JP2022132602A - Rental object management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel rental object management system using a receiving unit that moves with a user and a short-range wireless communication unit mounted on a rental object.

SOLUTION: A rental object management system 300 that allows a rental object 12, which is a movable property or real estate, to be rented to a user, includes a short-range wireless communication unit 32 that is mounted on each of a plurality of rental objects and transmits a signal representing a unique communication ID. The rental object management system further includes: a receiving unit 90 that moves with the user and effectively receives the signal from the short-range wireless communication unit mounted on any of the rental objects; and a conversion unit 50 that converts the communication ID represented by the signal into a corresponding target ID according to a relationship predetermined between a target ID, which is an ID of each of the plurality of rental objects, and the plurality of communication IDs.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to technology for managing rental objects, and more particularly to technology for managing rental objects using mobile terminals of users to whom the rental objects are rented.

There is already a technique for managing a rental object, which is an example of a movable property existing in a station, which is real estate, using a mobile terminal carried by a user of the rental object.

One example is a service that lends and returns a rental object that is movable property to a user at any place or station (or port) that is real property. Vehicles for moving people and luggage exist as rental objects, and types of such vehicles include automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles.

The vehicle rental service of renting and returning a rental vehicle is a round-trip method that must be returned at the same station where the rental was made, and a return at a place different from the place where the rental was made. It is classified into one-way method and one-way method.

By the way, as a nomenclature for rental vehicles, for example, a bicycle may be called a “rental cycle” or a “shared cycle”, but there is no substantial difference in meaning between the two. not exist. In this specification, for the sake of convenience, a bicycle as a rental vehicle will be referred to as a "rental cycle" or "rental bicycle."

Similarly, automobiles are sometimes referred to as "rental cars" and "shared cars", but there is no substantial difference in meaning between the two. In this specification, for the sake of convenience, a bicycle as a rental vehicle will be referred to as a "rental car."

In addition, one-way vehicle rental services are station-type, where rental and return must be done at any station (or port), and rental and return are permitted at any location. It is classified as a free floating type.

By the way, if the vehicle rental service is carried out in such a way that the rental vehicle is stored at one of the stations (regardless of whether it is a round-trip system or a one-way system), the rented vehicle should be returned to any station by the user after use.

However, if the user forgets or neglects to return the rented vehicle to any station for some reason, the rented vehicle is left (abandoned) at a location other than the station. there is a possibility.

Therefore, it is necessary for the rental company to perform an additional task of searching for the abandoned rental vehicle and collecting it at some station.

On the other hand, when the vehicle rental service is implemented by the above-mentioned free-floating one-way system, the rented rental vehicle is returned by the user to any station, that is, to a predetermined place. no.

Therefore, as a rental company that provides a free-floating one-way vehicle rental service, the location where the user actually returned the rented vehicle (here, the act of "returning" refers to the From the point of view of the station-type one-way system, it is possible to express it as the act of "leaving").

Thanks to that search, rental companies that offer free-floating, one-way vehicle rental services have been able to identify where the return actually took place (the apparent return station) and distinguish the rental vehicle from which the return took place. This user can now be guided to other potential users as a place (apparent rental station) where it is possible to rent.

Against the background of the circumstances described above, several techniques for searching for abandoned rental vehicles have already been proposed.

For example, in the system described in Patent Literature 1, an abandoned rental cycle is searched for as an abandoned bicycle, and the position where the abandoned bicycle was left is assigned to a virtual station different from the real station. Another potential user is routed to reach the virtual station and use the abandoned bicycle as a rental cycle. The virtual station is erased on the computer when the abandoned bicycle is lent to the user. The abandoned bicycle is collected at any physical station by a user other than the first user.

Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, an in-vehicle device is mounted on a rental cycle. The in-vehicle device has a position acquisition unit (GPS (Global Positioning System)) that acquires the position of the rental cycle. A user uses a terminal device. The terminal device also has a position acquisition unit, like the rental cycle.

In the system described in Patent Document 2, a bicycle is equipped with an IC chip (an example of a transmitter). Data is read from the IC chip by a terminal possessed by the administrator (which is an example of a portable terminal, but does not correspond to the user's portable terminal).

The terminal has GPS. The terminal acquires the position information by the GPS of the terminal at the timing of reading the data from the IC chip. The terminal communicates with a parked bicycle management device (an example of a management server) via a terminal installed in the manager's management room.

According to the system described in Patent Document 2, when the location information transmitted from the terminal to the parked bicycle management device indicates the same location for a long period of time, the administrator can indicate that the bicycle is an illegally parked bicycle. It can be confirmed that

In the system described in Patent Document 3, the bicycle is equipped with a position acquisition unit (PHS or GPS), and the bicycle position acquired by the position acquisition unit is directly transmitted to the server without going through the user's mobile terminal. be.

In the system described in Patent Literature 4, in the field of car sharing, in which a plurality of users share a car instead of a bicycle, a station where a car is rented and/or returned to a user has a unique identification. A first transmitter is installed to emit a signal, and a second transmitter is installed in the vehicle to emit a unique identification signal. In this system, the user is permitted to rent and/or return the car based on the signal received by the user's portable terminal from the first transmitter and the signal received from the second transmitter.

Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 4, the user's portable terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter, but does not receive a signal from the first transmitter. is about to get off the train.

JP 2012-181773 A JP 2005-352867 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-232152 JP 2017-068449 A

According to the system described in Patent Literature 1, the existence and location of an abandoned rental vehicle are detected, and the detected abandoned rental vehicle is rented to another user. Abandoned rental vehicles are collected.

However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, in order to detect the location of the abandoned rental vehicle, it is necessary to install a GPS in the rental vehicle. In this system, the user's terminal device is also equipped with a GPS, but in this system, the GPS mounted on the terminal device cannot be used to detect the parking position of the rental vehicle.

Similarly, the system described in Patent Document 3 also cannot detect the position of the bicycle using the GPS installed in the user's mobile terminal.

On the other hand, according to the system described in Patent Document 2, a GPS mounted on a terminal possessed by a manager is used to detect the location of the abandoned rental vehicle. As a result, it is unnecessary to equip the rental vehicle with GPS.

However, in the system described in Patent Document 2, in order to detect the location of the abandoned rental vehicle, neither the mobile terminal of the user of the rental vehicle nor the GPS of the mobile terminal can be used. Therefore, in this system, even if an abandoned rental vehicle appears, the manager cannot notice the existence of the abandoned rental vehicle until the manager, not the user, approaches the abandoned rental vehicle.

Further, in the system described in Patent Document 4, the management server can detect the possibility that the car will get off the way, that is, left unattended, based on the state of the signals received by the user's mobile terminal from the above two transmitters. However, in this system, when the management server detects that there is a possibility that the vehicle may be left unattended, the management server remotely forcibly locks the doors of the vehicle so that the user can voluntarily lock the vehicle. It prevents the user from leaving the vehicle unattended.

Therefore, Patent Document 4 does not even mention the necessity of detecting the position where the vehicle is parked, since the technology for preventing the vehicle from being left unattended is employed. In other words, this document does not mention or suggest using the GPS of the user's portable terminal to measure the parking position of the car.

On the other hand, if the position of a rental vehicle can be detected using a user's mobile terminal, for example, in a free-floating one-way rental business, when a user rents a rental vehicle at an arbitrary location, The position and the position when the user returns the rental vehicle to an arbitrary place can be detected using the user's portable terminal.

Based on the above findings, the present invention provides a novel device that enables the rental object to be rented to the user by using the portable terminal of the user to whom the rental object is rented and the short-range wireless communication unit mounted on the rental object. This was done with the task of providing a

In order to solve the problem , according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental object management system that enables rental objects that are movable property or real estate to be rented to users,
A short-range wireless communication unit mounted on each of a plurality of rental objects, which transmits a signal representing a unique communication ID;
a receiving unit that moves with the user and effectively receives a signal from the short-range wireless communication unit mounted on any rental object;
a conversion unit that converts the communication ID represented by the signal into a corresponding target ID according to a predetermined relationship between the target ID, which is the ID of each of the plurality of rental targets, and the plurality of communication IDs;
a permitting unit that permits the user to rent out the rental object identified by the object ID;
A rental object management system including

An exemplary embodiment thereof further includes a management server using a memory for storing said relationship as executing said conversion unit;
A user is provided with a portable terminal having a function of communicating with the short-range wireless communication unit and a function of communicating with the management server as one that executes the receiving unit.

Further , according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental object management system that enables rental objects, which are movable property or real estate, to be rented to users,
A short-range wireless communication unit mounted on each of a plurality of rental objects, which transmits a signal representing a unique communication ID;
a management server using a memory that stores a predetermined relationship between an object ID, which is an ID of each of the plurality of rental objects, and a plurality of communication IDs;
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with the management server and a function of communicating with the short-range wireless communication unit,
The mobile device
When the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the short-range wireless communication unit mounted on one of the rental objects because the user has approached one of the rental objects, the communication ID represented by the signal to a corresponding target ID according to the relationship;
a lending target ID transmission unit that identifies the target ID as a lending target ID and transmits the lending target ID to the management server;
The management server, in response to receiving the rental object ID from the mobile terminal, has a rental object management system including a lending permitting unit that permits a user using the portable terminal to rent out any of the rental objects. provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental object management method capable of lending out a rental object to a user, comprising:
The rental object is equipped with a transmitter that emits a unique signal,
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with a management server and a function of receiving a signal from the transmitter,
The method is
When the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter of the rental object because the user has approached one of the rental objects, the mobile terminal receives the signal from the transmitter to a lending step of specifying an ID of a rental object to be rented out as a rental object ID and transmitting the rental object ID to the management server;
When the user returns the rental object lent to him/herself and moves away from the rental object, the portable terminal changes from a state of effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter of the rental object to a state of not effectively receiving the signal. Upon transition, the portable terminal identifies the ID of the rental object as a return object ID from the signal received from the transmitter before it becomes unable to effectively receive the signal, and transmits the return object ID to the management server. a return process;
a simultaneous transmission step in which the management server simultaneously transmits the locations of a plurality of rental stations from which rental objects are rented to the mobile terminals of a plurality of potential users;
and a transmission step of, when the transition occurs, the mobile terminal acquires its own current location as a new rental station location and transmits the new rental station location to the management server. be.

Further, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental object management method capable of lending a rental object to a user, comprising:
The rental object is equipped with a transmitter that emits a unique signal,
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with a management server and a function of receiving a signal from the transmitter,
The method is
When the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter of the rental object because the user has approached one of the rental objects, the mobile terminal receives the signal from the transmitter to identifying an ID of a rental object to be rented out as a rental object ID, and transmitting the rental object ID to the management server;
When the user returns the rental object lent to him/herself and moves away from the rental object, the portable terminal changes from a state of effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter of the rental object to a state of not effectively receiving the signal. Upon transition, the portable terminal identifies the ID of the rental object as a return object ID from the signal received from the transmitter before it becomes unable to effectively receive the signal, and transmits the return object ID to the management server. Including the return process,
The rental object includes real estate, and a rental object management method is provided.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental object management method capable of lending out a rental object to a user, comprising:
The rental object is equipped with a transmitter that emits a unique signal,
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with a management server and a function of receiving a signal from the transmitter,
The method is
When the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter of the rental object because the user has approached one of the rental objects, the mobile terminal receives the signal from the transmitter to a lending step of specifying an ID of a rental object to be rented out as a rental object ID and transmitting the rental object ID to the management server;
When the user returns the rental object lent to him/herself and moves away from the rental object, the portable terminal changes from a state of effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter of the rental object to a state of not effectively receiving the signal. Upon transition, the portable terminal identifies the ID of the rental object as a return object ID from the signal received from the transmitter before it becomes unable to effectively receive the signal, and transmits the return object ID to the management server. A rental object management method is provided that includes a return process.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental vehicle management method that enables rental vehicles to be rented to users, comprising:
The rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that emits a unique signal,
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with a management server and a function of receiving a signal from the transmitter,
The method is
When the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter of the rental vehicle because the user has approached one of the rental vehicles, the mobile terminal transmits the signal to the user from the signal received from the transmitter. a rental step of identifying a vehicle ID of a rental vehicle to be rented and transmitting the vehicle ID as a rental vehicle ID to the management server;
When the user returns the rental vehicle that has been rented to him/herself and moves away from the rental vehicle, the portable terminal changes from a state of effectively receiving a signal from the transmitter of the rental vehicle to a state of not effectively receiving the signal. Upon transition, the portable terminal identifies the ID of the rental vehicle as the returned vehicle ID from the signal received from the transmitter before it became unable to receive the signal effectively, and transmits the returned vehicle ID to the management server. A rental vehicle management method is provided that includes a return process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental vehicle management method that enables rental vehicles to be rented out to users in a free-floating manner, comprising:
The rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that emits a unique signal,
A user has a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with a management server and a function of receiving a signal from the transmitter,
The method is
Since the user has approached one of the rental vehicles existing at one of a plurality of temporary rental stations for renting out rental vehicles, the mobile terminal effectively receives the signal from the transmitter of the rental vehicle. Then, the portable terminal identifies the vehicle ID of the rental vehicle to be rented to the user from the signal received from the transmitter, stores the vehicle ID as the rental vehicle ID in the memory, and manages the rental vehicle ID. a lending process for sending to a server;
When the user returns the rental vehicle that has been rented to him/herself to an arbitrary location and moves away from the rental vehicle, the portable terminal effectively changes from a state in which the signal from the transmitter of the rental vehicle is effectively received. When the portable terminal changes to a non-receiving state, the portable terminal identifies the ID of the rental vehicle as the returned vehicle ID from the signal received from the transmitter before it became unable to receive effectively, and the returned vehicle ID is stored in the memory. and a return step of transmitting the returned vehicle ID to the management server on the condition that it matches the rental vehicle ID stored in the free floating rental vehicle management method.

