Rental management apparatus and rental management method

Abstract

To efficiently rent out a rental item to a user who desires rental of a rental item.SOLUTION: A processing apparatus 21 of a management server 20 includes a receiving unit 211 and a determination unit 213. The receiving unit 211 receives appraisal result information indicating a result of appraising returned shoes. The appraisal result information is information indicating a result obtained by appraising authenticity of shoes returned from a user U. The determination unit 213 determines an available rental period based on the appraisal result information. The available rental period is the time when the shoes can be rented out again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lending management device and a lending management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system for managing the disinfection of goods lent to users and then lending them out again. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that predicts the number of returned lending items and the return time from the lending destination based on the history, and makes a disinfection plan for the lending items based on the prediction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the lending business, depending on the goods to be lent, it may be necessary to identify whether the returned goods are the same as the lent goods. However, in the conventional system, the time required for the goods to be available for lending again after being returned is not appropriately considered, and the goods cannot be lent out efficiently.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a lending management device capable of efficiently lending out lending items to users who wish to borrow the lending items.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The lending management device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives authentication result information indicating the result of authenticating the authenticity of a returned lent item, and a determination unit that determines a lendable time period, which is the time when the lent item can be lent out again, based on the authentication result information received by the reception unit.

[0007] The lending management method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention receives authentication result information indicating the result of authenticating the authenticity of a returned lent item, and determines a lendable time period, which is the time when the lent item can be lent out again, based on the received authentication result information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the lending management device of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently lend out lent items to users who wish to borrow them.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the lending management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] 1.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment 1.1.1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 including a lending management apparatus according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a management server 20, a Web server 30, and a communication network NET.

[0012] The terminal device 10 includes n terminal devices 10[1], 10[2],..., 10[k],..., 10[n]. Here, n is an arbitrary natural number, and k is an arbitrary natural number smaller than n. In the present embodiment, the configurations of the terminal devices 10[1] to 10[n] are the same as each other. Note that the terminal device 10 may include terminal devices having different configurations.

[0013] The user who uses the terminal device 10[1] is user U[1], the user who uses the terminal device 10[2] is user U[2], the user who uses the terminal device 10[k] is user U[k], and the user who uses the terminal device 10[n] is user U[n]. The users who use the terminal device 10 are collectively referred to as user U.

[0014] The terminal device 10 includes a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and the like.

[0015] In the information processing system 1, the terminal devices 10[1] to 10[n] and the management server 20 are communicably connected to each other via the communication network NET.

[0016] The management server 20 is a server that provides a lending management service. The management server 20 collects various types of information related to the lending management service from the terminal device 10 via the communication network NET, and manages the lending of products based on the various types of information. The management server 20 is an example of a lending management device.

[0017] The management of lending by the management server 20 includes determining the timing when the returned product can be lent out again based on the authentication result information of the product returned by the user U[k]. The authentication result information is information indicating the result of authenticating whether the product returned by the user is genuine or fake.

[0018] In this embodiment, shoes are taken as an example of the products to be lent. The management server 20 is a device used by a merchant who lends shoes to manage the shoes as products to be lent. Here, "shoes" means an article used for walking by wearing on the feet. "Shoes" is an example of a lent product.

[0019] For example, sneakers, dress shoes, women's shoes, pumps, boots, sandals, slippers, geta, straw sandals, trekking shoes, hiking boots, and ski boots fall under "shoes". Also, in the present disclosure, "shoes" are classified, as an example, by two elements: the manufacturer that manufactures the shoes and the model of the shoes. Therefore, if the manufacturer and the model of the shoes are the same, the types of shoes are the same. Shoes with different manufacturers have different types of shoes. Also, shoes with different models have different types of shoes. However, among the "shoes" classified into the same type, there are shoes of multiple sizes.

[0020] However, "shoes" may be classified by other elements. Also, "shoes" may be classified by one element or by three or more elements.

[0021] The terminal device 10[k] is a device used by the user U[k] to borrow shoes from a shoe lending merchant. The user U[k] inputs the type of shoes classified by the manufacturer and model of the shoes they want to borrow to the terminal device 10[k]. The information indicating the type of shoes is transmitted from the terminal device 10[k] to the management server 20. The terminal device 10[k] may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. The same applies to other terminal devices 10 other than the terminal device 10[k].

