JP7387958B2 - Car management method and car management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle management method and a vehicle management system for managing shared vehicles.

In general, shared use of cars is increasing instead of personal cars. Advantages of shared use include no hassle of self-management and no maintenance costs. Known forms of shared use include rental cars used by an unspecified number of people, and car sharing between pre-registered members.

Although rental cars basically require face-to-face procedures, Patent Document 1 also proposes non-face-to-face car use using delivery lockers and the like.

In addition, as a usage form of car sharing, as shown in Patent Document 2, when multiple users use the car jointly, reservation time is adjusted, and as shown in Patent Document 3, user authentication is Proposals have also been made to ensure payment of usage fees.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-175219 Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-12176 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-197473

Conventional shared use of cars is well known as rental cars and car sharing, and various improvement proposals have been made, as seen in the above-mentioned patent documents.

However, forms of shared use of cars, such as rental cars and car sharing, are uniquely defined as systems for renting out cars on an hourly or daily basis, and do not change the form of car use.

Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a single system for different usage modes of shared vehicles, and also to provide two system usage formats: a system for use by an unspecified number of people and a system for use among members. The aim is to integrate these systems and provide a single system that eliminates labor shortages day and night, while also making the most convenient and effective use of vehicles.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a rental management device for cars for shared use, which registers and manages the cars by dividing them into a first usage type and a second usage type depending on the usage time of the car. The present invention provides a vehicle management method characterized by performing payment processing based on the usage time of the vehicle.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes a management means for managing shared vehicles in different usage patterns, and performs the car rental process based on the usage patterns assigned to a predetermined time slot. It provides a vehicle management system.

Further, in the present invention, the different usage patterns include a first usage pattern and a second usage pattern, and the management means divides the first usage pattern and the second usage pattern into a time zone. The vehicle is registered and managed separately, and payment processing is performed based on the usage time of the vehicle.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the first usage type is a usage type in which a car is used by an unspecified number of people, and the said second usage type is a usage type in which a car is used among members.

Further, the present invention provides a method in advance when the use starts in the time zone of one of the first usage mode and the second usage mode and the usage end time falls within the time zone of the other usage mode. The feature is that payment processing is performed according to a predetermined usage pattern.

Further, the present invention provides a method in which the use starts during the time period of one of the first use form and the second use form, and the use ends when the use ends across the time period of the other use form. The feature is that the payment process is performed according to a predetermined usage pattern.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for changing the start time and/or end time with respect to the time when the reservation is accepted as the time slot for using the car.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for changing the manner in which the vehicle is used in accordance with the change in the usage time period.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the unlocking and/or locking of the vehicle is executed by a wireless signal from a mobile terminal.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the unlocking and/or locking control of the vehicle is performed based on authentication processing between the mobile terminal and the management device.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the end time is set at the reception of the locking operation and/or return operation of the car.

According to the present invention, regarding the system for shared use of cars, by integrating the usage forms of two systems, a system used by an unspecified number of people and a system used among members, the convenience of cars can be improved and improved as a single system. You can make effective use of it.

Further, according to the present invention, since the mode of use is changed depending on the time period, it is possible to use the vehicle while having the advantages of a rental car and the advantages of car sharing, for example.

Further, according to the present invention, by dividing the time slots and changing the usage pattern, it is possible to reduce the time slots when cars are not used, which makes it possible to solve the labor shortage and increase the operating rate of the cars.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle management server in the vehicle management system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a store terminal of a car management store in the car management system of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal or a communication terminal (such as a personal computer) used as a communication terminal in the vehicle management system of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle used in the vehicle management system of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle used in the vehicle management system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a table configuration of car reservation information management data used in the car management system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of vehicle usage status management data in the vehicle management system of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a processing flow diagram showing registration processing in the case of a car (rental car) used by an unspecified number of people. It is a processing flow diagram showing usage procedure processing in the case of a car (rental car) used by an unspecified number of people. FIG. 3 is a processing flow diagram showing registration processing in the case of a car used among members (car sharing). It is a process flow diagram showing the procedure processing with the management server regarding the usage procedure in the case of a car used among members (car sharing). FIG. 3 is a processing flow diagram showing procedure processing with a management server regarding a return procedure in the case of a car used among members (car sharing). FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram regarding the classification process for shared vehicles in the car management system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of vehicle usage in the vehicle management system of the present invention. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of communication with the management server when using the car in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of the mobile terminal used for car use in FIG. 16. FIG.