In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the user's mobile terminal is effective from a reception state in which a signal specific to the transmitter is effectively received by the short-range communication system from the transmitter mounted on the rental vehicle being borrowed. When the mobile terminal transits to a non-receiving state, the current position measured by the portable terminal is stored in a memory, and the user is instructed to return the rental vehicle to the regular position instead of leaving it at the current position. An icon and/or message for prompting is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal, and when the duration of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time, the current position stored in the memory is changed to the left position of the rental vehicle. A method for managing rental vehicles is provided.

The present invention provides the following aspects. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and the numbers of other sections are referred to as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following aspects. should not be interpreted as That is, it should be construed that the technical features described in the present specification, which are not described in the following aspects, are appropriately extracted and employed as the technical features of the present invention.

Furthermore, it should be noted that stating each paragraph in a format that refers to the numbers of other paragraphs does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each paragraph from being separated and independent from the technical features described in other paragraphs. It should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate according to their nature.

(1) Transition from a receiving state in which the user's portable terminal effectively receives a signal specific to the transmitter from the transmitter installed in the rental vehicle being borrowed to a non-receiving state in which it does not effectively receive the signal. Then, the rental vehicle management method recognizes the current position measured by the portable terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the abandoned position of the rental vehicle.

In one example, the rental vehicle identified by the signal received from the transmitter by the portable terminal before the transition is recognized as an abandoned vehicle, and the measured current position is recognized as the abandoned position of the abandoned vehicle.

The invention according to the above item (1) is particularly useful when the vehicle rental business is carried out by a station-type one-way system, in which the concept of leaving a rental vehicle unattended is easier to recognize than the free-floating type.

(2) A method of managing rental vehicles, comprising:
The user who rents the rental vehicle carries his/her mobile terminal while using the rental vehicle,
The rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that transmits a signal that can identify a unique vehicle identification code,
The mobile terminal is capable of receiving the transmitter by a short-range communication system, and has a positioning function that sequentially measures its own current position,
The method is
A vehicle identification step in which the mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal acquires a vehicle identification code identified by a signal received by the mobile terminal from the transmitter, thereby identifying the rental vehicle. When,
When the mobile terminal and/or the management server transitions from a receiving state in which the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter to a non-receiving state in which the mobile terminal does not effectively receive the signal, the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state store the current position of the vehicle itself measured by the above as a temporary left position of the identified rental vehicle in a memory, and when the duration of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time, the temporary left position stored in the memory and a parking position recognition step of recognizing a position as a final parking position of the identified rental vehicle.

(3) A method of managing rental vehicles that are rented and returned to users at the same station or at different stations, comprising:
The user who rents the rental vehicle carries his/her mobile terminal while using the rental vehicle,
The station is equipped with a first transmitter that transmits a signal that can identify a unique station identification code,
The rental vehicle is equipped with a second transmitter that transmits a signal that can specify a unique vehicle identification code,
The mobile terminal is capable of receiving the first and second transmitters by a short-range communication system, and has a positioning function for successively measuring its own current position,
The method is
The mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal receives a signal from the second transmitter and obtains a vehicle identification code specified by the received signal, thereby a vehicle identification step of identifying a rental vehicle;
a reception state in which the mobile terminal and/or the management server effectively receive a signal from the second transmitter while the mobile terminal is not effectively receiving a signal from the first transmitter; when the terminal transits to a non-receiving state in which it does not effectively receive data from the and a parking position recognition step of recognizing the temporary parking position stored in the memory as the final parking position of the identified rental vehicle when the duration of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time. Method.

(4) Furthermore,
an abandoned vehicle recognition step of recognizing the identified rental vehicle as an abandoned vehicle when the mobile terminal and/or the management server transition from the reception state to the non-reception state;
The abandoned vehicle recognition process is
a step of recognizing the rental vehicle as an abandoned vehicle when the elapsed time from the start time of the non-receiving state exceeds a predetermined time;
a step of recognizing the rental vehicle as an abandoned vehicle when the rental vehicle is not returned to any station even after the permitted rental time for the rental vehicle permitted by the user has passed;
After the non-receiving state is started, the portable terminal prompts the user to return the rental vehicle to any station by visually, audibly, or tactilely stimulating the user, and (3) The rental vehicle management method according to item (3), comprising at least one step of: recognizing the rental vehicle as an abandoned vehicle when the user does not respond to the prompt on the mobile terminal.

(5) Furthermore,
The mobile terminal and/or the management server instruct the mobile terminals of other potential users to go to the abandoned position, rent the abandoned vehicle, and return the abandoned vehicle to one of the stations. The rental vehicle management method according to item (3) or (4), including a collection promoting step of simultaneously transmitting requests to the effect that the vehicle is wanted, thereby promoting collection of the abandoned vehicles.

(6) Transition from a non-receiving state in which the user's portable terminal does not effectively receive a signal specific to the transmitter from the transmitter installed in the rental vehicle before borrowing to a receiving state in which the user's mobile terminal effectively receives the signal using the short-range communication method. Then, the rental vehicle management method recognizes the current position measured by the portable terminal at the start time of the reception state as the rental position of the rental vehicle.

According to this method, a vehicle rental business that allows a user to rent a rental vehicle at any station or a vehicle rental business that enables a user to rent a rental vehicle at any location is realized. be.

In one example of this method, the receiving range of the transmitter is set to a short range, which will be described later, so that the transition from the non-receiving state to the receiving state is caused by the user holding the portable terminal over the transmitter. done.

In another example, the reception range of the transmitter is the medium range described later (as long as the user is in the rental vehicle, the mobile terminal can receive the transmitter without bothering to hold the mobile terminal over the transmitter). degree range), whereby the transition from the non-receiving state to the receiving state is effected by the user approaching the rental vehicle and the transmitter together with the mobile terminal.

(7) A non-receiving state in which the mobile terminal of the user does not effectively receive a signal unique to the transmitter from the transmitter installed in the rented vehicle being borrowed by the short-range communication system. , the current position measured by the portable terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state is recognized as the return position of the rental vehicle.

According to this method, a vehicle rental business that allows a user to return a rental vehicle to any station, and a vehicle rental business that allows a user to return a rental vehicle to any location. Realized.

In one example of this method, the reception range of the transmitter is set to the medium range, so that the user, together with the mobile terminal, moves away from or retreats from the rental vehicle and the transmitter, thereby exiting the reception state. A transition to the non-receiving state is made.

(8) When the user's mobile terminal transitions from a non-receiving state in which it does not receive a signal specific to that transmitter from a transmitter installed in a rental vehicle that is being borrowed to a receiving state in which it receives the signal using the short-distance communication method, the transition occurs. A rental vehicle management method for recognizing a current position measured by the portable terminal within a reference time from 1 as the return position of the rental vehicle.

According to this method, a vehicle rental business that allows a user to return a rental vehicle to any station, and a vehicle rental business that allows a user to return a rental vehicle to any location. Realized.

In one example of this method, the reception range of the transmitter is set to the short range, so that the user can move from the non-receiving state to the transmitter by approaching the rental vehicle and the transmitter together with the mobile terminal. A transition to the receive state is made.

(9) The rental vehicle management method according to any one of items (1) to (7), wherein the rental vehicle includes at least one of bicycles, automobiles, and motorcycles.

(10) A program executed by a computer of a mobile terminal to implement the mobile terminal according to any one of (1) to (9).

A program in this and other paragraphs shall be construed to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its functions and may be processed in accordance with each instruction as well as a combination of those instructions. It can also be interpreted to include, but not be limited to, files and data.

In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer by itself, or may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. They can, but are not limited to. In the latter case, the programs under this section may be data-based, but are not so limited.

(11) A program executed by a management server computer to implement the management server according to any one of (2) to (5).

(12) A recording medium in which the program according to (10) or (11) is computer-readable.

Various formats can be adopted for this recording medium, for example, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and non-removable storages such as ROMs. etc., but not limited to them.

(13) A system for managing rental objects,
a transmitter that is mounted on the rental object and that transmits a unique signal;
A portable terminal carried by the rental object user while using the rental object, capable of measuring his/her current position, and receiving the signal from the transmitter by a short-distance communication system. and
The mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal,
From a receiving state in which the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter because the user is approaching the rental object being borrowed, the mobile terminal receives the signal from the transmitter because the user moves away from the rental object. is shifted to a non-receiving state in which the rental object is not effectively received, the rental object management system includes an abandoned position recognizing unit that recognizes the current position measured by the portable terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the abandoned position of the rental object.

In one example, the portable terminal further includes an abandoned object recognition unit that recognizes, as an abandoned object, a rental object identified by a signal received from the transmitter by the mobile terminal before the transition.

(14) A system for managing rental objects,
a transmitter that is mounted on the rental object and that transmits a unique signal;
A portable terminal carried by the rental object user while using the rental object, capable of measuring his/her current position, and receiving the signal from the transmitter by a short-distance communication system. and
The mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal,
From a non-receiving state in which the mobile terminal does not effectively receive a signal from the transmitter because the user is away from the rental object that is waiting, the mobile terminal moves from the transmitter because the user approaches the rental object. a rental object recognition unit for recognizing the rental object identified by the signal received by the mobile terminal from the transmitter as a rental object to be rented to the user when the mobile terminal transits to a reception state in which a signal is effectively received from the transmitter;
A rental object management system comprising: a rental position recognition unit that recognizes the current position measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the reception state as the rental position of the rental object.

(15) Furthermore,
a lending permitting unit that permits the rental object to be lent to a user on condition that a predetermined condition is satisfied;
When the rental is permitted, an unlocking signal is transmitted to a lock device in a locked state that prohibits the use of the rental object by the user, thereby permitting the lock device to use the rental device. (14) The rental object management system according to item (14), comprising: an unlock command unit that automatically switches to the permitted state.

(16) A system for managing rental objects,
a transmitter that is mounted on the rental object and that transmits a unique signal;
A portable terminal carried by the rental object user while using the rental object, capable of measuring his/her current position, and receiving the signal from the transmitter by a short-distance communication system. and
The mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal,
From a reception state in which the mobile terminal effectively receives a signal from the transmitter because the user is approaching the rental object being borrowed, the mobile terminal moves away from the transmitter because the user moves away from the rental object. Return object recognition for recognizing the rental object identified by the identification signal received by the mobile terminal from the transmitter as the rental object to be returned by the user when transitioning to a non-receiving state in which the signal is not effectively received. Department and
a return position recognizing unit that recognizes the current position measured by the mobile terminal at the start time of the non-receiving state as the return position of the rental object.

(17) Furthermore,
a return permitting unit that permits the user to return the rental object on condition that a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A rental object management system according to item (16), further comprising: a lock confirmation unit for confirming that a user has manually switched a lock device in a state that permits use of the rental object to a locked state that prohibits the use of the rental object. .

(18) The rental object management system according to any one of items (13) to (17), wherein the rental object includes movable property or real estate.

(19) The rental object management system according to (18), wherein the movable property includes a mobile object.

(20) The rental object management system according to (19), wherein the moving object includes a bicycle, automobile, motorcycle, recreational or competitive go-kart, shopping cart, stroller, pushcart, wheelchair or golf cart.

(21) The personal property includes furniture, clothes, electric appliances, accessories detachably attached to electric appliances (e.g., batteries or chargers), or recording media (e.g., CDs) on which audiovisual contents are recorded. and the rental object management system according to item (18), which includes a user-reproducible item.

(22) The real property includes a room in an accommodation facility (eg, hotel) where the user can stay for a short term, a room in an accommodation facility (eg, apartment) where the user can stay for a long term, and a room where an individual settles down. Accommodation facilities (e.g. detached houses, condominiums, etc.) that are temporarily rented to others (e.g., rooms for private lodging), coin-operated lockers, public or private parking lots, or private residences A parking lot that is temporarily rented to another person (privately owned parking lot, or a parking lot that allows parking lot sharing where a privately owned parking lot is temporarily shared with others) The rental object management system according to item (18).

(23) A first transmitter that transmits a unique identification signal is installed in a station, and a second transmitter that transmits a unique identification signal is provided as a rental object to be rented and/or returned to a user at the station. Rental object management installed and allowing the user to rent and/or return the rental object based on the signal received by the user's mobile terminal from the first transmitter and the signal received from the second transmitter Method.

(24) On the condition that the mobile terminal of the user detects that both the signal from the first transmitter and the signal from the second transmitter are received, the rental object is sent to the user. The rental object management method according to item (23), permitting rental and/or return.

(25) The rental object management method according to (23) or (24), wherein the effective reception radius of the effective reception area of the second transmitter is variably controlled according to the behavior of the user.

(26) to the user based on a signal received by the user's mobile terminal from a transmitter located on a rental object that is rented and/or returned to the user that emits a unique identification signal; A rental object management method for permitting the lending and/or returning of the rental object and variably controlling the reception range of the transmitter according to the behavior of the user.

(27) The rental object management method according to item (26), wherein the reception range is controlled so as to be extended when the user's rental processing is completed.

(28) The rental object management method according to item (26) or (27), wherein the reception range is controlled to be shortened when the user's return processing is completed.

