Management method and management system

Abstract

To provide a management method etc. that enables improvements related to granting incentives to users who use exercise facilities.SOLUTION: A management method comprises: a step (S15) of receiving information related to an amount of power generated by a generator provided on exercise equipment (e.g., exercise bike 20), the power generation being associated with a user's exercise using the exercise equipment (e.g., exercise bike 20) installed in an exercise facility (e.g., sports gym F); and a step (S20) of granting an incentive to the user according to the amount of power generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method and system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses technology that allows a user to receive a free trial or a reduction in membership fees from a sports club, or displays information about the benefits, if the user provides the sports club with measurement data such as the measurement history of a body composition scale or blood pressure scale. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-190982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of providing incentives to users who use sports facilities such as sports clubs.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a management method and system that enables improvements in providing incentives to users of exercise facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of receiving information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator installed in exercise equipment installed in an exercise facility in association with an exercise by a user on the exercise equipment, and granting an incentive to the user according to the amount of power generated.

[0007] A management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication device that receives information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator installed in exercise equipment installed in an exercise facility in association with a user's exercise on the exercise equipment, and a controller that provides an incentive to the user according to the amount of power generated. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a management method or the like that enables improvements in providing incentives to users of an exercise facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an information terminal according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of receiving information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator installed in exercise equipment installed in an exercise facility in association with an exercise by a user on the exercise equipment, and granting an incentive to the user according to the amount of power generated.

[0011] This allows the user to be given an incentive according to the amount of power generated as a result of the user's exercise on the exercise equipment, which makes the user feel like they are getting a good deal from using the exercise facility compared to a case in which an incentive according to the amount of power generated is not given. Therefore, according to the management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to give the user an incentive according to the amount of power generated, which makes it possible to improve the provision of incentives to users who use the exercise facility.

[0012] Also, for example, the electricity generated by the generator may be charged into a storage battery installed in the exercise facility, and the incentive may be at least a portion of the revenue generated by selling the electricity from the storage battery.

[0013] This allows the electricity generated by users exercising on the exercise equipment to be charged into a storage battery and then sold to generate revenue, with at least a portion of this revenue being used as an incentive for users of the exercise facility.

[0014] Also, for example, the generated power of the generator may be charged into a storage battery installed in the sports facility, and the incentive may be at least a portion of the electricity bill reduced by using the power of the storage battery in the sports facility.

[0015] This allows at least a portion of the reduced electricity bill when electricity generated by users exercising on the exercise equipment is charged into the storage battery and then used at the exercise facility to be used as an incentive for users of the exercise facility.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the incentive may be at least a portion of the revenue from the sale of the electricity generated by the generator.

[0017] This allows the electricity generated by users exercising on the exercise equipment to be sold to generate revenue, and at least a portion of this revenue can be used as an incentive for users of the exercise facility.

[0018] Furthermore, for example, the incentive may be at least a portion of the electricity bill reduced by using the electricity generated by the generator in the exercise facility.

[0019] This allows at least a portion of the reduced electricity bill when electricity generated by users exercising on exercise equipment is used at the exercise facility to be used as an incentive for users of the exercise facility.

[0020] Also, for example, when a user of the exercise machine gives an instruction to end use, information indicating an incentive to be given to the user may be displayed on a display of the exercise machine.

[0021] This allows the user to feel more comfortable about getting a good deal from using the exercise facility because the information about the incentive to be provided is displayed to the user on the display of the exercise equipment. This allows for an improvement in the provision of incentives to users of the exercise facility compared to when the information about the incentive is not displayed.

[0022] Also, for example, when a user of the exercise machine gives an instruction to end use, information indicating an incentive to be given to the user may be transmitted to the user's information terminal.

[0023] This allows the user to feel a sense of value because the information indicating the incentive to be provided is displayed to the user via the information terminal. This makes it possible to improve the provision of incentives to users of the exercise facility compared to when the information indicating the incentive is not displayed.

[0024] Also, for example, when a user is exercising using the exercise equipment, information indicating an incentive to be granted to the user on the display of the exercise equipment or on the user's information terminal may be updated depending on the amount of exercise the user does on the exercise equipment.