The present invention relates to a system for shared use of automobiles (hereinafter referred to as "cars"), including a system used by an unspecified number of people (e.g., rental car) and a system used among members (e.g., car sharing or car sharing). The focus is on integrating the usage patterns of different systems such as these into one system.

That is, under current laws and regulations, there is no difference between use by an unspecified number of people and use among specific members in terms of shared use of a car by paying a predetermined usage fee. This was achieved through a single system by dividing the available time slots. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, with a rental car as a form in which a car is used by an unspecified number of people, and a car share as a form in which a car is used among specific members.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a car management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the usage patterns of cars for shared use in a predetermined parking lot etc. are divided into time zones, and the usage patterns are divided into time periods. This is to explain.

In Figure 1, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time and the time period from the left to the right. In the illustrated example, the usage mode is defined as a rental car during the time period from 8:00 to 20:00 on 〇 month 〇, and on 〇 month 〇 The usage pattern is stipulated as car sharing from 20:00 to 8:00 on Monday + 1st. That is, time slot a is defined as rental car, and time slot b is defined as car sharing.

In general, rental cars are convenient because they allow you to own a car when and for the time you need it without owning a car, but the procedure for using it is, in principle, a face-to-face procedure. Furthermore, when using a rental car, it is necessary to visit a store directly. In this sense, it is advantageous to stipulate that the car is used as a rental car during the daytime hours when store staff, managers, etc. are staying.

On the other hand, car sharing involves the use of cars between specific registered members. In general, they do not require face-to-face lending and borrowing, are expected to be used for a shorter period of time than rental cars, and are often priced lower.

Therefore, as explained in Figure 1, it is more convenient and occupancy rate to divide the time periods into a usage format, with rental cars available during times when face-to-face procedures are easy, and car sharing during times when face-to-face procedures are not required. From this point of view, it can be said that the vehicle management system of the present invention is superior.

In Figure 1, when a user visits or makes a reservation for the target car in each time period, if the user specifies the usage time a11, usage time a12, etc. and uses the car, the user can reserve it as a rental car. It turns out. Moreover, when using a car by specifying the usage time b11, usage time b12, etc., the usage is reserved as a car share.

Furthermore, it is possible that the reserved use as a rental car can be used over the next day as shown in usage time a13, but in this case, it will basically be treated as a rental car. In addition, even if the end time of the reserved use as a rental car falls within the car sharing period, as shown in usage time a14, it will be treated as a rental car.In any case, since the starting point is the rental car, it will be treated as a rental car. can be rationalized.

In addition, when using a reservation as a car share, it is possible to use the car over the next day as shown in usage time b13, but in this case, the user's schedule will change, so the rental car will be treated as a return of the car during the rental car time. do. In addition, even if the reserved use as a car share exceeds the rental car time and the end time falls within the car share time as shown in b14, it will be treated as a rental car for a long period of time. That's fine.

In other words, if the start time and/or end time of the shared car is a rental car, or if the car is used across rental car time periods, the car will be treated as a rental car. This makes it possible to check and maintain the car after it has been used, making it more reasonable from a service perspective.

In addition, in the case where the usage time spans different usage types, it may be handled according to the usage type of the starting point (unlocking) or the ending point (locking/returning). For example, it may be decided in advance whether the mode of use between the start point and end point of use will be handled as a rental car or as a car share. In any case, if you wish to change the pre-booked start time or end time, or change the end time during use (while riding), please contact the store where the car was prepared, the management server, etc. as appropriate. will be notified and managed in real time.

Note that the time slots illustrated in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the time slots shown in FIG. 1 are not limited to the month, day, and time slots described. In addition, in the case of usage spanning different time zones, the example above treats it as a rental car, but it is not limited to this, and it can be treated as a rental car on a daily, weekly, monthly, etc. basis, or it can be treated as a car share. In addition, it may be changed as appropriate, such as establishing special usage rules for public holidays.

