JP2021071997A - Battery or router rental system and rental method and program used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a battery or router rental system and rental method and a program used therefor, capable of improving user convenience by a lending request, a return request or return reservation from a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A battery or router rental system calculates a rental fee according to a rental usage time, when a management server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal is rented from a slot of the rental machine and returned to an empty slot. The management server has receiving means for receiving a rending request from a mobile terminal, and control means for receiving user information and mobile terminal position information of a user, and changing a specified station whose slot information is checked from a locked state to an unlocked state, on the basis of checking the slot information in the station which is positioned near the user or where the user exists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention goes out when the battery used in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone is insufficiently charged, or when a Wi-Fi router (hereinafter referred to as a router) for connecting a mobile terminal such as a smartphone to the Internet is to be used. The battery or router that can be rented earlier-or router rental system and rental method, and the program used for this.

There is known a service that allows a battery to be rented on the go and calculates a rental fee according to the rental time when the battery used in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone becomes insufficiently charged (Patent Document 1). Then, Patent Document 1 describes that a rental station (port) displayed on a mobile terminal is searched, a user (user) moves to the station, and the rental process is executed at the station. ing. In this rental process, the user performs a rental procedure with the rental machine at the station to unlock the battery provided in the slot of the rental machine from the locked state (fixed state so that it cannot be taken out without permission). It is considered to mean that the battery can be obtained by changing to the state (not fixed so that the user who has completed the rental procedure can obtain it).

Further, regarding Patent Document 1, when returning the battery, if the rental machine of the station has an empty slot, it is considered that the user can return the battery, but there is no description about the return when there is no empty slot.

Japanese Patent No. 6358689

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to execute the above-mentioned rental processing by the rental machine at the station at the time of lending, the user arriving at the station cannot immediately obtain the battery. In addition, since the rental process by the rental machine at the arriving station is complicated and takes a long time, the user cannot immediately obtain the battery.

In other words, there is a need for improvements in lending that improve convenience for users who want to quickly eliminate insufficient charging.

In addition, when returning the battery, if the station does not have an empty slot for returning the battery, improvement is required to improve the convenience of the user who is in need of returning the battery.

Here, regarding the above-mentioned lending and returning, the same can be said for the above-mentioned battery of the mobile terminal in the router for connecting the mobile terminal to the Internet (router of the mobile terminal).

An object of the present invention is a battery-or router rental system and rental method that can improve user convenience by lending or returning a battery or router by requesting or returning a battery or a router by making a loan request or return request or a return reservation from a mobile terminal. In addition, it is to provide a program used for this.

In order to achieve the above object, the battery or router rental system according to the present invention includes a management server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal.
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router A battery or router rental system that calculates rental fees according to time.
The management server
A receiving means for receiving the return request of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal, and
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the battery or router from the mobile terminal
A control means for ending the rental time on condition that the battery or router is returned by a predetermined deadline and transmitting information related to the condition to the mobile terminal.
It is characterized by having.

Here, four cases are described in parallel as an incentive to induce control of the control means, but the present invention is limited to a form in which any of the four cases can be implemented on the premise that all four cases are included. However, it naturally includes a mode in which only one of the four types is implemented on the premise of only one of the four types.

Further, another battery or router rental system according to the present invention includes a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal, and the management server is used from the slot of the rental machine of the battery of the mobile terminal or the station where the router provides the rental service. The management server is a battery or router rental system that calculates a rental fee according to the rental usage time of the battery or router when it is rented and returned to an empty slot of a rental machine at the same or different station. At a receiving means for receiving the rental request of the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and at a station located near the user or a station where the user arrives by receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information by the rental request. Based on confirming the slot information, it is characterized by having a control means for changing the battery or router of the rentable slot at the station where the slot information is confirmed from the locked state to the unlocked state. To do.

Further, the battery or router rental method according to the present invention includes a management server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, and the management server is rented from the battery of the mobile terminal or a slot of a rental machine of a station where the router provides a rental service. , A battery or router rental method that calculates a rental fee according to the rental usage time of the battery or router when returned to an empty slot of a rental machine at the same or different station, and the management server is the mobile terminal. When there is no empty slot in the reception step for receiving the return request of the battery or router from the user and the station where the user arrived, the return request receives the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information, and the user arrives. Based on the confirmation of the slot information at the station, or by the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, and the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and the confirmed station. Based on the fact that there is no empty slot in, or when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received. In response to the return request made to confirm the slot information at the station, based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as a predetermined time, or If there is an empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal, the rental time is terminated on the condition that the battery or the router is returned by a predetermined deadline, and the information related to the condition is transmitted to the mobile terminal. Here, as an incentive to induce control of the control step, four cases are described in parallel, but it is said that any of the four cases can be implemented on the premise that all four cases are included. The present invention is not limited to the form, and there are four types of Izu. Naturally, it includes a mode in which only one of them is carried out on the premise of only one of them.

