PMV reservation system and PMV reservation device

Abstract

To facilitate the return of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) that are not used for travel, while taking into account that users may stay at sightseeing spots or the like.SOLUTION: A personal mobility vehicle (PMV) reservation device comprises a communication unit, a management unit, and an information generation unit. The communication unit receives, from a communication terminal, reservation request information including position information of the communication terminal of a user or a departure location entered by the user, a stopover location and a stay time at the stopover location entered by the user, and a final destination entered by the user, and transmits reservation candidate information to the communication terminal. The management unit manages use state information indicating use states of PMVs, and occupied / unoccupied information indicating occupied / unoccupied states of ports at which PMVs are lent out and returned. The information generation unit generates reservation candidate information on the basis of the reservation request information, the use state information, and the occupied / unoccupied information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a PMV reservation system and a PMV reservation device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, utilization services for so-called PMVs, such as electric bicycles and electric kick scooters, have started in some cities. PMV is an abbreviation for Personal Mobility Vehicle, and refers to electric types of moving bodies that can carry a small number of people, about one to two people.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an operation support system that can grasp the usage status of vehicles (such as bicycles with motors). Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle sharing system in which a plurality of users share and use a plurality of vehicles. In both systems, users need to reserve the vehicle or port that will be the return destination before starting use.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As a use case of the PMV, for example, a case can be considered where a user travels from Station A to tourist spot B by PMV, tours at tourist spot B, and then travels from tourist spot B to Station C by PMV. In the conventional system, since it does not support reserving multiple uses of the PMV in a single reservation, the user had to make two separate reservations for the use of the PMV from Station A to tourist spot B and the use of the PMV from tourist spot B to Station C. That is, when the number of tourist spots to stop at increases, there is the annoyance of having to make reservations that many more times.

[0006] As one way to eliminate such annoyance, a method can be considered where the PMV is parked at a parking lot near tourist spot B or the like without being returned while the user is touring at tourist spot B and returned near Station C. That is, it is a reservation method of borrowing the PMV near Station A and returning it near Station C. However, generally, since the fee form of the PMV use service is a time-based charging method, the user also has to bear the fee for the parking time of the PMV during the tour, which poses a problem of excessive fee burden for the user.

[0007] Also, the use case of the PMV assumed by the service provider is a case of short-term use for short-distance movement. Allowing long-term use by a single user would hinder the use opportunities of other users. That is, if the PMV is not being used for movement, it is desirable to return it so that other users can use it.

[0008] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to enable promotion of the return of the PMV not being used for movement while considering the stay of the user at a tourist spot or the like.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The PMV reservation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user's communication terminal and a PMV reservation device. The communication terminal includes a location information acquisition unit, an information generation unit, and a communication unit. The location information acquisition unit acquires location information. The information generation unit generates reservation request information including the location information or the departure location input by the user, the stopover location input by the user and the stay time at the stopover location, and the final destination input by the user. The communication unit transmits the reservation request information to the PMV reservation device. The PMV reservation device includes a communication unit, a management unit, and an information generation unit. The communication unit of the PMV reservation device receives the reservation request information and transmits reservation candidate information to the communication terminal. The management unit manages usage status information indicating the usage status of the PMV and occupancy information indicating the occupancy status of the ports where the PMV is lent and returned. The information generation unit of the PMV reservation device generates reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information, the usage status information, and the occupancy information.

[0010] The PMV reservation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit, a management unit, and an information generation unit. The communication unit receives, from the communication terminal, reservation request information including the location information of the user's communication terminal or the departure location input by the user, the stopover location input by the user and the stay time at the stopover location, and the final destination input by the user, and transmits reservation candidate information to the communication terminal. The management unit manages usage status information indicating the usage status of the PMV and occupancy information indicating the occupancy status of the ports where the PMV is lent and returned. The information generation unit generates reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information, the usage status information, and the occupancy information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] It is possible to promote the return of PMVs that are not being used for travel while considering the stay of users at tourist spots and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 6

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the PMV reservation system 1.

[0015] The PMV reservation system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 and the PMV reservation device 4 that receives the PMV usage reservation of the user 2 from the communication terminal 3. The communication terminal 3 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The PMV reservation device 4 is, for example, a computer such as a server. The communication terminal 3 and the PMV reservation device 4 are connected to the communication network 5 wirelessly or by wire, and both can communicate via the communication network 5. The communication network 5 includes, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, only the communication terminal 3 of one user 2 is shown, and the illustration of the communication terminals 3 of other one or more users 2 is omitted.

