Vehicle management system

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a service object vehicle in a vehicle sharing service is returned to a wrong vehicle compartment.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a vehicle management system that manages service object vehicles in a vehicle sharing service, in which a service object vehicle is parked in one of a plurality of vehicle compartments in a parking lot before departure, and is returned to one of the vehicle compartments when the vehicle is returned. The vehicle management system includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire return-time image data, which is image data of the vehicle compartment imaged by the service object vehicle at the time of return; a determination unit configured to determine whether the vehicle compartment to which the service object vehicle has been returned is correct based on the return-time image data and vehicle compartment-specific correct image data, which is image data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the vehicle is to be returned; and a transmission control unit configured to transmit warning message information to a device used by a user of the service object vehicle if the determination unit determines that the vehicle compartment is not correct.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle sharing services have been available for some time. A vehicle sharing service is a service that enables multiple people to jointly use a specific vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as a "shared vehicle" or "service target vehicle") by staggering the timing of use, and examples of such services include car sharing services and rental car services. Below, we will take a car sharing service as an example.

[0003] A car sharing service is a service that allows multiple registered members to jointly use a shared vehicle by staggering the times at which they use the vehicle.

[0004] Before departure (before rental), the shared vehicle is parked, for example, in one of multiple parking spaces in an hourly parking lot (a parking lot where the parking fee is charged according to the parking time). That parking space is reserved for the shared vehicle, and no hourly rental fee is charged. The other parking spaces are charged by the hour.

[0005] After registering as a member, a user of a car sharing service uses a smartphone or computer to search for a shared vehicle by inputting the desired date and time, rental location (parking lot), vehicle model, etc. If a shared vehicle that matches the search criteria is found, the user can reserve it.

[0006] Then, the user goes to the parking lot at the reserved date and time and rents the reserved shared vehicle. Specifically, for example, the user unlocks the door of the shared vehicle using a smartphone or the like, removes the key stored inside the vehicle, starts the engine, and starts driving the shared vehicle. After that, the user returns to the vehicle room designated as the return location by the return date and time specified at the time of reservation to return the shared vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-182656 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-152086 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Generally, in car sharing services, no staff from the management company is present when the shared vehicle is rented or returned. Therefore, the shared vehicle may be returned to the wrong parking space due to the user's intentional or negligent actions. In such a case, for example, if the wrong parking space is a parking space for hourly rental, the next user of the shared vehicle must pay the parking fee in order to depart the shared vehicle.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle management system that can reduce the possibility that a service target vehicle used in a vehicle sharing service is returned to the wrong vehicle compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is a vehicle management system for managing a service target vehicle in a vehicle sharing service that enables multiple people to share a service target vehicle by staggering the timing of use, the service target vehicle being parked in one of multiple vehicle compartments in a parking lot before departure and being returned to one of the multiple vehicle compartments when being returned. The vehicle management system includes an acquisition unit that acquires return time photographed data that is photographed data of the vehicle compartment photographed by the service target vehicle at the time of return, a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle has been returned is correct based on the return time photographed data and vehicle compartment-specific correct image data that is image data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to be returned, and a transmission control unit that transmits warning message information to a device used by a user of the service target vehicle when the determination unit determines that the vehicle compartment is not correct. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the vehicle management system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a service target vehicle used in a vehicle sharing service is returned to the wrong vehicle compartment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a part of a parking lot according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of the vehicle management system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the photographed data for each vehicle compartment in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a return guidance screen in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a warning message screen in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow of the shared vehicle and the server device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle management system of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the following embodiment, a car sharing service is taken as an example of a vehicle sharing service. Users of the car sharing service can use vehicles covered by the service (shared vehicles) by registering as members.