(29) Measured by the user's mobile terminal in a reception state in which the user's mobile terminal is effectively receiving a signal specific to the transmitter from the transmitter mounted on the rental vehicle being borrowed by the short-distance communication system. If the absolute value of the velocity and/or acceleration obtained is equal to or greater than a reference value, it is determined that the user is moving in the rental vehicle, and from the reception state, the mobile terminal transmits a signal from the transmitter. When transitioning to a non-receiving state in which reception is not effective, it is determined that the user has gotten off the rental object, and in that state, if the absolute value of the velocity and/or acceleration measured by the mobile terminal is equal to or greater than a reference value, A rental vehicle management method for determining that a user is separated from the rental vehicle.

According to this method, it is possible to relatively easily and accurately grasp whether the user is riding in the rental vehicle or away from the rental vehicle, and it is easy to manage the rental vehicle with different contents depending on the result. becomes.

(30) A method of managing rental vehicles that are rented and returned to users at the same or different stations, comprising:
The user who rents the rental vehicle carries his/her mobile terminal while using the rental vehicle,
The rental vehicle is equipped with a transmitter that transmits a signal that can identify a unique vehicle identification code,
The mobile terminal is capable of receiving the transmitter by a short-range communication system, and has a positioning function that sequentially measures its own current position,
The method is
The mobile terminal and/or a management server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal receives a signal from the transmitter and acquires a vehicle identification code identified by the received signal, thereby enabling the rental vehicle to a vehicle identification step for identifying
From a receiving state in which the mobile terminal and/or the management server effectively receive a signal from the transmitter in a state where the user, the mobile terminal, and the rental vehicle are not present at any station an abandoned position recognition step of recognizing the current position measured by the mobile terminal within a reference time from the transition to a non-receiving state in which reception is not effective as the abandoned position of the identified rental vehicle. Management method.

FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing equipment installed at a certain station in the bicycle rental system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of FIG. It is a side view which expands and shows a part of bicycle for rental shown to a).

In the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 1(a), FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of communication between a mobile terminal of a user located in a remote location and a management server operated by a remote management center; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows short-distance one-way communication between the first and second transmitters and the mobile terminal both shown in FIG. 2, and long-distance two-way communication between the mobile terminal and the management server shown in the same figure. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually representing communication.

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

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

FIG. 6(a) is an enlarged plan view showing the first and second transmitters shown in FIG. 1(a) together with the stations in which the first and second transmitters are installed. further conceptually shows examples of the first and second effective reception areas respectively assigned to the first and second transmitters, and FIG. FIG. 6C is a plan view conceptually showing a first modification of the area, and FIG. 6C is a plan view conceptually showing a second modification of the first effective reception area.

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

FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually representing a station data file stored in the station data memory in FIG. 7 in tabular form.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually representing a bicycle data file stored in the bicycle data memory in FIG. 7 in tabular form.

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

FIG. 11(a) shows a list showing a plurality of modules of the bicycle rental program executed by the mobile terminal computer shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 11(b) shows a list showing the modules of the management server computer shown in FIG. 1 shows a list showing several modules of a bicycle rental program run by .

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

FIG. 13(a) is a plurality of time charts for exemplifying the main sequences realized when there is a reservation in the bicycle rental method, and FIG. 13(b) is the bicycle rental method. FIG. 10 is a plurality of time charts for exemplifying main sequences realized when there is no reservation among them. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a reservation sequence flow achieved by executing the reservation module shown in FIG. 11(a) by the portable terminal and executing the reservation module shown in FIG. 11(b) by the management server.

15(a), (b) and (c) are reservation sequence diagrams for explaining the reservation sequence flow shown in FIG. 14 in chronological order.

FIG. 16 shows the rental with reservation achieved by the mobile terminal executing the rental with reservation processing module shown in FIG. Sequence flow.

FIG. 17 shows a chart of no-reservation lending achieved by execution of the no-reservation lending processing module shown in FIG. It is a processing sequence flow.

FIG. 18 is a return processing sequence flow achieved by execution of the return processing module shown in FIG. 11(a) by the portable terminal and execution by the management server of the return processing module shown in FIG. 11(b).

FIG. 19 is an abandoned bicycle search sequence flow achieved by execution of the abandoned bicycle search module shown in FIG. 11(a) by the mobile terminal and execution of the abandoned bicycle search module shown in FIG. 11(b) by the management server. .

FIG. 20 is an abandoned bicycle collection sequence flow achieved by execution of the abandoned bicycle collection module shown in FIG. 11(a) by the mobile terminal and execution of the abandoned bicycle collection module shown in FIG. 11(b) by the management server. .

FIG. 21(a) shows an example of a user X riding a rental cycle in order to explain the process of searching for and collecting an abandoned bicycle in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 1(a). 3(b) shows an example of how the user X abandons the rental bicycle and leaves it, and FIG. 3(c) shows an example of another user Y approaching to rent the abandoned bicycle. , and FIG. 4(d) shows an example of how the user Y borrows the parked bicycle and starts riding it.

FIG. 22 is a plurality of time charts for exemplifying an abandoned bicycle search/collection sequence in which an abandoned bicycle is searched for and collected in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 23 shows an example of an abandoned bicycle list registered by executing the abandoned bicycle search module shown in FIG. 11(b) by the management server.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an example of how the position of an abandoned bicycle is displayed on the screen of another user's portable terminal by executing the abandoned bicycle collection module shown in FIG. 11(b) by the management server.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view conceptually showing an example of how rental bicycles are rented and returned in the bicycle rental system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a rental processing sequence flow achieved by executing the rental processing module of the plurality of modules in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 25 by the mobile terminal and executing the rental processing module by the management server.

FIG. 27 is a return processing sequence flow achieved by executing the return processing module of the plurality of modules in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG. 25 by the mobile terminal and executing the return processing module by the management server.

FIG. 28 is a plurality of time charts for explaining the relationship between changes in the signal reception level of the second transmitter and changes in user behavior in the bicycle rental system shown in FIG.

Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>

1(a) and 2 show a bicycle rental system (hereinafter simply "system") 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This system 10 is an example of a rental vehicle management system according to the present invention, and in this system 10, a rental cycle management method, which is an example of a rental vehicle management method according to the present invention, is implemented.

According to this system 10, a user is provided with a rental business in which a rental cycle (rental bicycle) 12, which is an example of a rental vehicle, is rented out to the user for a fee.

The rental business employs a one-way scheme in which the user is permitted to return the bicycle 20 to a station 20 other than the station 20 from which the bicycle 12 was rented.

In addition, the rental business adopts a station-type one-way system. Therefore, according to this rental business, the user is prohibited from abandoning and leaving the bicycle 12 rented at any station 20 at any place.

However, according to this rental business, a bicycle 12 that has been abandoned at an arbitrary location, i.e., an abandoned bicycle, is automatically searched for. is announced (distributed or broadcast) to a plurality of other potential users all at once as a place where it is possible to rent the abandoned bicycle 12 and start riding.

This encourages any other user to return the abandoned bicycle 12 to any station 20 for collection. As a result, the rental company is at least partially relieved of the extra work of traveling to collect the abandoned bicycle 12 and returning it to one of the stations 20 .

According to this rental business, when it is confirmed by the management server 50 that the user has left the borrowed bicycle 12 unattended, the bicycle 12 is deemed to have been returned although a penalty is imposed. Therefore, focusing on this fact, it can be considered that this rental business partially adopts a free-floating one-way system.

In short, it is possible to think that this rental business adopts a hybrid type one-way system that combines the station type and the free floating type.

In this embodiment, if the user who borrowed the bicycle 12 gets off the bicycle 12 at an arbitrary place other than the station 20 and stops there, the action is expressed by the term "left". However, when the bicycle 12 is left unattended, the left position functions as if it were a new station 20, and another user may borrow the abandoned bicycle as if it had been duly returned. be.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the term "left" is synonymous with "return", which is a legitimate act when another user borrows an abandoned bicycle and returns it to one of the stations 20. On the other hand, when the rental company collects the abandoned bicycle because there is no such user, it means "abandonment" as a fraudulent act. It is interpreted that there is

Therefore, in this embodiment, the term "left" may be interpreted as having the same meaning as "return".

As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 2, the system 10 includes a plurality of stations 20 each capable of storing a plurality of bicycles 12 (FIG. 1(a) shows one of the stations 20). (only a representative station 20 is shown) for providing a service for renting and returning those bicycles 12 to users. Each station 20 is assigned to a corresponding bicycle parking lot 22 . The bicycle parking lot 22 is a rental bicycle storage site, and in the illustrated example, has a rectangular shape in a plan view.

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

In order to realize the centralized management method, the system 10 includes a plurality of first transmitters 30 installed in a plurality of stations 20 and a plurality of second transmitters (in-vehicle equipment) mounted in each of the plurality of bicycles 12. ) 32 and a management server 50 installed in a management center 40 for centrally managing a plurality of stations 20 . The management center 40 is operated by the owner of the land where the station 20 is installed, or by the above-mentioned rental company or bicycle parking lot management company acting on behalf of the owner.

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

Each of the plurality of stations 20 is pre-assigned a unique station ID. Similarly, each of the plurality of bicycles 12 is pre-assigned a unique bicycle ID. The first transmitter 30 installed in each station 20 and the management server 50 do not communicate directly, but communicate via the mobile terminal 90 of the user. Similarly, the second transmitter 32 installed on each bicycle 12 and the management server 50 do not communicate directly, but communicate via the mobile terminal 90 of the user.

In this embodiment, each first transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a local identification signal capable of identifying a unique station ID for the corresponding station 20 . Each secondary transmitter 32 is also configured to transmit a local identification signal that may identify a unique bicycle ID for the corresponding bicycle 12 . The same station ID is commonly used for multiple bicycles 12 stored at the same station 20 .

The number and type of bicycles 12 to be stored at the same station 20 may be predetermined and may not change from day to day, but in this embodiment they are not predetermined and change from day to day. It is possible.

Therefore, in the former case, the same bicycle ID always corresponds to the same station ID, whereas in this embodiment, the same bicycle ID corresponds to a plurality of different station IDs.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the same bicycle ID corresponds to, for example, the station ID of station A when renting the bicycle, but corresponds to the station ID of station B when returning the bicycle. In this way, each user action of renting and returning the bicycle 12 is defined by a combination of the station ID and the bicycle ID.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), a second transmitter 32 is attached to a specific portion of each bicycle 12. As shown in FIG. An example of the specific parts are the front (e.g., cage), rear (e.g., carrier), and midsection (e.g., saddle 62 of bicycle 12, saddle 62 of bicycle 12) portions of each bicycle 12. and a triangular frame 64) that supports from below.

Further, the portion of each bicycle 12 to which the second transmitter 32 is attached is in a state in which the user is riding the bicycle 12 (a state in which the user begins to sit on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12 (also referred to as a "riding state"). and a state in which the user sits on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12 and moves by driving the bicycle 12 (also referred to as “state of riding”, “during riding”, or “state of riding and moving”). ), and it is a portion (for example, the car portion, the cargo bed, etc.) where there is a high possibility that the mobile terminal 90 carried by the user can receive the signal transmitted from the second transmitter 32 without obstacles. is selected as

As shown in FIG. 1(a), in this system 10, at each station 20, the above-mentioned first transmitter 30 as a fixed object installed in the corresponding bicycle parking lot 22 and a plurality of bicycles 12 are stored. A bicycle rack (bicycle storage device) 70 for

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

As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the bicycle rack 70 includes a plurality of bicycle stalls (small compartments) 72 for accommodating one bicycle 12 . In one example, the bicycle rack 70 is partitioned into a plurality of bicycle stalls 72 by frames 74 installed in the bicycle parking lot 22 . Each bicycle 12 is accommodated (stored) in each bicycle stall 72 prior to being rented to a user.

In one example, not shown, each bicycle 12 is fitted with a lock capable of selectively locking its wheels (front and/or rear wheels) or handlebars to the bicycle frame. In another example, not shown, each bicycle stall 72 is fitted with a lock capable of selectively locking the bicycle 12 to each bicycle stall 72 .

In any of the examples, the lock may be of a password type (dial lock, push-button lock, etc.) unlocked by the user entering a password, There are remote types that unlock with a signal, mechanical locks that operate without using a power supply (electric power), and electronic locks that operate using a power supply (electric power).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this system 10, a user uses his/her own portable terminal 90 to identify a first transmitter 30 installed at the station 20 where the user is currently staying. a signal and an identification signal from a second transmitter 32 installed on one of the plurality of bicycles 12 currently stored at the current station 20 that has been reserved or locally selected by the user, At the same time, they are received in contact or non-contact with the first and second transmitters 30, 32 (perform short-range one-way wireless communication). The mobile terminal 90 further performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the management server 50 of the management center 40 .

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

<First and second transmitters>

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

Each transmitter 30, 32 transmits a unique identification signal actively, locally, and permanently as long as the supply power is sufficient, without requiring an external trigger signal.

Each of the transmitters 30 and 32 is generally a device that is also known as a beacon device, radio beacon, or the like that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal. Each transmitter 30, 32, in one example, modulates the original signal to generate an identification signal representing the corresponding station ID, and the generated identification signal is an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, It is transmitted locally as an NFC (Near Field Communication) signal or the like.

Next, referring to the functional block diagram of FIG. 4, each transmitter 30, 32 has a processor 100 and a memory 102 storing a plurality of applications executed by the processor 100. It is composed mainly of a computer 104 .

Each transmitter 30, 32 also has a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of the battery 106, it is possible to adopt a rechargeable battery, adopt a commercial power supply as an external power supply, or adopt a solar battery as renewable energy instead of or in addition to them. be.

