Control device and system

Abstract

To make rental service for mobile object more efficient.SOLUTION: There is provided a control device that is mounted on a mobile object, and comprises a control part which performs authentication based upon a digital key received from mobile equipment that a user of the mobile object carries and controls whether the mobile object is usable based upon the result of the authentication, wherein the user includes a lessee of a rental contract for the mobile object, and the digital key is distributed after the settlement related to the rental contract is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, technologies for authenticating a device according to the result of signal transmission and reception between devices have been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is possible to improve the efficiency of a lending service of a moving body or the like.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in relation to the above technology, and an object of the present invention is to further improve the efficiency of a lending service of a moving body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device mounted on a moving body, the control device including a control unit that performs authentication based on a digital key received from a mobile device carried by a user of the moving body and controls the availability of the moving body based on the result of the authentication, wherein the user includes a borrower in a lending contract of the moving body, and the digital key is distributed after completion of settlement related to the lending contract.

[0007] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a control device mounted on a moving body, a mobile device carried by a user of the moving body, and a server that distributes a digital key to the mobile device. The control device performs authentication based on the digital key received from the mobile device, and controls the availability of the moving body based on the result of the authentication. The user includes a borrower in the lease contract of the moving body, and the server distributes the digital key to the mobile device after completion of settlement related to the lease contract.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the rental service of the moving body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0011] In addition, in the present specification and drawings, when describing a plurality of components of the same type separately, an alphabet or the like may be added to the end of the reference numeral. On the other hand, when there is no need to distinguish a plurality of components of the same type, the above-mentioned alphabet or the like is omitted, and there may be cases where descriptions common to all of the plurality of components of the same type are made.

[0012] <1. Embodiment> <<1.1. Example of Functional Configuration>> First, an example of the functional configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 10 mounted on a moving body 15, a mobile device 20, a server 30, and a staff terminal 40.

[0015] In addition, the server 30 according to the present embodiment cooperates with an identity authentication service 50 and a payment service 60.

[0016] (Control Device 10) The control device 10 according to the present embodiment performs authentication based on a digital key received from a mobile device 20 carried by a user of the mobile body 15, and controls the availability of the mobile body 15 based on the result of the authentication.

[0017] (Mobile body 15) The mobile body 15 according to the present embodiment is an object of rental in rental services such as car rental and car sharing.

[0018] The mobile body 15 according to the present embodiment can be, for example, an automobile, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a ship, or the like.

[0019] (Mobile device 20) The mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment can be a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, or the like carried by a user of the mobile body 15.

[0020] The user according to the present embodiment includes a borrower who has concluded a rental contract for the mobile body 15 with the lender.

[0021] Further, the user according to the present embodiment may include a driver of the mobile body 15 designated by the borrower.

[0022] The mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment outputs an instruction such as unlocking or locking the mobile body 15 using a digital key distributed from the server 30 in accordance with the rental contract of the mobile body 15.

[0023] (Server 30) The server 30 according to the present embodiment has various functions for realizing a rental service of the mobile body 15.

[0024] For example, the server 30 according to the present embodiment performs distribution control of digital keys, management of distributed digital keys, and the like.

[0025] Further, the server 30 according to the present embodiment cooperates with the personal authentication service 50 to realize online personal authentication of borrowers and the like.

[0026] In addition, the server 30 according to the present embodiment cooperates with the payment service 60 to realize online payment.

[0027] (Staff terminal 40) The staff terminal 40 according to the present embodiment can be a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, etc. used by the personnel on the lender side (lender, staff employed by the lender, etc.). Further, the staff terminal 40 may be used by the provider of the system 1, the staff who has contracted with the provider (for example, an operator in a call center), etc.

[0028] The staff terminal 40 according to the present embodiment connects to the server 30 based on the operation by the staff and issues an execution instruction for various functions of the server 30.

[0029] (Personal authentication service 50) The personal authentication service 50 according to the present embodiment performs personal identification of a certain person based on the received information.

[0030] The personal authentication service 50 according to the present embodiment may be provided by a third party different from the operator or individual who provides the lending service of the mobile body 15, the operator who installs and manages the server 30, etc.

[0031] The personal authentication service 50 according to the present embodiment cooperates with the server 30 via, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the above third party.

[0032] In addition, when the mobile body 15 is a vehicle that requires a driving qualification (driver's license) such as an automobile or a motorcycle, the personal authentication service 50 may perform personal identification and confirmation of the possession of the driving qualification based on the received image of the driver's license and the image of the person's face.