[0014] In the following description, the term "vehicle interior" may have a narrow meaning that refers only to the vehicle interior, or may have a broad meaning that includes the vehicle interior and its surroundings. For example, the term "vehicle interior" as a subject to be photographed has a broad meaning.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a parking lot P in an embodiment. In FIG. 1, four parking spaces PS1 to PS4 are shown as part of the parking lot P. Parking space PS1 is a parking space reserved for a shared vehicle. Parking spaces PS2 to PS4 are parking spaces for hourly rental. A reserved shared vehicle 4 (vehicle eligible for the service) is parked in parking space PS1. Specifically, an attendant from the operator of the car sharing service (hereinafter simply referred to as the "operator") drives the shared vehicle 4 to parking space PS1 and prepares it for a user to start using.

[0016] 1, each of the vehicle compartments PS1 to PS4 has a circle, a cross, a triangle, and a square pattern applied to the wall W. Note that these simple patterns are used for the purpose of simplifying the illustration and explanation, and in reality, for example, the wall W may have a complex pattern, or instead of the wall W, trees, fences, various facilities, and the like may be present.

[0017] The user goes to the parking lot P on the reserved date and time and rents the reserved shared vehicle 4. Specifically, for example, the user unlocks the door of the shared vehicle 4 using a smartphone or the like, removes the key stored inside the vehicle, starts the engine, and starts driving the shared vehicle 4. After that, the user returns to the vehicle compartment designated as the return location and returns the shared vehicle 4 by the return date and time specified at the time of reservation.

[0018] Generally, in a car sharing service, when the shared vehicle 4 is returned, an attendant from the management company may move the shared vehicle 4 to a designated car pool (vehicle depot), another parking space, or another parking lot. However, as a rule, the attendant from the management company is not present when the shared vehicle 4 is rented out or returned.

[0019] Furthermore, prior to returning the shared vehicle 4, the user is instructed in advance as to which parking space and to which parking lot the shared vehicle 4 should be returned. However, the shared vehicle 4 may be returned to the wrong space due to the user's intentional or negligent actions (failure to follow instructions).

[0020] For example, if the shared vehicle 4 is mistakenly returned to any of the hourly parking spaces PS2 to PS4, the next user of the shared vehicle 4 must pay the parking fee up to that point in order to depart the shared vehicle 4. In that case, the operator will later compensate the user for the parking fee, so the user will not incur any monetary loss. However, this is undesirable in terms of the effort required by the user and the operator, as well as the monetary loss, and an improvement is desired.

[0021] Therefore, below, a technology that can reduce the possibility of the shared vehicle 4 being returned to the wrong vehicle compartment will be described.

[0022] 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of a vehicle management system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle management system S includes a server device 1, a parking lot management system 2, a user terminal 3, and a shared vehicle 4.

[0023] The parking lot management system 2 is a computer system that manages the availability and fee settlement of parking lots P. Parking lots P are areas for parking vehicles (including shared vehicles 4 used in car sharing services).

[0024] The shared vehicle 4 includes an in-vehicle system 41 and an imaging unit 42. The in-vehicle system 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs main control, a control circuit for controlling the shared vehicle 4, and a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication. The in-vehicle system 41 communicates with the server device 1 and the like via a communication network N. The in-vehicle system 41 also includes a car navigation system including a display unit and the like.

[0025] The photographing unit 42 is a device for photographing the surroundings of the shared vehicle 4, and is, for example, a camera in a drive recorder or another in-vehicle camera.

[0026] The user terminal 3 is a computer device used by a user, such as a smartphone. For example, the user uses the user terminal 3 to transmit reservation information for the use of a shared vehicle 4 (such as information on the user's name, date and time of use, vehicle type, parking lot, and vehicle compartment) to the server device 1 and to receive various information from the server device 1. Note that the user terminal 3 is not limited to a smartphone and may be a tablet device or the like.

[0027] The server device 1 is a computer device, and includes a storage unit 11, a UI (User Interface) unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a processing unit 14. Each of the components is connected to each other via a bus 15 or the like so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] The storage unit 11 is composed of, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various information. The storage unit 11 stores, for example, vehicle compartment correct image data 111 and return time photographed data 112.

[0029] The vehicle compartment correct image data 111 is image data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned (details will be described later).