[0025] This allows the information indicating the incentive displayed to the user to be updated while the user is exercising, making the user feel like he or she is getting a good deal from using the exercise facility even while exercising.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the information indicating the incentive may be information indicating the value of a token.

[0027] This allows tokens to be given to users of the exercise facility as an incentive.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the information indicating the incentive may be information indicating a carbon credit value.

[0029] This allows the users of the sports facilities to be given carbon credits as an incentive, and also allows the users to feel that they are contributing to the environment.

[0030] Also, for example, the information indicating the incentive may be information indicating a reduction in the usage fee for the exercise facility.

[0031] This makes it possible to reduce the usage fee for the sports facility as an incentive to users of the sports facility.

[0032] Also, for example, the information indicating the incentive may be information indicating the value of a legal currency.

[0033] This allows users of the exercise facility to be given fiat currency as an incentive.

[0034] Also, for example, the exercise equipment may be an exercise bike (registered trademark, the same applies below).

[0035] This makes it possible to provide an incentive to users who use the exercise bikes at exercise facilities.

[0036] A management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication device that receives information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator installed in exercise equipment installed in an exercise facility in association with a user's exercise on the exercise equipment, and a controller that provides an incentive to the user according to the amount of power generated.

[0037] This provides the same effect as the above management method.

[0038] These general or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, or the recording medium. The program may be stored in the recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0039] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection of components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0041] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each figure do not necessarily match. In addition, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0042] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements, such as "equal," as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, are not expressions that only indicate a strict meaning, but are expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent (or about 10%).

[0043] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, a management method and a management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0044] [1. Management system configuration] First, the configuration of a management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management system 1 according to the present embodiment. In Fig. 2, data paths are indicated by arrows, and power paths are indicated by double lines.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, management system 1 is a system for returning an incentive to a user U according to the amount of electricity generated by the user U exercising using exercise equipment installed in an exercise facility. By being given an incentive, the user U of the exercise facility is more likely to feel a sense of value in using the exercise facility. In addition, giving an incentive to the user U of the exercise facility increases the motivation of the user U to increase the amount of exercise, and is also expected to have the effect of motivating the user U to continue using the exercise facility. In addition, hereinafter, incentives are also referred to as rewards.

[0046] An example of the exercise facility is a sports gym F, and an example of the exercise equipment is an exercise bike 20. The incentive is given to the user U by the sports gym F, for example.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the management system 1 includes at least a cloud server 10, and in this embodiment, further includes an exercise bike 20, a power storage system 30, and an information terminal 40.

[0048] The cloud server 10 is a server provided via the Internet, and executes a process of granting an incentive to the user U based on information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator installed on the exercise bike 20 installed in the sports gym F in association with the user U's exercise on the exercise bike 20.

[0049] The cloud server 10 is connected to at least one of the exercise bike 20 and the power storage system 30, and an information terminal 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0050] 2, the cloud server 10 includes a communication device 11, a controller 12, and a storage device 13. The controller 12 includes a processor and a memory. The memory is a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and can store a control program executed by the processor. The communication device 11 executes the control program stored in the memory of the controller 12 to realize communication.

[0051] The communicator 11 receives information relating to the amount of power generated by the generator provided on the exercise bike 20 in association with the exercise of the user U on the exercise bike 20 installed in the sports gym F from the exercise bike 20 or the power storage system 30. When the cloud server 10 is capable of communicating with the exercise bike 20, the communicator 11 receives information relating to the amount of power generated in association with the exercise of the user U from the exercise bike 20. The communicator 11 also receives identification information of the user U using the exercise bike 20 from the exercise bike 20 or the information terminal 40 of the user U. When the cloud server 10 is capable of communicating with the power storage system 30, the communicator 11 may also receive the identification information of the user U and information relating to the amount of power generated in association with the exercise of the user U from the power storage system 30. The communicator 11 is configured to include, for example, a communication circuit.

[0052] The information on the amount of power generation includes at least one of information that directly indicates the amount of power generation and information that indirectly indicates the amount of power generation. Information that directly indicates the amount of power generation includes information that indicates the amount of power generation measured by the exercise bike 20. Information that indirectly indicates the amount of power generation may be information that indicates the amount of charge or discharge of the storage battery provided in the power storage system 30, or may be information that indicates the amount of exercise performed by the user U on the exercise bike 20. Information that indicates the amount of exercise may be the calories consumed by the user U, the distance traveled, the duration of exercise, or the number of pedal revolutions.