[0033] On the one hand, when the mobile body 15 is a vehicle that does not require a driving license such as a bicycle, the personal authentication service 50 may perform personal verification based only on the result of face authentication based on an image of a person's face, or based on the result of face authentication and the verification result of an identity document (in addition to a driver's license, an insurance certificate, a passport, etc.).

[0034] (Payment service 60) The payment service 60 according to this embodiment performs online payment based on the received information.

[0035] The above online payment can be various cashless payments using a credit card, a debit card, electronic money, etc.

[0036] The payment service 60 according to this embodiment may be provided by a third party different from the operator or individual who provides the lending service of the mobile body 15, the operator who installs and manages the server 30, etc.

[0037] The payment service 60 according to this embodiment is linked with the server 30 via, for example, an API provided by the above third party.

[0038] The above is the outline of the functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0039] Next, a functional configuration example of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] The control device 10 according to this embodiment may be, for example, a keybox-type device that is detachably installed after the production of the mobile body 15.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the keybox-type control device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the keybox-type control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, an actuator 130, and a storage unit 140 in which the remote control key 17 of the mobile body 15 is stored.

[0043] (Control unit 110) The control unit 110 according to the present embodiment performs authentication based on the digital key received by the wireless communication unit 120 from the mobile device 20.

[0044] Also, the control unit 110 according to the present embodiment controls the availability of the moving body 15 based on the result of the above authentication.

[0045] More specifically, when the authenticity of the digital key is recognized in the above authentication, the control unit 110 according to the present embodiment controls the locking and unlocking of the door provided in the moving body 15.

[0046] For example, when the wireless communication unit 120 receives a digital key together with an unlocking instruction, the control unit 110 controls the actuator 130 to press the unlocking button of the remote control key 17.

[0047] By pressing the unlocking button by the actuator 130, the remote control key 17 transmits an unlocking instruction conforming to the specified communication standard.

[0048] The unlocking instruction transmitted by the remote control key 17 is received by the wireless communication unit 160 provided in the moving body 15.

[0049] The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 170 provided in the moving body 15 performs authentication based on the unlocking instruction received by the wireless communication unit 160, and when the authentication is successful, instructs the locking / unlocking device 190 to unlock the door.

[0050] Also, for example, when the wireless communication unit 120 receives a digital key together with a locking instruction, the control unit 110 controls the actuator 130 to press the locking button of the remote control key 17.

[0051] By pressing the locking button by the actuator 130, the remote control key 17 transmits a locking instruction conforming to the specified wireless communication standard.

[0052] The locking instruction transmitted by the remote control key 17 is received by the wireless communication unit 160 provided in the mobile body 15.

[0053] The ECU 170 provided in the mobile body 15 performs authentication based on the locking instruction received by the wireless communication unit 160, and when the authentication is successful, instructs the locking / unlocking device 190 to lock the door.

[0054] The functions of the control unit 110 according to the present embodiment are realized by various processors.

[0055] (Wireless communication unit 120) The wireless communication unit 120 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication compliant with a specified communication standard with the mobile device 20.

[0056] Examples of the specified communication standard include BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0057] For example, the wireless communication unit 120 according to the present embodiment receives a digital key together with an unlocking instruction or a locking instruction from the mobile device 20.

[0058] (Actuator 130) The actuator 130 according to the present embodiment is a driving device that physically operates the remote control key 17 according to the control by the control unit 110.

[0059] The actuator 130 according to the present embodiment is appropriately designed according to the configuration of the remote control key 17.

[0060] (Storage unit 140) The storage unit 140 according to the present embodiment has a space for storing the remote control key 17.

[0061] The functional configuration example of the key box type control device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

[0062] On the other hand, the control device 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the key box type device described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0063] The control device 10 according to the present embodiment may be an ECU incorporated into the moving body 15 during the production of the moving body 15.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration example when the control device 10 according to the present embodiment is an ECU.

[0065] When the control device 10 according to the present embodiment is an ECU, the control device 10 includes a control unit 115 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0066] (Control unit 115) The control unit 115 according to the present embodiment performs authentication based on the digital key received by the wireless communication unit 160 provided in the moving body 15 from the mobile device 20.

[0067] Further, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment controls the availability of the moving body 15 based on the result of the above authentication.

[0068] More specifically, when the authenticity of the digital key is recognized in the above authentication, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment controls the locking and unlocking of the door provided in the moving body 15.