[0030] The photographed data at the time of return 112 is photographed data of the vehicle interior photographed at the time of return by the shared vehicle 4. For example, the photographed data at the time of return 112 is photographed data of the vehicle interior photographed by a drive recorder of the shared vehicle 4 at the time of return.

[0031] The UI unit 12 has a display function for displaying various information and an input function for receiving operation input by a user. The display function is, for example, a display. The input function is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a pen tablet. The UI unit 12 may be a touch panel that integrally configures the display function and the input function.

[0032] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices via the communication network N.

[0033] The processing unit 14 executes various information processes. The processing unit 14 may be realized, for example, by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The processing unit 14 includes, as its functional configuration, an acquisition unit 141, a determination unit 142, and a control unit 143.

[0034] The acquisition unit 141 acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 141 acquires usage reservation information indicating information related to the reservation of a shared vehicle 4 in the parking lot P from the user terminal 3.

[0035] The acquisition unit 141 also acquires departure image data, which is image data of the vehicle interior captured at the time of departure, and return image data, which is image data of the vehicle interior captured at the time of return, from the shared vehicle 4. The departure image data is stored as vehicle interior correct answer image data 111. The return image data is stored as return image data 112.

[0036] The determination unit 142 executes various determination processes. For example, the determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is returned is correct or not based on the return photographed data 112 and the vehicle compartment correct image data 111. Specifically, the determination unit 142 performs the above-mentioned determination of the correctness of the vehicle compartment by a method such as image pattern matching or machine learning.

[0037] Here, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the photographed data for each vehicle compartment in the embodiment. (a) to (d) are photographed data corresponding to the vehicle compartments PS1 to PS4 (Fig. 1). In this way, when photographing each of the vehicle compartments PS1 to PS4 from a rear-parked vehicle, it is sufficient that the photographed data can be distinguished from each other.

[0038] Therefore, as long as the captured image data for each vehicle compartment can be distinguished from one another, for example, trees, fences, various facilities, etc. may be present instead of such patterned walls W. Also, for example, if the walls W are pure white and the captured image data for each vehicle compartment cannot be distinguished from one another, various modifications (for example, attaching a sticker with a pattern to the walls W or painting the walls W) may be applied so that the captured image data for each vehicle compartment can be distinguished from one another.

[0039] In the examples of Figures 1 and 3, the vehicle compartment reserved for the shared vehicle is the vehicle compartment (PS1), so the shared vehicle 4 is returned to the vehicle compartment (PS1). Here, for example, if the return photographed data 112 is (a) of Figure 3 and the vehicle compartment-specific correct image data 111 is also (a) of Figure 3, the determination unit 142 determines that the vehicle compartment (PS1) to which the shared vehicle 4 has been returned is correct. Of course, the shared vehicle 4 is not only returned to the vehicle compartment (PS1), but may be returned to the vehicle compartment instructed by the system.

[0040] On the other hand, if the return photographed data 112 is any of (b) to (d) in Figure 3 and the correct vehicle compartment image data 111 is (a) in Figure 3, the judgment unit 142 judges that the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 was returned is incorrect (wrong).

[0041] The control unit 143 executes various controls. For example, if the determination unit 142 determines that the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 has been returned is incorrect, the control unit 143 (transmission control unit) transmits warning message information to devices (such as the in-vehicle system 41 and the user terminal 3) used by the user of the shared vehicle 4.

[0042] Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a warning message screen in an embodiment. This warning message screen is displayed, for example, in the in-vehicle system 41 (car navigation system) of the shared vehicle 4 that has received warning message information from the server device 1. In the warning message screen, an instruction message for confirming whether the shared vehicle 4 has been returned to the correct vehicle compartment is displayed at the top. In addition, the vehicle compartment correct image data 111 (Fig. 3(a)) corresponding to vehicle compartment No. 1 (vehicle compartment PS1 in Fig. 1) is displayed at the bottom. By looking at this return guidance screen, the user can easily recognize the vehicle compartment PS1 to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned when returning it.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 2, when the shared vehicle 4 departs, if the cabin at the time of departure is the same as the cabin to which the user is instructed to return the shared vehicle 4, the acquisition unit 141 acquires departure photographed data, which is photographed data of the cabin photographed by the shared vehicle 4 at the time of departure. The departure photographed data is stored as correct cabin-specific image data 111. In this case, the determination unit 142 determines whether the cabin to which the shared vehicle 4 has been returned is correct based on the return photographed data 112 and the correct cabin-specific image data 111 (departure photographed data).