Each of the transmitters 30 and 32 further has a transmitter section 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal representing a proper transmitter ID (an example of a "transmitter code") unique to itself. Each first transmitter 30 transmits an identification signal representing a unique authorized first transmitter ID, while each second transmitter 32 transmits an identification signal representing a unique authorized second transmitter ID. .

Transmitter 108 is powered by battery 106 and controlled by controller 110 . Its controller 110 is controlled by computer 100 .

Next, the software configuration of each transmitter 30, 32 will be described with reference to FIG. execute

When the program is executed each time, first, in step S1, from the memory 102, the authorized transmitter ID corresponding to each transmitter 30, 32 (that is, the authorized first transmitter ID corresponding to the first transmitter 30, the first Of the regular second transmitter IDs corresponding to the second transmitter 32, the one corresponding to the program described here) is read. A regular first transmitter ID corresponds to one station ID one-to-one, and a regular second transmitter ID corresponds to one bicycle ID one-to-one.

Next, in step S2, the remaining amount of battery 106 is estimated.

Subsequently, in step S3, a signal for modulating an original signal (for example, a carrier signal) is sent to the controller 110 so that the read regular transmitter ID and the estimated remaining battery capacity are reflected. output for The controller 110 controls the transmitter 108 so that the transmitter 108 generates an identification signal to be transmitted this time.

After that, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from transmitting section 108. FIG. Then, the process returns to step S1.

In addition, in each transmitter 30, 32, an algorithm for generating an identification signal so that at least the corresponding ID among the corresponding station ID and bicycle ID (corresponding ID) and the remaining battery level is reflected, or The procedure may employ a different algorithm or procedure than that shown in FIG.

<Hardware Configuration of User's Mobile Terminal>

Here, one function of the user's portable terminal 90 will be described in relation to each of the transmitters 30 and 32. The portable terminal 90 receives identification signals from each of the transmitters 30 and 32. When a program pre-installed in the computer of the terminal 90, that is, a dedicated application for transmitter processing (hereinafter referred to as "transmitter application") is activated (login), the received identification signal is demodulated. and thereby decode said station ID and bicycle ID.

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

Portable terminal 90 further transmits the decrypted station ID and bicycle ID to management server 50 .

Further, when the mobile terminal 90 starts the application for the transmitter while receiving the identification signal from each of the transmitters 30 and 32, based on the received identification signal, when the identification signal is transmitted, It also measures the distance between the position of each transmitter 30, 32 and the position of the mobile terminal 90 when the identification signal is received. The distance measurement is performed, for example, based on the strength of the signal received by the mobile terminal 90 from each transmitter 30,32.

That is, based on the identification signals received from each of the transmitters 30 and 32, the mobile terminal 90 uses the station ID unique to the station 20 where the first transmitter 30 is actually installed and the bicycle 12 selected by the user. Both the bicycle ID unique to the bicycle on which the second transmitter 32 is installed and the distance to each transmitter 30, 32 at that time are obtained.

<Setting the receiving range of each transmitter>

As conceptually shown in plan view in FIG. 6(a), each transmitter 30, 32 is assigned two types of reception areas. They are a receivable area (not shown) and an effective reception area (hereinafter also referred to as "receiving range").

Both areas are generally defined by circles originating from respective transmitters 30,32. The coverage area has a maximum reception radius (eg, approximately 50m), while the effective reception area has an effective reception radius (eg, ranging from a radius of 0m to a radius of approximately 50m or less). While the maximum reception radius is a fixed value, the effective reception radius is a variable value that can be changed at any time by the mobile terminal 90 as described later.

The receivable area is the area where the identification signal from each transmitter 30, 32 can reach when the power supply of each transmitter 30, 32 is normal. means the area where the identification signal can be received.

On the other hand, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be arbitrarily set, whereas the effective reception radius can be arbitrarily set by the mobile terminal 90 .

That is, it is possible to say that the maximum reception radius means the reception limit determined by hardware, while the effective reception radius means the reception limit determined by software.

As described above, mobile terminal 90 measures the distance to each transmitter 30, 32 when transmitting the identification signal it receives. The range measurement may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the distance measurement value does not exceed the effective reception radius, the portable terminal 90 is present within the effective reception area. is within the coverage area but not within the effective reception area.

By activating the transmitter processing application, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the distance measurement value is equal to or less than the set value of the effective reception radius. 90 is currently located within the effective reception area (reception range), the mobile terminal 90 "effectively received the identification signal from each of the transmitters 30 and 32 (hereinafter simply referred to as "received the identification signal"). )”.

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is greater than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception areas of the transmitters 30 and 32. Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 It is determined that ``the identification signal from each transmitter 30, 32 has not been effectively received (hereinafter also simply referred to as ``the identification signal has not been received'').

That is, in this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 appears to be It is handled on the software as if the identification signal has not been received.

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

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(a), one first transmitter 30 is installed in one station 20, and the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 (first The reception range) is arranged inside the second effective reception area (second reception range) of the second transmitter 32 as long as the corresponding bicycle 12 is within the station 20 premises (inside the perimeter). , the first reception radius of the first effective reception area and the second reception radius of the second effective reception area are relatively set.

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

Specific examples of these three reception ranges will now be described.

1) Short range

If the user does not bring the mobile terminal 90 into contact with the transmitting part of the transmitter or hold it over the transmitter in a non-contact state, the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive the transmitter effectively. within about 30 cm)

2) Medium range

As long as the user is riding the bicycle 12 or pushing the bicycle 12 to move, the user can bring the mobile terminal 90 into contact with or hold it over the transmitting part of the transmitter (non-contact/close state). a reception range in which the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive the transmitter (the setting value is, for example, within a range of approximately 0 m to approximately 2 m)

3) Long range

As long as the user exists at any position within the station 20, the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive the transmitter without the user touching or holding the mobile terminal 90 over the transmitting part of the transmitter. Range (where the set value is, for example, within the range of about 0 m to about 10 m)

In the example shown in FIG. 6(a), the first effective reception area is set so as to cover the entire area of the station 20 in plan view and partially deviate from the boundary line of the station 20. It is Alternatively, in another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first effective reception area may be set so as not to have an area deviating from the boundary line of the station 20 in plan view. good.

In the two examples respectively shown in FIGS. 6(a) and (b), one station 20 is provided with one first transmitter 30, but instead of this, an example is shown in FIG. 6(c). It is also possible to implement the present invention in such a manner that a plurality of first transmitters 30 are installed in one station 20 as shown in FIG.

By the way, in this embodiment, the site of the station 20 has a rectangular shape. On the other hand, the first effective reception area is three-dimensionally spherical and two-dimensionally circular. Therefore, if one first effective reception area is assigned to station 20, as shown in FIG. (Receiving failure area) remains.

On the other hand, in still another example, as shown in FIG. 6(c), if a plurality of first effective reception areas are assigned to the station 20, the combination of those effective reception areas will result in an apparent effective reception. area and the gap between the boundary of this area and the boundary of the station 20 is reduced.

As a result, it is possible to prevent so-called missed reception, in which the mobile terminal 90 cannot effectively receive the signal from the first transmitter 30 even though the user carrying the mobile terminal 90 is present in the station 20 .

In the example shown in FIG. 6(c), the plurality of second transmitters 30 are assigned different transmitter IDs, but are assigned a common station ID. Therefore, when the mobile terminal 90 receives the signal from at least one of the first transmitters 30, the transmitter ID represented by the received signal is associated (translated) with the corresponding station ID. ), as a result, the mobile terminal 90 can identify the current station 20 .

The identification (recognition) of the current station 20 by the mobile terminal 90 means that the user carrying the mobile terminal 90 is present in the station 20 through cooperation between the mobile terminal 90 and the transmitter 30 . Equivalent to being detected.

<Software configuration of the user's mobile terminal>

Next, the hardware configuration of the user's portable terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, which is a functional block diagram. A computer 134 having 132 is the main component.

The mobile terminal 90 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information on a screen (having a window whose area is finite and variable or fixed) indicated by reference numeral 135 in FIG. 15, for example. , the first transmitter 30 , the second transmitter 32 and the management server 50 , and a transmitter 140 that generates a signal and transmits the signal to the management server 50 .

This mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 has, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by the user to input desired information (eg, commands, data, etc.) to the mobile terminal 90 .

The operation unit includes a touch screen that displays icons (e.g., virtual buttons) that can be operated by the user, a physical operation unit that can be operated by the user (e.g., keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.), and voice. Sensing microphones and the like include, but are not limited to.

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

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

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

As conceptually shown in FIG. 8, in the station data memory 163, correspondence relationships between a plurality of station IDs, a plurality of regular first transmitter IDs, and a plurality of station position data are downloaded from the management server 50. can be stored. A plurality of station IDs correspond to a plurality of stations 20 centrally managed by the system 10, respectively. Moreover, each of the plurality of station position data represents the latitude and longitude (latitude x, longitude y) of the ground position of the corresponding station 20 .

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

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

Here, the "small number of candidate stations 20" are the plurality of stations 20 displayed on the screen 135 for the geographical reason that they are close to the current position of the mobile terminal 90 among the plurality of downloaded stations 20. Stations 20 that are geographically far from the current location of the mobile terminal 90 and that are off the screen 135 are excluded.

As conceptually represented in FIG. 9, the bicycle data memory 165 of FIG. 7 contains a plurality of station IDs and a plurality of bicycle IDs (eg, "2001"), which in FIG. , painted, stickers, etc., displayed on the bicycle 12 in fixed characters) and a plurality of authorized second transmitter IDs can be downloaded from the management server 50 and stored. When one of the plurality of bicycles 12 is selected by the user, one corresponding bicycle ID is determined, and thus one corresponding regular second transmitter ID is determined.

A reservation status table, which will be described later, is appropriately downloaded from the management server 50 and stored in the reservation status table memory 167 .

As shown in FIG. 11(a), the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90 stores a bicycle rental program for the mobile terminal 90. The bicycle rental program has the following modules. there is

1) Reservation module

This is a module that assists the user in reserving any of the bicycles 12 prior to arriving at the station 20, as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. Here, "to make a reservation" means that the user inputs the location information of the desired station 20, the identification information of the desired bicycle 12 (an example of identification information to be rented), and the scheduled rental time and scheduled return time. Equivalent to work.

2) Rent processing module when there is a reservation

This is a module that assists the user to rent out the reserved bicycle 12 at the reserved station 20 according to the user's reservation, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

3) Loan processing module without reservation

As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 17, this means that the user can select any free bicycle 12 at any station 20 and rent the selected bicycle 12 without reservation. It is a module that supports receiving.

4) Return processing module

This allows the user to return the rented bicycle 12 at a station 20 that is the same as or different from the station 20 at which the bicycle 12 was rented, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. It is a supporting module.

5) Abandoned bicycle search module

As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 19, after lending the bicycle 12 to the user, the user leaves the bicycle 12 in an arbitrary place (leaving position) to which no station 20 is assigned. This is a module that determines whether or not

More specifically, in this abandoned bicycle search module, the user's portable terminal 90 transitions from a receiving state in which the identification signal is effectively received from the second transmitter 32 by the short-distance communication method to a non-receiving state in which the identification signal is not effectively received. Then, the bicycle 12 identified by the signal received by the mobile terminal 90 from the second transmitter 32 before the transition is recognized as an abandoned bicycle.

Furthermore, within a reference time from the transition (e.g., substantially simultaneously with the transition, immediately after the transition, or a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) has passed since the transition ), the current position measured by the mobile terminal 90 is recognized as the parked position of the parked bicycle.

Here, "the reception state in which the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the identification signal from the second transmitter 32 by the short-range communication method" is set such that the effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is narrower than the receivable area. In case, it means that the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because the mobile terminal 90 is within the effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 .

On the other hand, the above-mentioned "receiving state" indicates that the mobile terminal 90 is within the receivable area of the second transmitter 32 when the effective receiving area of the second transmitter 32 is set to be the same as the receivable area. This means that the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because it is in the

Further, the "non-receiving state" means that when the effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is set narrower than the receivable area, the portable terminal 90 is within the receivable area of the second transmitter 32 and within the effective reception area. A state in which the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because it is outside, or a state in which the mobile terminal 90 is outside the receivable area of the second transmitter 32 and the mobile terminal 90 is in the second state. It means a state in which an identification signal cannot be received from the transmitter 32 .

On the other hand, the above-mentioned "non-receiving state" means that when the effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is set to be the same as the receivable area, the portable terminal 90 is in the receivable area of the second transmitter 32. It means a state in which the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive the identification signal from the second transmitter 32 because it is outside.

6) Abandoned bicycle collection module

As will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 20, when an abandoned bicycle 12 is discovered, this means that the mobile terminals 90 of a plurality of other potential users will be notified of the position where the bicycle 12 was left. This is a module that simultaneously transmits a request to the station 20 to request that the parked bicycle 12 be rented and returned to one of the stations 20, thereby assisting the user in collecting the parked bicycle 12. .

<Management server>

Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 10, which is a functional block diagram. It is mainly composed of a computer 164 having

The management server 50 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 that displays information, a reception unit 168 that receives signals from the mobile terminal 90 , and a signal that generates and transmits the signal to the mobile terminal 90 . and a clock 172 for measuring the current time. This management server 50 does not directly receive data from the transmitter 30, but actually receives data via the mobile terminal 90. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), the memory 162 of the management server 50 stores a bicycle rental program for the management server 50. The bicycle rental program has the following modules. there is

1) Reservation module

This is a module having the same function as the reservation module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be detailed later with reference to FIG.