The vehicle management system according to one embodiment of the present invention described above will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2, 21 and 21' indicate, for example, a store with a parking lot as a place where shared vehicles are handled in different usage modes of the present invention, and 211 indicates a store terminal installed in the store 21. . In addition, although two stores are illustrated as the stores 21 and 21', the number of stores is not limited to two, and there may be a plurality of stores, or there may be only one store. Further, the store 21' is equipped with a store terminal, a car, etc. like the store 21, but is not shown. 22 is a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, etc.) for making reservations for car use, etc.; 23 is a communication terminal (for example, a personal computer; hereinafter also referred to as a "personal computer") for processing information and making reservations for car use; and 24 is for This is a car management device (hereinafter referred to as "car management server") that handles car information management, reservation management, etc. These store terminals 211, mobile terminals 22, communication terminals (such as personal computers) 23, car management servers 24, etc. are connected via 20 communication networks. This communication network 20 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and may be commonly referred to as an Internet line.

The present invention manages the operating hours of cars for shared use in a store 21 on a store terminal 211 or a car management server 24, and allows users to make a reservation using a mobile terminal 22, a personal computer 23, etc., or directly at the store. By visiting the site, it is possible to provide a car in a manner that suits the time of day.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle management server in the vehicle management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the car management server 24 performs car reservation management, actual operation time management, car user authentication, etc., and includes a processing device 31 that executes processing programs based on data etc. for each procedure, etc. A memory 32 that stores processing programs and data, an input/output device 34 such as an operating device (keyboard) and a display device, an input/output interface 33 that connects the input/output device 34, and vehicle information (usage history, etc.). ), an external storage device 36 such as a disk that stores personal information of car users, etc., an interface 35 that connects to the communication network 20, and the like. In addition, a plurality of interfaces 35i including a different type of network such as a local network may be provided. Although the memory 32 is shown as one block, it may have a plurality of memory configurations, such as a memory RAM that is read and written by the processing device 31, a read-only memory ROM, and the like. Further, the functional configuration of the vehicle management server 24 may be a system configuration based on cloud computing.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a store terminal of a car management store in the car management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, a store terminal 211 of a car management store 21 is used for accepting reservations and lending procedures for cars for shared use, and includes a processing device 41 that executes programs for various processes, control/processing programs, etc. A memory 42 that stores data, etc., an input/output device 44 such as an operating device (keyboard) and a display device (display), an input/output interface 43 that connects the input/output device 44, and vehicle information of users who visited the store. (including usage history, etc.), an external storage device 46 such as a disk that stores users' personal information, etc., for example, an interface 35 that connects to the communication network 20 and sends and receives information between other store terminals and the management server, etc. Consisting of In addition, it may be provided with an interface for connecting to a local network or the like. Although the memory 42 is shown as one block, it may have a plurality of memory configurations, such as a memory RAM that is read and written by the processing device 41, a read-only memory ROM, and the like. Further, although the store terminal and the car management server have similar basic configurations, their respective roles and purpose of use are different, and their hardware configurations are different in terms of scale and amount of data handled.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal or a communication terminal (such as a personal computer) used as a communication terminal in the vehicle management system of the present invention.

In Fig. 5, the configuration is basically the same for use with the mobile terminal 22 and use with a communication terminal (such as a personal computer), and when checking the air blockage status of the shared vehicle or making reservations for use, etc. A processing device 51 that executes programs that perform processing, etc., a memory 52 that stores control/processing programs, data, etc., an input/output device 54 such as an operating device (keyboard) and a display device (display); It is comprised of an input/output interface 53 that serves as a connection interface, an interface 55 that performs information communication with the communication network 20, and an interface 56 that has a wireless communication function with short-distance equipment, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication function. Although the memory 52 is shown as one block, it may have a plurality of memory configurations, including a memory RAM read and written by the processing device 51, a read-only memory ROM, and the like. Furthermore, some communication terminals (such as personal computers) 23 are equipped with external storage devices such as disks for storing various data, personal documents, and the like.

The present invention makes it possible to reserve a car or the like from a mobile terminal 22 or a communication terminal (such as a personal computer) 23 to a store terminal 211 or a car management server 24 via a communication network 20, and to use the car in a manner according to the time of day. The processing will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle used in the vehicle management system of the present invention. In FIG. 6, a vehicle 61 to be shared is usually provided with an in-vehicle device 62 having a function of communicating with the outside via a communication line (wireless line) 64. For example, a car management server 24 connected to the store terminal 211 or the communication network 20 via a communication line 64 by an in-vehicle device 62 of a car installed in the premises of the store 21 shown in FIG. 2, for example, in a parking lot. Exchange information.

Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 62 has a function of unlocking and locking the car door, and also performs user authentication processing when using the car. Although not shown, when the user holds an IC card or the like over the window, the in-vehicle device 62 reads the information, and as a result of the exchange between the in-vehicle device 62 and the management server 24 etc., the information is transmitted via the control line 63. Unlock or lock. This function can be used as a rental car among shared usage forms, such as in a parking lot, where the car can be rented in the presence of a clerk or car manager (face-to-face), so the manager is responsible for unlocking and locking the car. This can also be done by handing over a physical key, etc. In the present invention, since the vehicle can be used for car sharing depending on the time of day, the vehicle is equipped with a function of automatically unlocking/locking the vehicle, since the vehicle may be used non-face-to-face, such as at night. Of course, the unlocking/locking function by the in-vehicle device is not limited to car sharing, and may also be used when using the vehicle as a rental car. An example of this on-vehicle device 62 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle-mounted device installed in a vehicle used in the vehicle management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, the on-vehicle device 62 executes a program that collects, manages, and stores vehicle body information (including remaining fuel level, door opening/closing status, etc.), and exchanges it with the outside via a communication line as necessary. A processing device 71 for controlling, a memory 72 for storing control/processing programs, data, etc., an input/output interface 75 for interfacing with a control line 63 for in-vehicle monitors, door unlocking/locking, etc., an interface 73 for interfacing communication with the outside, etc. Equipped with. Further, it may be provided with an external storage device 74 for information storage, if necessary. Although the memory 72 is shown as one block, it may have a plurality of memory configurations, such as a memory RAM that is read and written by the processing device 71, a read-only memory ROM, and the like.

When a user uses a shared vehicle, the user accesses the store terminal 211 or management server 24 from the mobile terminal 22 or communication terminal 23, and selects an empty vehicle in the store 21 or a reserved vehicle depending on the usage type depending on the time of day. I will be using a car. The authentication process for the car to be used involves communication with the management server 24 using the on-vehicle device 62 installed in the car or the store terminal 211 in the store 21, and as a result of the authentication, the on-vehicle device 62 performs an unlocking operation. become.

Note that the configurations shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 are examples, and should not be interpreted as being limited to each illustrated example, and additional changes may be made through various modifications and alternative techniques.

As management data used in the car management system of the present invention, an example of the table structure of car reservation information management data is shown in FIG. 8, and an example of the table structure of car usage status management data is shown in FIG. Although the data of both table configurations will be described as being provided in the car management server 24, they may also be provided in a store terminal on the store side or a communication terminal common between stores.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a table configuration of car reservation information management data used in the car management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 81 indicates the number of the vehicle to be shared (e.g., the vehicle number written on the license plate, vehicle registration number, etc., which can be identified; hereinafter referred to as "car number"); 82 83 is the reservation time slot when a reservation is accepted for the car number, 84 is the type of usage in the reservation time slot for the car number, examples are rental car/car sharing classification, 85 is The actual time of use (real time) 86 indicates vehicle body information etc. provided in the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle number. As the reservation time 83, the start time and end time when the reservation is accepted are recorded. As the vehicle body information etc. 85, basic information of the rented vehicle is recorded, such as the equipment installed in the vehicle, the refueling status, and the presence or absence of scratches.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a table configuration of car usage status management data in the car management system of the present invention. In FIG. 9, 91 is the number of the car to be used jointly (car number), 92 is the reservation number (ID), 93 is the user information, 94 is the license number, 95 is the start time of the car, and 96 is the car number. The car return end time, 97, is the car body information.

The user information 93 includes contact information such as the user's address and telephone number, and also includes the number of people using the car.

The usage start time 95 is the actual time when the car actually started to be used for the previously reserved time slot 83. Usually, the use start time 95 is the time when the door is unlocked, and the end time 96 is the time when the car is unlocked after using the car. and/or the time the return procedure was taken. When changing the usage mode from car sharing to rental car, in this example, the usage mode is determined based on this end time. This change process will be explained in detail in the process flow diagram.

The vehicle body information 97 records the refueling status after use of the vehicle, presence or absence of scratches, etc., and is used for payment settlement after returning the vehicle.