[0022] 1.1.2. Configuration of the Terminal Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 10 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an input device 15. Each element included in the terminal device 10 is interconnected by one or more buses for communicating information. Note that the term "device" in this specification may be read as other terms such as a circuit, a device, or a unit.

[0023] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 10 and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 11 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, registers, etc. Note that some or all of the functions included in the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0024] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0025] The storage device 12 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1 for execution by the processing device 11. Further, the storage device 12 functions as a work area for the processing device 11.

[0026] The communication device 13 is hardware as a transmission / reception device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 13 may include a connector for a wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. Further, the communication device 13 may include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and the interface circuit for a wired connection include products compliant with a wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products compliant with a wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0027] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and character information. The display device 14 displays various images based on control by the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel are suitably used as the display device 14.

[0028] The input device 15 receives operations from the user U. For example, the input device 15 is configured to include a pointing device such as a keyboard, a touch pad, a touch panel, a mouse, or the like. Here, when the input device 15 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 14.

[0029] The processing device 11 functions as an acquisition unit 111, a communication control unit 112, and a display control unit 113, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR1 from the storage device 12.

[0030] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various types of information transmitted from the management server 20. For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires a notice regarding the return deadline of the borrowed shoes from the management server 20.

[0031] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to receive various types of information transmitted from the management server 20. Also, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit various types of information to be transmitted from the terminal device 10 to the management server 20.

[0032] The display control unit 113 causes the display device 14 to display various types of information based on the various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. For example, the display control unit 113 causes the display device 24 to display a notice regarding the return deadline of the shoes received from the management server 20.

[0033] 1.1.3. Configuration of the Management Server FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 20 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 20 includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, and an input device 25. Each element included in the management server 20 is interconnected by a single or a plurality of buses for communicating information.

[0034] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire management server 20, and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Note that part or all of the functions provided in the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0035] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0036] The storage device 22 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2 for execution by the processing device 21, and an authentication information database JDB. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the authentication information database JDB according to the first embodiment. The authentication information database JDB stores authentication result information indicating the authentication results of shoes returned by the user U in the past.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the authentication information database JDB has, as its items, a management number, a manufacturer name, a model name, a size, a user ID of the borrowing user U, an authentication date and time, an identifier of the authenticator, and an authentication result. The "management number" indicates a number unique to each authentication result. The "manufacturer name" indicates the manufacturer name of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "model name" indicates the model name of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "size" indicates the size of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "user ID" indicates an identifier of the user U. The "authentication date and time" indicates the date and time when the authenticator authenticated the returned shoes.

[0039] The authentication results are classified into three categories: "True", "Fake", and "Replace". "True" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are genuine and the same as the lent item. The authentication result that the shoes are genuine and the same as the lent item is an example of "the authentication result is true". "Fake" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are recognized as fakes, counterfeits, or forgeries. The authentication result that the shoes are fakes, counterfeits, or forgeries is an example of "the authentication result is fake". "Replace" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are recognized as genuine, but are a different individual from the lent item. The authentication result that the shoes are recognized as genuine, but are a different individual from the lent item is an example of "the authentication result is fake".

[0040] As described above, the authentication result information stored in the authentication information database JDB is a history of records associating the manufacturer, model, and size with the authentication result for the shoes lent to user U in the past.

[0041] The authentication information database JDB shown in Figure 4, as an example, has authentication result information indicating that user U with user ID "0017" borrowed shoes with manufacturer name "Aaa", model name "Pa", and size "25.0", and the returned shoes were authenticated by authenticator J.M on August 19, 2023, and were authenticated as genuine.

[0042] The description will be made while referring to FIG. 3 again. The communication device 23 is hardware as a transmission / reception device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 is provided with a connector for a wired connection and may be provided with an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. Further, the communication device 23 may be provided with a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector for a wired connection and the interface circuit include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0043] The display device 24 is a device that displays images and character information. The display device 24 displays various images based on the control by the processing device 21. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL panel are preferably used as the display device 24.

[0044] The input device 25 is a device that receives operations by the administrator of the information processing system 1. For example, the input device 25 includes a pointing device such as a keyboard, a touch pad, a touch panel, and a mouse. Here, when the input device 25 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 24. The administrator of the information processing system 1 can modify the control program PR2 by using the input device 25.