[0044] In addition, the correct image data 111 for each vehicle compartment may be, for example, pre-photographed data that is photographed in advance for each vehicle compartment. In this case, the determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is returned is correct based on the return photographed data 112 and the correct image data 111 for each vehicle compartment (pre-photographed data) corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned.

[0045] Furthermore, when using pre-photographed data as correct image data, the pre-photographed data is prepared for each of a plurality of time periods (e.g., morning, afternoon, night, etc.). In this case, the determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is returned is correct or not based on the return-time photographed data 112 and the pre-photographed data for the time period corresponding to the photographing time of the return-time photographed data 112 among the plurality of pre-photographed data (vehicle compartment-specific correct image data 111) corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned.

[0046] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 141 acquires multiple pieces of return photographed data with a time lag (for example, four pieces at five-second intervals) from the shared vehicle 4. The multiple pieces of return photographed data are stored as return photographed data 112. In this case, the determination unit 142 determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is returned is correct or not based on the multiple pieces of return photographed data (return photographed data 112) and the vehicle compartment correct image data 111.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 143 (transmission control unit) transmits return-related information including correct image data 111 for each vehicle compartment to equipment used by the user of the shared vehicle 4 (such as the in-vehicle system 41 and the user terminal 3) at a predetermined timing before the return of the shared vehicle 4.

[0048] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a return guidance screen in the embodiment. As described above, for example, the user is instructed to return the shared vehicle 4 to the same vehicle compartment as when the vehicle departed. Alternatively, the user may be instructed to return the shared vehicle 4 to a vehicle compartment different from the vehicle compartment when the vehicle departed. This return guidance screen is displayed to instruct the user to the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 should be returned.

[0049] This return guidance screen is displayed, for example, in the in-vehicle system 41 of the shared vehicle 4 that has received return-related information from the server device 1. On the return guidance screen, an instruction message is displayed at the top to the effect that the vehicle should be returned to compartment 1 (compartment PS1 in FIG. 1) when it is returned. Also, at the bottom, compartment-specific correct image data 111 ((a) in FIG. 3) corresponding to compartment 1 (compartment PS1 in FIG. 1) is displayed. By looking at this return guidance screen, the user can easily recognize compartment PS1 to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned when it is returned.

[0050] Next, Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the shared vehicle 4 and the server device 1 in the embodiment. When this processing starts, the shared vehicle 4 is parked in a vehicle space PS1 (Fig. 1) in the parking lot P. On the reserved date and time, the user goes to the parking lot P, unlocks the door of the shared vehicle 4 using a smartphone or the like, removes the key stored inside the vehicle, starts the engine, and starts driving the shared vehicle 4. In addition, the shared vehicle 4 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and when the power is on, it periodically transmits its own location information to the server device 1.

[0051] First, in step S1, it is determined whether the shared vehicle 4 has departed, and if Yes, the process proceeds to step S2, and if No, the process returns to step S1. For example, when a user turns on the power of the shared vehicle 4, the result in step S1 is Yes. Of course, in addition to the power being turned on for the vehicle, it is also possible to determine that the vehicle has actually started traveling by using a vehicle speed sensor or the like, and use this as a basis for determining that the vehicle has departed.

[0052] In step S2, the shared vehicle 4 photographs the vehicle interior using the photographing unit 42. Next, in step S3, the shared vehicle 4 transmits the photographed data (FIG. 3(a)) to the server device 1. In response to this, the acquisition unit 141 of the server device 1 acquires the photographed data and stores it in the memory unit 11 as vehicle interior-specific correct image data 111.