Further, another battery or router rental method according to the present invention includes a management server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, and the management server is used from the slot of the rental machine of the battery of the mobile terminal or the station where the router provides rental service. The management server is a battery or router rental method that calculates a rental fee according to the rental usage time of the battery or router when it is rented and returned to an empty slot of a rental machine of the same or different station. At the receiving step of receiving the rental request of the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information by the rental request. It is characterized by having a control step that changes the battery or router of the rentable slot at the station where the slot information is confirmed from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the confirmation of the slot information. To do.

Further, the program according to the present invention includes a management server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, and the management server is rented from the battery of the mobile terminal or the slot of the rental machine of the station where the router provides the rental service, and is the same or different. A program that is used in the battery or router rental system that calculates the rental fee according to the rental usage time of the battery or router when it is returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the station, and can be read by the mobile terminal. The management server receives user information and a user's mobile terminal by receiving a request for lending the battery or router from the mobile terminal and a request for returning the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and the lending request. Based on receiving the location information and checking the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived, the battery or router of the rentable slot at the station where the slot information was confirmed was locked. It is a control means to change from the state to the unlocked state, and when there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received by the return request, and the user arrives. Based on the confirmation of the slot information at the station, or by the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, and the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and the confirmed station. Based on the fact that there is no empty slot in, or when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received. In response to the return request made to confirm the slot information at the station, based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as a predetermined time, or If there is an empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed the predetermined time, before the second time as the predetermined time has passed for the return to the empty slot. Based on the return reservation of the battery or router from the mobile terminal to be performed, the rental time is terminated on condition that the battery or router is returned by a predetermined deadline, and information related to the condition is transmitted to the mobile terminal. It is characterized in that it is executed as a control means.

Here, four cases are described in parallel as an incentive to cause control of the return of the control means, but the present invention is limited to a form in which any of the four cases can be implemented on the premise that all four cases are included. It is not a matter of course, and naturally includes a mode in which only one of the four types is implemented on the premise of only one of them.

According to the present invention, the convenience of the user can be improved by lending or returning the battery or router by requesting lending or returning from the mobile terminal or making a return reservation.

Flow chart of rental in rental method (rental 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention Flow chart of return in rental 1 according to the first embodiment A system diagram constituting a battery rental service according to an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing of rental machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention Block diagram constituting the management server according to the embodiment of the present invention Explanatory drawing of a mobile terminal that enables lending and return requests Diagram showing an example of rental fee according to rental time Flow chart of rental in rental 2 (known rental method) Flow chart of return in rental 2 (known rental method) Conceptual diagram when rental 1 and rental 2 (known rental method) according to the first embodiment are provided as a rental method. Conceptual diagram when rental 1 and rental 2 (known rental method) according to the second embodiment are provided as the rental method. Flow chart of return in rental 1 according to the second embodiment Conceptual diagram when rental 1 and rental 2 (known rental method) according to the third embodiment are provided as the rental method. Explanatory drawing of a mobile terminal which enables a loan request, a return reservation, and a return request in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, the battery or router rental system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the mobile terminal is an information terminal device that can move with the movement of a user, is represented by a smartphone (smartphone), and includes a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, and the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to a battery, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a router.

<< First Embodiment >>
(Rental system)
(System configuration)
FIG. 3 shows a system diagram constituting the battery rental service according to the embodiment of the present invention. Rental machines 303, 304, and 305 for renting batteries for mobile terminals are provided at various service stations (stations A, B, C ...) such as railway stations, hotels, and convenience stores (convenience stores). The number of stations and rental machines is not limited to those shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 301 and the user's mobile terminal 302, and the management server 301 and the rental machines 303, 304, and 305 of the service station are connected to each other via the Internet.

The battery rental system according to the embodiment of the present invention is basically composed of the management server 301. As a matter of course, it is also conceivable to include the management server 301 and the rental machines 303 to 305 at each station. Further, it is considered that the management server 301, the rental machines 303 to 305 at each station, and the mobile terminal 302 are included.

Regarding the rental (rental processing) and return (return processing) of the battery related to the rental machine, FIG. 4 shows the hardware configuration of the rental machine. When the user holding the mobile terminal 302 recognizes that the battery is insufficiently charged while going out, the rental battery 403 can be rented from the slot of the rental machine provided at the nearest station. Then, when the battery is returned as a return battery 402 to an empty slot 401 of the same or different rental machine (service station at a different place, etc.) as the rented rental machine, the rental fee is calculated according to the rental time.

On the display surface 404 of the rental machine, the batteries of the slots that can be rented are displayed together with the slot numbers. That is, the user is not locked in which slot the battery is locked (fixed so that it cannot be removed without permission) or unlocked (available to users who have completed the loan procedure). State) or can be identified.