[0045] The processing device 21 functions as a reception unit 211, a determination unit 212, a decision unit 213, and a display control unit 214, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR2 from the storage device 22.

[0046] The reception unit 211 receives the authentication result information about the returned shoes. More specifically, it is determined by the authenticator whether the returned shoes are genuine or not. The authenticator or the inputter of the authentication result uses the input device 25 to input the authentication result about the returned shoes. The reception unit 211 receives the input authentication result as the authentication result information.

[0047] The determination unit 212 determines whether the authentication result is "genuine" or "fake". In other words, the determination unit 212 determines whether the authentication result is "genuine" or not. More specifically, if the authentication result in the authentication information database JDB is "True", the determination unit 212 determines that the authentication result is "genuine". Also, if the authentication result in the authentication information database JDB is "Fake" or "Replace", the determination unit 212 determines that the authentication result is "fake".

[0048] The decision unit 213 determines the lendable period based on the authentication result information received by the reception unit 211. The lendable period is the time when the shoes can be lent out again. More specifically, when the authentication result shown in the authentication result information is "genuine", the decision unit 213 determines the lendable period considering the period required for cleaning the shoes. The cleaning of the shoes is performed after the authenticity of the shoes is authenticated. On the other hand, when the authentication result shown in the authentication result information is "fake", that is, when the authentication result is not "genuine", the decision unit 213 determines that the lendable period is undetermined. Determining the lendable period of the shoes includes, for example, predicting the day when the shoes can be lent out again or the period with a predetermined margin added to that day.

[0049] The cleaning of the shoes includes, for example, at least any one of cleaning with a detergent, deodorization treatment, disinfection treatment, and water repellent processing. Also, the cleaning may include mold removal, color correction, brushing, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, the cleaning menu of the shoes is predetermined. Therefore, the period required for cleaning the shoes is generally a fixed period.

[0051] The display control unit 214 displays the lendable time determined by the determination unit 213 on the shoe lending site. The lending site is managed by the web server 30.

[0052] 1.1.4. Configuration of Web Server The web server 30 manages the shoe lending site. The web server 30 has, for example, a product registration function, a schedule setting function, an order reception and lending management function, and a fee plan setting function.

[0053] The product registration function is a function for registering and managing shoes to be lent. Rental fees, lending periods, etc. are set for each product to be lent. The schedule setting function is a function for registering the pattern of the lending schedule and applying the registered pattern to the products to be lent. The order reception and lending management function is a function for confirming and managing orders generated on the lending site, confirming and managing the lending status of each product, etc. The fee plan setting function is a function for setting the fee plan, contract period, and lending conditions. The fee plan setting function may include a function for providing a charging service by subscription. Each of the above functions is well-known and is a function provided in a general lending site.

[0054] 1.2. Operations of the Management Server 20 According to the First Embodiment 1.2.1. Operations of the Processing Device 21 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operations of the processing device 21 in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, the operations of the processing device 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The routine in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the processing device 21 is activated and is executed every time a certain period of time elapses.

[0055] In step S11, the processing device 21 determines whether it has received the appraisal result information of the returned shoes by functioning as the reception unit 211.

[0056] When the authentication result information is not received, that is, when the determination result in step S11 is negative, the processing device 21 temporarily ends this routine.

[0057] On the other hand, when the authentication result information is received, that is, when the determination result in step S11 is positive, the processing device 21 functions as a determination unit 212 and determines whether the authentication result is "true" in step S12.

[0058] When the authentication result is "true", that is, when the determination result in step S12 is positive, the processing device 21 functions as a decision unit 213 and determines the lendable time in step S13 in consideration of the period required for shoe cleaning.

[0059] In step S14, the processing device 21 functions as a display control unit 214, displays the lendable time on the lending site based on the determined lendable time, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0060] On the other hand, when the authentication result is not "true", that is, when the determination result in step S12 is negative, the processing device 21 functions as a decision unit 213 and determines that the lendable time is undetermined in step S15, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0061] 1.3. Effects of the First Embodiment According to the above description, the processing device 21 of the management server 20 according to the first embodiment includes a reception unit 211 and a decision unit 213. The reception unit 211 receives authentication result information about the returned shoes. The authentication result information is information indicating the result of authenticating the authenticity of the shoes returned by the user U. The decision unit 213 determines the lendable time based on the authentication result information received by the reception unit 211. The lendable time is the time when the shoes can be lent out again.