[0016] In the PMV reservation system 1, the user 2 can make a reservation for using the PMV 6 by using the communication terminal 3. For example, when the user 2 inputs the departure place, the stopover place and the stay time at the stopover place, and the final place (final destination) into the communication terminal 3, it is possible to make a reservation for using the PMV 6 according to the input. In this case, assuming that the departure place is Station A of Train A, the stopover place and the stay time at the stopover place are the tourist spot B and 2 hours, and the final place is Station C of Train C, it is possible to simultaneously make a reservation for using the PMV 6 from near Station A of Train A to near the tourist spot B and a reservation for using the PMV 6 from near the tourist spot B to near Station C of Train C after the stay time (2 hours). Note that the PMV 6 available to the user 2 includes an electric bicycle 6a and an electric kick scooter 6b. The PMV 6 is lent and returned at each port 8 in the port area 7 provided at various locations such as stations and tourist spots.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the communication terminal 3.

[0018] The communication terminal 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32, a position information acquisition unit 33, an imaging unit 34, a display unit 35, a storage unit 36, and a communication unit 37.

[0019] The control unit 31 controls each part of the communication terminal 3 and controls various operations of the communication terminal 3. The control unit 31 also includes an information generation unit 311.

[0020] The information generation unit 311 generates reservation request information including the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 33 or the departure place input by the user 2, the stopover place input by the user 2 and the stay time there, and the final place input by the user 2.

[0021] The input unit 32 receives an input from the user 2. For example, when a reservation for using the PMV 6 is made, the input unit 32 receives an input from the user 2 such as the departure place, the stopover place and the stay time there, and the final place. The input unit 32 includes a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 35.

[0022] The position information acquisition unit 33 acquires the position information of the current position (for example, the information of latitude and longitude).

[0023] The imaging unit 34 images a subject to generate image data or video data. For example, the imaging unit 34 images the codes described in PMV6 and port 8 and generates the image data thereof. The codes described in PMV6 and port 8 are, for example, one-dimensional codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks).

[0024] The display unit 35 displays the reservation candidate information, reservation information, etc. transmitted from the PMV reservation device 4.

[0025] The storage unit 36 stores the reservation request information generated by the information generation unit 311, the image data of the codes imaged by the imaging unit 34, the reservation candidate information and reservation information, etc. transmitted from the PMV reservation device 4.

[0026] The communication unit 37 is wirelessly connected to the communication network 5 and communicates with an external device (for example, the PMV reservation device 4) via the communication network 5. For example, the communication unit 37 transmits the reservation request information generated by the information generation unit 311 to the PMV reservation device 4 and receives the reservation candidate information from the PMV reservation device 4.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the PMV reservation device 4.

[0028] The PMV reservation device 4 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0029] The control unit 41 controls each unit of the PMV reservation device 4 and controls various operations of the PMV reservation device 4. Further, the control unit 41 includes a management unit 411, an information generation unit 412, and a determination unit 413.

[0030] The management unit 411 manages the usage status information indicating the usage status of each PMV6 and the occupancy information indicating the occupancy status of each port 8 where the lending and returning of the PMV6 are performed.

[0031] The information generation unit 412 generates reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information transmitted from the communication terminal 3, the usage status information and the occupancy information managed by the management unit 411. For example, when there is one stopover included in the reservation request information, the information generation unit 412 determines the first PMV which is the PMV6 available near the position indicated by the position information included in the reservation request information or the departure place, and the first port which is the port 8 for lending the first PMV, the second port which is the port 8 where the first PMV can be returned near the stopover included in the reservation request information, the second PMV which is the PMV6 available near the stopover after the stay time at the stopover included in the reservation request information, and the third port which is the port 8 for lending the second PMV, and the fourth port which is the port 8 where the second PMV can be returned near the final destination included in the reservation request information, searches for them from the usage status information and the occupancy information, and generates reservation candidate information including the search results.

[0032] The determination unit 413 determines the reservation information. Details of the determination made by the determination unit 413 will be described later.

[0033] The storage unit 42 stores the user registration information which is the registration information of each user 2, the usage status information and the occupancy information managed by the management unit 411, the reservation candidate information generated by the information generation unit 412, the reservation information determined by the determination unit 413, and the like.

[0034] The communication unit 43 is connected to the communication network 5 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with an external device (for example, the communication terminal 3) via the communication network 5. For example, the communication unit 43 receives the reservation request information from the communication terminal 3, and transmits the reservation candidate information generated by the information generation unit 412 to the communication terminal 3.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating user registration information.

[0036] The user registration information illustrated in FIG. 4 includes the ID (user ID), name, phone number, email address, address, password, etc. of each user 2. According to the user registration information illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the user 2 with the user ID of "U1" has the name of "〇〇〇〇", the phone number of "090···〇〇", the email address of "〇〇@···〇", the address of "Tokyo ···〇〇", and the password of "〇×〇×", etc.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating usage status information.