2) Rent processing module when there is a reservation

This is a module having the same function as the rental processing module with reservation of the mobile terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

3) Loan processing module without reservation

This module has the same function as the no-reservation rental processing module of the portable terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

4) Return processing module

This module has the same function as the return processing module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

5) Abandoned bicycle search module

This module has the same function as the abandoned bicycle search module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

6) Abandoned bicycle collection module

This module has the same function as the abandoned bicycle collection module of the mobile terminal 90, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

<Overview of reservation sequence>

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

This reservation status table is created and updated in the management server 50 and the latest version is shared with the mobile terminal 90 . This reservation status table displays, for each station 20 and for each bicycle 12, whether or not there is a reservation and the scheduled rental time zone (including date and time).

The user looks at this reservation status table on the screen 135 of his/her mobile terminal 90, refers to it, searches for the station 20 where at least one bicycle 12 is waiting, and finds at least one of the stations 20. A bicycle 12 that has an idle time is searched for, and the desired date and time period are specified.

In FIG. 12(a), in the time axis (from 00:00 to 23:59) for each bicycle 12 in the reservation status table, the latest update time of the reservation status table is indicated by a hatched horizontal bar. indicates a time slot in which a reservation already exists, i.e., a time slot with prior commitments, while a time slot in which the bar does not exist indicates a time slot in which no reservations exist, i.e., time without prior commitments showing the band.

The user inputs the identification information of the selected station 20, the identification information of the selected bicycle 12, the rental date and time, and the return date and time into his/her mobile terminal 90, as shown in FIG. 15(c). Both the corresponding station 20 and bicycle 12 are thereby reserved.

FIG. 11(b) shows an example of a user-by-user reservation content file for managing the reservation content of a plurality of users by executing the reservation module by the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50. As shown in FIG.

This user-by-user reservation content file is created and updated in the management server 50 . This user-by-user reservation content file includes, for each user, personal authentication information (user ID, password, etc.), location information for specifying the location of the selected station 20 (ID unique to the selected station 20), Location information for specifying the location of the selected bicycle 12 (ID unique to the selected bicycle 12), time information for defining the scheduled usage time period for the selected bicycle 12 (scheduled start time, scheduled end time, scheduled usage time length, etc.), and the type of penalty imposed on the user for violating the rules that the user is required to comply with in order to receive this bicycle rental service.

<Overview of main sequence>

An overview of the primary sequences performed by system 10 subsequent to the reservation sequence described above will now be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 13, the time chart labeled "Reception for Station Recognition" indicates whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is receiving the regular first transmitter ID from the first transmitter 30 at each instant. For convenience of explanation, the pulse signal is represented as a low level when the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the regular first transmitter ID and a high level when the mobile terminal 90 receives the regular first transmitter ID.

Similarly, the time chart labeled "reception for bicycle recognition" in FIG. For convenience of explanation, whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has received the regular second transmitter ID is represented by a pulse signal that is low level when the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the regular second transmitter ID and high level when the mobile terminal 90 is receiving it.

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

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

1) Loan processing

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

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

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

Here, "a state in which the mobile terminal 90 is receiving signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32 at the same time" means that the mobile terminal 90 receives signals from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. It means a two-way reception state in which the mobile terminal 90 receives both the signal from the first transmitter 30 and the timing at which the mobile terminal 90 starts receiving the signal from the first transmitter 30, is not necessarily required to coincide with the timing of starting reception of .

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

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

In response to the lending request, the management server 50 permits lending of the bicycle 12 by the user. That time is the start time of the actual rental time, but in principle, billing to the user starts at 15:00, which is the scheduled rental time. Specifically, from the scheduled rental time, the total rental time that is referenced to calculate the final rental fee for the user is counted.

After that, the user leaves the rental station 20 while riding the bicycle 12. At that time, the portable terminal 90 leaves the first effective reception area, so that the first transmitter 30 cannot be effectively received ( The station recognition reception signal falls).

On the other hand, as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, so the received signal for bicycle recognition is maintained at a high level.

2) Return processing

Since the user entered a station (return station) 20 that is the same as or different from the current rental station 20 at 17:30 on the same day in order to return the bicycle 12 in use, the portable terminal 90 has entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal rises. Since the user has been riding the bicycle 12 since then, the portable terminal 90 is in a state of continuously receiving the second transmitter 32 effectively.

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

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

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

In response to the return request, management server 50 allows the user to return bicycle 12 . That time is the end time of the actual rental time, but in principle, the billing to the user continues until 18:00, which is the scheduled return time. Specifically, the counting of the total rental time ends at the scheduled return time.

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

Subsequently, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has left the first effective reception area because the user moved away from the bicycle 12 and left the current return station 20, the mobile terminal 90 activates the second transmitter 32. (The station recognition reception signal falls).

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

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

FIG. 13(b) shows an outline of the main sequence, taking as an example the case where the user enters any station 20, selects any bicycle 12 within that station 20, and starts the rental service. Illustrated in several time charts. These time charts are basically the same as those shown in FIG. 13(a) except for billing processing and the like, so common elements will be briefly described.

1) Loan processing

First, the user entered one of the stations (rental stations) 20 at 15:30 on a certain day to rent one of the bicycles 12, and the portable terminal 90 entered the first effective reception area. , the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive the first transmitter 30 .

Next, the user approaches one of the bicycles 12 and holds the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, so that the mobile terminal 90 enters the second effective reception area. , the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive the second transmitter 32 .

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

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

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

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

After that, the user leaves the rental station 20 while riding the bicycle 12. At that time, the mobile terminal 90 leaves the first effective reception area, so that the first transmitter 30 cannot be effectively received.

On the other hand, as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12, the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the second transmitter 32, so the received signal for bicycle recognition is maintained at a high level.

2) Return processing

Since the user entered a station (return station) 20 that is the same as or different from the current rental station 20 at 17:30 on the same day in order to return the bicycle 12 in use, the portable terminal 90 has entered the first effective reception area, the station recognition reception signal rises. Since the user has been riding the bicycle 12 since then, the portable terminal 90 is in a state of continuously receiving the second transmitter 32 effectively.

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

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

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

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

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

Subsequently, assuming that the mobile terminal 90 has left the first effective reception area because the user moved away from the bicycle 12 and left the current return station 20, the mobile terminal 90 activates the second transmitter 32. transition to a state in which reception is not possible.

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

<Reservation sequence>

In FIG. 14, the user connects the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 90 at a place away from the station 20 to be reserved (for example, at home as shown in FIG. 1), and selects one of the bicycles within the station 20. An example of communication between the mobile terminal 90 and the remotely located management server 50 in order to reserve 12 is represented by a sequence flow in chronological order.

When the user activates the bicycle rental program (already downloaded from the management server 50 and installed in the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90) in the mobile terminal 90, the user can select multiple modes and multiple requests. A plurality of buttons (display objects selectable by the user) to be operated for emitting are displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 .

Multiple modes and multiple requests include:

1) Reservation mode

Execution mode selected by user for reserving station 20 and bike 12

2) Lending processing mode when there is a reservation

Execution mode selected by the user to activate the rental with reservation processing module to rent a bicycle 12 at station 20 with a reservation.

3) Lending processing mode without reservation

An execution mode selected by the user to activate the no-reservation processing module to rent a bicycle 12 at station 20 without a reservation.

4) Return processing mode

an execution mode selected by the user to activate the return processing module to return the bicycle 12 to the station 20;

5) Lending request

A request issued by a user for permission to lend the bicycle 12 to the user after activation of the rental processing module with reservation or the rental processing module without reservation

6) Return request

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

This time, when the user selects a button labeled "reservation mode", the reservation module of the bicycle rental program for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 and the bicycle for the management server 50 is displayed. The reservation module of the rental program is executed by processor 160 of management server 50 .

When the reservation module for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90, first, in step 101, the mobile terminal 90 detects the user's current position ( longitude and latitude) are measured.

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

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

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

In contrast, when the reservation module for the management server 50 is executed by the processor 160 of the management server 50, the management server 50 receives said login request with the user ID and password in step S201, followed by step In S202, station data about the plurality of stations 20 (see FIG. 8 for the plurality of components of the station data) and bicycle data about the plurality of bicycles 12 belonging to those stations 20 (the plurality of bicycle data 9 for the components) and the reservation status table (see FIG. 12(a)) in the memory 162 of the management server 50 (or another memory).

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

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

Subsequently, in step S105, based on the stored station data, a small number of candidate stations among the plurality of stations 20 located near the current position are displayed on the map displayed on the screen 135. 20 is overlaid.

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

In one example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the user's current position is overlaid on the map displayed on the screen 135 using a black triangle 202, and a plurality of candidate stations 20 are displayed. Overlay display is performed using a plurality of station display icons 204 . In this example, the three station display icons 204 are configured as figures in which alphabetical letters "A", "B" and "C" are enclosed in a rectangular frame.

In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the part of the system 10 that executes step S105 constitutes an example of the "candidate station display unit" and an example of the "candidate station display process" in the above item (8). It is possible to think that there is

Note that the same as step S105 is the return processing sequence flow that will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. , for example, considering the distance from the user's current position, the distance from the user's nearest station, and the like.

Subsequently, in step S106, the user selects one of the candidate stations 20 as the current selected station 20 by touching the display position of one of the candidate stations 20 on the screen 135 with a finger.

Specifically, when the user touches the display position of one of the candidate stations 20 on the screen 135 with a finger, the touch position is detected by the touch screen of the display unit 136, and the touch position is displayed on the map, for example. Convert to map coordinate information (position information) that is the upper latitude and longitude (defined by the global coordinate system, which is an absolute coordinate system) or the corresponding xy coordinate information (defined by the device coordinate system, which is a relative coordinate system) be done. One of the candidate stations 20 is specified based on the map coordinate information.

After that, in step S107, the reservation status table is displayed on the screen 135 as illustrated in FIG. 15(b).

Subsequently, in step S108, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, the user inputs the identification information (for example, the name) of the station (rental station) 20 to be reserved and the identification information of the bicycle (rental bicycle) 12 to be reserved. (for example, number), rental date and time (scheduled), and return date and time (scheduled) are entered. Inputting the identification information of the bicycle 12 to be reserved by the user into the mobile terminal 90 is equivalent to performing an operation on the mobile terminal 90 for the user to select one of the bicycles 12 .

After that, in step S109, the mobile terminal 90 associates the input reservation contents with the user and transmits them to the management server 50 (together with the user ID, for example).

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

On the other hand, the management server 50 associates the reservation content with the user (for example, together with the user ID) and receives the reservation content in step S204. Subsequently, in step S205, the management server 50 registers the received reservation content in the file associated with the current user, among the plurality of user-specific reservation content files (see FIG. 12(b)). Furthermore, the reservation status table stored in the memory 162 is updated so as to reflect the received reservation contents.

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

In response to this, the portable terminal 90 displays the received message on the screen 135 or outputs it by voice. This display informs the user that his/her reservation has been established.

<Rental processing sequence with reservation>

In FIG. 16, the user enters the reserved station 20, then approaches the reserved bicycle 12, and locates at the station 20 in order to obtain permission to rent the bicycle 12. An example of communication between the first transmitter 30, the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 of the user, and the management server 50 is shown in a sequence flow in chronological order. is represented by

Both the first and second transmitters 30 and 32 spontaneously and continuously transmit their own unique identification signals. If the user enters the reserved station 20, the mobile terminal 90 will be within the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 (see FIG. 6), so the mobile terminal 90 will 1 to effectively receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30; Eventually, when the user holds the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 of the bicycle 12 that has been reserved, the mobile terminal 90 will be within the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 ( See Figure 6).

In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not there is a reservation, the reception range of the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30 is the long range, while the reception range of the second effective reception area of the second transmitter 32 is the long range. is the short range. This setting is effective regardless of whether it is a lending process or a return process.

This time, the user selects a button "Rental processing mode with reservation" on the screen of the portable terminal 90 . In response to this, the mobile terminal 90 executes a rental processing module for the mobile terminal 90 with reservation. As a result of this execution, first, in step 151, the portable terminal 90 transmits a login request for logging into the management server 50 together with the user ID and password for identifying the current user to the management server 50. FIG.

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

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

Thereafter, in step S<b>253 , the searched current user reservation related information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90 .

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 90 receives the current user reservation-related information in step S152. Subsequently, in step S153, in the current user reservation-related information, the transmitter code pre-assigned to the regular first transmitter 30 that should be installed in the reserved station 20 is changed to the regular first transmitter code. Along with being retrieved as the transmitter code, the transmitter code pre-assigned to the regular second transmitter 32 that should be installed on the reserved bicycle 12 is retrieved as the regular second transmitter code. . The legal first and second transmitter codes for the user are obtained.

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

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

Further, even if the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal from the first transmitter 30, if there is a possibility that the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the first effective reception area of the first transmitter 30, the effective reception area may exist within.

Such circumstances apply to the second transmitter 32 as well.

The mobile terminal 90 is capable of receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters simultaneously and in a mutually identifiable manner. Each transmitter emits a unique signal, for example, the source address (corresponding to the transmitter ID) in the header of each packet of that signal is different from that of other transmitters. Focusing on this fact, the mobile terminal 90 can individually handle a plurality of signals received at the same time.

Therefore, following step S154, in step S155, the portable terminal 90 performs the following three types of determination.