A light source may be provided in the vicinity of each slot so that the user can distinguish between the locked state and the unlocked state by the difference in color and the difference in brightness. Alternatively, the battery may be ejected (displaced to the front position so that the user can easily obtain the battery) in the unlocked state with respect to the locked state so that the user can identify the battery.

Next, a block diagram of the management server 301 is shown in FIG. The user information storage unit 501 stores the user ID number, name, e-mail address, telephone number, etc. as user information (user information), and further stores the credit card number associated with the user ID number for payment processing. ..

The station information storage unit / search unit 502 searches for a station located near the user or a station where the user has arrived from the user's mobile terminal position information (for example, position information (GPS signal) using the GPS function of the mobile terminal). Then, a map of the station is displayed on the display surface 601 (FIG. 6) of the mobile terminal, which will be described later.

Here, as the user's mobile terminal position information, in addition to the position information using the GPS function described above, WiFi or a mobile terminal base station (the position is estimated from the nearest access point or base station and the radio wave strength to that point). It is also possible to use the location information recognized by the mobile terminal used. In addition, by using NFC or an optical marker (for example, QR code (registered trademark)) and holding or touching the mobile terminal to specify the location where the RFID chip or optical marker is installed, it is recognized by the mobile terminal. You can also get location information.

In addition, by using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and specifying the location where the beacon is installed by the beacon and the mobile terminal, it is possible to obtain the position information recognized by the mobile terminal. In addition, the shooting location information when shooting with the mobile terminal can be used as the mobile terminal position information.

If one station is located near the user, the management server 301 identifies the station as a specific station. If a plurality of stations are located near the user, the user can specify a specific station. Alternatively, the management server 301 may be used to identify the most convenient specific station (the station closest to the user, the station on the same floor as the floor on which the user is located, the station with a rental battery or an empty slot, etc.). Can be done.

The battery information storage unit 503 stores the ID number of the battery that can be rented (including the returned battery) at each station, the ID number of the battery that has already been rented, and the like.

The empty slot information storage unit 504 stores the number of empty slots (including history) for which the battery is returned.

The rental information storage unit 505 stores user information and rental start time when the battery is rented (that is, at the start of rental). Further, the rental fee calculation unit 506 detects when the item is returned to the empty slot (that is, at the end of rental), and calculates the rental fee according to the rental time from the start of rental to the end of rental. FIG. 7 shows an example of the rental fee according to the rental time.

In FIG. 7, if the rental time is less than 30 minutes (0.5 h), 100 yen is added, and then 100 yen is added every 30 minutes. If the rental time is 2 hours (2 hours) or more, the service will be 500 yen for less than 24 hours, 1000 yen for 24 hours or more and less than 48 hours, and 1500 yen for 48 hours or more and less than 72 hours. In the case of 72 hours nourishment (including the case where it is not returned for 72 hours), it will be 2000 yen.

Then, the payment processing unit 507 shown in FIG. 5 setstle the rental fee based on the credit card number associated with the user ID number and the like.

In FIG. 5, the lending request / return request receiving unit 508 and the lock / unlock change control unit 509 function as receiving means and control means described in detail below, respectively.

Next, based on FIG. 10, a conceptual diagram relating to battery rental and return including rental 1 and rental 2 (known rental method) according to the first embodiment as a rental method will be described.

(Overall flow including rental and return in rental 1)
In this rental method (rental 1), a dedicated program (dedicated application) is installed on the user's mobile terminal 302 (Fig. 3) via a network or a storage medium, and the user can simply operate the mobile terminal 302 (one-touch) to battery. It is possible to rent and return the device, and it is suitable for users who are accustomed to operating mobile terminals.

In this rental method (rental 1), when the user approaches station A where the battery can be rented (arrives near A), the user rents it as a soft key displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal as a rental request. Click (one-touch) the request button 602 (FIG. 6). When the loan request is made, the user information and the mobile terminal location information are transmitted from the mobile terminal 302 to the management server. That is, the lending request / return request receiving unit 508 (FIG. 5) as a receiving means of the management server 301 receives the lending request, and receives the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information by the lending request from the mobile terminal. It becomes.

As a result, the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived is confirmed, and if the lending procedure is performed (or if the lending procedure is performed), the lock is released at the station. That is, the lock / unlock change control unit 509 (FIG. 5) as a control means changes the battery of the rentable slot from the locked state to the unlocked state. Therefore, the user can obtain the unlocked battery as soon as he / she makes a loan request and arrives at the station, or as soon as he / she makes a loan request at the station where the user is present.

As described above, the unlocked battery may be discharged from the slot (displaced to the front side where the user is). Alternatively, the unlocked battery may be kept in the same position without being ejected and may be identified and displayed so that the user can recognize it as an available battery.

In FIG. 10, member registration and selection of payment means are described as the lending procedure in rental 1, but if these are registered in the management server in advance, the lending procedure in rental 1 can be skipped.

