Time rental management control device and time rental management method

Abstract

To appropriately notify a user of information on charge difference and time difference in a time rental service.SOLUTION: A control part 20 for calculating a charge corresponding to use time of a time rental service includes a charge information acquisition part 23 for acquiring charge information showing a charge system of the time rental service, a use information acquisition part 22 for acquiring use information including use start time and predicted use end time, a calculation part 25 for calculating a first charge and a second charge on the basis of the charge information and the use information, and a notification control part 38 for performing control so as to notify provision information on charge difference or time difference based on the calculated first charge and the calculated second charge. The charge system includes a plurality of charge patterns with a charge to unit time set, the first charge is a charge in the case of using from the use start time to the predicted use end time, and the second charge is at least either a charge being at least one step lower than the first charge or a charge being at least one step higher than the first charge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a time rental management control device and a time rental management method.

Background Art

[0002] In various time rental services, the fee system may be complex and time-consuming to calculate usage. In a time rental parking lot with a complex fee system, a technique is known in which, in addition to the entry time, a plurality of predicted departure times set based on the entry time and predicted parking fees corresponding to these plurality of predicted departure times are printed on the parking ticket (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the plurality of predicted departure times and the plurality of predicted parking fees include the predicted departure times after the time when the parking fee calculation rule changes, and the predicted parking fees corresponding to these predicted departure times.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fee system of time rental services, for example, there is a range of available time at the same fee. Also, if the usage time exceeds the available time at the same fee, the fee switches to a higher level, or if the usage time is less than the available time at the same fee, the fee switches to a lower level. For users, it may be beneficial for the fee to be lower, or it may be beneficial to extend the usage time. Therefore, in time rental services, it is desirable to appropriately notify users of information regarding the fee difference or time difference.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to notify information regarding a charge difference or a time difference in a time rental service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a time rental management control device according to the present disclosure is a time rental management control device that calculates a charge according to the usage time of a time rental service, and includes a charge information acquisition unit that acquires charge information indicating a charge system of the time rental service from a charge information storage unit, a usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information including a usage start time and a predicted usage end time for using the time rental service, a calculation unit that calculates a first charge and a second charge based on the charge information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit and the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit, and a notification control unit that controls to notify provision information regarding at least one of a charge difference and a time difference based on the first charge and the second charge calculated by the calculation unit. The charge system has a plurality of charge patterns in which a charge per unit time is set. The first charge is the charge when using from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time, and the second charge is at least one of a charge that is at least one step cheaper than the first charge and a charge that is at least one step higher than the first charge.

[0007] The time rental management method according to the present disclosure is a time rental management method for calculating a fee according to the usage time of a time rental service, including: a fee information acquisition step of acquiring fee information indicating a fee system in which a plurality of fee patterns with a fee per unit time set are set from a fee information storage unit; a usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information including a usage start time and a predicted usage end time for using the time rental service; a calculation step of calculating a first fee when using from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time, a second fee that is at least one step cheaper than the first fee, and a second fee that is at least one step higher than the first fee, based on the fee information acquired in the fee information acquisition step and the usage information acquired in the usage information acquisition step; and a notification control step of controlling to notify provision information regarding at least one of a fee difference and a time difference based on the first fee and the second fee calculated in the calculation step, which is executed by a time rental management device.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in a time rental service, there is an effect that information regarding at least one of a fee difference and a time difference can be appropriately notified to a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a time rental management control device and a time rental management method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments.

[0011] [Embodiment] <Time rental management device> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a time rental management device according to an embodiment. The time rental management device 10 calculates a fee according to the usage time of various time rental services such as, for example, the mobility of time rental, the time rental parking lot, and the articles of time rental.

[0012] Time rental includes, for example, rental services such as car rental and sharing services such as car sharing. In the following description, the time rental service of a moving body will be described as an example.

[0013] The user makes a reservation for using a moving body via an application for a time rental service, an application for a sharing service, or the like. In the reservation for use via the application, for example, the usage start time and the predicted usage end time are set by the operation of the user. The reservation information including the set reservation start time and the predicted usage end time is stored in a storage server or the like. The reservation start time and the predicted usage end time may include a date such as year, month, and day.

[0014] The time rental management device 10 is, for example, a fixed electronic device mounted on a moving body or a portable electronic device such as a portable electronic device possessed by the user. The time rental management device 10 includes an operation unit 11, a fee information storage unit 12, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reception unit 15, a map information storage unit 16, a notification unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a time rental management control device (hereinafter referred to as "control unit") 20. In the present embodiment, the GNSS reception unit 15 and the map information storage unit 16 are not essential components.