[0053] The identification information of the user U may be, for example, an ID assigned to each user U. Furthermore, communication between the cloud server 10 and at least one of the exercise bike 20 and the power storage system 30 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication standard used for this communication is not particularly limited.

[0054] The controller 12 grants the user an incentive according to the amount of power generation. The information indicating the incentive may be information indicating a token value, information indicating a carbon credit value, information indicating a reduction value of the usage fee for the sports gym F, or information indicating a legal tender value. The controller 12 may determine the value of the incentive using, for example, a table stored in the memory 13 in which the amount of power generation is associated with at least one of the token value to be granted, the carbon credit value, the reduction value, and the legal tender value. The value that the controller 12 grants as an incentive may be set in advance by the user U.

[0055] The token value is information having a value equivalent to money that is granted to user U by the cloud server 10 according to the amount of power generated by the user U's exercise. Tokens are managed using blockchain technology. A blockchain is a system in which blocks, which are the units of recording, are connected in a chain. Each block has multiple transaction data and the hash value of the previous block. The history of token exchanges is written in the transaction data.

[0056] Carbon credit values ​​are the quantification of greenhouse gas emission reductions such as CO2, and can be traded between companies, for example. In the J-Credit Scheme, the quantification of greenhouse gas emission reductions is called a credit, and is certified by the country. Carbon credit values ​​may be managed using blockchain technology or without using blockchain technology.

[0057] The reduction amount is a discount on the usage fee for sports gym F. The reduction amount may be at least a portion of a reduced electricity bill, which will be described below.

[0058] The value of legal tender is the value of a currency that has legal tender status, for example, its value converted into "yen."

[0059] In addition, when the electricity charged in the storage battery is sold to generate revenue, the incentive for user U of sports gym F may be at least a part of this revenue. In other words, at least a part of the revenue may be used as an incentive for user U of sports gym F. The incentive may be, for example, a part or the entirety of the revenue from the sale of electricity.

[0060] When the power charged in the storage battery is used in sports gym F, the incentive for user U of sports gym F may be at least a portion of the reduced electricity bill due to the use of power from the storage battery in sports gym F. In other words, at least a portion of the reduced electricity bill may be used as an incentive for user U of sports gym F. The reduced electricity bill refers to the reduced electricity bill due to the reduction in the amount of electricity purchased by using power from the storage battery in sports gym F. In addition, the power charged in the storage battery is clean electrical energy, and consuming such power in sports gym F can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2 that are emitted to generate the electricity consumed in sports gym F.

[0061] When the electricity generated by the generator of the exercise bike 20 is sold, the incentive for the user U of the sports gym F may be at least a part of the profit from the sale of the electricity generated by the generator of the exercise bike 20. In other words, at least a part of the profit may be used as an incentive for the user U of the sports gym F.

[0062] When the electricity generated by the generator of the exercise bike 20 is used in the sports gym F, the incentive for the user U of the sports gym F may be at least a part of the electricity bill reduced by using the power generated by the generator in the sports gym F. In other words, at least a part of the reduced electricity bill may be used as an incentive for the user U of the sports gym F. The power generated by the generator means the electricity generated by the generator. In addition, hereinafter, the electricity generated by the generator will also be referred to as generated power.

[0063] The communication device 11 transmits information indicating the incentive granted to the user U to the information terminal 40 of the user U. This allows the user U to check the information indicating the incentive displayed on a display (e.g., touch screen 42) of the information terminal 40. For example, when the user U is launching an application 41 on the information terminal 40, the information indicating the incentive is displayed on the display of the information terminal 40. This allows the user U to check the incentive granted to him / her. By visualizing the granted incentive, it is expected that the user U will be more likely to feel a sense of value in using the sports gym F.

[0064] The storage device 13 is a device that stores various information received by the cloud server 10. The storage device 13 may also store a table for converting the amount of exercise into the amount of power generation. The storage device 13 is realized by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory.