[0038] The usage status information illustrated in FIG. 5 includes the ID (PMV ID), type (PMV type), maximum number of passengers, usage status, placement port ID, etc. of each PMV 6. Here, the placement port ID indicates the ID (port ID) of the port 8 where the PMV 6 is placed. The port ID is composed of the ID (port area ID) of the port area 7 and the No. indicating the position within that port area 7. For example, the port ID of "P1-3" indicates the port 8 at the position of No. "3" within the port area 7 with the port area ID of "P1". Note that the placement port ID of "-" indicates that the PMV 6 has not yet been returned to any port 8 (in use or on loan).

[0039] According to the usage status information illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, the PMV 6 with the PMV ID of "V1" indicates that the PMV type is "electric bicycle", the maximum number of passengers is "1", the usage status is "in use by U1", and the placement port ID is "-". Here, the usage status of "in use by U1" indicates that the user 2 with the user ID of "U1" is using the PMV 6. Also, for example, the PMV 6 with the PMV ID of "V2" indicates that the PMV type is "electric kick scooter", the maximum number of passengers is "1", the usage status is "available", and the placement port ID is "P1-3". Here, the usage status of "available" indicates that the PMV 6 is available for use.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating full / empty information.

[0041] The occupancy information illustrated in FIG. 6 includes the ID (port ID), port area name, allocated PMVID, availability of PMV, etc. for each port 8. Here, the allocated PMVID indicates the ID of the PMV 6 allocated to the port 8. Note that when the allocated PMVID is "-", it indicates that the port 8 is vacant (the state where the PMV 6 is not allocated (returned)). Also, when the availability of PMV is "〇", it indicates that the PMV 6 allocated to the port 8 is available; when the availability of PMV is "×", it indicates that the PMV 6 allocated to the port 8 cannot be used due to insufficient charge or a failure, etc.; and when the availability of PMV is "-", it indicates that the port 8 is vacant.

[0042] According to the occupancy information illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, the port 8 with the port ID of "P1-1" indicates that the port area name is "〇〇 Convenience Store", the allocated PMVID is "V5", and the availability of PMV is "×", etc.

[0043] Such usage status information and occupancy information are updated, for example, every time a PMV 6 is lent to user 2 (lent from port 8) or returned from user 2 (returned to port 8).

[0044] Specifically, when PMV6 is lent out, user 2 uses communication terminal 3 to perform an operation to read the code written on the PMV6 that receives the loan and an operation to read the code written on port 8 where the PMV6 is placed. In response to the former operation, imaging unit 34 captures the code written on PMV6 to generate image data, and control unit 31 of communication terminal 3 reads the information of the code written on PMV6 based on the image data. Also, in response to the latter operation, imaging unit 34 captures the code written on port 8 to generate image data, and control unit 31 of communication terminal 3 reads the information of the code written on port 8 based on the image data. Then, communication unit 37 of communication terminal 3 transmits PMV lending information including the information of the code written on PMV6, the information of the code written on port 8, and the ID (user ID) of user 2 to PMV reservation device 4. Note that the information of the code written on PMV6 includes the ID (PMVID) of the PMV6, and the information of the code written on port 8 includes the ID (port ID) of the port 8. When communication unit 43 of PMV reservation device 4 receives such PMV lending information, management unit 411 updates the usage status information and occupancy information based on the PMV lending information.

[0045] Also, when PMV6 is returned, user 2 uses communication terminal 3 to perform an operation to read the code written on the PMV6 to be returned and an operation to read the code written on port 8 to which the PMV6 is returned. In response to these operations, communication terminal 3 reads the information of the code written on PMV6 and the information of the code written on port 8 in the same manner as described above. Then, communication unit 37 of communication terminal 3 transmits PMV return information including the information of the code written on PMV6, the information of the code written on port 8, and the ID (user ID) of user 2 to PMV reservation device 4. When communication unit 43 of PMV reservation device 4 receives such PMV return information, management unit 411 updates the usage status information and occupancy information based on the PMV return information.

[0046] Next, the PMV reservation process performed in the communication terminal 3 and the PMV reservation device 4 when user 2 makes a reservation for using PMV6 will be described.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart exemplifying the PMV reservation process. FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a reservation request reception screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying reservation request information. FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying reservation candidate information. FIG. 11 is a diagram exemplifying reservation information. FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying a reservation schedule screen.

[0048] In the PMV reservation process exemplified in FIG. 7, first, in the communication terminal 3, a PMV reservation application is launched by user 2, and a user ID (user ID) and password are input to perform a login (S1). The communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the input user ID and password to the PMV reservation device 4 (S2).

[0049] When the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 receives the user ID and password, the control unit 41 of the PMV reservation device 4 performs user authentication (S3). In this user authentication, it is determined whether the combination of the user ID and password transmitted from the communication terminal 3 is included in the user registration information. If it is included in the user registration information, the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 transmits an authentication completion notification to the communication terminal 3 (S4).