[0062] According to this aspect, the lendable time is determined based on the authentication result information about the returned shoes. Therefore, shoes can be lent to borrowers who wish to borrow shoes efficiently.

[0063] Further, when the authentication result shown in the authentication result information is "true", the determination unit 213 determines the lendable time in consideration of the period required for cleaning the lent item that is performed after the authenticity of the shoes is authenticated.

[0064] In many cases, cleaning of the returned shoes is essential in order to lend them out again. Therefore, if the returned shoes are genuine as a result of authenticity authentication, the shoes will be cleaned before they are lent out next. The shorter the period from the completion of cleaning to the next lending, the more efficient it is. Therefore, by determining the lendable time in consideration of the period required for cleaning the shoes, shoes can be lent out more efficiently.

[0065] Further, when the authentication result is "fake", the determination unit 213 determines that the lendable time is undetermined.

[0066] If the returned shoes are found to be fakes, replicas, or counterfeits as a result of authenticity authentication, the shoes cannot be lent out again. According to this aspect, when the shoes are recognized as fakes, replicas, or counterfeits, the lendable time is determined to be undetermined. Therefore, information can be shared more efficiently.

[0067] Further, the lent item is shoes.

[0068] Since shoes need to fit the feet of user U, it is necessary to have a wide variety of size variations. Therefore, shoes are items that are likely to have a waiting list for lending. Also, the returned shoes are often items that require cleaning before being lent out again. That is, even if the shoes are returned, they cannot be lent out immediately. Therefore, it is beneficial to determine the lendable time of the shoes.

[0069] In addition, the management server 20 further includes a display control unit 214. The display control unit 214 displays the lendable period on the shoe lending site.

[0070] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the user U with information regarding lending at an earlier stage.

[0071] Also, the lending management method according to the first embodiment receives the authentication result information regarding the shoes returned by the user U, and determines the lendable period based on the received authentication result information. The authentication result information is information indicating the result of authenticating whether the shoes returned by the user U are genuine or fake. The lendable period is the time when the shoes can be lent out again.

[0072] According to this aspect, the lendable period is determined based on the authentication result of the returned shoes. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently lend out the shoes to the users who wish to borrow them.

[0073] 2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the configuration of the lending management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the same reference numerals may be used for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description of their functions may be omitted. Also, in the following description, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, mainly the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] 2.1. Configuration of the Second Embodiment 2.1.1. Overall Configuration FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system 1A including the lending management apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system 1A is different from the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a management server 20A instead of the management server 20. The management server 20A is an example of a lending management apparatus.

[0075] 2.1.2. Configuration of the Terminal Device Since the terminal device 10 has the same configuration as the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] 2.1.3. Configuration of the Management Server FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 20A in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 20A is different from the management server 20 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a processing device 21A instead of the processing device 21 and a storage device 22A instead of the storage device 22.

[0077] The processing device 21A is a processor that controls the entire management server 20A and is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 21A is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Note that some or all of the functions provided in the processing device 21A may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. The processing device 21A executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0078] The storage device 22A is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 21A. The storage device 22A includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, or an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM.

[0079] The storage device 22A stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR3 for execution by the processing device 21A and an authentication information database JDBa. Further, the storage device 22A functions as a work area for the processing device 21A.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the authentication information database JDBa according to the second embodiment. The authentication information database JDBa stores authentication result information indicating the authentication results of shoes returned by the user U in the past and contamination information indicating the degree of dirt of the shoes.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the authentication information database JDBa has, as its items, a management number, a manufacturer name, a model name, a size, the user ID of the borrowing user U, an authentication date and time, the ID of the authenticator, an authentication result, and a degree of dirtiness. The "manufacturer name" indicates the manufacturer name of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "model name" indicates the model name of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "size" indicates the size of the shoes borrowed by the user U. The "user ID" indicates the identifier of the user U. The "authentication date and time" indicates the date and time when the authenticator authenticated the returned shoes.