[0015] The operation unit 11 can receive various operations for the time rental management device 10. For example, the operation unit 11 is composed of physical operations on the time rental management device 10, operation means by known voice input, or operations on a touch panel arranged on the display unit. For example, the operation unit 11 can receive an operation for inputting a destination. For example, the operation unit 11 can receive an operation for searching for a route from the departure place to the destination. For example, the operation unit 11 can receive an operation for starting the calculation of the fare from the departure place. The operation unit 11 outputs operation information indicating the received operation to the operation reception unit 21.

[0016] The fare information storage unit 12 stores fare information. The fare information storage unit 12 outputs the stored fare information to the fare information acquisition unit 23. The fare information storage unit 12 may be a storage device such as an external server that acquires fare information via a communication function such as the communication unit 19.

[0017] The fare information is information indicating the fare system for time rental. The fare information is information indicating a so-called fare table necessary for fare calculation. The fare information may include a basic fare, an additional fare added according to the usage time, a fare calculation method, an overtime fare, a discount fare, and fares that differ for each period, time zone, and region.

[0018] In the present embodiment, a plurality of fare patterns are set with different times as units. The fare pattern has a plurality of fares set for the unit time.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of fare information. FIG. 2 stores the fare per hour and a plurality of fare patterns. The fare per hour is 1,000 yen. The fare pattern "Pattern A" is "6 hours" for "5,000 yen". The fare pattern "Pattern B" is "12 hours" for "8,000 yen". The fare pattern "Pattern C" is "24 hours" for "12,000 yen". The fare pattern "Pattern D" is "48 hours" for "20,000 yen". The fare pattern "Pattern E" is "7,000 yen" for "every 24 hours after 48 hours".

[0020] The GNSS receiving unit 15 is composed of a GNSS receiver or the like that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites. The GNSS receiving unit 15 outputs the received GNSS signals to the position information acquisition unit 341.

[0021] The map information storage unit 16 stores map information. The map information storage unit 16 outputs the stored map information to the map information acquisition unit 342. The map information storage unit 16 may be a storage device such as an external server that acquires map information via a communication function by the communication unit 19 or the like.

[0022] The map information is, for example, a road map including the shape of roads and intersections.

[0023] The notification unit 18 notifies the user of the time lending management device 10 of the provided information. The notification unit 18 includes at least one of a display unit and an audio output unit. The notification unit 18 is controlled to perform a notification based on a control signal from the notification control unit 38.

[0024] The function of the notification unit 18 as a display unit will be described. As an example, the notification unit 18 is a display device specific to the time lending management device 10, or a display device shared with another system such as a navigation system. The notification unit 18 displays an image indicating the provided information and the like on the display unit based on the video signal output from the notification control unit 38.

[0025] The function of the notification unit 18 as an audio output unit will be described. As an example, the notification unit 18 is an audio output unit specific to the time lending management device 10, or an audio output unit shared with another system such as a navigation system. When the notification unit 18 is an audio output unit, an audio indicating the provided information and the like is output from the audio output unit based on the audio signal output from the notification control unit 38.

[0026] The communication unit 19 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication. The communication unit 19 communicates information with an external server or the like via a network, for example. The network is, for example, the Internet, but is not limited thereto. The communication unit 19 is composed of, for example, a wide-area wireless communication module for a mobile phone network. The communication unit 19 may be composed of a communication module such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and may be connected to an arbitrary access point or another smartphone to realize wide-area wireless communication.

[0027] <Time rental management control device> The control unit 20 controls to calculate a fee according to the usage time of the time rental service. The control unit 20 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The control unit 20 executes instructions included in a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 20 includes an operation reception unit 21, a usage information acquisition unit 22, a fee information acquisition unit 23, a calculation unit 25, a provided information generation unit 31, a notification control unit 38, and a communication control unit 39. The control unit 20 may be implemented as one of the functions of an application for a time rental service or an application for a sharing service.