[0050] When the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 receives the authentication completion notification, the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 performs reservation request reception (S5). In this reservation request reception, the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 causes the display unit 35 of the communication terminal 3 to display the reservation request reception screen 351 illustrated in FIG. 8, and the input unit 32 receives inputs from the user 2 such as the departure location, stopover location and the stay time there, and the destination. The reservation request reception screen 351 includes a departure location button 352, a stopover location button 353, a destination button 354, a stopover location addition button 355, and a decision button 356, etc. In such a reservation request reception screen 351, the user 2 can input the departure location by pressing the departure location button 352, can input the stopover location and the stay time there by pressing the stopover location button 353, and can input the destination by pressing the destination button 354. In addition, for the input of the departure location, the current location can also be specified as the departure location. Also, each time the user 2 presses the stopover location addition button 355, a stopover location can be added, and the input of the added stopover location and the stay time there is possible. In the reservation request reception screen 351, in addition, the input of the scheduled start date and time of use is also possible, and the current date and time can also be specified as the scheduled start date and time of use. Then, the user 2 can determine the input items by pressing the decision button 356. When these inputs are made and the decision button 356 is pressed, the information generation unit 311 of the communication terminal 3 generates reservation request information according to the input of the user 2. Here, it is assumed that only one stopover location is input as the stopover location by the user 2, and the reservation request information illustrated in FIG. 9 is generated. The reservation request information illustrated in FIG. 9 includes "RR001" as the ID (reservation request information ID) of the reservation request information, "U1" as the user ID, "2024 / 01 / 10 12:50:00" as the scheduled start date and time of use, "〇〇〇" as the departure location, "▼▼ Shrine" as the stopover location, "1 hour" as the stay time, and "□□□" as the destination, etc.

[0051] When the reservation request information is generated in this way, the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the reservation request information to the PMV reservation device 4 (S6).

[0052] When the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 receives the reservation request information, the information generation unit 412 of the PMV reservation device 4 generates reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information, the usage status information and the occupancy information managed by the management unit 411 (S7). Here, it is assumed that the reservation request information illustrated in FIG. 9 is used as the reservation request information, and the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 is generated. The reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 includes "RCC001" as the ID (reservation candidate information ID) of the reservation candidate information, the lending port ID of the departure place, PMVID, and PMV type as "P1-3", "V2", and "electric kick scooter" and "P1-5", "V3", and "electric bicycle", the return port ID of the stopover place as "P3-3", the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover place as "P3-2", "V10", and "electric bicycle", the return port ID of the destination as "P5-3" and "P6-5", etc. Here, the lending port ID indicates the port ID of port 8 where the PMV6 is lent, and the return port ID indicates the port ID of port 8 where the PMV6 is returned. The PMVID and lending port ID of the departure place also indicate the above-mentioned first PMV and first port, the return port ID of the stopover place also indicates the above-mentioned second port, the PMVID and lending port ID of the stopover place also indicate the above-mentioned second PMV and third port, and the return port ID of the return place also indicates the above-mentioned fourth port.

[0053] In the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10, two PMV6s are shown as the PMV6s available from the departure place. That is, the "electric kick scooter" with PMVID "V2" arranged at port 8 with port ID (lending port ID) "P1-3", and the "electric bicycle" with PMVID "V3" arranged at port 8 with port ID (lending port ID) "P1-5". Also, two port 8s are shown as the return ports of the destination. That is, port 8 with port ID (return port ID) "P5-3" and port 8 with port ID (return port ID) "P6-5".

[0054] In addition, when the scheduled start date and time of User 2 is the current date and time, or when it is a date and time close to the current date and time (for example, a date and time within 5 minutes from the current date and time), the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the departure location in the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 are retrieved from the current usage status information and occupancy information managed by the management unit 411. On the other hand, when the scheduled start date and time of User 2 is a date and time far from the current date and time (for example, a date and time after 5 minutes from the current date and time), at the time of the scheduled start date and time, the contents of the current usage status information and occupancy information may change due to the use of PMV6 by another User 2. Therefore, the reservation information of another User 2 is further considered, and the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the departure location are retrieved. This is the same for the return port ID, lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover location and the return port ID of the destination in the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, the return port ID of the stopover location is retrieved considering the use of PMV6 by another User 2 within the travel time from the departure location to the stopover location, the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover location are retrieved considering the use of PMV6 by another User 2 within the stay time at the stopover location, and the return port ID of the destination is retrieved considering the use of PMV6 by another User 2 within the travel time from the stopover location to the destination. Note that the travel time from the departure location to the stopover location and the travel time from the stopover location to the destination are calculated according to, for example, the road conditions that can be used for travel and the type of PMV to be used.