Further, in rental 1, when the user approaches a station located near the user, it is objectively determined that the user approaches based on the user terminal position information. When a plurality of stations are located near the user, the specific station can be specified by the user as described above, or the specific station can be specified by the management server.

Regarding the rental of batteries, considering the convenience of users who wish to rent not only one battery but also multiple batteries, enter or select the number of batteries desired to be rented on the display surface 601 (Fig. 6) of the mobile terminal. You may be able to do it.

Next, the return in this rental method (rental 1) will be described with reference to FIG. When the user arrives at the station B for returning the battery, the battery is returned to the empty slot if there is an empty slot. Then, the management server 301 calculates the rental time by returning to the empty slot, and performs the payment processing according to the rental time.

On the other hand, when there is no empty slot, the user opens the dedicated application of the mobile terminal and clicks (one-touch) the return request button 603 (FIG. 6) as a soft key as a return request. When the return request is made, the user information and the mobile terminal position information are transmitted from the mobile terminal 302 to the management server, and the management server 301 receives the user information and the mobile terminal position information.

Then, when the management server 301 confirms that there are no empty slots, the management server 301 stops the generation of further rental charges on condition that the battery is returned by the predetermined deadline (for example, the next day), and the rental time end processing ( Settlement processing). At the same time, the management server 301 transmits (notifies) the information related to the conditions (at the end of the rental time, the return deadline (for example, until the next day)) to the mobile terminal 302.

The information related to this condition may be displayed on the display surface 601 (FIG. 6) of the mobile terminal 302 to appeal to the user's vision, or may appeal to the user's hearing by voice. The return deadline may be either a case where a date is set as a deadline (for example, until the next day) or a case where a time is set as a deadline (for example, until 24 hours later, 12 hours later, or 6 hours later).

Regarding the return within the extended return deadline, when not only the current information but also the history information (history) before a predetermined time is transmitted to the user's mobile terminal 302 as slot information at each station including the station concerned and nearby stations. , User convenience is good. That is, the user can choose to wait for the return at the station, considering that an empty slot will be generated and can be returned if the history of 15 minutes before is waited for 15 minutes, for example. In addition, from the history of the station, it is possible to give up the return at the station and choose to go to another station.

In this rental method (rental 1), the reason for confirming that there are no empty slots through the return request when there are no empty slots is that the return request is abused (even if there are empty slots, the rental is made by making a return request. This is to objectively judge that there are no empty slots so that it is possible to prevent the rental from being continued for free until the return deadline after the time ends.

(Rental 1 flow for lending and returning)
Regarding rental 1, a flow chart for lending is shown in FIG. 1, and a flowchart for returning is shown in FIG. Regarding FIG. 1, the user opens a dedicated application for a mobile terminal (smartphone) on S101 in order to make a loan request. Then, in S102, the loan request button is selected and clicked (one touch). Then, in response to the loan request, user information and GPS information (GPS signal) are transmitted from the mobile terminal (smartphone) to the management server (S103).

In S104, when it is determined that there is a rented battery by checking the slot information at the renting station by the management server, it is determined in S105 whether or not the member has been registered. If not, membership registration is done in S106. Then, when the payment method is selected in S107, the battery of the slot that can be rented in S108 is unlocked, and the user can obtain the battery (S109).

In S104, when it is determined that there is no rental battery in the confirmation of the slot information at the rental station by the management server, the user can select whether to wait for a predetermined time in S110. That is, the management server transmits not only the current information but also the history information (history) before a predetermined time as the slot information at the station to the mobile terminal, and the user visually recognizes this on the display surface 601 (FIG. 6) of the mobile terminal. To do. Then, even if there is no battery for renting at present, the user can select whether to wait for a predetermined time and think that the battery for renting will be generated, or to go to another station without waiting.

For example, at the time of lending, if there is a certain amount of return in the history of 15 minutes before the specified time, even if it is currently not possible to lend, it is judged that if you wait 15 minutes, it will be returned and you can lend, and you wait 15 minutes, history of 15 minutes ago If you do not return it, you will hit another station. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set (changed by the set time) by the user.

In addition, the user recognizes the history information (history) of a predetermined time ago (only the first time is past),
It may be possible to make a reservation for a loan request (rental reservation) so that a loan request is issued after a predetermined time (the same as the first time or a second time different from the first time in the future). ..

If YES in S110, the user determines whether the rental battery has been generated after the predetermined time in which the history up to the present predetermined time is displayed (S111). If yes, you can get the battery from the slot of the rental machine. If NO in S111, the user transmits a clear signal from the mobile terminal to the management server (S112). Then the user goes to another station. At the stage of S112, it is not necessary to transmit the clear signal because the settlement process has not been performed, but the clear signal is transmitted just in case so that the settlement process is not erroneously performed. As for the clear button that generates the clear signal transmitted from the mobile terminal to the management server, the loan request button 602 or the return request button 603 shown in FIG. 6 may be used in combination, or a dedicated button may be provided separately from these. Is also good.