[0028] The operation reception unit 21 acquires operation information of the operation received by the operation unit 11. The operation reception unit 21 outputs a control signal by acquiring, for example, operation information indicating a destination setting operation. When the destination is set, for example, the operation reception unit 21 outputs a control signal including the current position and the position information of the destination. The operation reception unit 21 outputs a control signal by acquiring, for example, operation information indicating an operation of searching for a route from the current position to the destination. The operation reception unit 21 outputs a control signal by acquiring, for example, operation information indicating an operation of starting the calculation of the fee.

[0029] The usage information acquisition unit 22 acquires usage information of the time rental service. The usage information acquisition unit 22 may acquire usage information from reservation information stored in a storage unit (not shown) at the time of reservation, for example. The usage information acquisition unit 22 may acquire usage information from operation information input via the operation unit 11 at the time of calculating the fee, for example. The usage information acquisition unit 22 may acquire usage information from an external server or the like that manages reservation information via the communication unit 19, for example.

[0030] The usage information includes usage time information indicating a usage time that can be used to calculate the fee for the time rental. The usage time information includes, for example, the usage start time and the predicted usage end time when using the time rental service.

[0031] The usage information further includes information indicating the current usage status, such as the destination, the route to the destination, and the moving speed, for example.

[0032] The fee information acquisition unit 23 acquires fee information from the fee information storage unit 12.

[0033] The calculation unit 25 calculates the fee for the time rental service according to the usage time. The calculation unit 25 calculates a first fee and a second fee based on the fee information acquired by the fee information acquisition unit 23 and the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 22. The calculation unit 25 calculates a first fee according to the current usage status of the time rental service and a second fee for comparison with the first fee.

[0034] The first fee is the fee when using from the usage start time included in the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 22 to the predicted usage end time. The first fee is the fee when ending the usage at the predicted usage end time. The first fee may be, for example, the fee calculated by applying a fee pattern for a unit time shorter than the time from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time. The first fee may be, for example, the fee calculated by applying a fee pattern for a unit time closest to the time from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time. The first fee may be the cheapest fee when using from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time.

[0035] When it is predicted that a deviation will occur with respect to the predicted usage end time included in the reservation information from the current usage status included in the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 22, the first charge may be calculated using the predicted usage end time predicted from the current usage status.

[0036] The first charge will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Assume that the time from the start time of use to the predicted end time of use is "20 hours". The first charge may be the charge calculated by applying the charge pattern "Pattern B" of the unit time "12 hours", which is shorter than "20 hours". The first charge may be the charge calculated by applying the charge pattern "Pattern C" of the unit time "24 hours", which is closest to "20 hours".

[0037] The second charge is a charge that changes in the period before and after the predicted usage end time, in other words, a switching charge. The second charge is at least one of a charge that is at least one step cheaper than the first charge and a charge that is at least one step higher than the first charge. More specifically, the second charge is at least one of a charge of a charge pattern that is at least one step cheaper than the charge pattern corresponding to the first charge and a charge of a charge pattern that is at least one step higher than the charge pattern corresponding to the first charge. The second charge is a charge of a charge pattern with a unit time that is at least one step shorter or at least one step longer than the unit time of the charge pattern corresponding to the first charge. The second charge may be calculated skipping two or more steps depending on the usage situation and conditions. For example, the second charge may be at least one of a charge of a charge pattern that is two steps cheaper than the charge pattern corresponding to the first charge and a charge of a charge pattern that is two steps higher than the charge pattern corresponding to the first charge.

[0038] The second fee will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Assume that the fee pattern corresponding to the first fee is "Pattern B". The second fee is at least either the fee of the fee pattern "Pattern A", which is one level cheaper than the fee pattern "Pattern B", or the fee of the fee pattern "Pattern C", which is one level higher than the fee pattern "Pattern B".

[0039] The calculation unit 25 may calculate the fee difference between the first fee and the second fee.

[0040] The calculation unit 25 may further calculate the difference between the predicted usage end time and the longest end time of the fee band of the first fee.

[0041] The calculation unit 25 may further calculate the difference between the predicted usage end time and the longest end time of the fee band of the second fee.

[0042] The calculation unit 25 determines the time difference and the fee difference at any timing during the use of the time rental service.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of fee calculation. The fee calculation will be described by taking as examples Case 1 where the usage time is "34 hours" from the start time to the predicted usage end time te1 and Case 2 where the usage time is "27 hours" from the start time to the predicted usage end time te2.