[0055] When the reservation candidate information is generated in this way, the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 transmits the reservation candidate information to the communication terminal 3 (S8).

[0056] When the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 receives the reservation candidate information, the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 causes the display unit 35 to display the reservation candidate information in a predetermined format (S9). Here, it is assumed that the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 is displayed in a predetermined format. As described above, the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 shows two PMVs 6 (electric kick scooter 6b, electric bicycle 6a) as available PMVs 6 from the departure place, and shows two ports 8 as ports 8 where the PMV 6 can be returned at the final destination. Therefore, the user 2 can select the PMV 6 to be used from the departure place and the port 8 to return the PMV 6 at the final destination in the reservation candidate information displayed on the display unit 35.

[0057] When the PMV 6 to be used from the departure place and the port 8 to return the PMV 6 at the final destination are selected by the selection input of the user 2 (S10), the information generation unit 311 of the communication terminal 3 generates user selection information corresponding to the selection input of the user 2, and the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the user selection information to the PMV reservation device 4 (S11). Note that the user selection information includes the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type for the PMV 6 to be used from the departure place selected by the user 2, and the return port ID for the port 8 to return the PMV 6 at the final destination. Here, it is assumed that the electric kick scooter 6b with the PMV ID "V2" arranged at the port 8 with the lending port ID "P1-3" is selected as the PMV 6 to be used from the departure place, and the port 8 with the return port ID "P5-3" is selected as the port 8 to return the PMV 6 at the final destination.

[0058] When the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 receives such user selection information, the determination unit 413 determines reservation information based on the user selection information and the reservation candidate information generated in S7 (the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10) (S12). Here, it is assumed that the reservation information illustrated in FIG. 11 is determined. The reservation information illustrated in FIG. 11 includes "R001" as the ID of the reservation information (reservation information ID), "P1-3", "V2", and "electric kick scooter" as the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the departure location, "P3-3" as the return port ID of the stopover location, "P3-2", "V10", and "electric bicycle" as the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the stopover location, and "P5-3" as the return port ID of the final destination, etc. Here, the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the departure location and the return port ID of the final destination are based on the selection of User 2.

[0059] In this example, since the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the departure location and the return port ID of the final destination included in the reservation candidate information are each plural, the selection by User 2 (S10) was made. However, if the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the departure location, the return port ID of the stopover location, the lending port ID, PMV ID, and PMV type of the stopover location, and the return port ID of the final destination included in the reservation candidate information are each one, the selection by User 2 (S10) is not made. Instead, approval by User 2 is performed. Here, when an input is made to approve the reservation candidate information by User 2, the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 transmits an approval notice for the reservation candidate information to the PMV reservation device 4. When the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 receives the approval notice, the determination unit 413 determines the reservation candidate information generated in S7 as the reservation information.

[0060] When the reservation information is determined in this way, the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 transmits the determined reservation information to the communication terminal 3 (S13).

[0061] When the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 receives the reservation information, the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 causes the display unit 35 to display the reservation information in a predetermined format (S14). For example, as the reservation information displayed in a predetermined format, the reservation schedule screen 357 illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed. Note that the reservation schedule screen 357 illustrated in FIG. 12 shows a state in which a part of the whole is displayed, and the user 2 can display the rest of the whole by performing screen scrolling. The reservation schedule screen 357 illustrated in FIG. 12 is for the case where the current position is designated as the departure place. The port area names of the lending port and the return port displayed on the reservation schedule screen 357 (such as "〇〇 convenience store" and "□□ restaurant") are based on the lending port ID and the return port ID included in the reservation information, and may be included in the reservation information transmitted from the PMV reservation device 4, for example. Further, the scheduled departure time and the scheduled return time displayed on the reservation schedule screen 357 are calculated based on the scheduled start date and time of use included in the reservation request information, the stay time at the stopover, the travel time on the PMV 6, etc., and may be included in the reservation information transmitted from the PMV reservation device 4, for example.

[0062] After the reservation information is thus displayed on the communication terminal 3, the user 2 can use the PMV 6 according to the reservation information.

[0063] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a reservation for using the PMV 6 in consideration of the stay of the user 2 at a stopover such as a tourist spot, and the PMV 6 can be in a returned state while the user 2 is staying at the stopover. Thereby, it is possible to promote the return of the PMV 6 that is not being used for travel while considering the stay of the user 2 at the stopover.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 is used for explanation. The reservation candidate information illustrated in FIG. 10 included a plurality of lending port IDs, PMVIDs, and PMV types of the departure place and a plurality of return port IDs of the destination place. However, the reservation candidate information is not limited to this. Depending on the search result of the information generation unit 412 of the PMV reservation device 4, one or more of the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the departure place, the return port ID of the stopover place, the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover place, and the return port ID of the destination place may be plural. Also in this case, in S10 of the PMV reservation process illustrated in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of items is selected according to the selection input of the user 2.