[0069] For example, when the wireless communication unit 160 receives a digital key together with an unlocking instruction, the control unit 115 instructs the locking / unlocking device 190 to unlock the door.

[0070] Also, for example, when the wireless communication unit 160 receives a digital key together with a locking instruction, the control unit 115 instructs the locking / unlocking device 190 to unlock the door.

[0071] Note that the locking / unlocking device 190 is an example of the controlled device 180 provided in the moving body 15.

[0072] Further, the controlled device 180 according to the present embodiment may include an engine.

[0073] Also, in this case, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment may control whether the engine can be started based on the authentication result.

[0074] More specifically, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment may permit the engine to start only when the authenticity of the digital key is recognized in the authentication.

[0075] The functions of the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment are realized by various processors.

[0076] The functional configuration example of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

[0077] Next, a functional configuration example of the mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 210, an operation reception unit 220, a display unit 230, a position information acquisition unit 240, a wireless communication unit 250, and a communication unit 260.

[0080] (Control unit 210) The control unit 210 according to the present embodiment controls each component included in the mobile device 20.

[0081] For example, the control unit 210 according to the present embodiment causes the wireless communication unit 250 to transmit a digital key together with an unlock instruction or a lock instruction based on a user operation received by the operation reception unit 220.

[0082] The functions of the control unit 210 according to the present embodiment are realized by various processors.

[0083] (Operation reception unit 220) The operation reception unit 220 according to this embodiment receives various operations by the user.

[0084] For this purpose, the operation reception unit 220 according to this embodiment includes an input device such as a touch panel, buttons, switches, a keyboard, etc.

[0085] (Display unit 230) The display unit 230 according to this embodiment displays various information according to the control by the control unit 210.

[0086] For this purpose, the display unit 230 according to this embodiment includes various displays.

[0087] (Position information acquisition unit 240) The position information acquisition unit 240 according to this embodiment acquires the position information of the mobile device 20 according to the control by the control unit 210.

[0088] For this purpose, the position information acquisition unit 240 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a receiver that receives signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites.

[0089] Note that the acquisition of the position information may be performed by other modules provided in the control device 10 or other modules provided in the moving body 15. The position information acquired by such other modules may be directly transmitted to the server 30 or indirectly transmitted to the server 30 via the mobile device 20.

[0090] Also, dead reckoning may be used for the acquisition of the position information according to this embodiment. In this case, it is possible to acquire the position information even in a place where signals from GNSS satellites such as tunnels do not reach.

[0091] (Wireless communication unit 250) The wireless communication unit 250 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication compliant with a specified communication standard with the control device 10 in accordance with the control by the control unit 210.

[0092] When the control device 10 is an ECU, the wireless communication is performed via the wireless communication unit 160 provided in the moving body 15.

[0093] For example, the wireless communication unit 250 according to the present embodiment transmits a digital key together with an unlock instruction or a lock instruction in accordance with the control by the control unit 210.

[0094] (Communication unit 260) The communication unit 260 according to the present embodiment performs information communication with the server 30 via the Internet or the like.

[0095] For example, the communication unit 260 according to the present embodiment receives a digital key from the server 30.

[0096] The functional configuration example of the mobile device 20 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

[0097] Next, a functional configuration example of the server 30 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0098] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server 30 according to the present embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 5, the server 30 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 310 and a communication unit 320.

[0100] (Control unit 310) As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 310 according to the present embodiment includes a reservation management unit 311, a digital key management unit 312, a customer management unit 313, a store and the like management unit 314, a moving body management unit 315, a fee management unit 316, a position information management unit 317, and a UI control unit 318, and the like.

[0101] (Reservation management unit 311) The reservation management unit 311 according to this embodiment executes reservations related to the rental of the moving body 15, manages reservation details, etc., via the UI (User Interface) provided by the UI control unit 318.

[0102] (Digital key management unit 312) The digital key management unit 312 according to this embodiment distributes digital keys, manages the distributed digital keys, etc.

[0103] (Customer management unit 313) The customer management unit 313 according to this embodiment manages various types of information regarding the borrower in the rental contract of the moving body 15, the driver designated by the borrower, etc.

[0104] (Store etc. management unit 314) The store etc. management unit 314 according to this embodiment manages various types of information regarding the lender in the rental contract of the moving body 15, the staff employed by the lender, the store, parking lot, etc. that are the rental locations of the moving body 15.