[0044] An example of the fee calculation in Case 1 will be described. The calculation unit 25 calculates the first fee and the second fee, which is a fee that changes in the periods before and after, based on the predicted usage end time te1. This will be described in detail below. (1) The calculation unit 25 calculates the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the first fee in Case 1 as 20,000 yen by applying the fee pattern "Pattern D" so as to be the cheapest for the "34-hour" usage. The calculation unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt1 between the longest end time t2 of "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fee in Case 1 and the predicted usage end time te1 as 48 - 34 = +14 hours. (2) The calculation unit 25 calculates a second fee that is one level cheaper than the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the fee difference Δf1 between the first fee and the fee of the fee pattern "Pattern C", which is one level cheaper than the fee pattern "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fee, as 20,000 yen - 12,000 yen = 8,000 yen. The calculation unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt2 between the longest end time t1 of the fee pattern "Pattern C", which is one level cheaper than the "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fee, and the predicted usage end time te1 as 24 hours - 34 hours = -10 hours. (3) The calculation unit 25 calculates a second fee that is one level higher than the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the fee difference Δf2 between the first fee and the fee of the fee pattern "Pattern E", which is one level higher than the fee pattern "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fee, as 27,000 yen - 20,000 yen = 7,000 yen. The calculation unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt3 between the longest end time t3 of the fee pattern "Pattern E", which is one level higher than the "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fee, and the predicted usage end time te1 as 72 hours - 34 hours = +38 hours.

[0045] An example of fee calculation in Case 2 will be described. (1) The calculation unit 25 calculates the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the first fee in Case 2 as 12,000 yen + 3,000 yen = 15,000 yen by applying the overtime fee to the fee pattern "Pattern C" so as to be the cheapest for "27 hours" of use. (2) The calculation unit 25 calculates a second fee that is one level cheaper than the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the fee difference Δf3 between the first fee and the fee without the overtime fee of the "Pattern C" corresponding to the first fee as 15,000 yen - 12,000 yen = 3,000 yen. The calculation unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt4 between the longest end time t1 of the "Pattern C" corresponding to the first fee and the predicted usage end time te2 as 27 hours - 24 hours = 3 hours. (3) The calculation unit 25 calculates a second fee that is one level higher than the first fee. More specifically, the calculation unit 25 calculates the fee difference Δf4 between the first fee and the fee of the fee pattern "Pattern D" that is one level higher than the "Pattern C" corresponding to the first fee as 20,000 yen - 15,000 yen = 5,000 yen. The calculation unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt5 between the longest end time t2 of the fee pattern "Pattern D" that is one level higher than the "Pattern C" corresponding to the first fee and the predicted usage end time te2 as 48 hours - 27 hours = 21 hours.

[0046] Based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25, the provided information generation unit 31 generates provided information to be notified to the user.

[0047] The provided information is information based on at least one of the fee difference between the first fee and the second fee or the time difference between the predicted usage end time and the longest end time that can be used with the first fee or the second fee. The provided information is, for example, information regarding at least one of the fee, the usage time, and the route.

[0048] The provided information generation unit 31 includes a fee information generation unit 32, a time information generation unit 33, and a route information generation unit 34.

[0049] Based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25, the fee information generation unit 32 generates fee information as provided information. The fee information generation unit 32 may execute the process only when notifying the fee information as the provided information.

[0050] Based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25, the time information generation unit 33 generates time information as provided information. The time information generation unit 33 may execute the process only when notifying the time information as the provided information.

[0051] Based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25, the route information generation unit 34 generates route information as provided information. The route information generation unit 34 may execute the process only when notifying the route information as the provided information. The route information generation unit 34 includes a position information acquisition unit 341, a map information acquisition unit 342, and a route search unit 343.

[0052] The position information acquisition unit 341 acquires position information indicating the current position. In the present embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 341 acquires the position information based on the radio wave signals acquired by the GNSS reception unit 15.

[0053] The map information acquisition unit 342 acquires map information from the map information storage unit 16.

[0054] The route search unit 343 searches for a route to reach the destination by the longest end time based on the position information of the destination, the map information stored in the map information storage unit 16, and the calculation result of the calculation unit 25. As a method for searching for a route, a known route search method can be used and is not limited.

[0055] For example, when the time difference is "+", the route search unit 343 searches for an alternative route that takes a roundabout way to reach the destination with the extended required time, increases the number of waypoints, or lengthens the stay time. More specifically, for example, when the longest end time is later than the predicted usage end time, the route search unit 343 searches for an alternative route that takes a roundabout way to reach the destination by the longest end time, increases the number of waypoints, or lengthens the stay time.