[0065] Instead of the cloud server 10, the management system 1 may include a server device that operates independently.

[0066] The exercise bike 20 includes an exercise bike section, which is a bicycle-type fitness machine also called a fitness bike, and a generator that converts kinetic energy obtained when the user U pedals into electrical energy. The exercise bike 20 is also called an exercise bike generator. The generator may be built into the exercise bike 20 or may be installed outside the exercise bike 20. A plurality of exercise bikes 20 are installed in the sports gym F, but it is sufficient that at least one exercise bike is installed, for example.

[0067] Furthermore, the exercise bike 20 is configured to be able to present information indicating the identification information of the exercise bike 20. For example, a two-dimensional code indicating the identification information of the exercise bike 20 may be affixed to the exercise bike 20, or a display provided on the exercise bike 20 may be able to display the two-dimensional code. Specifically, the two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark, the same applies below) or the like. This makes it possible to identify which exercise bike 20 the user U will use.

[0068] The exercise bike 20 may also be configured to be able to acquire identification information of the user U. The exercise bike 20 may have a touch screen (not shown) that functions as an input device and an output device, and may be able to acquire identification information of the user U by inputting information from the user U onto the touch screen. The touch screen may have a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a receiver such as a touch panel that is placed over the display device. When the exercise bike 20 charges the power storage system 30 with electricity generated by a generator due to the exercise of the user U, the exercise bike 20 may transmit identification information of the user U to the power storage system 30 via communication.

[0069] The exercise bike 20 may be equipped with a power meter capable of communicating with the cloud server 10 (communication device 11) and measuring the amount of power generated.

[0070] The exercise equipment provided in the management system 1 is not limited to the exercise bike 20, but may be any equipment that is installed in the sports gym F and is powered by humans. For example, the exercise equipment may be any equipment that generates electricity in conjunction with human exercise. Also, while FIG. 2 shows an example in which the exercise equipment provided in the management system 1 is only one type, the exercise bike 20, the management system 1 may be provided with two or more types of exercise equipment.

[0071] The power storage system 30 is electrically connected to the generators of the exercise bikes 20, and charges and discharges the electricity generated by the generators. One power storage system 30 is provided in the sports gym F, and charges and discharges the electricity generated by the multiple exercise bikes 20 collectively, but for example, one may be provided for each exercise bike 20. Note that when one power storage system 30 is provided, the generators of the multiple exercise bikes 20 may be individually connected to the power storage system 30 by different wiring. This makes it possible for the power storage system 30 to identify which exercise bike 20 the electricity is generated from, when charging simultaneously with electricity generated by two or more exercise bikes 20. Also, a power meter may be attached to each of the multiple wirings.

[0072] The power storage system 30 is configured with a storage battery such as a lithium ion battery, a charging circuit for charging the storage battery, and a discharging circuit for discharging the storage battery. The power stored in the power storage system 30 may be consumed by the sports gym F, or may be sold to a power company, for example.

[0073] Furthermore, when the power storage system 30 receives the identification information of the user U from the exercise bike 20, it may store the charge amount and discharge amount in association with the user U. The power storage system 30 may include a storage device (not shown) and a configuration for storing the charge amount and discharge amount for each user U in the storage device. The power storage system 30 may further include a functional configuration unit realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like that executes processing for storing the charge amount and discharge amount for each user U in the storage device of the power storage system 30, and a memory unit such as a ROM or RAM that stores a program for causing the functional configuration unit to execute the processing.

[0074] A power meter for measuring the amount of charge and discharge may be attached to the power storage system 30. The power meter may be capable of measuring the amount of power sold and the amount of power consumed in the sports gym F, respectively.

[0075] The information terminal 40 is an information terminal possessed by a user U. The information terminal 40 may be, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or may be a stationary information terminal such as a PC (personal computer). The information terminal 40 includes a touch screen 42 (see FIG. 4 described later), a communication device (not shown), and a controller (not shown). The touch screen 42 functions as an input device and an output device, and may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a receiver such as a touch panel arranged on top of the display device. The communication device includes a communication circuit for communicating with the cloud server 10. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory is a ROM and a RAM, and can store a control program executed by the processor. The controller transmits information to the cloud server 10 via the communication device, and displays information received from the cloud server 10 on the display device. The controller runs an application on the information terminal 40.