[0105] (Moving body management unit 315) The moving body management unit 315 according to this embodiment manages various types of information regarding the moving body 15 that is the subject of rental in the rental contract.

[0106] (Fee management unit 316) The fee management unit 316 according to this embodiment manages various types of information regarding the fees associated with the rental contract of the moving body 15.

[0107] (Location information management unit 317) The location information management unit 317 according to this embodiment manages the location information of the mobile device 20.

[0108] (UI control unit 318) The UI control unit 318 according to this embodiment controls the UI used by users such as the borrower in the rental contract of the moving body 15, and the UI used by the personnel on the lender side in the rental contract.

[0109] Note that the UI used by users such as borrowers may be provided by the cooperation of a dedicated application installed on the mobile device 20 and the UI control unit 318, or may be provided by the cooperation of a browser installed on the mobile device 20 and the UI control unit 318.

[0110] Similarly, the UI used by the staff on the lender side may be provided by the cooperation of a dedicated application installed on the staff terminal 40 and the UI control unit 318, or may be provided by the cooperation of a browser installed on the staff terminal 40 and the UI control unit 318.

[0111] The functions of the control unit 310 according to this embodiment are realized by various processors.

[0112] (Communication unit 320) The communication unit 320 according to this embodiment performs information communication with each of the mobile device 20, the staff terminal 40, the personal authentication service 50, and the payment service 60 via the Internet or the like according to the control by the control unit 310.

[0113] The functional configuration example of the server 30 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0114] Next, a functional configuration example of the staff terminal 40 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0115] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the staff terminal 40 according to this embodiment.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, the staff terminal 40 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 410, an operation reception unit 420, a display unit 430, and a communication unit 440.

[0117] (Control unit 410) The control unit 410 according to this embodiment controls each component included in the staff terminal 40.

[0118] The functions of the control unit 410 according to this embodiment are realized by various processors.

[0119] (Operation reception unit 420) The operation reception unit 420 according to this embodiment receives various operations by staff or the like.

[0120] For this purpose, the operation reception unit 420 according to this embodiment includes input devices such as a touch panel, buttons, switches, keyboards, and mice.

[0121] (Display unit 430) The display unit 430 according to this embodiment displays various information according to the control by the control unit 410.

[0122] For this purpose, the display unit 430 according to this embodiment includes various displays.

[0123] (Communication unit 440) The communication unit 440 according to this embodiment performs information communication with the server 30 via the Internet or the like.

[0124] The functional configuration example of the system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0125] However, the above-described functional configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to such an example.

[0126] The functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment can be flexibly deformed according to the specifications, operation, etc. of the lending service.

[0127] <<1.2. Functional details>> Subsequently, the functions of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0128] First, the features related to the distribution of digital keys by the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0129] One of the features of the server 30 according to this embodiment is that it distributes a digital key after completion of settlement related to the rental contract of the moving body 15.

[0130] According to the above feature, it becomes possible to prevent non-payment of fees by the borrower in the above rental contract.

[0131] Another feature of the server 30 according to this embodiment is that it distributes a digital key after completion of identification of the user such as the borrower in the above rental contract.

[0132] According to the above feature, it becomes possible to prevent the rental of the moving body 15 to a person who cannot be identified.

[0133] Another feature of the server 30 according to this embodiment is that it distributes a digital key after it is confirmed that the above user has the qualification to drive the moving body 15.

[0134] According to the above feature, it becomes possible to prevent the rental of the moving body 15 to a person who does not have the driving qualification for the moving body 15.

[0135] In addition, the system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to realize settlement associated with a rental contract, identification of the user, and confirmation of the user's driving qualification online, thereby making the rental service of the moving body 15 more efficient.

[0136] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to digital key distribution according to this embodiment.

[0137] In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 of the server 30 first determines whether or not the settlement information of the borrower has been registered (S101).

[0138] When the control unit 310 determines that the settlement information of the borrower has not been registered (S101: NO), it performs control such as notifying the borrower to register the settlement information via the UI, and returns to step S101.

[0139] On the other hand, when the control unit 310 determines that the settlement information of the borrower has been registered (S101: YES), it permits the reservation of the lending contract of the moving body 15 via the UI (S102).

[0140] In addition, the control unit 310 accepts the reservation of the lending contract of the moving body 15 via the UI by the borrower (S103).

[0141] Next, the control unit 310 determines whether the authentication of the borrower has been completed (S104).