[0056] For example, when the time difference is "-", the route search unit 343 searches for an alternative route that shortens the route, reduces the number of waypoints, or shortens the stay time to reach the destination with the shortened required time. More specifically, for example, when the longest end time is earlier than the predicted usage end time, the route search unit 343 searches for an alternative route that shortens the route, reduces the number of waypoints, or shortens the stay time to reach the destination by the longest end time.

[0057] The route search unit 343 compares the route information of the route to a preset destination with the current usage status, and may re-search the route when the change in the stay time at the waypoint is equal to or greater than the threshold, or when the time or distance deviating from the route is equal to or greater than the threshold. In this case, the route search unit 343, for example, infers the user's preference from the current usage status and re-searches for a route suitable for the user's preference.

[0058] An example of the provided information in Case 1 will be described. (1) The time information generation unit 33 generates time information indicating the time difference Δt1 between the longest end time t2 of the fare band of the first fare in Case 1 and the predicted usage end time te1. Since the time difference Δt1 is +14 hours, the route information generation unit 34 generates route information indicating an alternative route that falls within the same fare. The route information generation unit 34 generates, for example, route information indicating an alternative route with an increased number of waypoints and stay time to the destination. (2) The fare information generation unit 32 generates fare information indicating the fare 12,000 yen of the fare pattern "Pattern C" which is one level cheaper than the fare pattern "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fare, and the fare difference Δf1 "8,000 yen". The time information generation unit 33 generates time information indicating the time difference Δt2 between the longest end time t1 of "Pattern C" and the predicted usage end time te1. Since the time difference is -10 hours, the route information generation unit 34 generates route information indicating an alternative route that shortens the required time by 10 hours. (3) The fare information generation unit 32 generates fare information indicating the fare 27,000 yen of the fare pattern "Pattern E" which is one level higher than the fare pattern "Pattern D" corresponding to the first fare, and the fare difference Δf2 "7,000 yen". The time information generation unit 33 generates time information indicating the time difference Δt2 between the longest end time t3 of "Pattern E" and the predicted usage end time te1. Since the time difference is +38 hours, the route information generation unit 34 generates route information indicating an alternative route that extends the required time by 38 hours.

[0059] The notification control unit 38 controls to notify the provided information via the notification unit 18.

[0060] A case where the notification unit 18 is a display unit will be described. The notification control unit 38 outputs a video signal for causing the display unit to display a video indicating provided information such as charge information. The notification control unit 38 may display, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, provided information indicating a charge difference and a time difference in a graph form. The notification control unit 38 may display the provided information in a list form. The notification control unit 38 may display the route information among the provided information in a map form.

[0061] A case where the notification unit 18 is an audio output unit will be described. The notification control unit 38 outputs an audio signal for causing the audio output unit to output an audio indicating provided information such as charge information.

[0062] The communication control unit 39 controls the communication unit 19 to communicate with an external server or the like.

[0063] <Information Processing in the Time Rental Management Device> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, information processing in the time rental management device 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the time rental management device according to the embodiment.

[0064] The control unit 20 acquires usage time information (step S101). More specifically, the control unit 20 acquires usage information including usage time information of the time rental service by the usage information acquisition unit 22. The control unit 20 proceeds to step S102.

[0065] The control unit 20 calculates a charge (step S102). More specifically, the control unit 20 calculates, by the calculation unit 25, a first charge according to the current usage status of the time rental service and a second charge for comparison with the first charge. The control unit 20 may further calculate, by the calculation unit 25, the difference between the longest end time of the charge band of the first charge and the predicted usage end time. The control unit 20 may further calculate, by the calculation unit 25, the difference between the longest end time of the charge band of the second charge and the predicted usage end time. The control unit 20 proceeds to step S103.

[0066] The control unit 20 generates the provided information (step S103). More specifically, the control unit 20 causes the charge information generation unit 32 to generate charge information as the provided information based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25. The control unit 20 causes the time information generation unit 33 to generate time information as the provided information based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25. The control unit 20 generates route information as the provided information based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25. The control unit 20 proceeds to step S104.

[0067] The control unit 20 notifies the provided information (step S104). More specifically, the control unit 20 controls the notification control unit 38 to notify the provided information via the notification unit 18.

