of encryption algorithm is common to a plurality of stations 20, the center side unit 50 can generate a plurality of ciphers, a plurality of decryption results, and a position of the plurality of stations 20 (for example, a plurality of stations 20). According to a predetermined relationship with a plurality of unique station IDs that are pre-assigned to each station, or if the type of encryption algorithm is unique to each station 20, a plurality of ciphers and From the user according to a predetermined relationship between the decryption result, the plurality of encryption algorithm types, and the positions of the plurality of stations 20 (for example, a plurality of unique station IDs preassigned to the plurality of stations 20). The received cipher 66 is decrypted, thereby estimating the station 20 where the user is actually located and the time when the user is actually located at that station 20.

  Here, focusing on the station ID-related partial cipher among the ciphers 66, the station ID-related partial cipher is dynamic with respect to both time and station ID. This means that the station ID-related partial cipher changes with time, even for the same station. However, since the number taken by the station ID-related partial cipher at each time for each station is known, the time when the station ID-related partial cipher is valid (for example, the time displayed on the screen 68) is known. Then, the corresponding station ID can be estimated.

  When the time when the management center 40 receives the station ID related partial cipher is known without the aid of the current time related partial cipher (for example, in the lending scene, the lending time is the management center 40 uses the station ID. At the same time as the time when the related partial cipher was received), if the station ID related partial cipher is decrypted in association with the found time without the help of the current time related partial cipher, , The corresponding station ID can be estimated.

  On the other hand, when the time when the management center 40 receives the station ID related partial cipher is not known without the help of the current time related partial cipher (for example, in the return scene, the lending time preceding the lending time). Is required), the lending time is first restored by decrypting the current time related partial cipher, and then the station ID related partial cipher is decrypted in association with the restored time, The corresponding station ID can be deduced.

  As described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the rental device 30 is installed in the station 20, and the rental device 30 displays the cipher 66, which is dynamic with respect to both the time and the station position, on the screen 68. Although described as configured, the invention may be implemented in a manner such that the rental device 30 is configured to display on screen 68 a cipher 66 that is dynamic with respect to station position but not dynamic with respect to time. It is also possible to carry out.

  In this modification, for example, for each station 20, each station-side unit 30 (an example of a display unit) is common to a plurality of bicycles 12 (rental cycle) used in the corresponding station 20, and It is installed without being physically associated with the bicycle 12. The station side unit 30 has a display unit 114 for displaying information on the screen 68, and the display unit 114 time-invariantly displays on the screen 68 a cipher 66 representing the station ID unique to the corresponding station 20. To display.

  However, the invariant display at that time includes a display mode in which the same cipher 66 is displayed every day and a display mode in which the same cipher 66 is displayed for one time period and another cipher 66 is displayed for another time period. is there.

  In the latter display mode, both ciphers 66 are unique to the same station 20. That is, the same station 20 does not have a plurality of ciphers 66 at the same time.

  In this modification, as compared with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the station side unit 30 may measure the current time, or the station side unit 30 may use the current time to encrypt the station ID. It can be omitted.

  Further, in this modified example, the lending time is different from that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 at the time when the center side unit 50 receives the lending request from any of the station side units 30 (the center side unit). 50 measures). In the modified example, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the return time is not the time when the center side unit 50 receives the return request from any of the station side units 30 (center time). Side unit 50 measures).

  Further, in this modified example, step S704 is changed to the content for determining the lending time as the time when the center side unit 50 receives the lending request from any of the station side units 30 with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. It In the modified example, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, step S801 has the content of determining the return time as the time when the center side unit 50 receives the return request from any of the station side units 30. Be changed.

  Further, in this modification, for example, a bicycle rental system is used in which rental bicycles are rented and returned to the user at a plurality of stations for storing rental bicycles.