[0142] When the control unit 310 determines that the authentication of the borrower has not been completed (S104: NO), it performs control such as notifying the borrower to perform authentication via the UI, and returns to step S104.

[0143] On the other hand, when the control unit 310 determines that the authentication of the borrower has been completed (S104: YES), subsequently, it determines whether the settlement associated with the lending contract of the moving body 15 has been completed (S105).

[0144] When the control unit 310 determines that the settlement has not been completed (S105: NO), it performs control such as notifying the borrower to perform settlement via the UI, and returns to step S105.

[0145] On the other hand, when the control unit 310 determines that the settlement has been completed (S105: YES), it distributes a digital key to the mobile device 20 possessed by the borrower or the like (S106).

[0146] As described above, an example of the process flow related to digital key distribution according to the present embodiment has been described. However, the above process flow described with reference to FIG. 7 is merely an example, and the process flow related to digital key distribution according to the present embodiment can be flexibly modified.

[0147] Subsequently, the registration of settlement information via the UI and the registration of information on a driver's license (which may be simply referred to as a license) will be described.

[0148] The driver's license is used to verify the identity of the borrower and confirm the possession of a driving qualification.

[0149] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC1 for registering / modifying account information in the UI used by the borrower.

[0150] The borrower may be able to register / modify login information (e.g., email address, password, etc.) and member information (e.g., name, date of birth, address, phone number, gender, etc.) on the screen SC1.

[0151] Also, the borrower may be able to input payment information by pressing, for example, a button B1 on the screen SC1.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC2 for inputting payment information.

[0153] Note that FIG. 9 shows an example when a credit card is used for payment.

[0154] The borrower may be able to register payment information by inputting information such as card number, expiration date, cardholder name, etc. into fields F1 to F3 arranged on the screen SC2 and pressing a button B3.

[0155] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication of payment information according to the present embodiment.

[0156] In the example shown in FIG. 10, first, the server 30 receives the input of payment information via the screen SC2 shown in FIG. 9 (S201).

[0157] Next, the server 30 transmits the payment information received in step S201 to the payment service 60 (S202).

[0158] The payment service 60 that has received the payment information in step S202 performs authentication of the payment information (S203).

[0159] Next, the payment service 60 returns the authentication result in step S203 to the server 30 (S204).

[0160] If the authentication result received in step S204 indicates successful authentication, the server 30 stores the payment information received in step S201 (S205).

[0161] Referring again to FIG. 8, the registration of license information will be described.

[0162] The borrower may be able to register the license information by pressing, for example, button B2 on the screen SC1.

[0163] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC3 for starting the confirmation of identity using a license and the confirmation of possession of a driving license.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 11, it may be displayed on the screen SC3 that it is necessary to take a picture of the license and the face image of the borrower (hereinafter referred to as the person image).

[0165] The borrower may be able to activate the camera provided in the mobile device 20 by pressing, for example, button B4 and take pictures of the license and the face image of the borrower.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication (identity confirmation and confirmation of possession of a driving license) based on the license according to the present embodiment.

[0167] In the case of the example shown in FIG. 12, first, the input of the license image and the person image taken by the screen SC3 shown in FIG. 11 is received (S301).

[0168] Next, the server 30 transmits the license image and the person image received in step S301 to the identity authentication service 50 (S302).

[0169] In step S302, the identity authentication service 50 that has received the license image and the personal image performs authentication related to the license based on both images (S303).

[0170] Next, the identity authentication service 50 returns the authentication result in step S303 to the server 30 (S304).

[0171] When the authentication result received in step S304 indicates successful authentication, the server 30 assumes that the identity of the borrower has been confirmed and the borrower holds a driving license, and saves the license information (S305).

[0172] The above license information may include the license image, the personal image, and various information obtained from the license image (for example, license number, expiration date, license type, license conditions, etc.).

[0173] Next, the reservation of the rental contract of the mobile body 15 using the UI will be described.

[0174] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC4 that shows on a map the positions of stores, parking lots, etc. (hereinafter referred to as stations) that are rental locations of the mobile body 15.

[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 13, on the screen SC4, the positions of the respective stations may be indicated by pins P arranged on the map.

[0176] In the case of the example shown in FIG. 13, the borrower may be able to select the station corresponding to the pin P1 by pressing the pin P1, for example. Similarly, the borrower may be able to select the station corresponding to the pin P2 by pressing the pin P2, for example.