1) First valid reception determination as to whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the first transmitter 30, that is, the measured value of the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the first transmitter 30 is the first valid reception determination. Determining whether or not it is smaller than the effective reception radius (long range) of the reception area

2) A second valid reception determination as to whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the second transmitter 32, that is, the measured value of the distance between the mobile terminal 90 and the second transmitter 32 is the second valid reception determination. Determining whether or not it is smaller than the effective reception radius (short range) of the reception area

3) Simultaneous reception determination as to whether mobile terminal 90 has received signals from first transmitter 30 and second transmitter 32 at the same time; Determination of whether or not the timing at which the first valid reception determination of the transmitter 32 is affirmed is substantially the same time

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

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

In step S156, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal, and in step S157, the mobile terminal 90 converts the transmitter ID represented by the demodulated identification signal into the real transmitter ID. decipher as Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 has a real first transmitter ID represented by the signal received from the first transmitter 30 and a real second transmitter ID represented by the signal received from the second transmitter 32. and get.

When the demodulated identification signal is a code represented by a multi-digit binary number, for example, the code is a conversion table prepared in advance (for example, downloaded in advance from the management server 50). is used to convert to a transmitter ID. However, in terms of usage, the difference between "code" and "ID" is irrelevant as long as the usage is identification.

Subsequently, in step S158, portable terminal 90 stores the thus decoded real first and second real transmitter IDs and the regular first and second real transmitter IDs acquired by executing step S153. It is determined whether or not they match each other. That is, ID collation is performed.

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

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

After that, in step S159, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not each real transmitter ID and each regular transmitter ID match each other, that is, whether or not the ID collation is successful.

If the ID collation is not successful, the determination in step S159 is NO, and then in step S160, the mobile terminal 90 sends the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 30 to the user again in step S160. A retry to detect machine 32 is prompted, such as by displaying an appropriate message on screen 135 or by audible output. After that, the process returns to step S154.

On the other hand, if the ID collation is successful, the determination in step S159 becomes YES, and then in step S161, the portable terminal 90 detects whether the bicycle 12 before rental exists at the current station 20 at the current time. determined to be This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has started using the current bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (the bicycle has been lent out).

In one example, the determination in step S155 is NO until the user arrives at the current station 20 after activating the rental processing module, but has not yet arrived at the reserved bicycle 12 . When the user eventually arrives at the bicycle 12, the determination in step S155 transitions from NO to YES.

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

Here, the timing at which the determination in step S159 becomes YES is the timing at which the portable terminal 90 transitions from a state in which it does not receive the regular second transmitter ID to a state in which it receives it ("reception for bicycle recognition in the example of FIG. 13A"). (which corresponds to the temporal position of the "rising edge" of the signal).

After that, in step S162, the user inputs a lending request to the mobile terminal 90 (for example, the user operates a virtual button (for example, "lending button") operated to command the "lending request"). It is determined whether or not If a lending request has been input, the determination in step S162 is YES.

Subsequently, in step S163, it is determined that the user has issued a lending request, and that the user has actually started using the reserved bicycle 12 at the currently reserved station 20. is associated with the user (for example, together with the user ID) and sent to the management server 50 .

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

Then, in step S255, the clock 172 is used to measure the current time. Subsequently, in step S256, the current time is recognized as the actual rental time. Subsequently, in step S257, the lending of the bicycle 12 to the user this time is permitted.

Thereafter, in step S258, a billing start time is determined for the user. Billing, in principle, starts at the scheduled rental time, and the amount corresponding to the length of elapsed time (usage time, rental time, rental time) from the scheduled rental time is calculated as the rental amount.

The case where the user issues a lending request normally immediately after the portable terminal 90 effectively receives the two authorized transmitters 30 and 32 at the same time (the two-way reception state is established) has been described above. If not, the determination in step S162 is NO, and then in step S164, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the execution time of step S161 is within the first time limit (for example, 5 minutes). be done.

If it is within the first time limit, the determination in step S164 becomes YES, and in step S165, inputting a lending request to the user can be done by, for example, displaying an appropriate message on the screen 135 or by voice. It is urged by being output or the like. Then, the process returns to step S162.

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

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

<Rental processing sequence without reservation>

In FIG. 17, the user enters any station 20 without a reservation, then approaches any bicycle 12 and asks for permission to rent the bicycle 12 at that station 20 . An example of the communication between the first transmitter 30 located at , the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 of the user, and the management server 50 is shown in a chronological sequence.・Represented by a flow. Since this flow has many elements in common with the flow shown in FIG. 16, only different elements will be described in detail.

This time, the user selects a button "Rental processing mode without reservation" on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 . In response to this, the mobile terminal 90 executes a no-reservation lending processing module for the mobile terminal 90 .

As a result of this execution, first, in step 201, a login request for logging into the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50 together with the user ID and password for identifying the current user, as in step S151 described above. be.

On the other hand, when the unreserved rental processing module for the management server 50 is executed by the management server 50, in step S271, the management server 50 sends the login request to the user ID and Received with password.

Subsequently, in step S272, the reservation status table (FIG. 12(a)) is searched in the memory 162. FIG. After that, in step S273, the searched reservation status table is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90. FIG.

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

Subsequently, in step S204, similarly to step S154 described above, the mobile terminal 90 selects at least one of the at least one first transmitter 30 and the at least one second transmitter 32 existing in the current station 20. receive a signal from

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

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

In step S206, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal in the same manner as in step S156, and then in step S207, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the The real first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the real second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 are obtained from the received identification signal.

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

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

After that, in step S209, the portable terminal 90 extracts the individual reservation status corresponding to the current station 20 and the current bicycle 12 from the reservation status table, and the reserved time slot in the individual reservation status is It is determined whether or not there is overlap with the scheduled usage time period from the current actual rental time to the aforementioned scheduled return time, that is, whether or not there is a prior commitment.

If there is a previous commitment, the determination in step S209 is NO, and then in step S210, similar to step S160, the mobile terminal 90 again asks the user to call the first transmitter 30 and Prompts to retry to detect the second transmitter 32 . After that, the process returns to step S204.

On the other hand, if there is no previous commitment, the determination in step S209 becomes YES, and thereafter, in step S211, the portable terminal 90 indicates that the bicycle 12 before rental exists at the current station 20 at the current time. determine that there is This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has started using the current bicycle 12 at the current station 20 (the bicycle has been lent out).

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

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

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

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

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

After that, in step S278, the billing start time is determined for each user in the same manner as in step S258. Subsequently, in step S279, the contents of the rental this time, that is, the contents including the identification information of the rental station 20, the identification information of the rental bicycle 12, the actual rental time, and the scheduled return time are sent to the plurality of user-specific reservations. Among the content files (see FIG. 12(b)), it is registered in the file associated with the current user.

Furthermore, in this step S278, the reservation status table stored in the memory 162 is updated so as to reflect the rental content of this time.

The case where the determination in step S212 is YES has been described above. It is determined whether it is in time.

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

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

Subsequently, in step S217, similarly to step S167 described above, this time, the occurrence of the first violation by the user is transmitted to the management server 50. FIG. The content of the transmission is received by the management server 50 in step S254 described above in step S274, and rental of the bicycle 12 is prohibited this time.

<Return processing sequence>

In FIG. 18, the user is riding and driving the borrowed bicycle 12, or pushing the borrowed bicycle 12, at the same or another station (return station) as the rental station. 20, and then a first transmitter 30 located at the station 20 and a second transmitter 32 located on the bicycle 12, to obtain permission to return the bicycle 12. An example of communication performed between the user's mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 in order to obtain permission to return the bicycle 12 that has been reserved is represented by a sequence flow in chronological order.

This time, the user selects a "return processing mode" button on the screen of the mobile terminal 90. FIG. In response to this, a return processing module for the mobile terminal 90 is executed by the mobile terminal 90 .

As a result of this execution, first, in step 300, a login request for logging into the management server 50 is sent to the management server 50 together with the user ID and password for identifying the current user, as in step S151 described above. be.

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

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

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

In step S303, the mobile terminal 90 demodulates the received identification signal as in step S156, and then in step S304, as in step S157, the mobile terminal 90 The real first transmitter ID of the first transmitter 30 and the real second transmitter ID of the second transmitter 32 are obtained from the received identification signal.

Subsequently, in step S305, the user selects the current station (return station) 20 and the current bicycle (returned bicycle) 12 as a result of reception from the first transmitter 30 and the second transmitter 32. displayed on screen 135 . The user thereby confirms the station 20 and bicycle 12 that he has selected.

Further, in step S305, the portable terminal 90 determines that the returned bicycle (the bicycle that the user is about to return) 12 is present at the current station 20 at the current time. This determination is equivalent to determining that the user has finished using the current bicycle 12 (has returned it) at the current station 20 .

Thereafter, in step S306, the user inputs a return request to the portable terminal 90 (for example, a virtual button (for example, a "return button") operated to command the "return request" in accordance with step S162 described above. ) is operated) is determined. If a return request has been input, the determination in step S306 is YES.

Subsequently, in step S307, in accordance with step S163 described above, the fact that the user has issued a return request and that the user has actually finished using the bicycle 12 this time at the station 20 this time (return has been performed) The determination result (identification information of the return station 20 this time and identification information of the bicycle 12 returned this time) is transmitted to the management server 50 in association with the user (for example, together with the user ID).

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

On the other hand, in step S401, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 by executing step S307, as in step S254.

Then, in step S402, the clock 172 is used to measure the current time. Subsequently, in step S403, the current time is recognized as the actual return time. Thereafter, in step S404, the user is permitted to return the bicycle 12 this time.

After that, in step S405, for each user, as described above, from the billing start time individually determined for each user to the billing end time (scheduled return time if reserved, actual return time if not reserved) Hours are calculated as total rental hours.

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

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

In response, the portable terminal 90 receives information such as the rental amount from the management server 50 in step S308, and then displays the rental amount on the screen in step S309. Thereafter, in step S310, electronic payment is made by the user.

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

In response, the management server 50 receives the logout request in step S409. Subsequently, in step S410, an acknowledgment signal ACK is sent to the mobile terminal 90 indicating that the logout request has been successfully received.

In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the acknowledgment signal ACK from the management server 50 in step S312.

As described above, the case where the determination in step S306 is YES has been described. It is determined whether it is within

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

On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the execution time of step S305 currently exceeds the second time limit, the determination in step S313 becomes NO, and then in step S315, the user commits a second violation. It is determined that Subsequently, in step S316, the occurrence of the second violation by the user is transmitted to the management server 50. FIG.

<Idle bicycle search sequence>

In FIG. 19, after getting on and driving the borrowed bicycle 12, for some reason, the user gets off the bicycle 12 at a place other than the station 20 and abandons it. , an example of communication between the second transmitter 32 installed on the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 of the user, and the management server 50 is represented by a sequence flow in chronological order.

This abandoned bicycle search sequence is started when the user borrows one of the bicycles 12 and the lending process is completed.

First, the user's mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive from the first and/or second transmitters 30, 32 in step S1901. Next, in step S1902, valid reception from any of the first transmitters 30 (for example, the portable terminal 90 is in the first reception range (for example, the distance from any of the first transmitters 30 is about 10 m) is located within).

If the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving from any of the first transmitters 30, it means that the user is staying in any of the stations 20 together with the bicycle 12. In this case, this It is unnecessary to execute an abandoned bicycle search sequence.

If the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving data from any of the first transmitters 30, the determination in step S1902 is YES, and the process returns to step S1901. is not effectively received from any of the first transmitters 30, the determination in step S1902 is NO.

Here, the fact that the portable terminal 90 is not effectively receiving signals from any of the first transmitters 30 is because the time chart shown in FIG. is represented as being the low level L. This notation method is the same for other time charts for the second transmitter.

Subsequently, mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive from first and/or second transmitters 30, 32 in step S1903. After that, in step S1904, this time, the reception is effectively received from any of the second transmitters 32 (for example, the portable terminal 90 has a second reception range shorter than the first reception range (for example, any second transmitter 32 is located within about 5m).

When the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving from any of the second transmitters 32, it means that there is a high possibility that the user is riding the bicycle 12, as illustrated in FIG. 21(a). However, even in this case, it is unnecessary to execute this abandoned bicycle search sequence.

If the mobile terminal 90 has not effectively received data from any of the second transmitters 32, the determination in step S1904 is NO, and the process returns to step S1903. If the reception is valid, the determination in step S1904 is YES.

A YES determination in step S1904 is equivalent to a determination that the current user is riding the current bicycle 12 .

However, based on the time differential value (velocity equivalent value) of the GPS measurement position of the mobile terminal 90 and/or the detection value of an acceleration sensor (not shown) mounted on the mobile terminal 90 (for example, the absolute value is greater than or equal to the reference value) (by determining whether or not the user is moving). It can be determined that the user is riding the current bicycle 12 and is moving.

Subsequently, in step S1905, the mobile terminal 90 acquires the real second transmitter ID represented by the identification signal that is validly received from any of the second transmitters 32, and the acquired real second transmitter ID. The machine ID is converted into a bicycle ID corresponding to the actual second transmitter ID according to the correspondence shown in FIG. Thereby, the bicycle 12 detected by the mobile terminal 90, ie, the bicycle 12 borrowed by the user, is identified.

The mobile terminal 90 then attempts to receive from the first and/or second transmitters 30, 32 in step S1906. Subsequently, in step S1907, the second transmitter 32 that is determined to have been effectively received in step S1904 is effectively received from the same second transmitter 32 (for example, the mobile terminal 90 is the same transmitter 32 as the previous time). position within the second reception range).

That is, in step S1907, the mobile terminal 90 sends a signal representing the same bicycle ID as the signal that the mobile terminal 90 effectively received from the second transmitter 32 in step S1904 to the second transmitter ( It is determined whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is effectively receiving the signal from the same transmitter 32 as the previous time.