[0053] Next, in step S4, the control unit 143 of the server device 1 creates return-related information for the shared vehicle 4, including the planned return date and time, the parking lot P and vehicle compartment PS1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "return location") to which the vehicle is to be returned, and vehicle compartment-specific correct image data 111 corresponding to the vehicle compartment PS1.

[0054] Next, in step S5, the control unit 143 of the server device 1 determines whether the shared vehicle 4 has approached the return location based on the position information periodically sent from the shared vehicle 4, and if Yes, proceeds to step S6, and if No, returns to step S5. For example, if the distance from the shared vehicle 4 to the return location becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance threshold value (e.g., 1 km) after the distance from the shared vehicle 4 to the return location becomes equal to or less than the predetermined distance threshold value, the result in step S5 becomes Yes.

[0055] In step S6, the control unit 143 of the server device 1 transmits the return-related information to the shared vehicle 4. Note that this transmission of the return-related information may be performed at an earlier stage.

[0056] In response to this, in step S7, the shared vehicle 4 displays a return guidance screen (FIG. 4) based on the return-related information on the display unit of the car navigation system. The user can easily identify the vehicle compartment PS1 to be returned by looking at the return guidance screen including the vehicle compartment-specific correct image data 111 corresponding to the vehicle compartment No. 1 to be returned (vehicle compartment PS1 in FIG. 1).

[0057] Next, in step S8, it is determined whether the shared vehicle 4 has been returned to the vehicle compartment, and if Yes, the process proceeds to step S9, and if No, the process returns to step S8. For example, when the shared vehicle 4 stops after a rear parking operation in a position close to the vehicle compartment to which it should be returned, the result in step S8 is Yes.

[0058] In step S9, the shared vehicle 4 photographs the vehicle interior using the photographing unit 42. Next, in step S10, the shared vehicle 4 transmits the photographed data to the server device 1. In response to this, the acquisition unit 141 of the server device 1 acquires the photographed data and stores it in the memory unit 11 as return photographed data 112.

[0059] Next, in step S11, the judgment unit 142 of the server device 1 judges whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 has been returned is correct or not based on the return photographed data 112 and the correct vehicle compartment image data 111. If the answer is Yes, the processing ends, and if the answer is No, the processing proceeds to step S12.

[0060] For example, if the return photographed data 112 is (a) of FIG. 3 and the compartment-specific correct image data 111 is also (a) of FIG. 3, the determination unit 142 determines that the compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 was returned is correct.

[0061] On the other hand, if the return photographed data 112 is any of (b) to (d) in Figure 3 and the correct vehicle compartment image data 111 is (a) in Figure 3, the judgment unit 142 judges that the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 was returned is incorrect (wrong).

[0062] In step S12, the control unit 143 transmits warning message information to the shared vehicle 4.

[0063] Next, in step S13, the shared vehicle 4 determines whether or not warning message information has been received, and if Yes, the process proceeds to step S14, and if No, the process ends.

[0064] In step S14, the shared vehicle 4 displays a warning message screen (FIG. 5) based on the warning message information on the display unit of the car navigation system. By looking at this warning message screen, the user can know that there is a possibility that the shared vehicle 4 has been returned to the wrong vehicle compartment. After that, for example, the user checks whether the shared vehicle 4 has been returned to the correct vehicle compartment, and if it is incorrect, returns it to the correct vehicle compartment.

[0065] Thus, according to the vehicle management system S of the embodiment, when a shared vehicle 4 is returned to a vehicle compartment, the server device 1 determines whether the vehicle compartment is correct or not based on the vehicle compartment-specific correct image data 111 and the return time photographed data 112, and if it is determined to be incorrect, it sends warning message information to the shared vehicle 4 and displays a warning message screen (FIG. 5). This makes it possible to alert the user that the vehicle compartment may be incorrect, and it is expected that the user will then return the shared vehicle 4 to the correct vehicle compartment, thereby reducing the possibility that the shared vehicle 4 will be returned to the wrong vehicle compartment.