Note that the data shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are merely examples, and various additions, changes, etc. may be made. Furthermore, although the basic information on car usage and the usage information have been explained separately, they may be address-linked to each other, or these data may be compiled into one table. Further, the data may be subdivided and divided and mutually address-linked, or additional data may be address-linked.

When operating a business as a rental car where cars are rented out for a fee, it is necessary to obtain an operating permit in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transportation Act and the Enforcement Regulations of the Act. These regulations will also apply to car-sharing rentals for a fee. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are a process flow diagram showing a registration process in the case of a car (rental car) used by an unspecified number of people, and a process flow diagram showing a usage procedure process.

In FIG. 10, as a rental car, an application registration process as shown in the illustrated example is performed (step S11), and procedures for joining automobile insurance (mutual aid) etc. as a rental car are performed (step S12). By receiving application permission for the vehicle type, it will be registered in the database as vehicle information.

In Figure 11, when renting out a registered car as a rental car, the car user makes a reservation in advance to a designated store from a mobile terminal or communication terminal (computer, etc.), as explained in Figure 2. By entering the store or directly visiting the store, car reservation reception, registration processing, etc. are performed at the store terminal 211 (step S21). This reception process, etc. is performed by exchanging information between the store terminal 211 and the car management server 24, and is registered in the database described in FIG. 8 above.

At a predetermined store 21, car rental procedures including confirmation of driver's license etc. are performed, and settings such as usage start time are registered (step S22). In the case of a rental car, since it is basically a face-to-face service, procedures such as lending the car key and unlocking the car door can be done under the supervision of a store clerk or manager. In addition, when unlocking a car door, by holding an IC card or the like over a predetermined location of the car, the in-vehicle device may automatically recognize the card and perform the door unlocking procedure. Alternatively, the unlocking operation may be performed using a short-range wireless signal.

The user uses the car (step S23) and then returns the car. Normally, the procedure for returning the car involves locking and returning the car at the rental store 21, and performing a predetermined return process using the store terminal or the like (step S24). When returning the vehicle, data such as refueling status and other information such as the presence or absence of scratches on the vehicle body are entered as vehicle information, which is registered in the database and payment processing is completed.

When using a car as a rental car, it usually requires face-to-face processing at a store, etc., so when the store is closed, it is not used as an empty car even if it is on standby. In the present invention, this waiting (non-operating) car can be used for car sharing.

FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram showing a general registration process for a car used among members (car sharing), and the present invention also follows the registration process.

In FIG. 12, since membership registration is required to use a car for car sharing, the user must complete the membership procedure. When a user accesses a store, etc. from a mobile terminal or communication terminal and enters personal information such as the user's address and telephone number, driver's license number, etc., the enrollment process is performed on the receiving device side of the store terminal, etc. (Step S31), and performs registration processing in the database (Step S32).

FIG. 13 is a processing flow diagram showing the procedure processing with the management server regarding the usage procedure in the case of a car used among members (car sharing).

In FIG. 13, the processing flow on the left side shows the processing on the mobile terminal or communication terminal (personal computer, etc.) from the user using car sharing, and the processing flow on the right side shows the processing on the car management server side. .

When a car user needs to use a car for car sharing, a reservation process for a usage time slot for car sharing is performed as explained with reference to FIG. 1 (step S41). By specifying and inputting the desired car type, usage date and time (start time and end time), etc., the car management server registers the specified time slot of the corresponding car in the database as the reservation start time and reservation end time (step S51).

When the user operates a mobile terminal or the like at the location where the car is placed at a predetermined store during the reserved time period, a usage process input is performed (step S42). The car management server receives and processes the car usage request (step S52).

Confirmation procedure processing is performed between the user's mobile terminal and the car management server (step S43, step S53).

If the confirmation is confirmed, as explained in FIG. 6, the user receives information such as the number for unlocking the car and transmits it to the in-vehicle device to perform the unlocking process (step S44). It will be driven by the car key or button operation. Alternatively, the car door unlocking process may be performed by transmitting an unlock command from the car management server to the on-vehicle device of the corresponding car.

FIG. 14 is a processing flow diagram showing the procedure processing with the management server regarding the return procedure in the case of a car used among members (car sharing).

Similar to FIG. 13 above, in FIG. 14, the processing flow on the left side shows the processing on the mobile terminal or communication terminal (personal computer, etc.) from the user using car sharing, and the processing flow on the right side shows the processing on the car management server. It shows the processing on the side.