  The bicycle rental system encrypts the station ID unique to each station to generate an encryption at each station or another place (for example, the management center 40, a management server described later, etc.), A display unit that displays the generated cipher at the position of each station, and a management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a communication device of a user who uses any of the stations. , Its management server receives the cipher from the user's communication device at any station and deciphers the received cipher, thereby restoring the corresponding station ID, whereby the user can A plurality of ciphers, each of which is displayed at the position of the plurality of stations, including a deciphering unit that identifies a station that is actually present, is configured to be a dynamic cipher that is dynamic with respect to the position of the station.

  Further, in this modified example, for example, a bicycle rental method is performed in which rental bicycles are rented and returned to the user at a plurality of stations for storing rental bicycles.

  The bicycle rental method includes an encryption step of encrypting a station ID unique to each station to generate a code at each station or another place (for example, the management center 40, a management server described later, etc.), and A display server that displays the generated code on the screen at the position of the station, and a management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations by communicating with a communication device of a user who uses one of the stations. A receiving step of receiving the cipher from a user's communication device at any station, and the management server decrypting the received cipher, thereby restoring the corresponding station ID, whereby the user And a decryption step for identifying the actual station, wherein the plurality of ciphers displayed at the positions of the plurality of stations are configured to be dynamic ciphers that are dynamic with respect to the station position.

  Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings by taking a case where the rental target is a bicycle as an example, the present invention can be applied to other rental targets.

  For example, a rental target is a motorcycle (for example, the personal identification number is applied to an engine key of the motorcycle), an automobile (the personal identification number is applied to a door key or an engine key of the automobile, for example). ), A motorized boat or jet ski (the PIN applies, for example, to the engine key of the boat or jet ski), or a go-kart running on a particular course (the PIN is, for example, that of the go-kart). The present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is applied to a door key or an engine key).

  Further, the rental target is furniture (the security code is applied to, for example, a door key in a closed space where the furniture is stored), electric appliances (the security code is, for example, a closed space where the electrical device is stored). A door key in a space), an accessory that is removably attached to an electric appliance (the PIN is applied, for example, to a door key in a closed space where the accessory is stored), or In the case of a recording medium (for example, a CD) on which audiovisual contents are recorded and which can be reproduced by the user (the above-mentioned personal identification number is applied to, for example, a door key in a closed space for storing the storage medium). Also, the present invention can be applied.

  Furthermore, the rental object is a room of a hotel or apartment in which the user can live (the above-mentioned personal identification number is applied to, for example, a door key of the room), an individual storage space in a coin locker (the above-mentioned personal identification number is, for example, It is applied to the door key of each room of the coin locker) or the individual parking space in the parking lot (the above-mentioned PIN is, for example, a device that manages lending of the parking lot for each individual parking space, It is possible to apply the present invention also in the case of (related input by the user).

  As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail based on the drawings, but these are examples, and based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the modes described in the section of [Summary of the Invention]. The present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (6)

A rental system for lending or returning a rental target to a user at each of a plurality of stations for storing a rental target,
A station information output device which is installed at the position of each station and outputs encrypted station information for identifying the station ,
And a management server that centrally manages the plurality of stations at their remote locations ,
The station information is represented as a cipher that is dynamic with respect to station position but time invariant with respect to the same station ,
The mobile terminal of the user transmits to the management server without decoding the station information output from the station information output device at the position of any station where the user actually exists ,
The management server receives the station information from the mobile terminal and decrypts the received station information to identify the station where the user is actually present . The management server further includes
A permitting unit that permits the user to lend or return the rental target at the specified station, provided that the difference between the time when the lending or the returning is performed and the current time is less than or equal to an allowable value. The rental system according to claim 1, comprising: The management server further includes
The rental system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a time determination unit that determines a lending time or a return time as a reception time when the user receives a lending request or a return request from any station where the user is actually present. The management server further includes
The rental system according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits a personal identification number of the rental target to the mobile terminal when the permission unit permits the user to lend or return the rental target.   A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to claim 1.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded so that it can be read by a computer.

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