[0076] An application 41 for returning an incentive according to the amount of power generation to the user U is installed in the information terminal 40. Note that hereinafter, the application 41 is also referred to as an app 41.

[0077] [2. Operation of the management system] Next, the operation of the management system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation (management method) of the management system 1 according to this embodiment. Steps S11 and S12 are the operation of the management system 1 before the user U starts pedaling the exercise bike 20. Moreover, step S19 and onwards are the operation of the management system 1 after the user U has finished pedaling the exercise bike 20.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, when the user U operates the information terminal 40 to launch the application 41, the display of the information terminal 40 displays a screen for accepting the selection of a reward type. The selection of the reward type means the selection of an object for consuming the incentive given to the user, and may be, for example, an exchange for food and drink, or a reduction in the usage fee. The display may also display a screen for accepting the selection of the form in which the incentive is to be given. For example, the display may allow the user U to select whether the incentive is to be given in the form of tokens, carbon credits, a reduction value, or legal tender.

[0079] After the display displays a screen for accepting the selection of the reward type, the acceptor of the information terminal 40 accepts the selection of the reward type from the user U (S11). Note that the acceptance of the reward type is not limited to before starting to pedal the exercise bike 20, but may be while pedaling the exercise bike 20 or after finishing pedaling the exercise bike 20.

[0080] Next, the information terminal 40 identifies the exercise bike 20 used by the user U by reading the QR code on the exercise bike through operation by the user U (S12). The information terminal 40 may obtain, from the QR code, identification information for identifying the exercise bike 20 used by the user U. The identification information is, for example, the ID of the exercise bike 20.

[0081] Next, the acceptor of the information terminal 40 accepts the start of use of the exercise bike 20 (S13). The acceptor accepts an operation from the user U indicating that use of the exercise bike 20 has started. Note that the exercise bike 20 to be used by the user U may be specified in advance, and in step S13 the acceptor of the information terminal 40 may accept that the user U has started use of the specified exercise bike 20.

[0082] Next, the communication device of the information terminal 40 transmits a usage start signal including the pre-stored user ID and the exercise bike ID received in step S12 to the cloud server 10, and the communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 receives the signal (S14). This enables the cloud server 10 to manage which user U is pedaling which exercise bike 20, in other words, which user U is generating electricity using which exercise bike 20.

[0083] Next, the exercise bike 20 transmits its own exercise bike ID and information indicating the generated power generated by the exercise of the user U to the cloud server 10, and the communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 may receive this information (S15). This allows the cloud server 10 to link the user U to the generated power when the exercise bike 20 generates power, and the cloud server 10 can generate an incentive when power is generated. The communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 receives this information at predetermined time intervals, but may also receive the total amount of power generated after the user U has finished using the exercise bike 20, for example.

[0084] The communicator 11 may receive the amount of power generation from the exercise bike 20, or may receive information from which the amount of power generation can be calculated. For example, the communicator 11 may receive information indicating the amount of exercise of the user U from the exercise bike 20. When the communicator 11 receives the amount of exercise, the cloud server 10 may convert the acquired amount of exercise into the amount of power generation, for example, using a table stored in the memory 13 in which the amount of exercise and the amount of power generation are associated with each other.

[0085] In this embodiment, the power generated by the generator is charged into a storage battery provided in a power storage system 30 provided in the sports gym F.

[0086] Furthermore, the power storage system 30 may transmit information indicating the charging power or discharging power to the cloud server 10, and the communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 may receive the information (S16). This allows the cloud server 10 to link the user U with the discharging power when the power storage system 30 discharges, and the cloud server 10 may generate an incentive at the time of discharging. The communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 receives the information at predetermined time intervals, and may receive the discharging power when a predetermined amount or more has been discharged, for example. The charging power is, for example, equal to the power generated by the exercise bike 20.

[0087] In addition to the discharged power, the power storage system 30 may transmit to the cloud server 10 the exercise bike ID or the user ID of the exercise bike 20 that generated the discharged power.