Further, with respect to FIG. 2, when the return station has an empty slot in S201, the cable connecting the battery and the mobile terminal is stored in S202 and returned to the empty slot (S203). This completes the rental (S204), and the normal rental fee as shown in FIG. 7 is calculated (S205).

If there is no empty slot in the return station in S201, the user makes a return request in S206, so the dedicated application of the mobile terminal (smartphone) is opened in S206. Then, in S207, the return request button is selected and clicked (one touch). Then, in response to the return request, GPS information (GPS signal) is transmitted from the mobile terminal (smartphone) to the management server (S208). At this time, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are transmitted from the mobile terminal to the management server.

When the management server confirms that there is no empty slot as slot information in S209, the management server notifies the mobile terminal that the rental time will end on the condition that the return deadline is the next day in S210 (display on the display surface, etc.). To do.

When confirming the slot information in S209, the management server can transmit not only the current information but also the history information (history) before a predetermined time as the slot information at the station to the mobile terminal. This makes it easier for the user to decide whether to wait for a predetermined time and wait for an empty slot, or to go to another station without waiting, even if there is currently no empty slot.

For example, at the time of return, if there is a certain amount of lending in the history of 15 minutes before the specified time, even if it is currently impossible to return, if you wait 15 minutes, it will be judged that a vacant slot will be created and it will be possible to return, and wait 15 minutes, 15 If there is no loan in the history of minutes ago, it will hit another station. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set (changed by the set time) by the user.

With respect to FIG. 2, the management server determines in S211 whether or not the product can be returned within the return deadline. If YES in S211 it ends without incurring a further rental fee (additional fee) (settlement processing is performed as a normal rental fee in S210).

On the other hand, if NO in S211 it is determined in S212 whether the product will be returned after the deadline. If YES, it is determined in S213 whether the slot has been returned to an empty slot. If YES in S213, the separate rental fee 1 is settled as an additional fee that is higher than the normal rental fee (S205) because it is returned after the deadline. Further, if NO in S212 or S213, the battery does not return or the battery does not return as a rechargeable state, so that the separate rental fee 2 which is higher than the separate rental fee 1 is settled as an additional fee. ..

(Rental 2 rental, return)
Next, rental 2 (known rental method) will be described with reference to FIG. In this rental method, unlike the rental 1 described above, rental and return are performed by a rental machine, and it is not necessary to install a dedicated program on the user's mobile terminal 302.

In this rental method, when the user arrives at station A where the battery can be rented, the user scans the QR code (registered trademark) provided on the rental machine, for example, with a mobile terminal in the station (S801 in FIG. 8). .. As a result, the management server can identify the station operated by the user.

Next, the management server determines whether the member has been registered (S802 in FIG. 8). If the member is not registered, the member is registered (S803 in FIG. 8). If the member has already been registered, the payment method is selected (S804 in FIG. 8). As a payment method, smartphone payment using a credit card, electronic money, QR code (registered trademark), etc. is possible. When the payment method is selected, the battery in the slot of the rental machine is unlocked and the user can obtain the battery (S805 in FIG. 8).

Further, in this rental method, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user arrives at the station B where the battery can be returned, the rental time end processing is performed by returning the battery to the empty slot. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, in S901, the cable connecting the battery and the mobile terminal is stored, and the battery is returned together with the cable to the empty slot of the rental machine (S902). This means that the rental time has ended (S903), and the rental fee (FIG. 7) is calculated according to the rental time. Then, the rental fee is settled based on the credit card number associated with the user ID number (S904).

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, based on FIG. 11, a conceptual diagram of battery rental and return, which includes rental 1 and rental 2 (known rental method), according to the second embodiment as the rental method will be described. Rental 2 (known rental method) is the same as rental 2 (known rental method) in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(Rental 1)
In this rental method (rental 1), as the same point as in the first embodiment, a dedicated program (dedicated application) is installed on the user's mobile terminal 302 (FIG. 3), and the user can easily operate the mobile terminal 302 (dedicated application). The battery can be rented and returned with one touch), and is suitable for users who are accustomed to operating mobile terminals.

In the rental 1 of the present embodiment, the points relating to the rental request at the time of lending are the same as those of the rental 1 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the return request will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the user approaches station B (arrives near B) to return the battery, the user opens the dedicated application and the return request button displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal as a return request. Click (one touch) on 603 (Fig. 6). When the return request is made, the user information and the mobile terminal position information are transmitted from the mobile terminal 302 to the management server, and the management server 301 receives the user information and the mobile terminal position information.

As a result, the slot information at the station B located near the user is confirmed. When multiple stations are located near the user, the user can identify a specific station, or the management server can identify a specific station such as the nearest station.