[0065] Further, in this case, when the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the departure place included in the reservation candidate information are plural, the plurality of PMV types are according to the search result of the information generation unit 412 of the PMV reservation device 4 and may be of the same type or different types. Also, when the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover place included in the reservation candidate information are plural, the plurality of PMV types are also according to the search result of the information generation unit 412 of the PMV reservation device 4 and may be of the same type or different types. When these are of different types, the user 2 can select a desired type of PMV6 from among the PMVs 6 of different types.

[0066] Also, in this embodiment, after the reservation information is determined by the determination unit 413, if one or more of the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the departure place, the return port ID of the stopover place, the lending port ID, PMVID, and PMV type of the stopover place, and the return port ID of the destination need to be changed, the information generation unit 412 of the PMV reservation device 4 performs a re-search for the ones that need to be changed and generates reservation change information including the re-search result. The communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 may transmit the reservation change information to the communication terminal 3. Here, the case where a change is necessary means, for example, when the PMV 6 scheduled to be lent from the departure place or the stopover place becomes unavailable due to insufficient charge, a failure, a delay in return by another user 2, etc., or when the PMV 6 remains arranged at the return port of the stopover place or the destination due to cancellation of use by another user 2 (a state where the return port is not available). The determination of whether a change is necessary may be performed, for example, by the control unit 41 of the PMV reservation device 4 based on the usage status information and the full / empty information. Then, when the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 receives the reservation change information, the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 may cause the display unit 35 to display the reservation change information. Thereby, the user 2 will not be prevented from receiving the loan of the PMV 6 or returning the PMV 6.

[0067] Also, in the present embodiment, after the reservation information is determined by the determination unit 413, if it is assumed that the lending of the PMV6 (the PMV6 of the departure PMVID or the PMV6 of the arrival PMVID included in the reservation information) to the user 2 is delayed due to the return delay of another user 2, the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 may transmit an inquiry notification to the communication terminal 3 to inquire of the user 2 whether the delay in lending the PMV6 can be tolerated. Here, the determination as to whether the lending of the PMV6 to the user 2 is delayed may be made by, for example, the control unit 41 of the PMV reservation device 4 based on the usage status information and the occupancy information. Then, when the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 receives the inquiry notification and the user 2 at the communication terminal 3 makes an answer input to the inquiry notification, the communication unit 37 of the communication terminal 3 may transmit an answer notification corresponding to the answer input to the PMV reservation device 4. Further, when the communication unit 43 of the PMV reservation device 4 receives the answer notification and the answer notification is a notification indicating that the delay in lending the PMV can be tolerated, the PMV reservation device 4 may perform a process for reimbursing the user 2 for the late fee imposed on another user 2 due to the return delay. This process may be, for example, a process performed by the control unit 41 of the PMV reservation device 4 and may be a process for depositing part or all of the late fee imposed on another user 2 into the bank account of the user 2. Note that the bank account of the user 2 may be included, for example, in the information of the user 2 included in the user registration information. Thereby, it is possible to compensate for the disadvantage to the user 2 caused by the return delay of another user 2.

[0068] Also, in the present embodiment, the port 8 may be provided with a charging device. Then, when the PMV6 is returned to the port 8, the charging device of the port 8 may start charging the returned PMV6. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the PMV6 from becoming unusable due to insufficient charge. Note that, in this case, the charging of the PMV6 may be performed wirelessly or wired. When performed wired, the port 8 may be provided with a mechanism in which, for example, when the PMV6 is disposed, the charging electrical contact of the PMV6 is connected to the charging electrical contact of the charging device.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the reservation request reception performed in S5 of the PMV reservation process illustrated in FIG. 7, the input of the departure location, stopover location, and destination received from the user 2 may be received by inputting characters (e.g., "▼▼ Shrine"), may be received by selection from past input histories, or may be received by specifying a position on the map displayed on the display unit 35. Alternatively, when the communication terminal 3 has a voice recognition function, it may be received by voice uttered by the user 2.