[0088] While the user U is pedaling the exercise bike 20, the cloud server 10 only needs to receive at least one of the power generated by the exercise bike 20, the charging power of the power storage system 30, and the discharging power of the power storage system 30. In the following, an example in which the cloud server 10 receives the generated power from the exercise bike 20 will be described.

[0089] Next, when the exercise using the exercise bike 20 is completed, the reception device of the information terminal 40 receives a notification from the user U that the use of the exercise bike 20 has ended (S17).

[0090] Next, the communication device of the information terminal 40 transmits a usage end signal indicating the end of use of the exercise bike 20 to the cloud server 10, and the communication device 11 of the cloud server 10 receives the signal (S18). The usage end signal may include the user ID and the exercise bike ID.

[0091] Next, the controller 12 of the cloud server 10 calculates the total amount of power generated by the user U based on the information indicating the power generated from the exercise bike 20 (S19). The controller 12 calculates the total amount of power generated by adding up the power generated by the exercise bike 20 while the user U is exercising on the exercise bike 20. The controller 12 functions as a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of power generated. Note that the controller 12 may calculate the total amount of charge to the storage battery or the total amount of discharge from the storage battery based on information indicating the charging power or discharging power of the power storage system 30 in addition to the total amount of power generated, or instead of the total amount of power.

[0092] Next, the controller 12 calculates a reward according to the total amount of power generation, and grants the calculated reward to the user U (S20). The controller 12 may also update the value of the reward owned by the user U, for example, by adding the reward calculated in step S20 to the reward currently owned by the user U. In this way, when a reward is granted based on the amount of power generation by the exercise bike 20, the reward is granted when power generation ends, that is, when exercise on the exercise bike 20 ends.

[0093] In addition, when the reward is awarded based on the amount of discharge from the storage battery, the reward is awarded when the discharge ends after the power generation by the exercise bike 20 ends.

[0094] Next, the communicator 11 transmits a reward result including the calculated reward to the information terminal 40 (S21). The reward result is an example of information indicating an incentive to be granted to the user U. For example, when the communicator 11 receives an instruction from the user U of the exercise bike 20 to end use via the information terminal 40, the communicator 11 transmits information indicating the incentive to be granted to the user U to the information terminal 40 of the user U. For example, when the user U of the exercise bike 20 instructs to end use, the communicator 11 may cause the information terminal 40 of the user U to display information indicating the incentive to be granted to the user U.

[0095] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the information terminal 40 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an example in which carbon credits are awarded as a reward. By being awarded carbon credits, the user U can feel a real sense of contribution to the environment.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, the display of the touch screen 42 of the information terminal 40 may display the results of today's exercise on the exercise bike 20 and today's reward awarded for that exercise.

[0097] In step S21, the communication device 11 may transmit, together with the information terminal 40 or in place of the information terminal 40, to the exercise bike 20, information indicating the incentive to be granted to the user U. For example, when the user U of the exercise bike 20 instructs the end of use, the communication device 11 may cause a display of the exercise bike 20 to display information indicating the incentive to be granted to the user U.

[0098] 3 again, next, the acceptor of the information terminal 40 accepts consumption of the reward via the application 41 of the information terminal 40 (S22). As a result, the reward owned by the user U is consumed and exchanged for a desired product, service, etc.

[0099] Note that, when the user U is exercising using the exercise bike 20, information indicating the incentive granted to the user U may be displayed on the display of the exercise bike 20 or on the information terminal 40 of the user U. For example, when the user U is exercising using the exercise bike 20, the information indicating the incentive granted to the user U displayed on the display of the exercise bike 20 or on the information terminal 40 of the user U may be updated according to the amount of exercise of the user U on the exercise bike 20. The communication device 11 may update the information indicating the incentive displayed on the display of the exercise bike 20 or on the information terminal 40 of the user U by transmitting information indicating the incentive granted to the user U, which is calculated each time information related to the amount of power generation, to the exercise bike 20 or the information terminal 40 of the user U.

[0100] (Other embodiments) Although the management method and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by a person skilled in the art to this embodiment and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, a sports gym F is given as an example of an exercise facility, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be any facility that has a plurality of exercise bikes 20. The exercise facility may be, for example, a gymnasium.