As a result of checking the slot information at the specific station, if there is an empty slot, the battery is returned to the empty slot of station B. Then, the management server 301 calculates the rental time by returning to the empty slot, and performs the payment processing according to the rental time.

On the other hand, if there is no empty slot, the management server stops the generation of further rental charges and performs rental time end processing (settlement processing) on condition that the battery is returned by a predetermined deadline (for example, the next day). Then, at the same time, the information related to the conditions (at the end of the rental time, the return deadline (for example, until the next day) is transmitted (notified) to the mobile terminal.

The information related to this condition may be displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal to appeal to the user's vision, or may be appealed to the user's hearing by voice. The return deadline may be either a case where a date is set as a deadline (for example, until the next day) or a case where a time is set as a deadline (for example, until 24 hours later, 12 hours later, or 6 hours later).

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of return of the rental 1 of the present embodiment. When approaching the return station B, the user opens the dedicated smartphone application (S1201) and clicks (one-touch) the return request button to request the return (S1202). Then, in response to the return request, GPS information (GPS signal) is transmitted from the mobile terminal (smartphone) to the management server (203 in S1). At this time, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are transmitted from the mobile terminal to the management server.

Then, the management server determines whether there is an empty slot in the return station located near the user (S1204). If there is an empty slot, in S1205, the cable connecting the battery and the mobile terminal is stored, and the battery is returned together with the cable to the empty slot of the rental machine (S1206). This means that the rental time has ended (S1207), and the rental fee (FIG. 7) is calculated according to the rental time. Then, the rental fee is settled based on the credit card number associated with the user ID number (S1208).

If NO in S1204, the management server 301 ends the rental time with the return deadline set to the next day, and displays the condition on the display surface 601 (FIG. 6) of the mobile terminal 302 (S1209).

Then, the management server 301 determines in S1210 whether or not the product can be returned within the return deadline. If YES in S1210, it ends without incurring a further rental fee (rental time has ended in S1209 (payment processed)).

On the other hand, if NO in S1210, it is determined in S1211 whether the product will be returned after the deadline. If YES, it is determined in S1212 whether the slot has been returned to an empty slot. If YES in S1212, the separate rental fee 1 is settled as an additional fee that is higher than the normal rental fee (S1208) because it is returned after the deadline. Further, if NO in S1211 or S1212, the battery does not return or the battery does not return as a rechargeable state, so that the separate rental fee 2 which is higher than the separate rental fee 1 is settled as an additional fee. ..

<< Third Embodiment >>
The rental method (rental 1) of the present embodiment has the same points as those of the first and second embodiments, in which a dedicated program (dedicated application) is installed on the user's mobile terminal 302 (FIG. 3), and the user is a mobile terminal. The battery can be rented and returned with a simple operation (one touch) of 302, and is suitable for users who are accustomed to operating mobile terminals. The points related to lending are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, but the points related to return are different.

In the present embodiment, the lending request / return request receiving unit 508 shown in FIG. 5 functions as a receiving means for receiving the battery lending request, the return request, and the return reservation from the mobile terminal.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the return reservation of the battery from the mobile terminal can be made by using the return reservation button 604 provided separately from the return request button 603, but the return reservation button and the return request button are also used. Is also good. When it is also used, it can be shared with the return reservation function in the half-pressed state and the return request function in the full-pressed state.

(If there is a proper return reservation and there is a return request or return to an empty slot before the specified time has passed from the return reservation)
A-1) When there is an appropriate return reservation and there is a return request (used when there is no empty slot) before the lapse of a predetermined time from the return reservation Regarding the return, in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 13, rental use is used. For a user who has passed the first time (for example, 1 hour) as a predetermined time (a user who has an appropriate return reservation), before the second time (for example, 30 minutes) has passed since the return reservation. If there is a return request (used when there are no empty slots), the following benefits will be given regarding the return. That is, the rental time ends based on the return reservation.

Conversely, from a return request (used when there is no empty slot) to a user (a user who makes an appropriate return reservation) for which the first time (for example, 1 hour) has passed as the rental usage time as a predetermined time. If the user makes a return reservation from the mobile terminal before the second time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses as the predetermined time, the rental time ends at the time of this return reservation.

More specifically, regarding the return, as shown in FIG. 13, the rental time ends when the user identifies the arrival station and the user who has a long rental time makes a return reservation. However, it is premised that the user arrives at the arrival station and the management server confirms that there is no empty slot by the return request within the predetermined time (second time) from the return reservation.

In the case of A-1), the rental time ends based on the return reservation, while the settlement processing is operated in relation to B-1), which will be described later, if the payment processing is performed based on the return request. Easy to remove.