In FIG. 14, when the user finishes using the car for car sharing, the user performs a process to return the car. When the car is stopped at a predetermined location and the user closes the car door and performs the locking procedure (transmission process) using an IC card or mobile terminal, the locking process is performed by the in-vehicle device, etc. (step S61), and the return procedure is performed. (Step S62). This example shows an example in which the locking process and the return process are processed separately, and there is room for the lock to be unlocked again due to a forgotten item between these processes, but the transition from the locking process to the return procedure process is completed within a predetermined time. This may also be due to the lack of relocking. Further, the return procedure (process) may include a locking process.

The management server performs return acceptance processing by receiving input for locking processing and/or return processing (step S71). In this return process, the management server receives information from the GPS (Global Positioning System) installed in the on-vehicle device, etc. to confirm that the vehicle under usage management has actually been returned to the specified location. Confirmation processing may be performed. Alternatively, the confirmation process may be performed by receiving return data from a store manager or clerk.
Subsequently, a process is performed to determine whether the usage end time is within the scheduled time or an extended time (step S72). If there is a time extension, as explained in FIG. 1, if the car is returned beyond the usage time for car sharing, the process can be changed to usage as a rental car. In addition, when using as a rental car or car sharing, the usage time may be changed or extended depending on the situation beforehand or during use, but it is sufficient to decide as appropriate which usage format to process. .

Subsequently, a usage settlement process is entered, and a procedure for billing the usage fee to the user is started (step S73).

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram regarding the process of sorting cars for shared use in the car management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 15, prior to the use of a shared car, upon reception of reservation information for the usage time from the user, the car management server side performs a process to classify whether to use a rental car or to use a car share (step S81). ), the usage start time and usage end time are registered in the database as reservation information (step S82). The format of the database as an example is as described with reference to FIG.

When the car management server receives a reservation change request from the user regarding the once reserved car usage time, the car management server changes the start time and/or end time registered in the database (step S83). This change in reservation time may be to extend the end time of the car being used after the start of use.

With the change in the start time and/or end time, a process is performed to determine whether or not there is a change in the mode of use in the usage time period (step S84), and if it is determined that a change is necessary, the classification of rental car/car sharing in the database is changed. (Step S85).

In this way, different forms of shared use of cars can be realized with one system.

Note that the processing flows shown in FIGS. 10 to 15 show basic processing, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the illustrated examples. There may also be changes or further additional processing may be added.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of vehicle usage in the vehicle management system of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 6 earlier, the car is unlocked/locked after the user confirmation authentication process between the in-vehicle device and the car management server, etc. The mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone) performs authentication processing by communicating in advance between the user's mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone) and the car management server, and then uses the ID information (password, etc.) of the authentication result to connect the mobile terminal to the vehicle management server. This makes it easier to use the car by performing unlocking/locking operations.

In FIG. 16, 161 is a shared vehicle, and 162 is an in-vehicle device that performs door unlocking/door locking processing based on information from a mobile terminal. The in-vehicle device 162 has a short-range wireless communication function, for example, a Bluetooth communication function, with a mobile terminal 22 such as a smartphone. The in-vehicle device 162 receives ID information corresponding to the user through prior communication with the car management server, receives and verifies the ID information of the authentication result from the user's mobile terminal using the Bluetooth communication function, and unlocks/locks the door. Perform processing.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of communication with a management server using the in-vehicle device shown in FIG. 16 when using a vehicle in the vehicle management system of the present invention.