[0177] Also, the borrower may be able to search for stations related to the entered arbitrary string by entering the arbitrary string in the field F4.

[0178] Furthermore, the borrower may be able to search for a station where the mobile unit 15 can be lent that meets the specified conditions by specifying conditions such as the date and time and vehicle type by pressing the button B6.

[0179] Also, the borrower may be able to display a list of all stations by pressing the button B5.

[0180] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC5 for displaying a list of stations.

[0181] On the screen SC5, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, all stations may be listed by region such as prefectures.

[0182] Also, when an arbitrary prefecture is selected by the borrower, a list of stations existing in the selected prefecture may be pulled down and displayed.

[0183] In the case of the example shown in FIG. 14, the borrower may be able to select the station "ABC Store" by pressing the button B7. Similarly, the borrower may be able to select the station "DEF Store" by pressing the button B8.

[0184] Also, the borrower may be able to narrow down the stations displayed in the list to only the stations related to the character string by entering an arbitrary character string in the field F5.

[0185] The borrower can perform operations on the screen SC4, screen SC5, etc., and select the station that will be the boarding location and the station that will be the return location.

[0186] Also, in addition to the boarding location and the return location, the borrower inputs the start date and time, return date and time, vehicle type, service content, etc. related to the lending using the UI.

[0187] FIG. 15 is an example of a screen SC6 for confirming the reservation content based on the input content.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 15, information regarding the usage schedule, the vehicle to be used, the usage amount, etc. may be displayed on the screen SC6.

[0189] The borrower may check various information displayed on the screen SC6 and, if there is no error, select a payment method by pressing the button B9.

[0190] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC7 for selecting a payment method.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 16, the usage amount and the registered payment information are displayed on the screen SC7.

[0192] In the example shown in FIG. 16, as the registered payment information, the information of the credit card registered by the process described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 is shown.

[0193] The borrower may select any registered credit card using the radio buttons RB1, RB2, etc.

[0194] Also, the borrower may register a new credit card by pressing the button B10. The registration of a new credit card is performed by the process described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0195] When the borrower selects a payment method and presses the button B11, a transition is made from the screen SC7 to a screen SC8 for final confirmation of the reservation.

[0196] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC8 for final confirmation of a reservation.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 17, information such as the usage schedule, the vehicle to be used, the usage amount, the selected payment method, etc. is displayed on the screen SC8.

[0198] The borrower may check the displayed information and complete the reservation by pressing the button B13.

[0199] In addition, the borrower may register an additional driver by pressing button B12.

[0200] The additional driver refers to another user who drives the moving body 15 in addition to the borrower.

[0201] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC9 for registering an additional driver.

[0202] The borrower may, for example, input the email address of the additional driver in field F6 and register the additional driver by pressing button B17.

[0203] If the account information of the user associated with the address entered in field F6 already exists in the server 30 and the identity verification and possession verification of the driving qualification of the user are completed, the server 30 registers the user as an additional driver for the target lease contract.

[0204] On the other hand, if the information of the user associated with the address entered in field F6 does not exist, the server 30 may send an email requesting registration of account information to the address.

[0205] In addition, if the account information of the user associated with the address entered in field F6 already exists but the identity verification or possession verification of the driving qualification of the user is not completed, the server 30 may notify the user to complete the identity verification or possession verification of the driving qualification.

[0206] Note that multiple additional drivers may be registered. The borrower may, on screen SC9, press button B15 to additionally display a field for inputting information of a further additional driver.

[0207] In addition, the borrower may delete the information entered in field F6 by pressing button B14.

[0208] When the borrower presses button B16, no additional driver registration is performed, and a transition from screen SC9 to screen SC8 is made.

[0209] The reservation of the rental contract for the moving body 15 has been described above.

[0210] Next, the process for starting use after reservation completion will be described.

[0211] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of screen SC10 for starting the use of the moving body 15 after reservation completion.

[0212] The borrower or additional driver may be able to start using the moving body 15 by pressing button B18 on screen SC10.

[0213] When button B18 is pressed, the server 30 distributes digital keys to the borrower's mobile device 20 and the additional driver's mobile device 20.

[0214] Note that when button B18 is pressed, the server 30 may request the input of a code that can be obtained by the borrower or the like at the station, and distribute digital keys when the code is correctly input.

[0215] In addition, the server 30 sends a lending certificate to the borrower's email address.

[0216] Subsequently, unlocking and locking using the distributed digital key will be described.