A-2) When there is an appropriate return reservation and there is a return to an empty slot before the specified time elapses from the return reservation A user who has passed the first time (for example, 1 hour) as the rental usage time for return For (users who make a proper return reservation), if there is a return to an empty slot before the second time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses from the return reservation, the following benefits will be given as in 1). give away. That is, the rental time ends based on the return reservation.

In the case of A-2), the rental time will end based on the return reservation, while if the payment is processed based on the return to the empty slot, the payment will be canceled in relation to B-2), which will be described later. Easy to operate the process.

(If there is a proper return reservation and there is a return request or return to an empty slot after a specified time has passed from the return reservation)
B-1) When there is an appropriate return reservation and there is a return request (used when there is no empty slot) after a predetermined time has passed from the return reservation Although the return reservation was made and the user actually headed to the return station B, If the second time has passed since the return reservation, the certification of the end of the rental time will be canceled (it is considered that the return reservation has not been made), and the rental will be continued.

In B-1), it is premised that there is a return request (used when there is no empty slot), so it is necessary to wait for the occurrence of an empty slot or go to another return station because it cannot be returned to the empty slot. ..

B-2) When there is an appropriate return reservation and there is a return to an empty slot after a predetermined time has passed from the return reservation Although the person actually headed to the return station B after making the return reservation, the specified time has passed since the return reservation. If the time of 2 has passed, the certification of the end of the rental time will be canceled (it will be considered that the return reservation has not been made), and the rental will be continued. In that case, if there is an empty slot, the rental time will end based on the return to the empty slot.

In the case of B-2), the rental time is terminated based on the return to the empty slot, and the payment process is performed based on the return to the empty slot.

In the present embodiment, the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time (for example, 1 hour) does not need to be in front of the station and can be returned even if it is away from the arrival station, that is, from anywhere. By making a reservation, the rental time can be terminated at the time of the return reservation. However, after making a return reservation, it is necessary to actually go to the return station B, and if there is no empty slot, it is necessary to make a return request within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes) from the return reservation.

In the present embodiment, as described in A-1), when a return request is made from the return reservation within a predetermined time and the management server confirms that there is no empty slot as slot information, the return procedure is completed as shown in FIG. , The management server notifies the mobile terminal that the battery will be returned within the return deadline.

Regarding the notification from the management server to the mobile terminal that the battery will be returned within the return deadline, the same applies as described in the first and second embodiments.

(Modification example)
In the first to third embodiments described above, the rental 1 and the rental 2 are provided, but the present invention may include only the rental 1.

Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, it is described that the loan processing and the return processing are provided, but the present invention may include only the lending processing or only the return processing.

Further, the present invention may include all combinations or some combinations of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments. That is, regarding the return, as an incentive to induce control of the control means, all four cases of the first to third embodiments may be included, or any two of the four cases are provided. It may be. Of course, it may include only one of the first to third embodiments.

The present invention according to claim 1 describes four cases in parallel as an incentive to induce control of the control means, but any of the four cases can be implemented on the premise that all four cases are included. It is not limited to the above, and naturally includes a mode in which only one of the four types is implemented on the premise of only one of the four types.

Then, although the battery rental system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the battery rental system, and the battery rental method and the embodiment as a program used therefor may be adopted.

The lending and returning programs used in the battery rental system (or rental method) are expressed as follows. That is, the program related to lending and returning is provided with a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal, and the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery of the mobile terminal provides the rental service, and the same or different stations. A program that is used in the battery rental system that calculates the rental fee according to the rental usage time of the battery when it is returned to the empty slot of the rental machine, and is readable by the mobile terminal, and the management server. A receiving means for receiving the battery lending request from the mobile terminal and the battery return request from the mobile terminal, and receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information by the lending request, near the user. Control to change the battery of the rentable slot at the station where the slot information is confirmed from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the confirmation of the slot information at the station located at or the station where the user arrived. If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the location information of the user's mobile terminal and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived. Or, based on the return request, receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information, checking the slot information at the station located near the user, and having no empty slots at the confirmed station, or If there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, to receive the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information and confirm the slot information at the station. In response to the return request made, based on the battery return reservation from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time, or the rental usage time is set to the first time as the predetermined time. If there is an empty slot at the station where the lapsed user arrives, the return to the empty slot is based on the reservation for returning the battery from the mobile terminal, which is performed before the second time elapses as a predetermined time. , Return of the battery by the specified deadline The rental time is terminated on the condition that the rental time is terminated, and the information related to the condition is executed as a control means for transmitting the information to the mobile terminal.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with respect to the battery, the present invention can be similarly applied to the router. It is also applicable to batteries and routers.

The present invention according to claim 1 describes a battery or a router, but it includes a case where only a battery is targeted, a case where only a router is targeted, and a case where only a router is targeted.
It includes cases for batteries and routers, respectively.

The same applies to the rental system and program according to the present invention, but regarding the rental method according to the present invention, when the battery is to be rented (return, rental) and the router is to be rented (return, rental). Are shown below.