[0070] Also, in the present embodiment, the PMV6 may be provided with a communication function and a position information acquisition function. In this case, the PMV6 may acquire the position information of the current position and transmit the PMV position information including the position information and the ID (PMVID) of the PMV6 to the PMV reservation device 4 at a predetermined time interval. Thereby, the PMV reservation device 4 can recognize the current positions of the respective PMV6s almost in real time. Further, in this case, the PMV position information may further include the ID (user ID) of the user 2. At this time, the user ID may be acquired from the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 who is using the PMV6 by performing wireless communication with the communication terminal 3 by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wifi or the like when the PMV6 is using the PMV6. Thereby, the PMV reservation device 4 can recognize the current position of each PMV6 and its user 2 almost in real time. Further, based on such PMV position information, the management unit 411 of the PMV reservation device 4 may update the usage status information and the occupancy information.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, port 8 may be provided with a communication function. Specifically, port 8 may be provided with a charging device with a communication function or a locking mechanism with a communication function. Note that the locking mechanism is a device that locks PMV6 until the next lending is performed after PMV6 is returned to port 8. In this case, the PMV lending information or PMV return information that the communication terminal 3 has transmitted to the PMV reservation device 4 may be transmitted by the charging device with a communication function or the locking mechanism with a communication function. Specifically, the charging device with a communication function or the locking mechanism with a communication function performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 who receives the lending of PMV6 or the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 who returns PMV6 by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wifi, etc., and obtains the code information recorded on PMV6 and the ID (user ID) of the user 2 from the communication terminal 3, and transmits PMV lending information or PMV return information including the code information, the user ID, and the port ID of port 8.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, PMV6 may be provided with a communication function, and the PMV lending information or PMV return information that the communication terminal 3 has transmitted to the PMV reservation device 4 may be transmitted by PMV6. Specifically, PMV6 performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 who receives the lending of the PMV6 or the communication terminal 3 of the user 2 who returns the PMV6 by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wifi, etc., and obtains the code information recorded on port 8 and the ID (user ID) of the user 2 from the communication terminal 3, and transmits PMV lending information or PMV return information including the code information, the user ID, and the ID (PMVID) of PMV6.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, PMV6 may include an airborne vehicle such as an airborne car.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the communication terminal 3 and the PMV reservation device 4 may be realized by a computer 100 having the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the computer 100.

[0076] The computer 100 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage device 103, a reading device 104, a communication interface 106, and an input / output interface 107, and they are connected to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other via a data bus 108.

[0077] The processor 101 may be, for example, a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core. The processor 101 functions as the control unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 or the control unit 41 of the PMV reservation device 4 by executing a program (for example, a program describing the processing procedure performed by the communication terminal 3 or the PMV reservation device 4 in the PMV reservation process illustrated in FIG. 7) using the memory 102.

[0078] Note that a camera 111 and a GPS device 112 may be connected to the processor 101. The camera 111 includes, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS. The GPS device 112 includes a sensor for detecting the current position. When the communication terminal 3 is realized by the computer 100, the camera 111 may provide the function of the imaging unit 34, and the GPS device 112 may provide the function of the position information acquisition unit 33. Note that GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. CCD is an abbreviation for Charge Coupled Device. CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.

[0079] The memory 102 is, for example, a semiconductor memory and includes a RAM area and a ROM area. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.

[0080] The memory device 103 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory, or an external storage device. When the computer 100 realizes the communication terminal 3, the memory device 103 may provide the function of the storage unit 36. When the computer 100 realizes the PMV reservation device 4, the memory device 103 may provide the function of the storage unit 42.

[0081] The reading device 104 accesses the removable storage medium 105 according to the instruction of the processor 101. The removable storage medium 105 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device (such as a USB memory), a medium in which information is input and output by a magnetic action (such as a magnetic disk), a medium in which information is input and output by an optical action (such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, etc.). Note that USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. CD is an abbreviation for Compact Disc. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0082] The communication interface 106 communicates via various communication networks (for example, the communication network 5) according to the instruction of the processor 101. When the computer 100 realizes the communication terminal 3, the communication interface 106 may provide the function of the communication unit 37. When the computer 100 realizes the PMV reservation device 4, the communication interface 106 may provide the function of the communication unit 43.

[0083] The input / output interface 107 provides an interface with the input device 113 and the output device 114. The input device 113 is a keyboard, a mouse device, a button switch, a touch panel, etc. The output device 114 is a display device, an audio output device, etc. When the computer 100 realizes the communication terminal 3, the output device 114 may provide the function of the display unit 35, and the input device 113 may provide the function of the input unit 32.

[0084] The program executed by the processor 101 of the computer 100 is provided, for example, in the following form. (1) It is pre-installed in the memory device 103. (2) It is provided by the removable memory medium 105. (3) It is provided from the program server via the communication network.

[0085] Note that the hardware configuration of the computer 100 is for illustration, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a part of the configuration may be deleted, or a new configuration may be added.