[0068] <Effect> As described above, in the present embodiment, provided information regarding a charge difference or a time difference based on a first charge, which is the charge when using from the start time of use to the predicted end time of use, and a second charge that is at least one step cheaper than the first charge or at least one step higher than the first charge, is notified. In this way, the present embodiment can notify information regarding a charge difference or a time difference in the time rental service. According to the present embodiment, the user can receive the provision of appropriate information.

[0069] The present embodiment can notify information indicating the charge difference between the first charge and the second charge. According to the present embodiment, the user can confirm the charge difference and determine the merits and demerits for the user.

[0070] The present embodiment can notify information indicating the time difference between the predicted end time of use and the longest end time corresponding to the first charge or the second charge. According to the present embodiment, the user can confirm the time difference and determine the merits and demerits for the user.

[0071] This embodiment relates to information on an alternative route re-searched in accordance with the longest end time corresponding to the first fee or the second fee. According to this embodiment, the user can also check the alternative route and determine the merits and demerits for the user.

[0072] This embodiment can notify information on an alternative route searched based on schedule information indicating the user's schedule after the predicted usage end time.

[0073] Each component of the illustrated time rental management device is conceptually functional and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit according to the processing load and usage status of each device.

[0074] The configuration of the time rental management device is realized, for example, as software by a program loaded into a memory or the like. In the above embodiment, it has been described as a functional block realized by the cooperation of these hardware or software. That is, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The components described above include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical ones. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. Also, various omissions, substitutions, or changes in the configuration are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0076] In the above description, the provided information generation unit 31 generates the provided information to be notified to the user based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 25, but it is not limited to this. The provided information generation unit 31 may generate the provided information based on the user's behavior information obtained from an external server (not shown) or the like. For example, when the behavior information indicates that there are reserved times at a bullet train or a restaurant, since the schedule after the use is determined, the provided information generation unit 31 does not generate time information or route information that would cause the end time to be late.

Explanation of Signs

[0077] 10-hour rental management device 11 Operation unit 12 Fare information storage unit 15 GNSS receiver 16 Map information storage unit 18 Notification unit 19 Communication unit 20 Control unit (time rental management control device) 21 Operation reception unit 22 Usage information acquisition unit 23 Fare information acquisition unit 25 Calculation unit 31 Provided information generation unit 32 Fare information generation unit 33 Time information generation unit 34 Route information generation unit 341 Position information acquisition unit 342 Map information acquisition unit 343 Route search unit 38 Notification control unit 39 Communication control unit

Claims

1. A time loan management control device that calculates a fee according to the usage time of a time loan service, comprising: A fee information acquisition unit that acquires fee information indicating a fee system of the time loan service from a fee information storage unit; A usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information including a usage start time and a predicted usage end time for using the time loan service; A calculation unit that calculates a first fee and a second fee based on the fee information acquired by the fee information acquisition unit and the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit; A notification control unit that controls to notify provision information regarding at least one of a fee difference and a time difference based on the first fee and the second fee calculated by the calculation unit; And comprising: In the fee system, a plurality of fee patterns with a fee per unit time set are set; The first fee is the fee when using from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time; The second fee is at least one of a fee that is at least one step cheaper than the first fee and a fee that is at least one step higher than the first fee; A time loan management control device.

2. The provision information is information indicating a fee difference between the first fee and the second fee. The time loan management control device according to claim 1. The time loan management control device according to claim 1.

3. The provision information is information indicating a time difference between the predicted usage end time and the longest end time corresponding to the first fee or the second fee. The time loan management control device according to claim 1. The time loan management control device according to claim 1.

4. The provision information is information regarding an alternative route re-searched according to the longest end time corresponding to the first fee or the second fee. The time loan management control device according to claim 1. The time loan management control device according to claim 1.

5. A time loan management method for calculating a fee according to the usage time of a time loan service, comprising: A fee information acquisition step of acquiring fee information indicating a fee system in which a plurality of fee patterns with a fee per unit time set are set from a fee information storage unit; A usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information including a usage start time and a predicted usage end time for using the time loan service; Based on the fee information obtained in the fee information acquisition step and the usage information obtained in the usage information acquisition step, a first fee when using from the usage start time to the predicted usage end time, and a second fee that is at least one level cheaper than the first fee and at least one level higher than the first fee are calculated. A calculation step; A notification control step for controlling to notify provision information regarding at least one of the fee difference and the time difference based on the first fee and the second fee calculated in the calculation step; A time lending management method executed by a time lending management device, including the above steps.

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