(Return of battery)
Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server rents the battery of the mobile terminal from the slot of the rental machine of the station that provides the rental service and returns it to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, it corresponds to the rental usage time of the battery. It is a battery rental method that calculates the rental fee,
The management server
A receiving step for receiving the battery return request from the mobile terminal, and
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the reservation for returning the battery from the mobile terminal, which is made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the battery return reservation from the mobile terminal
A control step in which the rental time ends on condition that the battery is returned by a predetermined time limit and information related to the condition is transmitted to the mobile terminal.
A battery rental method characterized by having.

(Battery rental)
Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server rents the battery of the mobile terminal from the slot of the rental machine of the station that provides the rental service and returns it to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, it corresponds to the rental usage time of the battery. It is a battery rental method that calculates the rental fee,
The management server
A receiving step for receiving the battery lending request from the mobile terminal, and
At the station where the slot information is confirmed based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by the lending request. A control step that changes the battery of a rentable slot from a locked state to an unlocked state,
A battery rental method characterized by having.

(Return of router)
Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the router of the mobile terminal provides the rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, it corresponds to the rental usage time of the router. It is a router rental method that calculates the rental fee,
The management server
A reception step for receiving a return request for the router from the mobile terminal, and
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the return reservation of the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the router from the mobile terminal
A control step in which the rental time ends on condition that the router is returned by a predetermined deadline and information related to the condition is transmitted to the mobile terminal.
A router rental method characterized by having.

(Lending of router)
Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the router of the mobile terminal provides the rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, it corresponds to the rental usage time of the router. It is a router rental method that calculates the rental fee,
The management server
A receiving step for receiving a lending request for the router from the mobile terminal, and
At the station where the slot information is confirmed based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by the lending request. A control step that changes the router in a rentable slot from a locked state to an unlocked state,
A router rental method characterized by having.

301 ... Management server, 302 ... Mobile terminal, 303 to 305 ... Rental machine, 401 ... Empty slot, 402 ... Return battery, 403 ... Rental battery

Claims (5)

Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router A battery or router rental system that calculates rental fees according to time.
The management server
A receiving means for receiving the return request of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal, and
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the battery or router from the mobile terminal
A control means for ending the rental time on condition that the battery or router is returned by a predetermined deadline and transmitting information related to the condition to the mobile terminal.
A battery or router rental system characterized by having. Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router A battery or router rental system that calculates rental fees according to time.
The management server
A receiving means for receiving a loan request for the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and
At the station where the slot information is confirmed based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by the lending request. Control means to change the battery or router of the rentable slot from the locked state to the unlocked state,
A battery or router rental system characterized by having. Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router It is a battery or router rental method that calculates the rental fee according to the time.
The management server
The receiving step of receiving the return request of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal, and
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the battery or router from the mobile terminal
A control step in which the rental time ends on condition that the battery or router is returned by a predetermined deadline, and information related to the condition is transmitted to the mobile terminal.
A battery or router rental method characterized by having. Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router It is a battery or router rental method that calculates the rental fee according to the time.
The management server
A receiving step for receiving a loan request for the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and
At the station where the slot information is confirmed based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by the lending request. Control steps to change the rentable slot battery or router from locked to unlocked,
A battery or router rental method characterized by having. Equipped with a management server that can communicate with mobile terminals
When the management server is rented from the slot of the rental machine of the station where the battery or router of the mobile terminal provides rental service and returned to the empty slot of the rental machine of the same or different station, the rental use of the battery or router A program that is used in a battery or router rental system that calculates rental fees according to time and can be read by the mobile terminal.
The management server
A receiving means for receiving a loan request for the battery or router from the mobile terminal and a return request for the battery or router from the mobile terminal, and
At the station where the slot information is confirmed based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station located near the user or the station where the user arrived by the lending request. A control means that changes the battery or router of a rentable slot from a locked state to an unlocked state.
If there is no empty slot at the station where the user arrived, the return request is based on receiving the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information and confirming the slot information at the station where the user arrived, or
Based on the return request, the user information and the user's mobile terminal location information are received, the slot information at the station located near the user is confirmed, and there is no empty slot at the confirmed station.
Alternatively, when there is no empty slot at the station where the user who has passed the first time as the rental usage time has passed, the user information and the user's mobile terminal position information are received and the slot information at the station is confirmed. Based on the return reservation of the battery or the router from the mobile terminal made before the second time elapses as the predetermined time in response to the return request made in
Alternatively, if there is an empty slot at the station where the user whose rental usage time has passed the first time as the predetermined time arrives, the return to the empty slot is performed before the second time as the predetermined time elapses. Based on the return reservation of the battery or router from the mobile terminal
A control means that terminates the rental time on condition that the battery or router is returned by a predetermined deadline and transmits information related to the condition to the mobile terminal.
A program characterized by being executed as.

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