[0082] The authentication result is classified into three categories: "True", "Fake", and "Replace". "True" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are genuine and are the same as the lent goods themselves. The authentication result that the shoes are genuine and are the same as the lent goods themselves is an example of the case where "the authentication result is true". "Fake" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are recognized as fakes, counterfeits, or forgeries. The authentication result that the shoes are fakes, counterfeits, or forgeries is an example of the case where "the authentication result is fake". "Replace" indicates an authentication result that the shoes are recognized as genuine, but are different individuals from the lent goods. The authentication result that the shoes are recognized as genuine, but are different individuals from the lent goods is an example of the case where "the authentication result is fake".

[0083] The degree of dirtiness is indicated by a six-level evaluation with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 5 according to the degree of dirt. In this case, as an example, the dirtiness degree "0" indicates that there is no dirt at all. When the dirtiness degree is "0", the shoes do not require cleaning. In other words, when the dirtiness degree is "0", the period required for cleaning the shoes is zero. The dirtiness degree "1" indicates that the dirt is extremely little. The dirtiness degree "2" indicates that the dirt is little. The dirtiness degree "3" indicates that the dirt is medium. The dirtiness degree "4" indicates that the dirt is much. The dirtiness degree "5" indicates that the dirt is extremely much. The larger the numerical value indicating the dirtiness degree, the longer the period required for cleaning the shoes.

[0084] As described above, the authentication result information stored in the authentication information database JDBa is a history of records associating the manufacturer, model, and size of shoes lent to user U in the past with the authentication result and the degree of dirt of the shoes.

[0085] As an example, the authentication information database JDB shown in FIG. 8 has authentication result information and contamination information indicating that user U with user ID "0017" borrowed shoes with manufacturer name "Aaa", model name "Pa", and size "25.0", and the returned shoes were authenticated by authenticator J.M. on August 19, 2023, and were authenticated as genuine, with a dirt degree of "2".

[0086] Referring again to FIG. 7 for explanation. The communication device 23, display device 24, and input device 25 are the same as the communication device 23, display device 24, and input device 25 in the first embodiment, respectively, so the description is omitted.

[0087] The processing device 21A functions as a reception unit 211, a determination unit 212A, a decision unit 213A, and a display control unit 214, for example, by reading and executing the control program PR3 from the storage device 22A.

[0088] Since the functions of the reception unit 211 and the display control unit 214 are the same as those of the reception unit 211 and the display control unit 214 in the first embodiment, the description of the reception unit 211 and the display control unit 214 is omitted.

[0089] When the reception unit 211 receives the authentication result, the determination unit 212A determines whether the authentication result is "true". Whether the authentication result is "true" is determined based on whether the authentication result in the authentication information database JDBa is "True". If the authentication result in the authentication information database JDBa is "True", the authentication result is determined to be "true". If the authentication result in the authentication information database JDBa is "Fake" or "Replace", the authentication result is determined to be "fake".

[0090] When the authentication result is "true", it is determined whether the degree of dirt on the shoes was evaluated during the authentication operation. Whether the degree of dirt on the shoes was evaluated during the authentication operation is determined based on whether the contamination information is included in the authentication information database JDBa. If the contamination information is included in the authentication information database JDBa, it is determined that the degree of dirt on the shoes was evaluated during the authentication operation. If the contamination information is not included in the authentication information database JDBa, it is determined that the degree of dirt on the shoes was not evaluated during the authentication operation.

[0091] When the authentication result includes the degree of dirt on the shoes, the determination unit 213A calculates the period required for cleaning the shoes based on the degree of dirt. The cleaning of the shoes is performed after the authenticity of the shoes has been authenticated. The determination unit 213A determines the available lending time based on the calculated period required for cleaning the shoes.

[0092] The determination unit 213A determines the available lending time of the returned shoes based on the calculated period required for cleaning. The longer the period required for cleaning, the later the available lending time of the returned shoes.

[0093] 2.1.4. Configuration of the Web Server The Web server 30 has the same configuration as the Web server 30 according to the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0094] 2.2. Operations of the Management Server 20A According to the Second Embodiment 2.2.1. Operations of the Processing Device 21A FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations of the processing device 21A in FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the operations of the processing device 21A will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The routine in FIG. 9 is started, for example, when the processing device 21A is activated, and is executed every time a certain period of time elapses.