[0066] Furthermore, if the compartment at the time of departure of the shared vehicle 4 is the same as the compartment to be returned, the departure photographed data, which is photographed data of the compartment taken at the time of departure, can be used as the correct compartment-specific image data 111. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the compartment at the time of return of the shared vehicle 4 is correct or not. Furthermore, since an image of the actual compartment to be returned (several hours prior) can be displayed on the return guidance screen shown in FIG. 4, the user can understand the compartment to be returned to without confusion, and the possibility of returning the shared vehicle 4 to the wrong compartment can be further reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, when the compartment of the shared vehicle 4 at the time of departure is different from the compartment to be returned, the pre-photographed data can be used as the compartment-specific correct image data 111. This makes it possible to determine whether the compartment of the shared vehicle 4 at the time of return is correct, even if the compartment of the shared vehicle 4 at the time of departure is different from the compartment to be returned.

[0068] In addition, since an image of the vehicle compartment to be returned can be displayed on the return guidance screen shown in FIG. 4, the possibility that the user will return the shared vehicle 4 to the wrong vehicle compartment can be further reduced. In that case, if the pre-captured data is used, the user may be shown a scene that gives a different impression from the scene he or she saw several hours earlier. However, if the departure capture data cannot be used as the vehicle compartment correct image data 111, it is better to use the pre-captured data than to use no capture data. In other words, there is an advantage in that an image of the vehicle compartment to be returned can be reliably included on the return guidance screen in any case.

[0069] In addition, even if the cabin of the shared vehicle 4 at the time of departure is the same as the cabin at the time of return, if the data photographed at the time of departure is of poor quality (such as being unclear or having a moving object in the foreground reflected), the pre-photographed data may be used as the correct image data 111 for each cabin.

[0070] In addition, the pre-photographed data used as the vehicle compartment correct image data 111 may be prepared for each of a plurality of time periods (for example, morning, afternoon, night, etc.). Then, when the shared vehicle 4 is returned, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is returned is correct or not based on the pre-photographed data for the time period corresponding to the photographing time of the return photographed data among the plurality of pre-photographed data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the shared vehicle 4 is to be returned. This reduces the possibility of erroneous determination due to differences in environmental brightness depending on the time period. In this case, since the environmental brightness differs depending on the date even at the same time (for example, the environmental brightness differs between 6:00 p.m. in June and 6:00 p.m. in December), the date may also be taken into consideration when making the determination.

[0071] In addition, the return guidance screen shown in Figure 4 can display an image of the vehicle compartment where the user is scheduled to return the shared vehicle 4 at the same time as the return, further reducing the possibility that the user will return the shared vehicle 4 to the wrong vehicle compartment.

[0072] Furthermore, multiple pieces of return photographed data with a time lag (for example, four images taken at five-second intervals) may be used as the return photographed data 112. For example, if a single piece of return photographed data captures a moving object such as a pedestrian or an animal (dog, cat, etc.), this may adversely affect the determination of whether the vehicle interior is correct when the shared vehicle 4 is returned. On the other hand, by using multiple pieces of return photographed data with a time lag, there is a possibility that at least one piece of return photographed data does not capture a moving object, thereby reducing the adverse effect on the determination of whether the vehicle interior is correct when the shared vehicle 4 is returned.

[0073] In addition, since the drive recorder that is originally installed in the shared vehicle 4 records images of the interior of the vehicle when the vehicle departs and is returned, there is no need to install new imaging means, which reduces costs.

[0074] In addition, by displaying the return guidance screen shown in Figure 4 on the shared vehicle 4 at a specified time before the return of the shared vehicle 4, the possibility of the user returning the shared vehicle 4 to the wrong vehicle compartment can be further reduced.

[0075] The programs executed by the server device 1, the user terminal 3, the shared vehicle 4, and the like in these embodiments can be provided by recording them in an installable or executable format on a recording medium readable by a computer device, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The programs may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0076] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0077] For example, the vehicle sharing service to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a car sharing service, but may be any other service as long as an attendant from the management side is not present when the shared vehicle is rented or returned.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the shared vehicle 4 is assumed to be parked backwards in the vehicle compartment, and the vehicle compartment is photographed from the shared vehicle 4 toward the rear, but this is not limited to the above. A drive recorder generally photographs both the front and rear of the vehicle, so it is sufficient to use the necessary image from both images.