As illustrated in FIG. 21(b), when the user abandons the current bicycle 12 and leaves the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 of the user moves away from or retreats from the second transmitter 32 mounted on the bicycle 12. , and as a result, the mobile terminal 90 deviates from the second reception range. As a result, the mobile terminal 90 transitions from the receiving state in which it was able to receive effectively from the second transmitter 32 as before to the non-receiving state in which it cannot receive effectively.

If the portable terminal 90 is still effectively receiving from the same second transmitter 32 as before, the determination in step S1907 is YES, and the process returns to step S1906. If the determination in step S1907 is YES, it means that the current user is riding the current bicycle 12 (sitting on the saddle 62 of the bicycle 12, or driving/moving while riding the bicycle 12). is equivalent to being determined as

On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 90 does not effectively receive the signal from the same second transmitter 32 as last time, the determination in step S1907 is NO.

As shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b), the result of this determination is that the mobile terminal 90 is in a state (during a period) when the signal is not effectively received from the first transmitter 30, and the second This is equivalent to the determination that the signal from the transmitter 32 has changed from the receiving state in which the signal is effectively received to the non-receiving state in which the signal is not effectively received.

Further, this determination result is a state in which the user gets off the bicycle 12 (for example , separated from the bicycle 12).

In this embodiment, the first transmitter 30 installed at each station 20 is used to determine whether or not the user, mobile terminal 90 and bicycle 12 are present at any station 20. Alternatively, the GPS of the mobile terminal 90 is used to determine whether the current positions of the user and the mobile terminal 90 as determined by the GPS do not match the map position of any station 20. You may implement this invention in the aspect which determines whether.

After that, the portable terminal 90 measures the current position by GPS in step S1908. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 22C, in step S1909, the measured current position (x, y) (x: longitude, y: latitude) is stored in the memory 132 as a temporary left position.

After that, in step S1910, the portable terminal 90 instructs the user who has moved away from the bicycle 12 to ride the bicycle 12 to any station 20 and return it there instead of leaving the bicycle 12. display an icon and/or message on screen 135 to remind

Subsequently, in step S1911, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 90 has started to effectively receive from the second transmitter 32 of this time because the user has ridden the bicycle 12 of this time again. . If valid reception from the second transmitter 32 is started this time, the determination becomes YES, and then the process returns to step S1901.

On the other hand, if effective reception from the second transmitter 32 is not started this time, the determination in step S1911 becomes NO, and the portable terminal 90 performs the following steps in step S1912, as shown in FIG. 22(d). , determines whether a predetermined time limit (eg, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 1 hour) has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the time during which the same determination result continues from the time when the determination result in step S1911 first becomes NO reaches the threshold time.

If the determination in step S1912 is NO, the process returns to step S1910. 12 is determined to be an abandoned bicycle. As a result, the abandoned bicycle is discovered.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the time elapsed from the start time of the non-receiving state of the second transmitter 32 exceeds the time limit (the “predetermined time” in the above-described item (4)) of the mobile terminal 90. Then, the current bicycle 12 is recognized as an abandoned bicycle.

Here, the length of the "time limit" may be set according to the convenience of the rental company, but the time at which the user stops and gets off the bicycle 12 and starts waiting for the bicycle 12 (from the reception state to the non-reception state). The length of the standby time from the time when the user returns to the reception state) to the time when the user returns to the bicycle 12 and starts to use the bicycle 12 again (the time when the non-reception state transitions to the reception state). You can set it according to your convenience and schedule.

During the standby time, the original user locks the electronic lock of the bicycle 12 before leaving the bicycle 12 to prevent another person from using the bicycle 12 without permission. , when the use of the bicycle 12 is resumed, the mobile terminal 90 or the management server 50 may transmit an unlock signal to the electronic lock to unlock the electronic lock.

Instead of or in addition to such a neglected determination method, the mobile terminal 90 may continue to operate the mobile terminal 90 even if the permitted rental time for the rental vehicle permitted by the user has passed, that is, even if the scheduled return time has passed. If the previous bicycle 12 is not returned to any station 20, the current bicycle 12 may be recognized as an abandoned bicycle.

Instead of or in addition to these left-state determination methods, the mobile terminal 90 provides a visual, audible, or tactile feedback to the user after the non-receiving state of the second transmitter 32 is started. to prompt the user to return the current bicycle 12 to any station, and if the user does not respond to the prompt on the portable terminal 90, the current bicycle 12 is recognized as an abandoned bicycle. good.

Subsequently, in step S1914, as shown in FIG. 22(f), the mobile terminal 90 uses the temporary left position (x, y) stored in the memory 132 as the final left position (x, y). handle. Thereafter, in step S1915, the current user authentication information, the current bicycle ID representing the abandoned bicycle, and the final abandoned position (x, y) are sent to the management server 50 as abandoned bicycle information. do.

On the other hand, in step S1951, the management server 50 receives the abandoned bicycle information transmitted by the portable terminal 90 by executing step S1915.

After that, in step S1952, the management server 50 determines that the current bicycle 12 has not actually been returned to any station 20, but that the parking position of the bicycle 12 is actually a temporarily appearing rental station 20. Since the same bicycle 12 will be treated and rented to another user, the determination that there is an abandoned bicycle 12 is regarded as the bicycle 12 being returned. In other words, the act of abandonment is treated as the act of deemed return.

Subsequently, the management server 50 uses the clock 172 to measure the current time in step S1953. Subsequently, in step S1954, the current time is recognized as the assumed return time. After that, in step S1955, the total rental time is calculated for each user from the billing start time to the billing end time (in this case, the deemed return time) individually determined for each user as described above.

Subsequently, in step S1956, the management server 50 calculates the current rental amount based on the length of the total rental time calculated above and the charge rate (increase rate) according to a charge table (not shown).

After that, in step S1957, the management server 50 calculates a surcharge as a penalty imposed on the user because the user did not return the bicycle 12 to any station 20. FIG.

Subsequently, in step S1958, the management server 50, as illustrated in FIG. x, y), the start time of the neglect (that is, for example, the deemed return time or the transition time of the second transmitter 32 from the receiving state to the non-receiving state), and the work that the bicycle 12 is collected by another user Information indicating whether a task has been started and information indicating whether the task has been completed are stored in the memory 162 in association with each other. Thereby, the abandoned bicycle list is registered in the memory 162 .

Furthermore, in step S1958, the management server 50 updates the reservation status table so that the rental information regarding the current bicycle 12 is deleted from the reservation status table.

Subsequently, in step S1959, the management server 50 transmits to the portable terminal 90 information such as the calculated sum of the rental amount and the surcharge, ie, the total rental amount to be paid by the user.

In response, the portable terminal 90 receives information such as the total rental amount from the management server 50 in step S1916, and displays the total rental amount on the screen 135 in step S1917. Thereafter, in step S1918, electronic payment by the user is enabled.

<Abandoned bicycle collection sequence>

In FIG. 20, when a parked bicycle 12 is found, a device is installed on the parked bicycle 12 so that the parked bicycle 12 can be rented to another user at the parked position and returned to any station 20 by the user. An example of communication between the second transmitter 32, the mobile terminal 90 of another user, and the management server 50 is represented by a sequence flow in chronological order.

This abandoned bicycle collection sequence is started when the abandoned bicycle 12 is found by the aforementioned abandoned bicycle search sequence.

First, in step S2051, the management server 50 reads out the bicycle ID of each parked bicycle 12 before collection and the parked position of the parked bicycle 12 from the aforementioned parked bicycle list illustrated in FIG. Next, in step S2052, for each parked bicycle 12, the parked bicycle data in which the bicycle ID and the parked position are associated with each other are transmitted to the mobile terminals 90 of a plurality of other potential users all at once. The abandoned bicycle data is stored in the memory 132 of the mobile terminal 90 of each other user.

On the other hand, the mobile terminals 90 of other users receive the abandoned bicycle data transmitted from the management server 50 in step S2001. Subsequently, in step S2002, the current position of itself is measured by GPS. Thereafter, in step S2003, a map near the current position (indicated by a black triangle 202 in the drawing) is displayed on the screen 135, as illustrated in FIG.

Subsequently, in step S2004, each other user's portable terminal 90 registers the parked position of each parked bicycle 12 represented by the parked bicycle data (" D) is displayed on the screen 135 overlaid on the map.

Each other user's mobile terminal 90 then attempts to effectively receive from the first and/or second transmitters 30, 32 in step S2005. Subsequently, in step S2006, it is determined whether or not the signal is effectively received from any of the second transmitters 32 (the portable terminal 90 is within the second reception range).

If the mobile terminals 90 of other users do not effectively receive signals from any of the second transmitters 32, the determination in step S2006 is NO, and the process returns to step S2005.

On the other hand, as exemplified in FIG. 21(c), one of the potential other multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "other users") Suppose that, relying on the above-described guidance information displayed on the screen 135, one of the parked bicycles 12 is approached for rent.

Furthermore, before long, as shown in FIG. 21(d), another user gets on the parked bicycle 12, and as a result, the portable terminal 90 of the other user effectively receives from any of the second transmitters 32. assume that In this case, the determination in step S2006 is YES.

After that, in step S2007, another user's mobile terminal 90 identifies the illegally parked bicycle 12 that should be equipped with the second transmitter 32 based on the identification signal that is validly received from any of the second transmitters 32. Get a bike ID.

Next, in step S2008, another user's mobile terminal 90 determines whether the acquired bicycle ID matches any of the bicycle IDs of at least one abandoned bicycle 12 stored in the memory 132. judge. If the bicycle ID does not match any of the parked bicycles 12, the determination in step S2008 is NO, and the process returns to step S2005. becomes YES.

After that, in step S2009, the other user's mobile terminal 90 registers the time when the user plans to return the bicycle 12 this time, i.e., a parked bicycle 12, to one of the stations 20 after borrowing and using it. to help you type.

Subsequently, in step S2010, the portable terminal 90 of another user receives a request for lending the bicycle 12 from the user (for example, a virtual button (for example, a "rent button ”) has been operated by the user). If a lending request has been input, the determination in step S2010 is YES.

After that, in step S2011, the other user's mobile terminal 90 associates the fact that the user issued a lending request and the fact that the user has started using the bicycle 12 this time with the user (for example, the user ID) to the management server 50.

On the other hand, in step S2053, the management server 50 receives the information transmitted from the mobile terminals 90 of the other users by executing step S2011. After that, in step S2054, the parked bicycle table illustrated in FIG. 23 is updated so that the information about the current bicycle 12 is deleted from the parked bicycle table.

Subsequently, in step S2055, the management server 50 uses the clock 172 to measure the current time in the same manner as in step S255 described above. Subsequently, in step S2056, the current time is recognized as the actual rental time, as in step S256 described above. Subsequently, in step S2057, similarly to step S257 described above, lending of the current bicycle 12 (this time, the abandoned bicycle) to the user is permitted.

After that, in step S2058, the management server 50 determines the charging start time for the user in the same manner as in step S258 described above. Subsequently, the management server 50 transmits necessary information to the other user's mobile terminal 90, so that the user can know that the bicycle 12 has been rented out at the parked position and charging has started.

As will be described later, the present invention can be implemented in a mode in which each station 20 is not provided with the first transmitter 30. However, in this embodiment, each station 20 is provided with the first transmitter 30. Since it is installed, you can get the effect caused by it.

That is, in this embodiment, each bicycle 12 is associated with the station 20 where the bicycle 12 actually exists when the bicycle 12 is lent or returned at each station 20 . Therefore, the management server 50, i.e., the rental company, can remotely monitor the number of bicycles 12 actually existing at each station 20 in real time.

Therefore, the rental agency can remotely monitor in real time whether the number of stored bicycles 12 is excessive or insufficient for each station 20, and the user is encouraged to use the station 20 where the number of stored bicycles 12 is insufficient. While discouraging, it is possible to direct potential users to encourage them to use stations 20 that are overstocked with bicycles 12 .

In this way, a plurality of users will perform the task of optimally distributing the stored bicycles 12 among the plurality of stations 20 on behalf of the rental company. This reduces the need to go to each station 20 to correct the shortage or excess of stored bicycles 12 .

In this embodiment, the first transmitter 30 is installed in each station 20, so that whether the user is currently staying at one of the stations 20 or at a place other than the station 20 (that is, , and whether the user is staying at any station 20), and it is also possible to know which station 20 the user is currently staying at.

However, in place of the first transmitter 30, a display (non-moving display or variable display) that displays a visible figure of a code (for example, bar code or QR code (registered trademark)) that can identify each station 20 ) is installed at each station 20 .

<Second embodiment>

A system 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 25-28. However, portions common to the system 10 according to the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals and names, redundant description will be omitted, and only different portions will be described in detail.

In the first embodiment described above, a plurality of bicycles 12 are temporarily stationed at a plurality of stations 20 fixedly assigned to a piece of land in order to carry out a one-way bicycle rental business which is station-based in principle. , and the bicycles 12 are rented and returned at each station 20 . Furthermore, each station 20 is provided with a first transmitter 30 .

On the other hand, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the bicycle 12 can be rented and returned at any place in order to carry out a free-floating one-way bicycle rental business. Of course, the 1st transmitter 30 is not installed in such arbitrary places.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, a certain user X selects one of a plurality of on-street bicycle parking lots (bicycle parking lots exclusively for rent-a-cycles) assigned to both sides of a public road, and rents a bicycle 12 there. . When the purpose is eventually reached, the user X selects another on-street bicycle parking lot 300 and returns the bicycle 12 there.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the concept of leaving the bicycle 12 unattended does not exist, but in the above-described first embodiment, the term "abandoned" can be synonymous with the term "returned." had a nature.