In FIG. 17, the mobile terminal 22 accesses the car management server 24 via the base station 171 located in the communication network to reserve a car for shared use as described above. When a user uses a reserved car, the user accesses the in-vehicle device 162 via Bluetooth communication and transmits reservation information (ID information, etc.) received from the car management server 24 to the in-vehicle device 162. The in-vehicle device shown in FIG. 6 described above is always connected to the communication network and maintains a standby state for communication with the management server, etc., but the in-vehicle device 162 in FIG. 16 performs authentication procedures etc. during use. The communication process can be omitted and the process can be simplified by collating the ID information.
In addition, the in-vehicle device 162 is further made single-functional, omitting the communication function with the vehicle management server via an external network, and equipped with only a short-range wireless communication function, for example, a Bluetooth communication function, with the mobile terminal 22 such as a smartphone. , it may be specialized for in-vehicle equipment control. That is, car usage reservations and authentication procedures are performed between the mobile terminal 22 and the car management server 24, encrypted reservation information (ID information, etc.) is received by the mobile terminal 22, and the reservation information is transmitted via Bluetooth. It may be possible to unlock the car door by transmitting the information to this single-function in-vehicle device 162 through communication.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a mobile terminal when using a car when the in-vehicle device 162 described in FIGS. 16 and 17 is used.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 181 indicates the operation screen of the mobile terminal, and examples of displays on the screen include reservation information 182 such as the car number reserved for use, reservation time (start time, end time), and unlocking for inputting instructions for unlocking. A button 183, a lock button 184 for inputting an instruction to lock the car, a return button 185 for inputting an instruction to return the car, and other operation buttons for changing reservations and accessing personal data are arranged. In this example of the operation screen, a lock button and a return button are provided, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, and the return button may be omitted and the return button may be integrated with the lock button. , the lock button may be omitted and integrated with the return button.

This can be realized by incorporating display functions such as operation buttons that allow input instructions by touching these screens, and communication functions with vehicle management servers, etc., as application software. The mobile terminal is not limited to a smartphone, and a terminal equipped with a Bluetooth communication function such as a tablet terminal or a notebook computer can also be used.

In addition, in the above explanation, it is explained as a store that has cars that are subject to shared use, but the store is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a store that has a car sales store, a gas station, etc. You can use a place where there is space to park your car, such as a service station (SS).

Furthermore, the car management system may be used at a single store or may be used to exchange cars between multiple stores.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a usage format in which a car is used by an unspecified number of people is described as a rental car, and a usage format in which a car is used among specific members is described as a car share, but the usage is not limited to these embodiments. , it is sufficient if the usage patterns of cars that are shared during different time periods are different.

Further, in the above embodiment, the car management device is an example of reservation lending between a car management server and a user, but a network may be formed between stores and specific store terminals may be provided with the same type of functions.

The embodiments described above are exemplified for understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is defined by the claims. In addition, structures equivalent to those described in the claims are also included within the protection scope of the present invention, unless they depart from the technical idea of the present invention.

According to the present invention, by dividing the time slots of shared vehicles and changing the usage pattern, it is possible to reduce the time slots when the vehicles are not in use, eliminate labor shortages, and increase the utilization rate of the vehicles. , has high industrial applicability.

20...Communication network 21...Store 211...Store terminal 22...Mobile terminal 23...Communication terminal 24...Car management device (car management server)
31, 41, 51, 71... Processing device 32, 42, 52, 72... Memory 33, 43, 53, 75... Input/output interface 34, 44, 54... Input/output device 35, 35i, 45, 55, 73... Interface 56...Short-range wireless interface 36, 46, 74...External storage device 61, 161...Car 62, 162...In-vehicle device 63...Control line 64...Communication line 181...Mobile terminal operation screen

Claims (19)