[0079] In addition, in the embodiment, the server device 1 performs various storage and processing, but the various storage and processing may all be performed on the shared vehicle 4 side without using the server device 1.

[0080] 4 and the warning message screen shown in Fig. 5 may be displayed on the user terminal 3, rather than on the display unit of the car navigation system of the shared vehicle 4. In that case, for example, among the information used on the return guidance screen shown in Fig. 4, the information of the instruction sentence on the upper side is transmitted from the server device 1 to the user terminal 3, and the correct answer image data for each vehicle compartment on the lower side is transmitted from the shared vehicle 4 to the user terminal 3, and the return guidance screen shown in Fig. 4 may be created by an application program in the user terminal 3.

[0081] Furthermore, if there are multiple compartments to be returned (for example, if the vehicle may be returned to either compartment PS1 or PS2 in FIG. 1), image data corresponding to the multiple compartments may be used as the compartment-specific correct image data 111.

[0082] Moreover, the parking lot P may be either an indoor parking lot or an outdoor parking lot.

[0083] Furthermore, if a drive recorder that is not a continuous recording type is used, recording can be started when the possibility of recording arises (for example, when returning shared vehicle 4, when shared vehicle 4 begins the rear parking operation).

[0084] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to manually driven vehicles but also to automatically driven vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...server device, 2...parking lot management system, 3...user terminal, 4...shared vehicle, 11...storage unit, 12...UI unit, 13...communication unit, 14...processing unit, 41...in-vehicle system, 42...photographing unit, 111...correct image data for each vehicle compartment, 112...photographed data at the time of return, 141...acquisition unit, 142...determination unit, 143...control unit, P...parking lot, PS1 to RS4...vehicle compartment, S...vehicle management system

Claims

1. A vehicle management system for managing a service target vehicle in a vehicle sharing service that enables a plurality of people to jointly use the service target vehicle by staggering the use timing, comprising: The service target vehicle is parked in any one of a plurality of vehicle compartments in the parking lot before departure, and is returned to any one of the plurality of vehicle compartments when returned, The vehicle management system includes: An acquisition unit that acquires photographed data at the time of return, which is photographed data of a vehicle interior photographed by the service target vehicle at the time of return; A determination unit that determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle is returned is correct based on the return photographed data and vehicle compartment correct image data, which is image data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle is to be returned; A vehicle management system comprising: a transmission control unit that transmits warning message information to a device used by a user of the vehicle to be serviced when the determination unit determines that the information is incorrect.

2. If the vehicle compartment at the time of departure of the serviced vehicle is the same as the vehicle compartment to be returned, The acquisition unit acquires departure photographed data which is photographed data of a vehicle interior photographed by the service target vehicle at the time of departure, The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle has been returned is correct based on the photographed data at the time of return and the photographed data at the time of departure.

3. The vehicle compartment correct image data is pre-captured data that is pre-captured data for each vehicle compartment, The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle is returned is correct based on the photographed data at the time of return and the advance photographed data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to be returned.

4. The pre-photographed data is prepared for each of a plurality of time periods, The vehicle management system of claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle is returned is correct based on the return photographed data and the pre-photographed data for a time period corresponding to the photographed time of the return photographed data among the multiple pre-photographed data corresponding to the vehicle compartment to be returned.

5. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of return photographed data with a time difference, The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the vehicle compartment to which the service target vehicle is returned is correct based on the plurality of pieces of return photographed data and the vehicle compartment correct image data.

6. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the photographed data at the time of return is photographed data of a vehicle interior photographed by a drive recorder of the service target vehicle at the time of return.

7. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission control unit transmits return-related information including the vehicle compartment-specific correct image data to an equipment used by a user of the vehicle to be serviced at a predetermined timing before the return of the vehicle to be serviced.

8. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle sharing service is a car sharing service that enables a plurality of registered members to jointly use the service target vehicles by staggering the timing of use.

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