[0217] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of screen SC11 for unlocking and locking the door of the moving body 15.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 20, an image corresponding to the remote control key 17 of the moving body 15 may be displayed on screen SC11.

[0219] When a user such as a borrower presses the area R1 corresponding to the unlock button of the remote control key 17, the mobile device 20 executes the above-described process such as transmitting digital keys together with an unlock instruction, and the door of the moving body 15 is unlocked.

[0220] Also, when a user such as a borrower presses the area R2 corresponding to the lock button of the remote control key 17, the mobile device 20 executes the above-described process such as transmitting digital keys together with a lock instruction, and the door of the moving body 15 is locked.

[0221] In addition, when unlocking is performed for the first time, a transition may be made from the screen SC11 to a screen for performing a check before use. On this screen, input of the presence or absence of damage, dirt, etc. of the moving body 15, photographing of the corresponding part, etc. may be required.

[0222] Next, the return process and the invalidation of the digital key will be described.

[0223] A user such as a borrower presses the button B19 arranged on the screen SC11 to end the use of the moving body 15 and perform a process of returning the moving body 15 to the lender.

[0224] In addition, when the button B19 is pressed, a transition may be made from the screen SC11 to a screen for performing a check after use. On this screen, input of the presence or absence of damage, dirt, etc. of the moving body 15, photographing of the corresponding part, etc. may be required. Also, on this screen, photographing of the fuel gauge or a receipt proving that fueling has been performed may be required.

[0225] When the return process is performed by pressing the button B19 or when the usage time in the lease contract ends, the server 30 makes a determination regarding the invalidation of the digital key.

[0226] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of determination regarding the invalidation of the digital key.

[0227] In the case of an example shown in FIG. 21, the server 30 first determines whether or not the return process has been completed (S401).

[0228] If the server 30 determines that the return process has been completed (S401: YES), the digital key is invalidated.

[0229] The invalidation of the digital key may be realized, for example, by setting the expiration date according to the usage time of the digital key to be before the current time when such an expiration date is set.

[0230] On the other hand, if the server 30 determines that the return process has not been completed (S401: NO), it determines whether or not the usage time in the lending contract has ended (S402).

[0231] If the server 30 determines that the usage time has not ended (S402: NO), it returns to step S401.

[0232] On the other hand, if the server 30 determines that the usage time has ended (S402: YES), it determines whether or not an automatic extension setting has been made (S403).

[0233] The above automatic extension setting is a setting in which when the usage time ends, the usage time is automatically extended and automatic settlement of the fee corresponding to the extension of the usage time is performed.

[0234] The automatic extension setting may be determined, for example, for each lender, each station, and each mobile body 15.

[0235] If the server 30 determines that the automatic extension setting has been made (S403: YES), it performs automatic extension of the usage time and the expiration date of the digital key, automatic settlement (S404), and returns to step S401.

[0236] On the other hand, if the server 30 determines that the automatic extension setting has not been made (S403: NO), the digital key is invalidated (S405).

[0237] The flow of determination regarding the invalidation of the digital key has been described by way of an example above.

[0238] As described above, the digital key according to the present embodiment may be invalidated after the return process or after the usage time has ended.

[0239] However, even after the return process, a situation where the user such as the borrower wants to unlock the door of the moving body 15 is also assumed, for example, when the user such as the borrower has left something in the passenger compartment of the moving body 15.

[0240] Therefore, the digital key according to the present embodiment may be temporarily available after being invalidated after the end of the lending contract.

[0241] Such temporary use of the digital key may also be possible based on a request from a user such as the borrower.

[0242] FIG. 22 is an example of a screen SC12 for requesting temporary use of the digital key after the end of the lending contract.

[0243] The screen SC12 may be displayed after the return process by pressing the button B19 arranged on the screen SC11 shown in FIG. 21.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 22, a button B20 for requesting a temporarily available digital key with a time limit is arranged on the screen SC12.

[0245] When the button B20 is pressed, the server 30 controls so that the borrower and the additional driver can temporarily use the digital key to lock and unlock the moving body 15.

[0246] For example, the server 30 may re - distribute the digital key with a time limit to the mobile device 20 of the borrower and the mobile device 20 of the additional driver.

[0247] Further, for example, the server 30 may perform control to extend the expiration date of the digital key that has already been distributed to the mobile device 20 of the borrower and the mobile device 20 of the additional driver.

[0248] According to the control as described above, after the end of the lease contract, the user such as the borrower can temporarily lock and unlock the door of the moving body 15, improving convenience.