[0095] In step S21, the processing device 21A determines whether it has received the authentication result information of the returned shoes by functioning as the reception unit 211.

[0096] When the authentication result information is not received, that is, when the determination result in step S21 is negative, the processing device 21A temporarily ends this routine.

[0097] On the other hand, when the authentication result information is received, that is, when the determination result in step S21 is positive, the processing device 21A functions as the determination unit 212A and determines in step S22 whether the authentication result is "true".

[0098] When the authentication result is "true", that is, when the determination result in step S22 is positive, the processing device 21A functions as the determination unit 212A and determines in step S23 whether the degree of dirt of the shoes has been evaluated in the authentication work.

[0099] When the degree of dirt of the returned shoes has been evaluated, that is, when the determination result in step S23 is positive, the processing device 21A functions as the determination unit 213A and calculates in step S24 the period required for cleaning the shoes based on the degree of dirt of the returned shoes.

[0100] In step S25, the processing device 21A functions as the determination unit 213A and determines the lendable time of the returned shoes based on the calculated period required for cleaning.

[0101] On the other hand, when the degree of dirt of the returned shoes has not been evaluated, that is, when the determination result in step S23 is negative, the processing device 21A functions as the determination unit 213A and determines in step S25 the lendable time of the returned shoes.

[0102] In step S26, the processing device 21A functions as the display control unit 214 and displays the lendable time on the lending site based on the determined lendable time, and temporarily ends this routine.

[0103] Also, when the authentication result is not "true", that is, when the determination result in step S22 is negative, the processing device 21A functions as a determination unit 213A, and in step S27, determines that the lendable time is undetermined and temporarily ends this routine.

[0104] 2.3. Effects of the Second Embodiment According to the above description, in the processing device 21A of the management server 20A according to the second embodiment, when the authentication result includes the dirt degree of the shoes, the determination unit 213A calculates the period required for cleaning the shoes after the authenticity of the shoes is authenticated based on the dirt degree. The determination unit 213A determines the lendable time based on the calculated period required for cleaning the shoes.

[0105] When the dirt degree of the returned shoes is relatively low, it is estimated that the period required for cleaning the shoes is relatively short, and when the dirt degree of the returned shoes is relatively high, it is estimated that the period required for cleaning the shoes is relatively long. Therefore, according to this aspect, shoes for which it is estimated that the period required for cleaning the returned shoes is short can be lent out earlier.

[0106] In addition, when it is estimated that the period required for cleaning the returned shoes is long, other shoes may be recommended to the user waiting to borrow shoes. According to this aspect, a more user-friendly service can be provided.

[0107] 3. Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above. Specific variations are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined. Also, the aspects of the above embodiments and the following variations can be arbitrarily combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0108] 3.1. Variation 1 The period required for shoe cleaning was set for a fixed period in the first embodiment and was determined according to the degree of dirt on the shoes in the second embodiment. However, the cleaning menu for shoes may vary depending on the type of shoes. Therefore, the period required for shoe cleaning may be determined for each type of shoe.

[0109] The type of shoe is associated with the model name in the appraisal information database JDB or JDBa. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 213 or 213A may calculate the period required for shoe cleaning according to the model name of the shoe.

[0110] Note that the period required for shoe cleaning may be determined by a combination of the model name of the shoe and the degree of dirt on the shoe.

[0111] 3.2. Modification Example 2 In the second embodiment, the degree of dirt on the shoes was evaluated, but the degree of wear of the shoes may be evaluated together with or instead of the degree of dirt on the shoes. According to the degree of wear of the shoes, the period required for shoe repair is estimated, and the lendable time may be determined in consideration of the period required for shoe repair.

[0112] 3.3. Modification Example 3 In each of the above embodiments, shoes are exemplified as the lent items, but the lent items may be items that the user U wears, such as clothing and ornaments. Also, the lent items may be other items that require appraisal and cleaning.

[0113] 4. Others (1) In the above-described embodiments, the storage devices 12, 22, and 22A are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but may be a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a register, a removable disk, a hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, a database, a server, or other suitable storage media. Further, the program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunication line. Also, the program may be transmitted from the communication network NET via a telecommunication line.

[0114] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of various different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0115] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the input / output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., a memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input / output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or appended. The output information, etc. may be deleted. The input information, etc. may be transmitted to other devices.