[0102] Furthermore, the exercise equipment in the above-described embodiments does not necessarily include exercise equipment installed in a residence or the like.

[0103] In the above embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one of the exercise bike 20 and the power storage system 30 is equipped with a power meter.

[0104] Furthermore, the use start signal and use end signal in the above embodiment are not limited to being transmitted from the information terminal 40 to the cloud server 10, but may also be transmitted, for example, from the exercise bike 20 to the cloud server 10. For example, the exercise bike 20 may transmit a use start signal to the cloud server 10 after power generation has continued for a predetermined period of time. Also, for example, the exercise bike 20 may transmit a use end signal to the cloud server 10 after power generation has stopped for a predetermined period of time.

[0105] Furthermore, the management system 1 in the above embodiment does not necessarily have to include the power storage system 30. For example, in the management system 1, the power generated by the exercise bike 20 may be consumed without being stored.

[0106] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by a dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0107] In addition, the order in which each step is performed in the flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. In addition, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, or some of the steps may not be performed.

[0108] In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, some functions may be transferred to other functional blocks, and the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0109] Furthermore, the server device according to the above embodiment may be realized as a single device or may be realized by multiple devices. When the server device is realized by multiple devices, the components of the server device may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. When the server device is realized by multiple devices, the communication method between the multiple devices is not particularly limited, and may be wireless communication or wired communication. Furthermore, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0110] Moreover, each of the components described in the above embodiments may be realized as software, or may be realized as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip to include some or all of them. Here, LSI is used, but it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration. Furthermore, the method of integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. After LSI manufacture, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection or setting of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or a different derived technology, it is natural that the integration of the components may be performed using that technology.

[0111] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. Computer programs are stored in the ROM. The system LSI achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0112] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic steps included in the management method shown in FIG.

[0113] Also, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or circulated. For example, the distributed program may be installed in a device having another processor, and the program may be executed by the processor, thereby making it possible to cause the device to perform each of the above processes. [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] The present disclosure is useful for a management method that gives a user an incentive according to the amount of power generated by exercising using an exercise machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Management System 10. Cloud Server 11 Communication device 12 Controller 13 Memory 20 Aerobics (exercise equipment) 30 Energy Storage System 40 Information terminal 41 Applications 42 Touchscreen F Sports gym (sports facilities) U User

Claims

1. receiving information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator provided in the exercise equipment associated with exercise by a user on the exercise equipment provided in the exercise facility; and providing an incentive to a user according to the amount of power generation.

2. The management method according to claim 1 , wherein the electricity generated by the generator is charged into a storage battery provided in the exercise facility, and the incentive is at least a portion of the profits from the sale of electricity from the storage battery.

3. 2. The management method according to claim 1, wherein the generated power of the generator is charged into a storage battery installed in the sports facility, and the incentive is at least a portion of the electricity bill reduced by using the power of the storage battery in the sports facility.

4. The management method according to claim 1 , wherein the incentive is at least a portion of revenue from the sale of electricity generated by the generator.

5. The management method according to claim 1 , wherein the incentive is at least a portion of an electricity bill reduced by using the electricity generated by the generator in the exercise facility.

6. 2. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: when a user of the exercise machine gives an instruction to end use, causing a display of the exercise machine to display information indicating an incentive given to the user.

7. 2. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting information indicating an incentive to be given to the user to an information terminal of the user when the user of the exercise machine gives an instruction to end use of the exercise machine.

8. The management method according to claim 1, wherein when the user is exercising using the exercise equipment, information indicating an incentive to be given to the user is updated on a display of the exercise equipment or on the user's information terminal according to the amount of exercise performed by the user on the exercise equipment.

9. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information indicating the incentive is information indicating a value of a token.

10. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information indicating the incentive is information indicating a value of a carbon credit.

11. 7. The management method according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the incentive is information indicating a reduction amount of a fee for using the exercise facility.

12. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information indicating the incentive is information indicating a value of a legal currency.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the exercise equipment is an exercise bike.

14. a communication device that receives information regarding the amount of power generated by a generator provided on the exercise equipment in association with exercise by a user on the exercise equipment installed in the exercise facility; and a controller that provides an incentive to a user according to the amount of power generation.

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