A mobile terminal and/or communication terminal of a person who makes a reservation for a car to be shared, a car management server for managing rentals, and a store terminal of a store that manages the car are connected via a communication network. In the car management system,
The car management system includes a reservation information management data table located in at least one of the car management server and the store terminal,
The vehicle is provided with an on-vehicle device equipped with a GPS that can exchange information with the vehicle management server or the store terminal via a communication network,
In the case of the first usage type in which a car is used by an unspecified number of people, reservation information including information related to the usage time in which a start time and an end time are specified is transmitted to the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal. When a reservation is made from a terminal, the reservation is accepted at the store terminal, and in the case of the second usage mode in which the car is used between members, each information regarding the desired car type, start time, and end time is inputting the included reservation information from the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal;
a step of registering the reservation acceptance process in the case of the first usage mode, and the start time and the end time in the case of the second usage mode, in the reservation information management data table; ,
A step of registering settings including information related to the start time of use, which is the actual time when the car actually started to be used, using the store terminal at the store;
After the vehicle management server confirms the return by receiving information from the GPS indicating that the vehicle has been returned to a predetermined location, the vehicle body information regarding the vehicle is input and the vehicle is used. and a step in which payment processing is performed based on time,
The usage time zone defined by the start time and the end time defines whether the reservation will be made in either the first or second usage format;
At least in the second usage mode, after a confirmation procedure between the mobile terminal and the car management server, the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal or the car management server sends the in-vehicle device an unlock command. A car management method characterized in that the car is unlocked by transmitting information. The first type of use is defined in the hours of use when a store employee or manager is present at the store, and the second type of use is defined during times when a store employee or manager is not present at the store. 2. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle management method is defined by the usage time period. If usage starts during the time slot of one of the first usage type and the second usage type, and the usage end time falls within the time slot of the other usage type, the predetermined usage type is used. 3. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, wherein payment processing is performed. The predetermined time is determined in advance when use starts during the time period of one of the first use form and the second use form and the use end time straddles the time period of the other use form. 3. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, wherein payment processing is performed based on usage type. The car management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for changing a start time and/or an end time with respect to a time when a reservation is accepted as a time slot for using the car. Method. 6. The vehicle management method according to claim 5, further comprising means for changing the manner in which the vehicle is used in accordance with a change in the usage time period. 7. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is unlocked and/or locked using a wireless signal from a mobile terminal. 8. The car management method according to claim 7, wherein the unlocking and/or locking control of the car is performed based on authentication processing between the mobile terminal and the car management server. 9. The vehicle management method according to claim 8, wherein the end time is determined by receiving a locking operation and/or a return operation for the vehicle. A mobile terminal and/or communication terminal of a person who makes a reservation for a car to be shared, a car management server for managing rentals, and a store terminal of a store that manages the car are connected via a communication network. In the car management system,
The car management system includes a reservation information management data table located in at least one of the car management server and the store terminal,
The vehicle is provided with an on-vehicle device equipped with a GPS that can exchange information with the vehicle management server or the store terminal via a communication network,
In the case of the first usage type in which a car is used by an unspecified number of people, reservation information including information related to the usage time in which a start time and an end time are specified is transmitted to the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal. When a reservation is made from a terminal, the reservation is accepted at the store terminal, and in the case of the second usage mode in which the car is used between members, each information regarding the desired car type, start time, and end time is means for inputting the included reservation information from the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal;
Means for registering the reservation acceptance process in the case of the first usage mode, and the start time and the end time in the case of the second usage mode, in the reservation information management data table; ,
means for registering settings including information related to the start time of use, which is the actual time when the car actually started to be used, using the store terminal at the store;
After the vehicle management server confirms the return by receiving information from the GPS indicating that the vehicle has been returned to a predetermined location, the vehicle body information regarding the vehicle is input and the vehicle is used. means for performing payment processing based on time;
Information related to the classification of whether the reservation is for one of the first and second usage modes is allocated to a usage time period defined by the predetermined start time and end time. , the car rental process is performed based on information regarding classification of whether the reservation is for one of the allocated first and second usage modes;
At least in the second usage mode, after a confirmation procedure between the mobile terminal and the car management server, the mobile terminal and/or the communication terminal or the car management server sends the in-vehicle device an unlock command. A car management system characterized in that the car is unlocked by transmitting information. 11. The car management system according to claim 10, wherein the first usage type and the second usage type are registered and managed in separate time zones, and payment processing is performed based on the usage time of the car. The first type of use is defined in the hours of use when a store employee or manager is present at the store, and the second type of use is defined during times when a store employee or manager is not present at the store. 11. The vehicle management system according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle management system is defined by the usage time period. If usage starts during the time slot of one of the first usage type and the second usage type, and the usage end time falls within the time slot of the other usage type, the predetermined usage type is used. 13. The vehicle management system according to claim 10 or 12, wherein payment processing is performed. The predetermined time is determined in advance when use starts during the time period of one of the first use form and the second use form and the use end time straddles the time period of the other use form. 13. The vehicle management system according to claim 10 or 12, wherein payment processing is performed based on the usage type. The car management system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising means for changing a start time and/or an end time with respect to a time when a reservation is accepted as a time slot for using the car. system. 16. The vehicle management system according to claim 15, further comprising means for changing the manner in which the vehicle is used in accordance with a change in the usage time period. 17. The vehicle management system according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle is unlocked and/or locked using a wireless signal from a mobile terminal. 18. The car management system according to claim 17, wherein the unlocking and/or locking control of the car is performed based on authentication processing between the mobile terminal and the car management server. 19. The vehicle management system according to claim 18, wherein the end time is defined as the reception of a locking operation and/or a return operation of the vehicle.

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