[0249] In addition, the temporary use of the digital key as described above is needed not only by the borrower but also by the staff on the lending side.

[0250] For example, when the staff on the lending side wants to clean the interior of the moving body 15 or wants to move the moving body 15, a situation where temporary use of the digital key is required is assumed.

[0251] For this purpose, the server 30 may grant a temporary digital key based on a request from the staff terminal 40.

[0252] FIG. 23 is an example of a screen SC13 for making a request for temporary granting of a digital key.

[0253] The staff on the lending side or the like accesses the screen SC13 using the staff terminal 40, inputs the target person information, the target vehicle information, the temporary granting period, etc., and presses the button B21 to request the server 30 to temporarily grant the digital key related to the set target vehicle to the set target person.

[0254] The server 30 performs control to temporarily grant the digital key related to the target vehicle to the target person based on the received target person information, target vehicle information, temporary granting period, etc.

[0255] According to the control as described above, the staff can temporarily use the moving body 15, and the work on the lending side can be made more efficient.

[0256] Note that the target person who can be set on the screen SC13 is not limited to the staff on the lending side and may be the borrower.

[0257] Next, the confirmation of the user's operation history will be described.

[0258] The lending staff may be able to confirm the operation history of a user such as the borrower using the staff terminal 40.

[0259] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen SC14 for confirming the user's operation history.

[0260] The lending staff may be able to display the screen SC14 by inputting information for specifying the target moving body 15.

[0261] As shown in FIG. 24, the user's operation history may include information regarding an action, the operation date and time, and the latitude and longitude at which the operation was performed.

[0262] Examples of the above-mentioned action include, for example, the start of use of the moving body 15, unlocking, locking, starting an application, logging in, returning the moving body 15, and temporary use of the digital key described above.

[0263] Further, the lending staff may be able to confirm the location corresponding to the latitude and longitude on the map by pressing, for example, the icon displayed in the last column.

[0264] According to the display of such an operation history, the lending staff can track at which location what operation was performed, and the moving body 15 can be managed more efficiently.

[0265] <2. Supplementary Note> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0266] In addition, a series of processes performed by each apparatus described in this specification may be realized by a program stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Each program is, for example, read into a RAM when executed by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Further, the above program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a storage medium.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0267] 10: Control device, 15: Moving body, 110: Control unit, 115: Control unit, 20: Mobile device, 30: Server, 310: Control unit, 40: Staff terminal, 50: Personal authentication service, 60: Payment service

Claims

1. A control device mounted on a moving body, a control unit that performs authentication based on a digital key received from a mobile device carried by a user of the moving body and controls the availability of the moving body based on the result of the authentication, comprising: the user includes a borrower in a lease contract of the moving body, the digital key is distributed after completion of settlement related to the lease contract, a control device.

2. The digital key is distributed after completion of the user's identity verification, The control device according to claim 1.

3. The digital key is distributed after it is confirmed that the user has the qualification to drive the moving body, The control device according to claim 1.

4. The digital key is invalidated after the end of the lease contract, The control device according to claim 1.

5. The valid period of the lease contract is automatically extended after the lapse of the initially determined period, and automatic settlement corresponding to the automatic extension is performed, The control device according to claim 4.

6. The digital key becomes temporarily available after being invalidated after the end of the lease contract, The control device according to claim 4.

7. The digital key becomes temporarily available upon request of the borrower, The control device according to claim 6.

8. The digital key is distributed to a mobile device carried by another driver designated by the borrower, The control device according to claim 1.

9. When the authenticity of the digital key is recognized in the authentication, the control unit controls the locking and unlocking of a door provided on the moving body, The control device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit controls the startability of an engine provided on the moving body based on the result of the authentication, The control device according to claim 1.

11. a storage unit for storing a remote control key of the moving body, an actuator for pressing a button provided on the remote control key, further comprising: When the authenticity of the digital key is recognized in the authentication, the control unit controls the actuator to press the button, The control device according to claim 9.

12. an ECU incorporated in the moving body, The control device according to claim 1.

13. a control device mounted on a moving body, a mobile device carried by a user of the moving body, a server that distributes a digital key to the mobile device, comprising: The control device performs authentication based on the digital key received from the mobile device, and controls the availability of the mobile object based on the result of the authentication. The user includes the borrower in the lease contract of the mobile object. The server distributes the digital key to the mobile device after completion of the settlement related to the lease contract. System.

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