[0086] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 PMV reservation system 2 User 3 Communication terminal 4 PMV reservation device 5 Communication network 6, 6a, 6b PMV 7 Port area 8 Port 31 Control unit 32 Input unit 33 Position information acquisition unit 34 Imaging unit 35 Display unit 36 Memory unit 37 Communication unit 41 Control unit 42 Memory unit 43 Communication unit 311 Information generation unit 411 Management unit 412 Information generation unit 413 Decision unit

Claims

1. A PMV reservation system including a user's communication terminal and a PMV reservation device, wherein the communication terminal comprises a location information acquisition unit for acquiring location information, an information generation unit for generating reservation request information including the location information or the departure place input by the user, the stopover place input by the user and the stay time at the stopover place, and the destination input by the user, and a communication unit for transmitting the reservation request information to the PMV reservation device, and the PMV reservation device comprises a communication unit for receiving the reservation request information and transmitting reservation candidate information to the communication terminal, a management unit for managing utilization status information indicating the utilization status of PMVs and occupancy / vacancy information indicating the occupancy / vacancy status of the ports where the PMVs are lent and returned, and an information generation unit for generating the reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information, the utilization status information and the occupancy / vacancy information, and is characterized by being the PMV reservation system.

2. When there is one stopover place included in the reservation request information, the information generation unit searches from the utilization status information and the occupancy / vacancy information for a first PMV which is a PMV available at the location indicated by the location information included in the reservation request information or near the departure place, a first port which is the port for lending the first PMV, a second port which is a port where the first PMV can be returned near the stopover place included in the reservation request information, a second PMV which is a PMV available near the stopover place after the stay time included in the reservation request information, a third port which is the port for lending the second PMV, and a fourth port which is a port where the second PMV can be returned near the destination included in the reservation request information, and generates the reservation candidate information including the search result. The PMV reservation system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The PMV reservation device further comprises a determination unit for determining reservation information, and when the communication unit of the communication terminal receives the reservation candidate information, and when each of the first PMV, the first port, the second port, the second PMV, the third port, and the fourth port included in the reservation candidate information is one, and when the user inputs approval of the reservation candidate information at the communication terminal, the communication unit of the communication terminal transmits an approval notice for the reservation candidate information to the PMV reservation device. ​ When the communication unit of the PMV reservation device receives the approval notice, the determination unit determines the reservation candidate information as the reservation information. The PMV reservation system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The PMV reservation device further includes a determination unit that determines reservation information. When the communication unit of the communication terminal receives the reservation candidate information, when one or more of the first PMV, the first port, the second port, the second PMV, the third port, and the fourth port included in the reservation candidate information are plural, and the user makes a selection input for the reservation candidate information on the communication terminal, the information generation unit of the communication terminal generates user selection information corresponding to the selection input, and the communication unit of the communication terminal transmits the user selection information to the PMV reservation device. When the communication unit of the PMV reservation device receives the user selection information, the determination unit determines the reservation information based on the reservation candidate information and the user selection information. The PMV reservation system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. When there are a plurality of the first PMV included in the reservation candidate information, the plurality of the first PMV are of the same type or different types of PMV. When there are a plurality of the second PMV included in the reservation candidate information, the plurality of the second PMV are of the same type or different types of PMV. The PMV reservation system according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. After the reservation information is determined by the determination unit, when one or more of the first PMV, the first port, the second port, the second PMV, the third port, and the fourth port included in the reservation information need to be changed, the information generation unit of the PMV reservation device performs a re-search on the ones that need to be changed and generates reservation change information including the re-search result, and the communication unit of the PMV reservation device transmits the reservation change information to the communication terminal. The PMV reservation system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that.

7. After the reservation information is determined by the determination unit, if it is assumed that the lending of the first PMV or the second PMV to the user will be delayed due to a late return by another user, the communication unit of the PMV reservation device transmits an inquiry notification to the communication terminal to inquire of the user whether the lending delay of the first PMV or the second PMV can be tolerated. When the communication unit of the communication terminal receives the inquiry notification and the user inputs an answer to the inquiry notification in the communication terminal, the communication unit of the communication terminal transmits an answer notification corresponding to the answer input to the PMV reservation device. When the communication unit of the PMV reservation device receives the answer notification and the answer notification is a notification indicating that the lending delay of the first PMV or the second PMV can be tolerated, the PMV reservation device performs a process for reducing the late fee imposed on the other user due to the return delay to the user. The PMV reservation system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that.

8. The port is provided with a charging device. When the PMV is returned to the port, the charging device of the port to which the PMV is returned starts charging the returned PMV. The PMV reservation system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. Receiving reservation request information including the location information of the user's communication terminal or the departure place input by the user, the stopover place input by the user and the stay time at the stopover place, and the final place input by the user from the communication terminal, and a communication unit for transmitting reservation candidate information to the communication terminal. A management unit that manages utilization status information indicating the utilization status of the PMV and occupancy information indicating the occupancy status of the port where the PMV is lent and returned. An information generation unit that generates the reservation candidate information based on the reservation request information, the utilization status information, and the occupancy information. A PMV reservation device, characterized in that it comprises.

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