[0116] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the determination may be made by a value (0 or 1) represented using 1 bit, by a truth value (Boolean: true or false), or by a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0117] (5) The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. exemplified in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged as long as there is no contradiction. For example, regarding the methods described in the present disclosure, the elements of various steps are presented using an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0118] (6) Each function exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 9 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Also, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one physically or logically combined device, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices directly or indirectly (for example, using wired, wireless, etc.) connected, and these multiple devices. The functional block may be realized by combining software with the above one device or the above multiple devices.

[0119] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or are called by other names.

[0120] Also, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, when software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technologies (infrared, microwave, etc.), at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of the transmission medium.

[0121] In each of the above-described embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0122] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be represented using absolute values, relative values from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0123] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the management server 20, the management server 20A, and the Web server 30 may include cases where they are a mobile station (MS: Mobile Station). A mobile station may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term. Also, in the present disclosure, terms such as "mobile station", "user terminal", "user equipment (UE)", "terminal", etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0124] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected" and "coupled", or any variations thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and can include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements can be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "accessed". As used in this disclosure, two elements can be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (both visible and invisible) region, etc.

[0125] (12) In the above-described embodiments, the description "based on" does not mean "based only on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the description "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on".

[0126] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "deciding" may encompass a wide variety of operations. "Determining" and "deciding" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., searching in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, and considering something as having "determined" or "decided" something. Also, "determining" and "deciding" may include considering something as having "determined" or "decided" something received (e.g., receiving information), transmitted (e.g., transmitting information), input, output, accessed (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Further, "determining" and "deciding" may include considering something as having "determined" or "decided" something resolved, selected, chosen, established, compared, etc. That is, "determining" and "deciding" may include considering something as having "determined" or "decided" some action. Also, "determining (deciding)" may be replaced by "assuming", "expecting", "considering", etc.

[0127] (14) In the above-described embodiments, when the terms "include", "including", and their variants are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising". Further, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive disjunction.

[0128] (15) In the present disclosure, for example, when an article is added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include that the noun following these articles is in the plural form.

[0129] (16) In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other". Note that the term may also mean "A and B are different from C respectively". Terms such as "separate", "coupled", etc. may also be interpreted in the same way as "different".

[0130] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched and used during execution. Also, the notification of predetermined information (for example, the notification of "being X") is not limited to the explicitly made notification, and may be made implicitly (for example, by not making the notification of the predetermined information).

[0131] As described above in detail about the present disclosure, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented as modified and changed aspects without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure determined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustrative explanation and has no restrictive meaning for the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1, 1A... Information processing system, 10, 10[1], 10[2], 10[k], 10[n]... Terminal device, 20, 20A... Management server, 21, 21A... Processing device, 211... Reception unit, 212, 212A... Determination unit, 213, 213A... Decision unit, 214... Display control unit, JDB, JDBa... Authentication information database, U, U[1], U[2], U[k], U[n]... User

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives authentication result information indicating the result of authenticating the authenticity of the returned loaned item; A determining unit that determines a lendable time period, which is the time when the loaned item can be lent out again, based on the authentication result information received by the receiving unit; A lending management device comprising the above.

2. When the authentication result shown in the authentication result information is genuine, the determining unit determines the lendable time period in consideration of the period required for cleaning the loaned item after the authenticity of the loaned item is authenticated. The lending management device according to Claim 1.

3. When the authentication result shown in the authentication result information is fake, the determining unit determines that the lendable time period is undetermined. The lending management device according to Claim 1.

4. When the degree of dirt of the loaned item is included in the authentication result shown in the authentication result information, the determining unit calculates the period required for cleaning the loaned item after the authenticity of the loaned item is authenticated based on the degree of dirt, and determines the lendable time period based on the calculated period required for cleaning the loaned item. The lending management device according to Claim 1.

5. The loaned item is shoes. The lending management device according to Claim 1.

6. Comprising a display control unit that displays the lendable time period on the lending site of the loaned item. The lending management device according to Claim 1.

7. Receiving authentication result information indicating the result of authenticating the authenticity of the returned loaned item, A lending management method for determining a lendable time period, which is the time when the loaned item can be lent out again, based on the received authentication result information.

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