Therefore, the term "return" in this embodiment is the same as "return (return by the person himself/herself to any station 20, which is a preparatory act for lending the bicycle 12 to another person at that station 20)" in the first embodiment. )” and the term “parking (a preparatory action for lending the bicycle 12 to another person at the parking spot)”.

<Lending sequence>

FIG. 26 shows a rental processing module executed by the mobile terminal 90 of the user to execute the rental processing and a rental processing module executed by the management server 50 to execute the rental processing. represented as a flow.

Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a request to log in to the website of the management server 50 to the management server 50 in step S2601.

In response, management server 50 receives the login request in step S2651. Subsequently, in step S2652, management server 50 searches memory 162 for storage location data representing locations of a plurality of storage locations 300 where bicycles 12 are currently stored.

The multiple storage locations 300 effectively function as multiple temporary stations (arbitrary locations for temporarily renting and returning bicycles 12) for the user. After that, in step S2653, the management server 50 associates the storage position data representing the map position (x, y) of the storage location 300 with each temporary station ID and transmits it to the portable terminal 90. FIG.

In response, mobile terminal 90 receives the transmitted storage location data and stores it in memory 132 in step S2602. Subsequently, in step S2603, the mobile terminal 90 measures its own current location, that is, the user's current location, using GPS.

After that, in step S2604, the portable terminal 90 displays a map of the vicinity of its current position on the screen 135, and furthermore, among the plurality of saved storage locations 300 (that is, the temporary stations 300), a map near the current position is displayed. Overlay an object on the displayed map.

This allows the user to know several temporary stations 300 that exist near his/her current position. The user then selects one of the temporary stations 300 and moves towards that position, until eventually the user approaches that temporary station 300 and the bicycle 12 present there.

Subsequently, in step S2605, the mobile terminal 90 requests the user to touch or hold the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 to receive the signal from the second transmitter 32 mounted on any of the bicycles 12. (Or request that the mobile terminal 90 be brought closer to the second transmitter 32 but not so far as to hold it over the second transmitter 32 (or if the user is riding the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal The portable terminal 90 effectively receives signals from the second transmitter 32 without holding the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 (the above-mentioned medium range may also be used).

After that, in step S2606, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not it has transitioned from the non-receiving state in which it does not effectively receive a signal from any of the second transmitters 32 to the receiving state in which it effectively receives a signal. If there is no such transition, the determination in step S2606 is NO, and the process returns to step S2605.

As illustrated in FIG. 28 , before the user gets on the bicycle 12 and the user is moving away from the second transmitter 32 , the mobile terminal 90 cannot effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32 . The received signal at that time is at low level L conceptually. Eventually, when the user approaches or rides the bicycle 12 on the second transmitter 32 , the mobile terminal 90 begins to effectively receive from that second transmitter 32 . The received signal at that time is at a high level H conceptually.

The portable terminal 90 determines “rental start” in step S2607 described above. Subsequently, in step S2608, the current position of itself is measured by GPS. The position is the user's current position, the position of one temporary station 300 (functioning as a rental station this time) where the user is actually located, and one vehicle parked at that temporary station 300. is also the location of the bicycle 12.

After that, in step S2609, the mobile terminal 90 acquires the bicycle ID corresponding to the current bicycle 12 from the validly received signal. The bicycle ID is stored in memory 132 as a rental bicycle ID. Subsequently, in step S2610, the rental bicycle ID is displayed on screen 135, and a "rental button", which is an icon operated by the user to request that the bicycle 12 be rented, is displayed on screen 135. do.

Thereafter, in step S2611, the mobile terminal 90 displays the bicycle ID displayed on the bicycle 12 actually selected by the user (for example, "2001" in the example shown in FIG. 1(b)) and It is determined whether or not the user has operated the "rental button" because the displayed bicycle ID matches each other.

If the user does not operate the "rental button", the determination in step S2611 becomes NO, and the process returns to the same step S2611. In S2612, the current bicycle ID, the current location of the temporary station 300 on the map (this time, the current location of the temporary station 300), and the user ID indicate that the user has issued a lending request to borrow the current bicycle 12. It associates and transmits to the management server 50 .

In response, management server 50 receives the lending request in step S2654, and measures the current time using clock 172 in step S2655. Subsequently, in step S2656, the current time is recognized as the actual rental time. Subsequently, in step S2657, lending of the bicycle 12 to the user is permitted.

After that, in step S2658, the management server 50 determines the actual rental time as the charging start time for the user. Subsequently, in step S2659, data indicating that the rental is permitted and the charging start time is transmitted to the mobile terminal 90. FIG.

In response, mobile terminal 90 receives the transmitted data in step S2613.

In accordance with this, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an unlocking signal to the electronic locks (for example, wheel locks, handlebar locks) mounted on the bicycle 12 this time by a short-range communication method, thereby activating the electronic locks. It is possible to unlock. After unlocking, the user can use the bicycle 12 this time. Alternatively, the same unlocking signal may be transmitted by the management server 50 by telecommunication.

Thereafter, in step S2614, portable terminal 90 displays the data received in preceding step S2613 on screen 135. FIG.

As exemplified in FIG. 28, when lending the bicycle 12 to the user is permitted as described above and the necessary unlocking is completed, the user can get on the bicycle 12 and start running. In this case, strictly speaking, the rental time starts from the actual rental time.

<Return sequence>

FIG. 27 shows a return processing module executed by the user's portable terminal 90 to execute the return processing and a return processing module executed by the management server 50 to execute the return processing. represented as a flow.

This return sequence flow is executed subsequent to the end of the aforementioned lending sequence flow. Furthermore, in this return sequence flow, if the user is riding the bicycle 12, the mobile terminal 90 can effectively receive from the second transmitter 32 without holding the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32. Reception from the second transmitter 32 is attempted under the medium range.

Specifically, in step S2701, the mobile terminal 90 attempts reception from the second transmitter 32 mounted on any one of the bicycles 12 under the medium range.

After that, in step S2702, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not the reception state in which the signal is effectively received from any of the second transmitters 32 has transitioned to the non-reception state in which the signal is not effectively received. If there is no such transition, the determination in step S2702 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S2701.

As illustrated in FIG. 28 , when the user is riding the bicycle 12 and is approaching the second transmitter 32 , the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the signal from the second transmitter 32 . The received signal at that time is at a high level H conceptually. When the user eventually gets off the bicycle 12 and moves away from the second transmitter 32 , a state in which the mobile terminal 90 does not effectively receive signals from the second transmitter 32 starts. The received signal at that time is at low level L conceptually.

The portable terminal 90 determines "return start" in step S2703 described above. Subsequently, in step S2704, the current position of itself is measured by GPS. The position is the current position of the user, the position of one temporary station 300 (functioning as a return station this time) where the user is currently located, and one car parked at that temporary station 300. is also the location of the bicycle 12.

After that, in step S2705, the mobile terminal 90 acquires the bicycle ID corresponding to the current bicycle 12 from the signal that was validly received when step S2701 was executed. Subsequently, in step S2706, it is determined whether or not the bicycle ID matches the rental bicycle ID stored in memory 132 . If they do not match, the determination in step S2706 becomes NO, and the process returns to step S2701. If they match, the determination in step S2706 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S2707.

In step S2707, the mobile terminal 90 displays on the screen 135 a “return button” which is an icon operated by the user to request that the bicycle 12 be returned. Further, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the "return button".

If the user did not operate the "return button", the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S2707. , the fact that a return request for returning the current bicycle 12 has been issued is associated with the current bicycle ID, the current location of the temporary station 300 on the map (this time, the location of the return station), and the user ID, and the management server Send to 50.

In response, management server 50 receives the return request in step S2751 and subsequently stores in memory 162 a list of storage locations where available bicycles 12 are stored in step S2752. Update what is stored to reflect the fact that the current bike 12 has been returned to the current temporary station 300 map location.

Thereafter, the management server 50 uses the clock 172 to measure the current time in step S2753. Subsequently, in step S2754, the current time is recognized as the actual return time. Thereafter, in step S2755, the user is permitted to return the bicycle 12 this time.

Subsequently, in step S2756, the management server 50 calculates the total rental time for the user from the billing start time determined as described above to the billing end time (actual return time). Thereafter, in step S2757, the current rental amount is calculated based on the length of the total rental time calculated above and the charge rate (increase rate) according to a charge table (not shown). Subsequently, in step S2758, information such as the calculated rental amount is transmitted to the portable terminal 90. FIG.

In response to this, the portable terminal 90 receives information such as the rental amount from the management server 50 in step S2709, and displays the rental amount on the screen 135 in step S2710. Thereafter, in step S2711, electronic payment is made by the user.

For example, in step S2710, the mobile terminal 90 may display a message on the screen 135 instructing the user to manually lock the electronic lock mounted on the bicycle 12 this time. When the user actually locks the door, the electronic lock confirms the fact, and the mobile terminal 90 or the management server 50 receives the fact, it may be determined that the return stage is completed at that time.

As exemplified in FIG. 28 , when the user stops the bicycle 12 at an arbitrary location and gets off the bicycle 12 as described above, and eventually moves away from the bicycle 12 , the portable terminal 90 receives a signal from the second transmitter 32 . cannot be received effectively. At that time, the user is permitted to return the bicycle 12, and if necessary locking is performed, the return stage is completed. In this case, the rental time is strictly added up to the actual return time, but practically it is added up to the time when the user gets off the bicycle 12 .

In this embodiment, the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is set so that the mobile terminal 90 is within the reception range of the second transmitter 32 as long as the user is riding the bicycle 12. , when the user moves away from the bicycle 12 and the portable terminal 90 deviates from the reception range of the second transmitter 32 accordingly, and the second transmitter 32 shifts from the reception state to the non-reception state, the user It is presumed that there is a possibility that the bicycle 12 will be returned.

Instead of this, according to the present invention, the reception range of the second transmitter 32 is not sufficient when the user is riding the bicycle 12, and the portable terminal 90 is intentionally held over the second transmitter 32 to approach the second transmitter 32. The mobile terminal 90 is set so as not to enter the receiving range of the second transmitter 32 unless the user moves the mobile terminal 90 close to the second transmitter 32 by, for example, holding the mobile terminal 90 over the second transmitter 32 . When the terminal 90 enters the receiving range of the second transmitter 32 and thereby transitions from the non-receiving state to the receiving state of the second transmitter 32, it is estimated that the user may return the bicycle 12. may be carried out in

<Several other variations>

In some of the embodiments described above, a user ID is used as an example of a user's identification information so that the user's behavior is monitored over time.

Alternatively or in addition to this, another example of user identification information (personal authentication information) is the phone number of mobile terminal 90, an e-mail address, a unique device address such as a MAC address, etc. good too.

Further, the above-described several embodiments are improved so that the management server 50 executes at least part of the data processing of the data processing by the mobile terminal 90, or conversely, the data processing by the management server 50 is performed by the management server 50. It is possible to modify the mobile terminal 90 to perform the same data processing as at least some of them.

Further, the above-described several embodiments are configured to implement a rental business in which the bicycle 12 is rented to the user for a fee and in a postpaid manner. It is possible to improve it so as to implement a rental business in which it is rented out to users free of charge.

Also, the above-described several embodiments are exemplary forms when applying the present invention to rental bicycles, that is, rental bicycles as rental vehicles. The present invention may also be applied to a device that moves with the user. Such vehicles include, for example, motorcycles, automobiles (such as rental cars), motorized boats or jet skis, recreational or competition go-karts, shopping carts, strollers, wheelbarrows, wheelchairs or golf carts.

In addition, although a "bicycle" usually has two wheels, it is not limited to this. can be in the form

Furthermore, if the rental object is furniture, an electric product, an accessory that is detachably attached to the electric product, or a recording medium (for example, a rental CD) on which audiovisual content is recorded that can be played by the user. The present invention can also be applied to

Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied when the rental object is a room in a hotel or apartment where the user can live, an individual storage space in a coin locker, or an individual parking space in a parking lot.

As described above, several 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 aspects described in the above [Summary of the Invention] column, It is possible to carry out the present invention in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (8)

A rental object management system that enables a user to rent a rental object that is movable property or real estate,
A short-range wireless communication unit mounted on each of a plurality of rental objects, which transmits a signal representing a unique communication ID;
a receiving unit that moves with the user and effectively receives a signal from the short-range wireless communication unit mounted on any rental object;
a conversion unit that converts the communication ID represented by the signal into a corresponding target ID in accordance with a predetermined relationship between the target ID, which is the ID of each of the plurality of rental targets, and the plurality of communication IDs; Includes rental object management system. further comprising a management server using a memory for storing the relationship as executing the conversion unit;
2. The rental object management system according to claim 1, wherein a user uses a mobile terminal having a function of communicating with said short-range wireless communication unit and a function of communicating with said management server as a device that executes said receiving unit. 3. The rental object management system according to claim 1, wherein the movable property includes a rental cycle, a shared cycle, a rental car, or a shared car. The real estate includes a room in an accommodation facility where a user can stay for a short term, a room in an accommodation facility where a user can stay for a long term, and a room in an accommodation facility where an individual resides temporarily. 3. The rental object management system according to claim 1 or 2, which includes rental items, coin-operated lockers, public or private parking lots, and private parking lots that are temporarily rented to others. A program for causing a computer to function as the receiving unit according to claim 1 or 2. A program for causing a computer to function as the conversion unit according to claim 1 or 2. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is computer-readable. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is computer-readable.

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